The third round of the Lancashire Premier League season saw the Norden First XI travel to Birch Hall to face a consistently strong Darwen CC. After three weeks of sunshine, a difficult wicket was expected, and when captain Crabtree lost the toss, Darwen chose to bat first.
The experienced opening bowling duo of Chris Humphreys and Tahir Maqsood made an immediate impact, sharing early wickets to leave the home side struggling at 38-7 after just 18 overs. Darwen were eventually bowled out for 63, with Maqsood claiming his maiden five-wicket haul for the Stags and Humphreys finishing with remarkable figures of 4 for 4 from his 9 overs.
Norden’s chase began shakily with two early wickets, bringing sub-professional Jamal Stuart and Jack Taylor to the crease. Taylor appeared to be batting on a different pitch, anchoring the innings with a composed, match-winning 32 not out as wickets continued to fall at the other end. Norden reached their target in the 14th over, wrapping up the win by 3:20 PM.
Scorecard : https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/6685678
Second XI Fall Just Short in Entertaining Clash
At Reside Stag Park, the Second XI hosted Darwen in the reverse fixture. The visitors won the toss and opted to bat on a pitch that looked ideal for batting. A fine century by Darwen’s number three, Rehman, laid the foundation for a competitive total. However, tight bowling—especially from Sam Butterworth (4-59)—helped restrict the visitors to 236-6 from their 45 overs.
In reply, Norden suffered early setbacks with the wickets of Collin and Malik, but a solid 119-run partnership between Butterworth (57) and Holt (51) reignited the chase. Butterworths first 50 for Norden. Unfortunately, key wickets fell in quick succession, and the innings never fully recovered. Norden were eventually bowled out for 221, with last man Bebb falling in the final over—just 16 runs short.
Scorecard : https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/6686507
Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqkLCcBhO_E
Third XI Make Light Work of Nelson on Bank Holiday Monday
On Bank Holiday Monday, the Third XI welcomed Nelson CC to Reside Stag Park. Nelson won the toss and chose to bat on what looked a good surface. Opener Lister led the way for the visitors with a commanding 134 not out, guiding Nelson to 229-7 from their 40 overs. Sebastian Howard was the standout bowler for Norden, finishing with figures of 3-37.
In response, the Stags started strongly, thanks to a 134-run opening partnership between Mason and Kirkby. Mason departed for a well-made 70, bringing Thorpe to the crease. He maintained the momentum with a blistering 46 not out from just 23 balls. Kirkby remained unbeaten on 82 from 57 deliveries as Norden chased down the target in just 31 overs, sealing a convincing win.
Scorecard : https://norden.play-cricket.com/website/results/6686879