A great end to a disappointing weekend with the club picking up the T20 trophy, for the 4th time, at the finals day held at Bacup. Only one league win in four matches though with the 2nd team losing on both days.
Bad news first The 2nd team had a disappointing weekend losing both league matches. With a number of players unavailable a weakened XI lost by 28 runs at Rochdale on Saturday. On Sunday we lost at home to league leaders Clitheroe by 5 wickets. The 1st team had a slightly better weekend in the league with a 46-run win against Rochdale on Saturday. Jonathan Fielding picked up 6 for 24 as Rochdale were bowled out for 60 chasing a target of 107 to win. On Sunday we lost in a close match at Clitheroe. We made 138 for 8 thanks to 32 from Ashar Zaidi, Rehan with 42 not out and Jack Wynn’s 30 not out from just 9 balls. Clitheroe reached the target with just 4 balls to spare despite Ashar Zaidi’s 3 for 20 from 13 overs and Jonathan Fielding’s 2 for 18 from 15 overs.
Bank Holiday Monday brought the T20 finals day at Bacup.
The weather was glorious and over 1,000 spectators turned out to watch the finals.
In the first semi-final we met Church with the match kicking off at 10 am. Having won the toss we opted to bat and made 193 in the 20 overs. Ashar Zaidi scored 97 not out from 59 balls with 9 sixes and 5 fours. He was supported by the Fielding brothers with Bradley making 26 from 13 balls and JJ 45 off 30 balls. Church were then bowled out for 112. Ashar Zaidi and Christopher Round both bowling tight spells, Chris picked up 1 for 11 and Ashar 1 for 12 in their 4 overs. Veteran Jonathan Fielding eyed an opportunity for a large collection and bought an expensive 5 fer (5 for 38 off his 4 overs).
The home team Bacup beat Rishton by 6 wickets in the 2nd semi-final.
In the final against Bacup
We won the toss and again opted to bat first. In our 20 overs we made 159 for 6. Ashar made 34 and he was well supported by Rehan with 25 not out from 21 balls and Simon Hanson with 20 off 13 balls. JJ had another good knock with 27 off just 7 balls. After a couple of early wickets Bacup were going well until their pro, Sachithra Serasinghe, was well caught by Bradley Fielding off Asha for 56 leaving Bacup 98 for 3. From there wickets fell fairly regularly and the innings ended on 113 for 7. Chris Round again bowled a very tight spell, conceding just 19 runs off his 4 overs at a crucial time. Jack Wynn picked up on 2 for 15 from his 4 overs.