Norden 1st XI vs Todmorden 1st XI – Sunday 31st May

The Stag Park crowd were treated to a thrilling contest that went right down to the final delivery, with Todmorden eventually edging out Norden in a dramatic finish.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Todmorden found themselves in early trouble at 27-3 thanks to some disciplined Norden bowling. However, an excellent fourth-wicket partnership of 83 between Sutcliffe (54) and Rickard (36) helped the visitors rebuild.

A couple of quick wickets left Todmorden wobbling at 145-7, but an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 64 between skipper Priestley (48*) and Kavanagh (29*) propelled the visitors to a competitive 209-7 from their 50 overs.

Makin was the pick of the Norden attack with 3-41.

Norden’s reply started positively with an opening stand of 30, but four quick wickets saw the Stags slip to 44-4. Shipley (51) and Crabtree (60) then produced a superb fifth-wicket partnership of 121 to haul Norden back into contention.

Todmorden’s bowlers responded impressively during the closing stages, tightening the screw and swinging the game back in their favour. A late cameo from Friend, who struck 29 from just 19 balls, kept Norden’s hopes alive and ensured a tense finish.

With four runs required from the final ball, Masqood looked to clear the field but could only sky the ball back to Atkinson, who completed a well-judged caught-and-bowled chance to secure victory for Todmorden.

Sutcliffe was the standout bowler for the visitors with figures of 3-33 from his 15 overs.

Despite the defeat, Norden collected five points and move up to seventh place in the Lancashire League table.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420925.html
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py4T4g3zGhY

Seconds Gain Cup Revenge in Comprehensive Win

Todmorden 2nd XI vs Norden 2nd XI – Sunday 31st May

Norden’s Second XI gained revenge for their recent cup defeat with an emphatic victory over Todmorden.

The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first, but never managed to build any momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the innings. Hussain claimed 3-40, while Holt produced a superb spell of 6-21 to dismantle the Todmorden batting line-up.

Only Bux (48) and Dunkley (13) reached double figures as Todmorden were bowled out for just 91 in the 29th over.

The early wicket of Allen briefly raised home hopes, but Farooq’s composed 34 and an unbeaten 23 from Slater guided Norden to victory with the loss of only three wickets and with 26 overs remaining.

It continues an impressive unbeaten start to the league season for Dockers’ men.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421187.html

Thirds Continue Fine Form at Great Harwood

Great Harwood 3rd XI vs Norden 3rd XI – Saturday 30th May

Stand-in skipper Collin won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that was fully justified by a strong Norden batting display.

Collin led from the front with 47, while Bunting added 35 as the pair shared an opening partnership of 71. Further contributions from Kirby (50) and Hindley (20*) ensured the Stags posted an impressive 215-9 from their 45 overs.

Great Harwood lost an early wicket but appeared well placed at 62-2 before Norden’s bowlers seized complete control.

Callum Hill (3-19), Hindley (2-12) and Uzair (2-10) ripped through the middle order as the hosts collapsed from a promising position to be bowled out for 103 in 28.5 overs.

Another excellent all-round performance saw Norden secure a comfortable victory.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421994.html

Norden 1st XI vs Great Harwood 1st XI – Worsley Cup 2nd Round – Saturday 23rd May

Norden booked their place in the next round of the Worsley Cup with a comfortable victory over Great Harwood at Stag Park.

After winning the toss and electing to field first, the Stags quickly took control of the contest as the visitors struggled to build any momentum with regular wickets falling throughout the innings.

Only S Ahmed, who made an impressive 50, managed to offer sustained resistance for Great Harwood.

Maqsood was the standout performer with the ball, returning figures of 3-26 from his allotted 10 overs, while Joe Humphreys provided excellent support with 3-28 from 9 overs.

Great Harwood were eventually bowled out for 137 in 34.3 overs.

Norden’s reply got off to a shaky start and at 22-3 the home side were briefly under pressure.

However, Price (43) and Shipley (50*) produced a composed and match-winning partnership of 91 for the fourth wicket to steady the innings and guide the Stags towards victory.

