20th June 2009 - Lindow CC 2nd XI vs Stockport (A)
Lindow Go Down to Impressive Stockport
Lindow CC 135 all out, Stockport 192 for 6
Lindow (5pts) lost to Stockport (25) by 57 runs.
Lindow's visit to Stockport ended in defeat after a battling display from the away side. Despite a relatively heavy defeat, Lindow took positives from the game, knowing that a small performance improvement, particularly in their batting display, could have seen a far superior result against a very strong, and deservedly top of the league Stockport side.
Lindow won the toss and chose to field first under grey skies at Stockport. The Stockport openers started well, hitting several powerful shots to fielders in the opening overs. Lindow took the initiative however, with opening bowlers Ahmed and Masud removing one opener each in quick succession. When first change bowler Kendrick clean bowled the Stockport number 3 for 17, Lindow looked in a good position with the hosts 50-3. After a quiet period, Stockport's middle order began to assert themselves, running between the wickets well and batting sensibly with the occasional big shot keeping the scoring rate high. At 150-3 after 30 overs the outlook was bleak for Lindow. The momentum of the innings changed however when Adi Konda was brought into the attack; swinging the ball away from the bat he snared two wickets in a tight spell and the scoring rate slowed. After an excellent final 15 over spell from Lindow, Stockport finished the innings on 192-6, a score that Lindow felt was within reach due to improving conditions and a strong batting lineup.
Lindow's reply was in trouble from the word go, as Wild, Peel, Bracewell and Konda all departed to ill-judged shots within the first 12 overs, leaving the visitors 35-4. Farmer and Gilligan occupied the crease for a while, nudging ones and twos in an effort to rebuild the innings. Gilligan eventually departed however, bringing skipper Kendrick to the crease. With his side in trouble Kendrick had clearly decided that attack was the best form of defence, immediately launching an astonishing assault on the Stockport bowling that saw him reach 50 from just 22 balls, and go on to record 65. Whilst he was at the crease, ably supported by Farmer and then Ahmed, Lindow retained a slim chance of victory. Once he was dismissed however the lower order found it difficult to deal with some quick and accurate bowling, and Lindow were bowled out for 135. A failure from the top order had seen good displays from the bowling attack and middle order wasted, and the 2nd XI will certainly be looking to put in an improved display and move back towards the promotion spots when Lymm visit Lindow next Saturday.
