Lowerhouse 1st XI vs Norden 1st XI – Saturday 27th June

Lowerhouse won the toss and elected to bat first on a red-hot day at the Brooks Foundation Ground.

Things started brilliantly for the Stags as Maqsood ripped through the top order, bowling Heap, Cottam and Whitehead to leave the hosts in early trouble. The position improved further when Makin removed professional Salpietro, with Lowerhouse reduced to 67-4.

However, Lowerhouse’s renowned batting depth came to the fore. Walker led the recovery superbly with 84, supported by Haasbroek (41) and Martin (56), as the hosts recovered to post an imposing 272-9 from their 50 overs.

Maqsood was the pick of the Norden bowlers with 3-44 from his 15 overs, whilst Makin claimed 4-79 from 13.

In reply, the Stags made a steady start and moved to 37 before Dom Humphreys was bowled by Martin. Jack Taylor (31) and Joe Humphreys (36) both made promising starts but were unable to convert them into bigger scores.

The key moment of the innings came when professional Price was clean bowled by Shaukat Ali for just 3, leaving Norden with a mountain to climb. Makin (33) and Friend (35) offered some middle-order resistance, but the required rate continued to climb.

Skipper Crabtree finished unbeaten on 22* as Norden were eventually dismissed for 227 with three and a half overs remaining.

A solitary point was gained and, at the halfway stage of the season, the Stags sit in joint fifth place. Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420948.html
Table : https://lancashireleague.com/Events/Tables/Lancashire_League_2026.html

T20 Campaign Ends at Todmorden

Todmorden 1st XI vs Norden 1st XI T20 – Friday 26th June

Norden’s 2026 T20 campaign came to an end on Friday evening at Todmorden.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 160-6 from their 20 overs. Atkinson was the star of the innings with an unbeaten 82.

For the Stags, Makin produced an excellent spell of 2-20 from his four overs, whilst Jake Hill chipped in with 2-25 from three.

In reply, Norden fell short on 136-8 from their 20 overs. Professional Price top scored with 37, Jack Taylor added 20 and Shipley finished unbeaten on 31*.

The Stags eventually finished fourth in the group, with only the top two sides progressing to the quarter-final stage.

The draw proved particularly difficult, with Norden placed in a very strong group of six, but valuable experience was gained by several younger players which should stand them in good stead moving forward.

Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421856.html

Devine Inspiration Leads 2nd XI to Top Spot

Norden 2nd XI vs Lowerhouse 2nd XI – Saturday 27th June

It was better news at Stag Park as the 2nd XI hosted Lowerhouse in a top-of-the-table clash.

Lowerhouse won the toss and elected to bat first, making a brisk start and reaching 41-0 before Holt made the breakthrough, removing both openers in quick succession.

The experienced Bleazard anchored the innings with 54, supported by Norcross (26) and Bithell (21), but wickets continued to fall regularly and the visitors were eventually bowled out for 198 with two and a half overs remaining.

Marshall returned figures of 2-38 from nine overs, Holt claimed 3-49 from 12 and Jake Hill finished with 2-49 from his 12 overs.

In reply, the Stags started positively through Farooq (16) and Kirkby (23), before a cluster of wickets briefly shifted the momentum.

Devine, batting at number three, looked composed throughout the chase. Contributions from Docker (17) and Kearns (24) kept Norden on track before the experienced Lord calmly saw the side home unbeaten on 12*.

The standout performer was Devine, who finished unbeaten on 66*, including five fours and two sixes.

The victory sees the Stags leapfrog Lowerhouse and move four points clear at the top of the table.

Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421211.html
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=875Z7p6EzPw
Table : https://lancashireleague.com/Events/Tables/Lancashire_League_Junior_Division_One_2026.html

Norden 4th XI vs Littleborough 4th XI Friendly – Sunday 28th June

Match report to follow.

