LINDOW secured a fine 103-run victory against Alvanley on Saturday.

On an Upcast Lane wicket offering plenty of bounce Lindow were put into bat and got off to a solid start in the Cheshire County League Division Two game.

Australian Jake Martin (69) and 16-year-old Ryan O’Brien (28) played a series of fluid drives through the off side to take the attack to the opening bowlers.

Number three Chris Taylor lived a little dangerously at times but contributed a useful 39, but a middle order collapse meant they ended on 212-8.

A fast and hostile spell from Scott Howarth put the visitors on the back foot right from the start of their reply.

Well supported by skipper Ben Tyler (3-33) and spinner Alex Bosshardt (2-6 from seven overs), Howarth ended with figures of 5-32 to dismiss Alvanley for 109.

The seconds won by five wickets after a somewhat bizarre declaration from the Alvanley captain that proved costly.

Alvanley’s opening batsman scored a fine century as the home team scored 202-4, but then voluntarily drew their innings to a close with three overs batting still available to them.

Alvanley were made to pay for this decision as opening bat Jamie Peel scored an exceptionally solid 60.

Backed up by Andy Hume (40) and David Kendrick (40no), the target for victory was reached in the first extra over available to Lindow as a result of their hosts’ declaration.

The match was also notable for the composure shown under pressure by under 15s starlet Max Espley, who started his innings in a tight and difficult situation but who saw his team home with the more experienced Kendrick in tow.