Seconds stay top despite rain-hit points return

HASLINGDEN Second XI took on Littleborough 2nds at Bentgate on Sunday 16th June wanting to maintain their 100% record at the top of the table.

Littleborough won the toss and taking into account the weather forecast, captain Chris Dearden asked Haslingden to bat first.

Nathan Thornton and Lawrence Adlum opened for Haslingden and took the score to 56 before Thornton was bowled for 18. Adlum went on to complete his second 50 in two weeks but was then bowled for 52. Everyone contributed with the bat, Oliver Nicholls with 38 and Oliver Cameron with 30 were the next two highest scorers. Haslingden finished on 225-7 in their 45 overs. Chris Dearden took 4 – 32 in his seven overs for Littleborough.

Tom Horrocks and Oliver Cameron opened the bowling for Haslingden and both bowled very well. Frustratingly for Cameron he did not take a wicket despite beating the bat on many occasions. Horrocks took 2-6 in his seven overs and captain Tom Richards took 2-29 in his eight. After 32 overs Littleborough were 115-6 and as the rain came down the players went off the field and it was not possible to get back on leaving Littleborough’s Mohammed Maqsood stranded on 55 not out.

The Duckworth Lewis par score at that time was 163 so victory was Haslingden’s.

Ten points to Haslingden who remain top of the table. Tom Richards said afterwards that he was very pleased with the team’s batting performance on the day, particularly the fact that everyone contributed to the score.

He was frustrated though to drop the first points of the season because of the bad weather.