Norden 1^st XI vs Haslingden 1^st XI – Sunday 21^st June

The Stags won the toss, and no surprise, they elected to bat first. The early loss of Dom Humphreys (5) brought brother, Joe, to the crease. Alongside opener Jack Taylor they moved the score along to 75 before Joe was given out LBW for 26 to the bowling of Haslingden professional Raval. This brought the Norden professional James Price to the crease. Price and Jack Taylor added 153 more runs. Jack Taylor passed his previous Lancs league best of 61, and Price soon brought up his own half century. Both players ended up recording hundreds, Taylor with 128 and Price finishing on 108 not out. The stags had amassed 308-6 from their 50 overs

In reply Haslingden never looked in the hunt. It actually took 31 from Cameron batting at number 9 to get the visitors anywhere near the three figure mark. There was good spells from Maqsood and Hussain up top, and 2 wickets for the lively pace of Jamie Taylor. But the pick of the bowlers was Makin who took 4-30, including the prize wicket of Raval. Haslingden ended their innings on 97 from just 26.4 overs.

The Stags carry on league and cup games in June undefeated and now move to 3^rd in the table.

Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420941.html
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACDKnpMcatw

Norden 1^st XI vs Crompton 1^st XI T20 – Friday 19^th June

The Stags won the toss and decided to bat first in a reduced 16 over a side contest. . At 80-0 off 8 overs with Price (31) and Dom Humphreys (50) at the crease things were looking good. However, a procession of wickets followed and the Stags stumbled to 124-5

Although Crompton lost Louis early (2) the experienced pair of Fazal (63*) and professional Jamal (52*) made light work of the total, knocking the total off with over 3 overs to spare.

It now looks unlikely the Stags will qualify for the knockout stages.

Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421842.html
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iufq233QPnk

Haslingden 2^nd XI vs Norden 2^nd XI – Sunday 21^st June

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite some early wickets the Stags could not apply any control, mainly due to the large numbers of wides bowled. Mr Extras was top run scorer, more than 30 runs more than any of the Hassy batters. Farooq picked up 3-59 and Lord 3-31 as Hassy posted an imposing 170 all out.

In reply the Stags got off to a great start with Farooq (23) and Kirkby (25) moving the Stags along nicely. However disaster then struck as the home side captain entered the attack. Richards picked up 7-24 from his 11.4 overs, ripping the heart out of the middle and lower order. The Stags finished on 117 all out.

The Stags still sit nicely in second place on the ladder, just 5 points behind leaders Lowerhouse, who they play next up.
Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421204.html

Ramsbottom 3^rd XI vs Norden 3^rd XI – Saturday 20^th Jun

Rammy won the toss and elected to bat first. A couple of dropped catches allowed the experienced Rammy batters to get away. At one stage the home side were 102-1, but the stags dragged it back, with the home side finishing on 187-8 from their 40 overs.

Alex Buckley (34) continued his recent good form, but there wasn’t much support from the rest of the top order. Hindley (23) and the middle order rallied well, but the Stags fell well short, finishing on 139 all out with just over one over left.
Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1422/1422026.html

Norden 1st XI vs Greenmount 1st XI – Worsley Cup – Saturday 13th June

The Stags won the toss and elected to field first. The experienced trio of professional Snyman (30), Kerr (27) and Townsend (23) all made starts but failed to go on and post a significant score. Unfortunately for Greenmount, the remainder of the batting line-up struggled, with only N. Birtwistle reaching double figures as the visitors slumped to 117 all out.

Maqsood continued his excellent form with 2-24 from his 10 overs, while Makin produced a superb spell of 3-9 from nine overs.

In reply, Norden got off to a solid start with Humphreys (25) and Taylor (25) taking a liking to the opening attack. The Stags appeared to be cruising, but when Makin (16) was run out, closely followed by Price who was caught at mid-wicket for 39, a slight wobble developed.

However, the calm heads of Friend and Sadiq guided Norden home with 22 overs to spare, albeit with just two wickets remaining.

The Stags are now through to the Worsley Cup semi-final, where they will entertain Lowerhouse on 4th July. Added incentive was announced after the match, with confirmation that the winners of the tie will also host the final.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420849.html
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I78t5UCL6dY

Littleborough 1st XI vs Norden 1st XI – Sunday 14th June

Littleborough won the toss and asked Norden to bat first. Jack Taylor made 30, but the innings was anchored superbly by professional James Price, who finished unbeaten on 75 from 102 balls. The Stags closed on 182-7 from their 50 overs on what proved to be a difficult batting surface.

