Eight-wicket loss at Darwen for Accrington
LANCASHIRE LEAGUE CRICKET
IT was another action-packed weekend of Lancashire League action, with all of the sides having to battle the elements to try and overcome their opponents.
In Division One, Ramsbottom picked up an impressive win away from home as they defeated Burnley by 36 runs at Turf Moor.
Ramsbottom won the toss and decided to bat, ending on 187 all out after a top score of 75 from professional Ashar Zaidi. It could have been so much better for Ramsbottom though, as they fell from 156-4 to 158-8 at one stage.
Ramsbottom also performed with the ball, as Daniel Pyke took figures of 5-42 to help his side bowl Burnley all out for 151, earning him team the victory.
Accrington were beaten as they lost by eight wickets against Darwen at home. Accrington were put into bat first after Darwen won the toss, and they struggled to perform, finishing 79 all out.
Only three Accrington batsmen (Thomas Walker on 18, Ross Brown on 15, and Meeran Zia on 13) were able to reach double figures. Darwen needed just 17 overs to reach their target, finishing on 81-2 to earn themselves a comfortable win.
Rochdale lost on their travels after a five wicket defeat against Crompton at Glebe Street. Crompton won the toss and chose to field, and it proved to be a wise decision as they were able to bowl Rochdale all out for just 67, with only Mikey Harding (16) and Abdullah Khan (15) hitting double figures for Rochdale.
Despite losing a few wickets, Crompton reached their target in just 14 overs, ending on 70-5 to pick up the victory and condemn Rochdale to defeat.
Norden were beaten at Todmorden, after suffering a narrow four run loss at Woodhouse Lane. Norden won the toss and decided to field, but Todmorden performed well with the bat and finished on 222-5 at the end of their 50 overs, after an unbeaten 75 from 52 balls by Chris Schofield.
Norden pushed their opponents close in response, thanks mainly to a score of 87 from professional Jake Sandham, but they ended on 218-9 at the close of their innings, falling agonisingly short of their target and suffering a loss.
Church lost at home as they were beaten by seven wickets on the Duckworth/Lewis method by Lowerhouse. Church batted first after winning the toss, finishing on 179-8 after professional Qaasim Adams (101) scored a century for his side.
Lowerhouse were set a revised target due to the rain, and after 29 overs they finished on 102-3, which was deemed enough to earn them the win and come out on top.
Elsewhere in Division One, Walsden defeated Clitheroe by five wickets on the Duckworth/Lewis method at Scott Street.
In Division Two, Bacup claimed bragging rights over local rivals Haslingden after a two wicket win at Bentgate. Haslingden were put into bat first after Bacup won the toss, and were bowled all out for 135. After a good start, Bacup fell from 126-3 to 134-8 to make it a nervy end, but they reached their target with two wickets to spare to earn the victory.
Littleborough were dominant winners as they earned themselves a 103 run win over Rawtenstall at Hare Hill. Rawtenstall won the toss and decided to field, with Littleborough finishing on 203-7 after 50 overs thanks to a score of 72 from Joe Smith-Butler.
Rawtenstall struggled in reply, finishing 77 all out as only two batsmen reached double figures, with Littleborough bowler Travis Townsend finishing with figures of 5-11 to help his side earn the win.
Milnrow defeated Great Harwood at Cliffe Park after a five wicket win. Great Harwood were put into bat first after Milnrow won the toss, but were bowled all out for only 81. Milnrow eased to their target, finishing on 85-5 to pick up the victory.
Enfield were victorious after a 20 run win over Nelson at Seedhill. Enfield batted first after Nelson won the toss, and it looked like Nelson may have made the right choice as they bowled their opponents out for just 110. Nelson couldn’t capitalise though, as they themselves were bowled all out for just 90, with Enfield earning a 20 run triumph.
Rishton suffered a defeat after losing by 10 runs on the Duckworth/ Lewis method to Colne at Blackburn Road. Colne won the toss and decided to bat, finishing 186 all out after a one-man performance from professional James Price, as he finished on 128, with the second highest scoring batsmen making just nine.
Rishton were set a revised target of 144 in 33 overs, but they ended on 133 all out to come up short and hand their opponents the victory.
Elsewhere in Division Two, Middleton picked up a six wicket win over East Lancashire at Alexandra Meadows.