Cup joy for history boys of Church
CRICKET SHELDAN KEAY
WHILE the Lancashire League may have been rained off, there was something to cheer about during the weekend as CHURCH were victorious in the second round of the LCB Cup.
They picked up a sixwicket win against Read at West End, meaning they have moved into the third round of the competition for the first time in the club’s history.
Read finished on 141-9 during their innings, with Church successfully chasing down the target and coming out on top.
Church’s next game in the competition sees them on their travels again as they head to Leyland on July 2.
There were several other Lancashire League sides that triumphed in the LCB Cup, as Haslingden managed to progress in the competition after they picked up a five-wicket win at Leigh.
It was Leigh who batted first, making a decent score and finishing on 239-5 at the end of their innings.
Haslingden had Chris Cook-Martin to thank for helping them come out on top though, as he top scored with 120.
Professional Nick Benton also contributed with an unbeaten 63 as Haslingden successfully chased down the target and book a place in the third round against Ormskirk at the CDM Windows Bentgate Cricket Ground on Sunday 2 July.
Ramsbottom are through to the third round as well after they defeated Crompton by six wickets at Acre Bottom.
Matt Burkdaky took figures of 3-17 for Ramsbottom to help dismiss Crompton for 134, before professional Grant Thomson (41), Dale Gabriel (25 not out), Will Turner (20) and Brad Fielding (16 not out) all contributed with the bat for the hosts to help them come out on top.
Ramsbottom are now set to be at home again in the next round when they face off against Bootle.
The LCB success came on a weekend where just six balls were bowled over the entire Lancashire League round of fixtures, with Accrington vs. Colne, Great Harwood vs. Burnley, Nelson vs Rishton, Haslingden vs. Enfield and Rawtenstall vs Church all abandoned.
It is hoped there will be better luck this weekend when the teams are set to return to action.
A local derby sees Church face Enfield, while Accrington host Todmorden, Great Harwood travel to Lowerhouse and Rishton are at home to East Lancashire.