Norden eventually reached their target for the loss of five wickets and with 22 overs remaining.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420843.html
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odKoyX2-Ddg

Maqsood Masterclass Seals Comfortable League Victory

Norden 1st XI vs Burnley 1st XI – Sunday 24th May

The Stags made it back-to-back victories after following up their cup success with an emphatic league win over Burnley at Stag Park.

The day belonged to veteran seamer Maqsood, who produced a superb spell of bowling to dismantle the Burnley batting line-up.

Sending down 15 miserly overs, Maqsood tore through the visitors’ batting order, conceding just 19 runs while claiming a remarkable haul of 8 wickets.

Burnley had no answers to the relentless Norden attack and only Canning, with 38, managed to make any meaningful contribution as the visitors were dismissed for just 82 in 32.3 overs.

Norden’s chase suffered an early setback when Dom Humphreys departed for just 1, but Jack Taylor (36*) and Joe Humphreys (40*) quickly took complete control of proceedings.

The pair guided the Stags to a comfortable victory with more than 27 overs to spare.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420917.html
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPOUBxF2rlY

Seconds Suffer Heartbreak in Junior Cup

Todmorden 2nd XI vs Norden 2nd XI – Junior Cup 2nd Round – Saturday 23rd May

Norden’s Second XI suffered a dramatic and heartbreaking Junior Cup exit after a stunning late collapse against Todmorden.

The visitors won the toss and elected to field first, with unbeaten 79 from B Sutcliffe proving the backbone of the Todmorden innings as the hosts posted 182-5 from their 50 overs.

Farooq led the Norden bowling attack with 2-30, while Hussain claimed 2-24 and Jake Hill returned tidy figures of 1-23.

In reply, the Stags lost Slater early but recovered strongly thanks to valuable contributions throughout the middle order.

Farooq made 32, Holt added 47 and opener Kirkby anchored the innings superbly on his way to 51.

At 171-5, with only 12 runs required and plenty of overs remaining, Norden appeared to be cruising into the next round.

However, an astonishing collapse followed as wickets tumbled dramatically. Kirkby’s dismissal triggered panic in the lower order and the Stags were eventually bowled out for 178, leaving Docker stranded on 0 not out and Todmorden celebrating an unlikely victory.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420866.html

Seconds Bounce Back in Style at Burnley

Burnley 2nd XI vs Norden 2nd XI – Sunday 24th May

Following the disappointment of their cup exit less than 24 hours earlier, Norden’s Second XI responded superbly with an emphatic victory away at Burnley.

Docker won the toss and chose to bat first, although the Stags made a poor start with both Slater and Kirkby dismissed cheaply.

Farooq (43), Devine (66) and Docker (37) all played important innings to rebuild the innings and help Norden post an imposing 220 all out from the final ball of their innings.

The Norden opening bowlers then ripped through the Burnley top order to put the result beyond doubt early in the reply.

Marshall claimed 3-22, while Hussain was outstanding with 4-15 as Burnley’s innings never recovered.

Only Halley, batting at number eight, offered any resistance with an unbeaten 54 as the hosts were bowled out for just 107.

An excellent all-round display ensured the Seconds bounced back in the perfect fashion.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421178.html

Young Third XI Battled Hard Against Experienced Crompton Side

Norden 3rd XI vs Crompton 3rd XI – Monday 25th May

Norden’s young Third XI side were beaten by a much more experienced Crompton outfit at Stag Park.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first, with solid contributions throughout the innings helping them post 191 all out from 38.4 overs.

Wilkins made 34, Pertoldi added 45 and Whittle contributed 35 in a strong all-round batting performance from Crompton.

Frankish was the pick of the Norden bowlers, returning economical figures of 1-15 from his seven overs.

In reply, the Stags struggled badly against disciplined bowling and quickly found themselves in serious trouble at 38-6.

Frankish continued his impressive individual performance with a fighting 40 that at least gave the home supporters something to cheer, but Norden were eventually dismissed for 99.

Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421977.html

Clitheroe 1st XI vs Norden 1st XI – Saturday 16th May

Norden were left frustrated by the weather after rain brought an early end to what looked a promising position against Clitheroe.

The hosts won the toss and elected to field first, and made the perfect start by dismissing Dom Humphreys for a duck early in the innings.

