Lindow's first home game of the year saw the arrival of a Woodford side fresh from a maximum-point win the previous weekend.

The Woodford skipper won the toss and chose to have a bat on what looked like a flat track.

Despite an early setback the visitors got off to a great start scoring at five an over for the first 15.

At 110-2 at the drinks break it looked like 200 would be minimum but telling spells from both Barratt (4-42) and Tyler (3-48), helped by some good catching and keeping, turned the tide in favour of the home side.

Sam Walker’s spell of 3-30 towards the end of the innings ensured there was no late-order resistance and the visitors were bowled out for 148.

 Lindow’s openers responded in a steady but sedate fashion and built a good base from which the target could be attacked.

The fall of Hoyle (18) brought Mitchell to the crease with the score at 38-1. Mitchell deposited the Woodford bowlers to all parts of the ground and they really had no answers to the onslaught.

Despite the fall of Ramsden (19) and Tyler in quick succession Mitchell and Bull calmly went about building a solid partnership. It took a moment of brilliance in the field to remove Mitchell for a top-class 78. 

Quick wickets for the Woodford spinner tested the nerves of the home side but Bull (20 not out) took the responsibility on and saw the hosts over the line.

Lindow’s second XI made the short trip to Prestbury for their second game of the season.

Skipper Inglis lost the toss and Lindow were asked to make first use of the wicket.

A short, sharp shower within the first four overs of play spiced the wicket up and Prestbury took full advantage by removing both Lindow openers cheaply.

Assisted by the track the Prestbury bowlers were bowling good tight lines but Bracewell and Inglis weathered the onslaught and once the wicket began to dry out they got on top and built a partnership of 147 before Inglis was caught in the deep for 87.

Some quickfire middle-order runs from Kendrick and Taylor, and Bracewell’s 68 not out allowed Lindow to declare at 203-4 off 43 overs.

The declaration gave Lindow 47 overs to bowl at Prestbury and another win looked on the cards when Mahmood struck early.

However, Prestbury’s other opener, Nasri and number three batsman Phillips put on a quick 50 to put Prestbury in a good position.

However, just when things looked to be getting away from Lindow, Howarth removed Phillips for 21 and Peel captured the third wicket.

Once again Lindow scented victory but Prestbury seemed intent on going for the draw and began to block out.

Unfortunately, Lindow could not break the fourth-wicket partnership until the 40th over, by which point the game as a contest was over.

Another three wickets fell before the close of Prestbury’s innings on 175-7.