The weekend began with a trip to Glebe Street for the fourth installment of Nordens’ T20 group stage campaign, this time against a consistently strong Crompton side. After winning the toss, Crompton elected to bat and immediately set a blistering pace. Their professional and opening batsman smashed 60 runs in the powerplay for the loss of just one wicket.
The onslaught continued as overseas amateur Louis joined the fray, combining with Jamal for a destructive 138-run partnership for the second wicket in just 9.5 overs. Jamal eventually fell in the 16th over after a brutal 102 off 53 balls. Louis was then joined by Hamzah, and together they pushed Crompton’s total to a commanding 242-3 from their 20 overs — a mix of exceptional hitting and inconsistent bowling from the Stags.
The chase began in trademark aggressive fashion, with Humphreys helping the Stags reach 68 for the loss of one wicket — that of professional Blackwood, who contributed 21. Taylor picked up the mantle, partnering with Humphreys for a rapid 54-run stand for the second wicket in just four overs before Humphreys was dismissed.
Despite Taylor’s impressive 56 from 27 balls, the innings began to lose momentum. Brief cameos from McKeown and Crabtree injected some hope, but the Stags ultimately fell short, finishing on 198-8 from their 20 overs.
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1373/1373526.html
On Sunday, the 1st XI travelled to Haslingden, looking to reset after a disappointing double defeat the previous weekend. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI hosted the reverse fixture at Reside Stag Park. Both captains opted to bowl first, with rain looming.
The 1st XI managed 34 overs before the weather took over, forcing the game to be abandoned. A highlight of the day was the return of Steven Parry to the side — his quality and experience are a significant boost to the squad.
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1373/1373273.html
The depeleted 2nd XI faced Haslingden at home and appeared to be behind the eight ball until the rain arrived in the 43rd over of Haslingdens innings. No further play was posisble
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1373/1373607.html
The 3rd XI did manage to complete a fixture on Stag Park on the Saturday against a strong looking Great Harwood side. The away side won the toss and elected to bat first. In a rain reduced afair they amassed 211-5 off their 32 overs. Seb Howard again impressed with 2-25 off his 6 overs.
Alex Buckley (22) started well, but an early collapse saw the Stags floundering at 56-5, but an excellent 42 from just 40 balls from young Haider Ali offered some resistence before we were all bowled out for 116
Scorecard : http://www.lancashireleague.com/Scorecards/1373/1373913.html