Burnley blitzed by Oddy’s brilliance

STEVE Oddy claimed a five-wicket haul as Rochdale enjoyed victory on the road in the JW Lees Lancashire League Division 1 last weekend.

Rochdale travelled to Burnley in search of their first victory of the season. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first - but came up against Oddy in prime form.

He picked up all of Burnley’s top five batsmen, Joe Marshall (23) the only one to make any kind of impression as the hosts were skittled for 112 in the 48th over. Of Oddy’s 15 overs, six were maidens and Burnley managed to take just 27 runs off him.

After losing Mohammad Khan (8) early on, James MauriceScott (42) and Henry Cooper (42no) took the visitors to the brink of victory, Andrew Dawson’s knock of 13 helping them to sprint across the finish line in the 28th over as Rochdale picked up a 12-point return.

RAIN ended Lancashire’s victory bid at Hampshire as the final day of their LV= Insurance County Championship clash was washed out.

The first three days had set up the tantalising prospect of the Red Rose needing 342 more runs and Hampshire requiring 10 wickets for victory.

But light rain swept over the Ageas Bowl from around 10.30am and continued throughout the day.

Even with the prospect of a result evaporating, Hampshire were still keen to get onto the field to enhance their over rate - which sat at -1.

But conditions never improved and umpires Rob White and Nick Cook finally confirmed the draw at 5pm to the backdrop of both sets of players kicking footballs around.

Both sides claimed 12 points.

“It is a bit disappointing as we were shaping up for a great game for both teams,” said Lancashire skipper Dane Vilas, whose side won their opening two matches.

“A draw against a good side like this is okay, especially looking at the season ahead – there is still a long way to go.

“It was two really good bowling attacks.

“We have achieved everything we wanted to and more.”