However, the Stags recovered superbly thanks to an unbeaten partnership of 90 between Jack Taylor and Joe Humphreys.

Taylor looked in excellent touch on his way to an unbeaten 61, while Joe Humphreys provided solid support with 28* as Norden moved into a strong position.

Unfortunately, the rain arrived shortly after the 22nd over and conditions failed to improve sufficiently for play to resume, resulting in the points being shared.

Both sides take five points from the abandoned fixture.

Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420909.html

Young Openers Impress Before Rain Arrives

Norden 2nd XI vs Clitheroe 2nd XI – Sunday 16th May

The weather also frustrated Norden’s Second XI after a highly promising batting display against Clitheroe.

The visitors won the toss and chose to field first, a decision that initially appeared to backfire as Norden’s young opening pair produced an excellent partnership.

Slater made an impressive 47, while Kirkby finished unbeaten on 57 as the pair added 109 for the first wicket and put the Stags firmly in control.

Rain arrived shortly afterwards and, despite the best efforts of stand-in skipper O’Neill to give the match every possible chance of restarting, no further play was possible.

Both teams therefore had to settle for five points apiece from an abandoned game.

Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421176.html

Norden 1st XI vs Enfield 1st XI – Sunday 10th May

Norden suffered a frustrating defeat at Stag Park after Enfield recovered from an early collapse to secure victory.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Stags made the worst possible start as Jack Taylor was run out without scoring.

The innings was then rebuilt superbly by the Humphreys brothers, with Dom and Joe adding 133 for the second wicket to put Norden firmly in control. Dom led the way with an excellent 84, while Joe contributed a well-compiled 57.

At one stage the Stags looked set for a much bigger total, but Enfield fought back strongly during the latter stages of the innings, taking regular wickets and restricting Norden to 216-9 from their 50 overs.

O’Loughlin was the standout performer with the ball for the visitors, finishing with impressive figures of 4-38 from his 13 overs.

Norden made an excellent start with the ball and reduced Enfield to 15-3 to put themselves firmly on top in the contest.

However, a steadying fourth-wicket stand of 46 helped the visitors recover before the game-defining fifth-wicket partnership of 121 between professional Israrullah (72) and Bracewell (81) swung the match decisively in Enfield’s favour.

The pair batted superbly to guide Enfield to victory and leave Norden disappointed after holding strong positions in both innings.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420905.html

Yates Century Powers Seconds to Impressive Chase

Rochdale 2nd XI vs Norden 2nd XI – Sunday 10th May

Norden’s Second XI produced an excellent run chase to secure victory away at Rochdale, with young Olly Yates starring with a superb unbeaten century.

The home side won the toss and chose to bat first, with all of Rochdale’s top seven making useful contributions as they posted 219-6 from their allotted 45 overs.

Holt was the pick of the Norden bowlers, returning figures of 3-30 from his 12 overs.

In reply, what initially looked a challenging target was chased down comfortably by the Stags thanks largely to a sensational innings from Yates.

The young opener smashed an unbeaten 102 from just 61 deliveries, striking 10 fours and 4 sixes in a dominant display of attacking batting.

Supported well throughout the innings, Norden reached their target for the loss of only four wickets and with almost 10 overs remaining.

An outstanding performance from the Seconds and another encouraging display from one of the club’s brightest young talents.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421170.html

Third XI Frustrated by Weather

Norden 3rd XI vs Rishton 3rd XI – Saturday 9th May

The Third XI were left frustrated by the weather as their home fixture against Rishton was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Both sides take five points from the rain-affected contest.

1^st XI vs Ramsbottom (Away) – Sun 3^rd May

After heavy over night rain skipper Crabtree won the toss and elected to bowl first. The only change from the first two weekends was young opening bowler Jamie Taylor replacing the injured Chris Humphreys.
It was young Taylor who took the new bowl, alongside experienced campaigner Tahir Maqsood. It was the latter who made the early breakthrough having Fielding caught behind for just 9. Maqsood then really hit his straps, taking the next 6 wickets to finish a wonderful spell of seem bowling with 15 overs, 7 maidens, 7 wickets for 31 runs. This included the prize wicket of the home club professional Khurana, LBW for just 5 whilst not offering a shot. Makin again bowled well, without any look and it was left to the economical Rizwan Sadiq (7 overs 1 for 9) and Joe Humphreys (4 over 2-12) to clean up the lower order, meaning Ramsbottom were all out for 145 from 48 of their allotted 5o overs.

