Reside Stag Park played host to a thrilling encounter as The Stags welcomed Greenmount, the 2023 T20 Champions, looking to bounce back from last year’s disappointing 35 all out in the group stage.
New T20 skipper Dom Humphreys won the toss and chose to bat on a lively pitch. He led from the front, partnering with Pro Blackwood to smash 53 runs in the first five overs. Blackwood fell for 20, but Humphreys continued the charge, dispatching the Greenmount attack to all parts of the ground. Supported by Taylor (31 off 22), Humphreys eventually departed for a blistering 72 off 39 balls, with the scoreboard reading 126-3 after 12 overs.
Contributions continued down the order, and The Stags posted a competitive 179-7.
The defence got off to a dream start. Blackwood and Lord struck early, removing the dangerous Pro Snyman and Heaton in the first two overs, reducing Greenmount to 2-4. Wickets continued to tumble, and at 55-5, rain interrupted play.
After a short delay, the revised target required Greenmount to score at 16 runs per over for the remaining six overs. Up stepped Taylor again, claiming 3 wickets for just 3 runs, sealing the momentum. A second rain shower and fading light brought the game to a close, with The Stags declared winners by 58 runs (DLS method).
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1373/1373503.html
With the 1st XI rained off at Acre Bottom all attention turned to the Reside Estate Agency Stag Park as Dockers men took on a Ramsbottom side several places higher in the league table. Early afternoon rain had led to a delayed start and a 28 over a side contest. The visitors won the toss and invited the Stags to bat first. Openers Stevie Butterworth (14) and Hash Malik (31) put on 49 for the first wicket. Docker (29) and Kirkby (28) kept the momentum going before a match turning 47 off just 19 balls from Stan Kearns, ably supported by Gordon (29* off 16 balls) allowed the Stags to finish on a very competitive 197-7.
The stags made early inroads but a 108 3rd wicket stand between Howarth (71) and Round (45) kept the visitors within touching distance. Kearns topped a fine day off, taking 3-53 from his 8 and the impressive Hill picked up 2 wickets. The Stags always looked to have just enough on the board, but a six on the penultimate ball did mean that a 6 off the last ball would see a tie. However young Kirkby kept his cool and a Hamilton was caught at cover.
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1373/1373594.html
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W44Jx3P1CmE