In reply, Littleborough were quickly in trouble thanks to Maqsood (3-29) and Hussain (2-40), leaving the hosts struggling at 78-6.

Boro captain Miskella (48), alongside Williamson (38), threatened to turn the game around, but once the pair were dismissed, the home side’s hopes disappeared with them. Littleborough were eventually bowled out for 149 in 47.2 overs.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420936.html

Norden 1st XI vs Walsden 1st XI T20 – Friday 12th June

A severely depleted Walsden side elected to bat first. Professional Wimalasekara made 41, while stand-in captain Tierney also contributed 41, but eight of the other nine batters failed to reach double figures as the visitors were bundled out for 99 in just 16.1 overs.

In reply, the Stags got off to a flyer, with Friend taking 22 runs from the opening over bowled by Wimalasekara before eventually departing for 30. Quick contributions from Jack Taylor (19) and Olly Yates (15) saw Norden ease home with more than seven overs remaining.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421831.html

Norden 2nd XI vs Littleborough 2nd XI – Sunday 14th June

Skipper Docker won the toss and elected to bat first. Most of the Norden batters made starts, but none were initially able to convert them into a substantial score. Farooq (17), Docker (21), Devine (22), Yates (45) and Holt (31) helped the Stags reach 138-6 with around 10 overs remaining.

Enter Stanley Kearns at number eight, who produced the decisive innings of the match. Kearns smashed 79 from just 47 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, powering Norden to an imposing 265-9 from their 45 overs.

For the visitors, Bentley was the pick of the bowlers with excellent figures of 6-27 from six overs.

In reply, Littleborough were always behind the required rate and regularly lost wickets at key moments. Only Astley (40) and Deakin (28*) offered meaningful resistance. A first wicket of the season for Kirkby, taken with the penultimate ball of the innings, sealed victory as Littleborough were dismissed for 177, handing Norden a well-earned 12 points.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421199.html
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db-VRlx23Bo

Todmorden 3rd XI vs Norden 3rd XI – Saturday 13th June

Todmorden won the toss and invited Norden to bat first — a decision they may well have regretted.

Opening batter Alex Buckley smashed his maiden century for the club, striking sixteen fours and three sixes in a superb 100 from just 109 balls. He was brilliantly supported by Jozef Gordon, who blasted 86 from only 69 deliveries, including five fours and five sixes.

The Stags finished on an imposing 294-5 from their 40 overs.

In reply, Todmorden were bowled out for 191 in 39.5 overs, with Callum Hill the standout bowler, taking 4-30 from his eight overs.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1422/1422011.html

Norden 1st XI vs Greenmount – Saturday 6th June

Greenmount won the toss and asked Norden to bat first. The Stags took full advantage, with Dom Humphreys (40), Jack Taylor (50), professional James Price (98*) and Makin (54*) all contributing as Norden posted an imposing 304-5 from their 50 overs.

In reply, only professional Snyman (38) looked capable of threatening the Norden attack. Maqsood continued his excellent form, taking 6-22 from his 11 overs, before spinners Sadiq and Makin claimed two wickets apiece to wrap up proceedings inside 27 overs, with Greenmount dismissed for 98.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1420/1420929.html

Norden 1st XI vs Middleton 1st XI T20 – Friday 5th June

Middleton won the toss and elected to bat first. Only Rutter (29) managed to get going as the Moonrakers stumbled to 85 all out from 19.3 overs. Hussain was the pick of the bowlers with superb figures of 4-8.

In reply, the Stags eased to victory for the loss of just two wickets in a little over 10 overs. Price made 23, while Taylor finished unbeaten on 38*.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421819.html

Greenmount 2nd XI vs Norden 2nd XI – Saturday 6th June

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first, and it proved to be the correct decision as Greenmount piled on the runs. Experienced campaigners Ryan Senior (80) and Hornby (55) were particularly severe on any loose deliveries, helping their side reach 268-9 from 45 overs. Lord was the pick of the Norden bowlers with 4-40 from his eight overs.

The Stags got off to a difficult start, with Slater and Kirkby both dismissed early. Farooq (26), Devine (25) and Yates (79) offered some resistance, but the target ultimately proved too large. Norden were eventually bowled out for 216 in the 41st over.
Scorecard: https://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1421/1421192.html

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