In replay the Stags lost Jack Taylor (8) and Joe Humphreys (0) early to be reduced to 15-2. A solid partnership between Dom Humphreys and Norden professional James Price took the score up to 66. Humphreys was dismissed, caught behind off the bowling of Holderness for a well made 33. This brough Shipley to the crease and any nerves were put to bed as another 50 + partnership ensued. Shipley was bowled by Khurana for 26 and Sadiq came in to finish 2 not out, alongside professional Price who finished on 60 not out, the Stags knocking off the required target with more than 12 overs to spare.
Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420900.html

2^nd XI vs Ramsbottom (Home) – Sun 3rd May

Skipper Docker won the toss and elected to bat first. Is faith was soon rewarded as young openers Devine and Kirkby added 57 for the first wicket. Kirkby (21) was first to go, deceived in the flight by the experienced Fielding and well stumped by Hinchcliffe. Pimm (7) came and went and Devine was caught and bowled by Javed, attempting to bludgeon one over the top, only to sky it straight upwards. The middle order then collapsed and at 102-6 the Stags looked in real trouble. However a fantastic unbroken 7^th wicket stand of 75 from Marshall (41) and Callum Hill (33) wrestled back some momentum with Norden finishing on 177-6 from their allotted 45 overs. A special mention to Govindu and Javed, two young spinners for Ramsbottom who look to have a very bright future.

In replay Rammy got off to the dream start, cantering along to 64 without loss before Olly Holt removed both openers. 84-3 quickly became 116-7 with the introduction of young Sebastian Howard. His 7 overs of prodigious inswing led to 5 wickets for just 15 runs and the game had swung Nordens way. Some late resistance from Rammy’s lower order was eventually broken by Jake Hill, who claimed 2-12 from his 6.3 overs.
Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421165.html
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11npGXbFWnM

3^rd XI vs Walsden (Away) – Mon 4^th May

The 3rd XI made the trip to Scott Street on Bank Holiday Monday to face Walsden, kicking off their 2026 campaign.

New captain David Bebb won the toss and chose to bowl first on a surface that looked likely to offer something for both bat and ball. The Stags made an excellent start, with James Frankish and Will Hindley each striking in their opening overs. Walsden looked in danger of collapsing early, but Noah Davidson showed patience at the crease to steady the innings. Alongside wicketkeeper Lively, he built a useful partnership before Lively was dismissed with the score at 69-4.

From there, the visitors tightened their grip on the game. Accurate, economical spells from Callum Hill and Uzair Hussain created sustained pressure, leading to regular wickets. When Davidson was eventually dismissed thanks to a well-taken catch in the deep by Frankish, the innings quickly unravelled. The final six wickets fell for just 16 runs, leaving the Stags chasing a modest target of 101.

While it never looked a particularly daunting total, there was a brief moment of hope for Walsden when Norden opener Harry Mason was bowled with just the second ball of the innings. However, Ross Collin and David Bebb quickly settled any nerves, putting together a commanding partnership of 79. Bebb was eventually dismissed after advancing down the track and chipping to backward point.

Michael Thorpe joined Collin but was soon bowled around his legs, bringing Callum Hill to the crease fresh from a promising knock for the 2nd XI. After taking a couple of deliveries to settle in, Hill confidently cleared the ropes with his third ball, leaving just two runs required. A wide and a quick single to fine leg sealed the win, with Norden finishing the job with 20 overs to spare.

It was a well-earned victory and Bebb’s first as skipper. Combined with wins for the 1st and 2nd XI on Sunday, it capped an excellent weekend and underlined the Stags’ impressive strength in depth.
Scorecard : https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421948.html

4^th XI vs Darwen (Away) – Sat 2^nd May

A new dawn arrived with Norden fielding a 4th team away at Darwen.  An inexperienced team comprising of 11 players all under the age of 18 made the short journey over to Darwen to play their first friendly of the season.  Meeting early at 11.30 captain and vice captain, James Frankish and Adam Bunting, warmed the team up with a number of drills.  Looking from the sidelines the professional way the team warmed up boded well for a great day of cricket. 

