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