Skipper Crabtree won the toss and decided to bowl first. When the dangerous Edgar (21) and professional Ed Moore (9) were both dismissed with the score on just 32 things were looking good. A solid 86 run third wicket stand between Atkinson (63) and Rickard (35) put Tood back in a strong position before a mid-order collapse saw Todd reduced to 149-6. The Todd skipper blasted 44 not out of just 41 balls to finish on 213-8 from their 50 overs. Young Jamie Taylor on debut had 10 overs 1-46, Taz 2-38 and professional Blackwood 3-52. There was also an impressive spell from the other debutant, Abu Farooq, who had 5 overs 1-13.
The Stags got off to a flyer, mainly thanks to vice-captain Dom Humphreys who blasted 63 from just 44 balls with eleven 4’s and one 6. The score had moved to 93 before the loss of Humphreys, but then fellow opener Jack Taylor (23) departed soon afterwards. Finn Mckeown (12) was striking it crisply before panicking and handling the ball, and after a short discussion from the umpires was given out. Crabtree and Farooq came and went cheaply before an important stand of 44 between Blackwood (34) and Yates (29). Olly Holt chipped in with 15 but the Stags ended up 9 down with two runs still required. Luckily Devine kept his cool and hit a 4 for a much-needed league victory.
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1373/1373287.html
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXi-EpDPo6U
Sunday 6th of July Todmorden 2nd XI vs Norden 2nd XI
Early morning rain at Centre Vale led to a delayed start and a reduced 41 overs a side contest. Sam Butterworth (24), Alex Willis (28), Spencer Allen (29), Oliver Kirkby (21) and Modessar Hussain (22) all got in, but couldn’t convert their start to a big score. The Stags finished 162 all out with 1 ball of their innings remaining.
Todd started strongly and at 129-3 seemed to be cruising to victory but the Stags stuck to the task. Jake Hills leg spin was causing problems, with his 12 overs yielding 3-44. Modessar ended with 3-33 from his 10 overs. It all came down to the last ball with the home side needing 1 to tie and 2 to win. Brown hit the ball out; one run was completed but Ali was run out trying to complete the second with the game ending a tie. Whilst this was a credible result against the side who sit top of the table stand-in skipper Malik must be ruing his sides 34 wides.
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1373/1373619.html
Saturday 5th of July Norden 2nd XI s Ramsbottom 2nd XI – Cup Semi-Final
The visitors won the toss and elected to bowl first. They took regular wickets and the Stags were in real trouble at 27-4 with Abbas wreaking havoc. A 55 run partnership between Sam Butterworh (41) and Oli Kirkby (22) steadied the ship before Kearns (22*) and O’Neill (30) gave the innings a late flurry. Norden finished on 157 all out from 38.2 of their allotted 41 overs.
There was a bit in the wicket, and with a very strong seem bowling attack the Stags still fancied their chances, but they would need to start well. Jamie Taylor had the dangerous Dack caught behind for a duck. Almond-read (14) was clean bowled by Taylor and Rammy were 18-2. Farooq bowled excellently for his 5 overs 0-5 and Taylor finished with 2-14 from his 6. The Rammy batters must have been delighted to see the change bowlers coming on. However, any joy was short lived as Hussain ran riot with 5.5 overs 5-17. He was well supported by Kearns (2-23) and Rammy were bowled out for just 64 to the delight of the victorious home crowd.
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1372/1372465.html
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHiezktEIjk
The final will be hosted by the Stags at the Reside Estate Agency Stag Park on Saturday 2nd of July when they will face Burnley CC 2nd XI
The JWL T20 Quarter-Final between Norden 1st XI and Burnley CC 1st XI scheduled for Friday the 4th of July was postponed due to bad weather. The game will now be played on Thursday the 10th of July.