Darwen won the toss and put Norden into bat.  With Uzair Zaidi and Adam Bunting opening the batting, confidence was high in posting a good total.  However it was not long before Bunting was back in the dressing room, falling victim to one of Darwen’s two senior players, caught after a mistimed drive.  With the score at 2 -1 it was not the start we dreamt of.  Haider  Ali strode confidently to the crease and scored 6 runs quickly before becoming unstuck by a ball that held up, offering a simple caught and bowled. 11-2, time for consolidation. Thomas Almond came to crease and dug-in whilst Zaidi started to find his form and began playing fluidly with some lovely cover drives. The pair put on 31 before Zaidi was run out by a sharp bit of fielding for 21. He can count himself unlucky with only one stump to aim for he fell to a direct hit from square leg.  42-3 after 15 overs.

In came Rayyan  Hussain who put on 10 with Almond before Almond fell for a hard fought 6 of 52 balls, demonstrating the difficulty in scoring fluently.  Uzair Hussain was next in, joining his younger brother only to depart quickly for 2.  The score now 57 for 5 off 22 overs. Scoring was proving difficult with wickets falling at regular intervals.  However with strong batting still to come a 3 figure total still looked possible.  Zac Brown was in at 7 but quickly lost his partner with Hussain going for a well crafted 13. This brought in Sami Ajaz who battled well for 12 before becoming another victim of Lonsdale who would finish with figures of 5 -9. The young spinner quickly accounting for James Frankish for a duck, Brown for 12 following some stern resistance, and then Oun Ofzal for a duck, leaving Ayaan Muther stranded on 4 not out. The score 90 all out from 31 overs.  The young team had shown some promise however some rash shots lead to us under utilising the overs and posting a total which felt a little bit short.

Darwen’s reply started steadily with the Norden opening bowlers of Muther and Afzal bowling tightly with the score at 20-0 after 8 overs.  Uzair Hussain and Haider Ali then picked up the challenge, maintaining a tight line before Ali struck removing both openers in consecutive overs bringing the score at 30-2 after 16 overs.  Having started off in the field subdued the Norden fielders started to find their voices and started to believe they were in the game. Hussain grabbed a wicket, reward for his tight line, and the score at 35-3 after 17 overs. More tight bowling restricted the home team who also found scoring difficult with the score moving up to 52 before a change of bowling brought a couple of quick wickets for Sami Ajaz and a further wicket for Ali and suddenly the game was on. 68-6 after 26 overs. One of Darwen’s seniors had been grabbed following a diving catch from Uzair Zaidi who  had been keeping things tight whilst bowling his probing spin. Ali got his 4th wicket to finish with 4-16 and when Zaidi snared Darwen’s other senior player for a well struck 12 having been  dropped and rode his luck, Darwen were 76-8 after 31 overs.  Norden sensed victory was theirs and went hunting for the final two wickets. Rayyan Hussain was brought on and when he accounted for Darwen’s 9th wicket following Zac Brown’s 3rd catch of the innings, the score was 85 after 38 overs.   With two young tail-enders at the crease and Zac Brown working up some steam expectations were high.  However the home side held firm and snook over the winning line with 6 balls to spare. 

A fantastic game of cricket, played in the right spirit with two well matched teams.  Plenty of lessons to be learned for all, however a great experience to play a longer format for all the boys who played with smiles on their faces and did the club proud.  On another day the result goes our way and with more experience the team will go from strength to strength. A big thank you for all the parents for their support.  Player of the match goes to Uzair Zaidi for his 21 with the bat and figures of 8 overs, 1 for 17.  The real winner overall was the club with great potential on show (3 x u18s, 5 x u15s, 3 x u13s), with all boys benefiting from the experience.  The next game can’t come quick enough!

Norden 4ths 90 all out, 31overs.
Darwen 4ths 91-9 off 39 overs.

The Stags travelled to Darwen in search of a first win of the season, but endured a difficult afternoon as things went wrong early and never really recovered.

