Accy halted by Church service
CRICKET SHELDAN KEAY
CHURCH claimed bragging rights against local rivals ACCRINGTON after an 82 run victory at Thorneyholme Road.
Church won the toss and decided to bat first, with the team finishing on 181-8 at the end of their 50 overs. Phillip Gilrane (45) and Johnny Riekert (42) were the top scorers for Church.
It looked like a reachable target for Accrington, but they struggled in response as eight batsmen failed to reach double figures. They were bowled all out for just 99.
GREAT HARWOOD were victorious in their match after defeating Milnrow by 83 runs at Cliffe Park. Great Harwood batted first after winning the toss, and finished on 209-6 at the end of their innings. Matthew Oddie was the top scorer for the hosts, making 58.
Milnrow got off to a decent start in reply and were 75-1 at one stage, before then finding themselves 113-5. A collapse at the back of the order followed, and the team were bowled all out for 126 as Great Harwood earned the win.
ENFIELD were also victorious at home after they managed to defeat East Lancashire by seven wickets at Alexandra Meadows.
East Lancs were put into bat first after Enfield won the toss, but good scores from Paul Turner (75) and John Turner (54) appeared to put the visitors in a good position as they made 213-6 at the end of their 50 overs.
Enfield did well in response though, with professional Shashrika Pussegolla leading from the front as he made 71, while Adam Bracewell added an unbeaten half century to help the team reach 216-3 in just 38 overs, earning them the straightforward victory.
RISHTON rounded things up by making it a great weekend for the local sides as they claimed a two wicket win against Littleborough at Hare Hill.
Rishton decided to field first after winning the toss, with Littleborough finish- ing on 219-8 after 50 overs, thanks mainly to professional Thomas Kaber (53) and Matthew Hernon (50).
It was a tightly fought game, but Rishton were able to reach the target with four balls and two wickets to spare, ending on 221-8 to earn themselves the win.
Elsewhere in the Lancashire League, Bacup are still searching for their first win since the middle of May after their latest defeat at Norden last Saturday. After electing to bat first Bacup made an excellent start and were at one stage 113 for 1, before capitulating and being bowled out for 156.
Simon Newbitt compiled an excellent 61 and pro Ernie Kemm made 30. However, Norden captain Hashum Malik ripped through the Bacup batting taking 6 for 21, including four wickets in one over.
After a two hour delay to facilitate the watching of England’s World Cup semi final win over Sweden, Norden knocked off the runs for the loss off five wickets. Kemm took 2 for 38 in 14 overs and young spinner Sean Benson took three late wickets.
Haslingden picked up a win after defeating Middleton by six wickets at Bentgate. Middleton batted first but good bowling from Haslingden meant they were bowled all out for just 109. Haslingden eased to their target, reaching 113-4 in just 27 overs to earn the comfortable victory.
Ramsbottom’s good run of form in the league came to an end after they were beaten by five wickets against Clitheroe.
Ramsbottom batted first but were bowled all out for 154, despite Simon Hanson top scoring with an unbeaten 57. Clitheroe reached their target in just 25 overs, thanks to good scores from Fawad Alam (71) and Jack Dewhurst (62).
There was something for Ramsbottom to cheer about over the weekend though, after they won in their Twenty20 quarter final against Enfield. Ramsbottom bowled Enfield all out for just 91, and then ended on 93-1 after 15 overs, meaning they progress to finals day later this month.