The Stags 1st XI were at home at a gloriously sunny Reside Stag Park on Sunday. The visitors were Lowerhouse, who are the red-hot favourites to win the JWL 1st division title. Their all-round display and strength in depth warranted that early season optimism.
Lowerhouse batted first and Heap showed his early intent, advancing down the wicket to Masqood. An excellent piece of fielding from sub-professional Jameel Stuart led to Joseph Martin being ran out for 4, and then Chris Humphreys had Henri Cottam trapped LBW for 1. This brought professional Daniel Salpietro to the crease and the pair added 73 before Lord got Salpietro caught at point. Heap continued to look good, making 55 from 80 balls, before he snicked off to Lord, well caught low at first slip by Tahir. Walker looked dangerous, scoring 40 off just 34 balls before a bad run out that saw him and Toqir both stood at the same end. Gansler went for 5, off the very first ball of Jack Taylors spell. Toqir made a well compiled 39 and Bleazard rolled back the years with 31 not out off just 21 balls and the House finished on 254-8.
Crabtree and Jack Taylor opened up for the Stags. Taylor was caught behind for 5 and 1st XI debutant Sam Butterworth, at just 17 years of age, came to the crease. The pair took the score to 37 before Crabtree was bowled for 21. Jamel Stuart was next in at 4, and the pair looked comfortable and added a 50 partnership before Stuart called young Butterworth through for a risky single and he was run out by Jo Martin for 22. Stuart was starting to find his feet and hit 4 sixes and 4 fours on his way to 76 runs off 80 balls before being stumped off the bowling of Salpietro. The middle order Willis (9), Dom Humphreys (4) and Kearns (6) didn’t fire but wicket keeper Devine offered some resistance with an excellent run a ball 27 not out. The stags were all out for 194 with just 2.2 overs remaining.
The Stags were well beaten by a good all round side but remained competitive throughout and plenty of positives can be taken from their battling performance.
Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.play-cricket.com/website/results/6685675
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kSv-JkoLOE
The 2nd XI faced the long trip to Colne. Having lost the toss we were fielding first. Colne were off to quick start as the Stags opening pair lacked control. Mo Waheed showed how valuable he is, with his 12 overs 4-42 being the pick of the bowlers. Colne managed an imposing 236 all out from 43.5 overs.
In reply we lost skipper Docker early on for just 6. Collin looked good for his 11, but when Malik (5) and Allen (26) back in the shed it looked a tall order. Gordon struck 21 and some late order striking from Modessar (24) added some runs, but Bebb was stranded on 15 not out as we were bowled out for 134
Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.play-cricket.com/website/results/6686498
The 3rd XI kicked off their campaign on Saturday with a trip to play Todmorden. The home side batted first and made 166 from their 40 overs, mainly due to a superb 101 from Burkitt. Seb Howard was the pick of the bowlers with 8 overs 4-28.
In reply Alex Buckley fell for a duck, but Harry Mason (31), Mike Thorpe (28) and Alan Howard (28) made solid contributions up top. An excellent 28 from Will Hindley looked to be bringing the game home, but he fell LBW and it was up to Skipper Jimmy Drury (12*) and Frankish (6*) to bring home the victory. The Stags made it to 167, with nine wickets down and 2.2 overs remaining.
Scorecard : https://lancashireleague.play-cricket.com/website/results/6686876