After being asked to bat, Norden were quickly on the back foot against an impressive opening spell from Reece Davies (4-19) and Jack Davies (3-28), who reduced the visitors to 39-7. With the innings in disarray, some lower-order resistance from Rizwan (33) at least gave the Stags something to bowl at, eventually being dismissed for 98.

For the second week running, dropped catches proved costly. Darwen capitalised, with an opening stand of 45 effectively ending any hopes of an unlikely fightback. The hosts eased to victory for the loss of just three wickets, with more than 20 overs to spare.

Scorecard : https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420890.html

The Second XI continued their positive start to the season with a hard-fought win against a strong Darwen side.

Batting first, the Stags lost Kirkby and Docker early, but opener Spencer Allen (62) provided a solid foundation. Support came from Yates (19), Holt (23), Devine (33) and Lord (16), allowing Norden to build a competitive total. In truth, with the platform that had been set, the Stags would have been targeting well over 200, but a late collapse saw Kearns, Hussain and Marshall fall cheaply as the innings closed on 188, with 21 balls unused.

Darwen’s reply began shakily, with Marshall striking twice early to reduce the visitors to 20-2. Skipper Docker rotated his bowlers effectively, and regular wickets kept Norden in control.

A seventh-wicket partnership of 52 between Jackson (37) and Shaw (39) threatened to turn the game, but Olly Yates produced a key breakthrough, clean bowling Jackson at a crucial moment. Jake Hill then returned to the attack and impressed, the young leg-spinner finishing with three wickets, before a mix-up saw Shaw run out to seal the win. Darwen were eventually dismissed for 165, securing another valuable victory for the Second XI.

Scorecard : https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421156.html

Match Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCDH9Ww5Sqs

It looked a tricky opening day fixture, and so it proved, as Walsden ran out comfortable winners in the opening game of the season.

The Stags won the toss and asked the visitors to bat first. Three dropped catches early on proved costly, as Walsden moved from 54-1 to 107-2, with Joe Gale (53) and Jake Hooson (36) taking full advantage. A big score loomed, particularly with a powerful middle and lower order still to come, but the Stags did well to pull things back.

Rizwan Sadiq impressed on debut, returning excellent figures of 11 overs, 2-30, while Joe Humphreys picked up crucial wickets on his way to 2-42. Walsden eventually posted a competitive 174-5 from their 50 overs.

In reply, the Stags got off to the worst possible start. Joe Humphreys was run out early, while Jack Taylor and Keelan Shipley both departed cheaply. At 39-4, the task looked a steep one, but a 46-run partnership between Leighton Friend (35) and professional James Price (28) briefly gave the home side hope.

Unfortunately, Friend was bowled first ball after drinks, and the innings never fully recovered. The tail offered some resistance, but not enough to shift the momentum, with Norden eventually bowled out for 130 in 43.2 overs.

Scorecard : https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/7216286

The Second XI faced a tricky away encounter at Nelson.

Skipper Docker won the toss and elected to bat, and his decision was rewarded with an excellent opening stand of 97 between Slater (39) and Kirkby (39). However, the introduction of spin changed the complexion of the innings, with 97-0 quickly becoming 97-3.

Some middle-order resistance from Docker (25) and Holt (19) helped steady things, but another collapse saw the Stags finish on 165-9 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Norden made early inroads before a third-wicket partnership of 45 put Nelson in a strong position. The turning point came when Holt produced a beauty to dismiss Pettinger (43), shifting the momentum back towards the visitors.

Regular wickets followed, although Lister (37*) offered stubborn resistance. In the end, Nelson finished on 152-9, handing Dockers men a hard-fought victory and 10 valuable points.

Scorecard : https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/7216531

Norden Cricket Club is seeking a reliable and committed Groundsperson to maintain and prepare our playing surfaces and facilities at Woodhouse Lane. The successful applicant will play a key role in ensuring the ground is presented to a high standard throughout the cricket season.

