2008-09-13

Our Graham Lays the Law Down to End the Season on a High.

Several members of the 2nd XI descended on a wet Upcast Lane well before the 12.30 start to attempt to dry the pitch and outfield. Amongst those present was our new overseas player Matty Law, who demonstrated his commitment to the club by being one of the first to arrive even though he had only been in the country for a matter of hours. A maximum points win would mean it was still mathematically possible for Lindow to get promotion although we relied on Stretton and Over Peover to lose.

After a good team effort the pitch was declared to be playable and the match began on time. Lindow Captain, Dave Kendrick won the toss and elected to bat on a wet track.

As for most of the year, Wild and Baltrop made a patient start, compiling 20 from the first 10 overs, until Wild mis-timed a pull to be caught at mid wicket (16). This wicket brought in Law, who using Gary Keedy's equipment began his Lindow career in sublime form, hitting three of his first four balls to the boundary. After a steady innings Baltrop was adjudged to be LBW (17) leaving Lindow on 65-2. Law (28) and Parr, continued in a positive fashion scoring boundaries at regular intervals on a very slow outfield. Parr (26) smashed the biggest 6 of the year (it landed on the halfway line of the adjacent football pitch) to move Lindow on to a promising 98-2 from 25 overs. This sparked a collapse of 'typically British' proportions, beginning with Law (28) and Parr who were removed by Gerrard (17.2-4-48-9). Gerrard, managing to swing the ball away to the right handers, quickly made further inroads, removing Peel, Kendrick, Burgoyne and Blomfield cheaply in successive overs. Again it was left to 'Our Graham' Coldwell (31) to marshall the tail, although this was short-lived and when Ahmed was clean bowled Lindow were all out for a disappointing 129 from 34 overs.

A good response was required and Ahmed did not disappoint, steaming in and removing the Weaverham opener LBW with his first delivery. This brought in form batsman Falland to the crease who took the game to Lindow with three large sixes, moving the away team on to 38-1 by the 9th over. The opening pair, however, stuck to their tasks and their efforts were rewarded when McClymont removed the dangerous Falland for 26, caught at gully by Law. Kendrick changed the attack at both ends, bringing on Law and Coldwell, in an attempt to make the batsmen play at every ball. Golden arm Coldwell (9-3-18-3) trapped Roberts LBW with his first ball and accurate bowling at both ends restricted the scoring such that 10 runs were added in as many overs. Kendrick replaced Law at one end and continued to apply the pressure with some accurate bowling. As a result wickets began to tumble at regular intervals, giving Lindow the upper hand, with Weaverham on 70-7 and only one recognised batsman remaining. The chances of a win improved even further when Gerrard skied Kendrick (10-2-14-3) straight to point, only for Wild to ground a 'Parr-esque' and potentially costly chance. That said any thoughts of re-criminations were short-lived as Law (10-4-10-3) removed Gerrard in the next over, much to the relief of Wild. The ever impressive Coldwell and Law took the last two wickets to round off a good bowling display and a victory by 38 runs. A well deserved 25 points.

News of a win by Stretton meant that Lindow would again miss out on promotion and finish 5th in Division B. Although a lower finish than last year (2007:3rd) the points tally of 313 was marginally higher, possibly reflecting a stronger division than previous years. Crucial losses against Alderley Park (x2) and Over Peover (x2, although one dubious loss) contributed most to another year of missing out. On a positive note, news of the 1XI staying up meant that the 2XI retained their league status for next year. With Matty Law in the 1st XI next year this is unlikely to be repeated.

As the players left the pitch, Graham Coldwell received a rapturous applause from both sides for his loyal service to the club over the years, having taken a decision (hopefully temporary) to step aside next year. A well respected member of the dressing room his many qualities will leave a big hole to be filled next season, not to mention that he has probably finished top of the batting and bowling averages in 2008. His bowling statistics of 35 wickets at an average of 11 deserves special mention.