First team never recovered from early loss of pro
IT was a weekend to forget for Oswaldtwistle 1sts as they slumped to defeat at home against Whalley.
Batting first, the innings never recovered after losing sub-pro Stuart Els in only the second over, eventually closing on 89 all out. Els picked up three wickets in the Whalley innings as the visitors coasted home.
However, there was no such disappointment for the Seconds, as back-toback wins put them firmly in the race for promotion.
On Saturday they made the trip to Station Road to take on Whalley.
Batting first young David Clare made 33 at the top of the order, solid contributions by veteran skipper Steve Sipocz (25) and Aftab Aftab (26) followed, as Immanuel closed on 160 all out.
In reply Whalley looked well on course before Etisham Ali picked up 4 wickets as the home side finished just two short.
On Sunday high flying Chatburn were the visitors to New Lane.
Batting first once again, youngsters Sean Dignan (34) and David Clare (26) provided a solid platform, before a breezy 24 not out from skipper Steve Sipocz helped the score along to 136 for 6.
In reply Chatburn made a blistering start thanks to a quick fire 57 from Ian Scott, and, at 80 for 2, looked to be coasting home. The game then turned with the introduction of Zameer Hussain and Aftab Aftab.
Dangerman Scott was removed by Aftab before Hussain ripped through the Chatburn middle order to finish with 6 for 34, Aftab also picked up 3 wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 109.
RISHTON lost out to East Lancs by five wickets, being skittled out for 119 – with only a couple of batsmen hitting double figures.
CHURCH took the spoils in a derby clash with ACCRINGTON, leaving them a healthy nine point-lead at the top of the table.
Church’s Levi Wolfenden, club captain, hit 57 as Josh Scully joined the party with an unbeaten 45 for 239-6.
Gilrane sent last man Ormerod home without scoring as Accrington were all out for 130.