Role Overview

The role involves preparing cricket wickets, maintaining the square and outfield, and carrying out general groundskeeping duties around the club.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation of cricket wickets for matches and practice
• Rolling, mowing, watering and marking pitches
• Maintenance of the cricket square and outfield
• General groundskeeping duties around the ground
• Setting up the ground for matchdays
• Basic upkeep of grounds machinery and equipment

Requirements

• Previous experience in general groundskeeping is essential
• Experience in cricket wicket preparation is preferable
• Ability to work independently and maintain high standards
• Reliable and flexible, particularly around match schedules

Hours and Contract

• 20–25 hours per week
• Initial six-month contract
• Rate dependent on experience

Applications

Please send expressions of interest or details of relevant experience to nick.brierley@icloud.com

After a few months of hibernation from social media, we wanted to bring members up to speed with what’s been happening at Norden Cricket Club. While things may have been quiet online, rest assured the Cricket Committee has been working hard throughout the off-season.

AGM Reminder
Firstly, a reminder that the club’s AGM takes place this Thursday 29th January, starting at 7:45pm. All members are encouraged to attend.

Junior Cricket
Our junior section is already back up and running, with age-group training taking place at Falinge Park on Tuesdays and Fridays.

We’re also delighted to announce that the club has launched its first ever all-girls team, with the creation of a new Under 11s side.
Training for this group starts on Thursday 5th February, 5:45–6:45pm at Norden Primary School. Sessions are open to girls in Years 4, 5 and 6 and are completely free.
If your child would like to get involved, please contact the club by DM.

Senior Cricket

The senior section has strengthened well over the winter, with several home-grown players re-signing alongside some new faces.

As announced at the end of last season, the club’s professional for 2026 will be James Price. South African-born, James has lived in the UK for the past eight years and now calls Norden home — complete with a distinctive South African/Rochdale twang.

Speaking ahead of the new season, Price said:

“I’m really looking forward to the 2026 season and being part of a talented and exciting playing squad. I’m hoping we can bring some success to this well-supported club.”

• 1st XI – Captain: Lee Crabtree
• T20 XI – Captain: Dom Humphreys
• 2nd XI – Captain: Philip Docker
• 3rd XI – Captain: David Bebb
• 4th XI – Captain: Jimmy Drury

While the 4th XI will not be entered into an official league this season, the club is keen to arrange a number of friendly fixtures to help introduce new players to senior cricket.
The first three dates identified are:

• Saturday 2nd May
• Sunday 17th May
• Sunday 7th June

Any clubs interested in reciprocal home and away fixtures are invited to DM us.

The senior indoor nets start next Wednesday, the 4^th of February, running for 8 weeks. The sessions will be held at PA Sports in Bury from 18:00 – 20:00.

Social Events
The senior squad’s first social of the year takes place on Saturday 7th February with Beer Pong. There are a few places remaining — details on how to sign up are available in the clubhouse.

Ground Force Day
Our annual Ground Force Weekend will be held on:

• Saturday 28th March
• Sunday 29th March
  from 10:00am – 12:00pm on both days.

All players, parents, members and supporters are encouraged to attend and help get Stag Park ready for the season ahead.

Pre-Season Fixtures
Three pre-season fixtures have been scheduled:

• Blackpool (A) – 4th April
• Sefton Park (A) – 11th April
• 1st XI vs 2nd XI mixed scratch match (Stag Park) – 12th April

The league season then gets underway on Sunday 19th April.

Fixtures & Sponsorship
Wallet-sized fixture cards are now available from the club — completely free of charge.

As always, we have Player (£100), Match (£300) and Ball (£50) sponsorships available. Please DM us or call into the club for more details.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. We hope you’re looking forward to the new season as much as we are.

To quote the late, great Richard Bonsor…
“11 weeks on Sunday. Can’t wait.”

Your Norden Cricket Club Cricket Committee

Norden Cricket Club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Jermaine Blackwood for his efforts, professionalism, and contribution throughout this season. After careful consideration, the Club can confirm that Jermaine has not been re-engaged for the 2026 season, and we wish him every success in the future.

Norden CC is pleased to announce that James Price has been appointed as the Club’s Professional for the 2026 season. James is a familiar face in the community, living locally in Norden, and the Club looks forward to welcoming him into the senior set-up ahead of pre-season.

1st XI Captain Lee Crabtree said “I am really excited to have James Price joining us as our professional for the 2026 season. His quality and experience will be a massive asset both on and off the field and I am confident he’ll play a big role in helping us push for success next year.”

Further details on James’s role and preparations for 2026 will be shared in due course.