The Bacup weekender. Sounds like something ITV2 should definitely create, but in this case it’s just cricket.
This week our 1st XI, 2nd XI and Harriers all took on their Bacup counterparts. Here’s how they got on.
Harriers report by Louise Greenwood. Men’s reports by Jason Kayley. Thanks to both for their efforts. Nothing from me this week, but it’s Rishton next week so I might just do that one.
Sunday 19th July
Harriers at Bacup
Great Harwood Harriers put in an outstanding all-round display on Sunday morning to record an impressive 65-run victory over Bacup in the LCF Women’s Super 8s Hardball League.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Great Harwood made the most of the opportunity, finishing on 131-3 from their 16 overs (net score 316). Captain Martha Smith led by example with a composed 31, while Sarah McNaught added a fluent 26. Valuable contributions from Mercedes Palmer (11) and Jessica Ross (10) kept the scoreboard moving, with the innings also boosted by 40 extras.
Defending a strong total, Great Harwood’s bowlers and fielders were relentless. Gillian Hodgson was the pick of the attack, returning excellent figures of 2 for 17 from 3 overs, while Sarah McNaught, Martha Smith and Mercedes Palmer all claimed a wicket apiece. Martha also bowled the most economical spell of the innings, taking 1 for 7 from 3 overs, including a maiden, while Sarah matched the seven runs conceded in just two overs. Louise Greenwood also kept things tight, conceding just 6 runs from her 2 overs.
The disciplined bowling attack, backed up by energetic fielding, restricted Bacup to 76-5 from their 16 overs (net score 251), securing a convincing 65-run win.
It was a fantastic team performance, with contributions right across the side. Strong batting laid the platform before a clinical display with the ball ensured Great Harwood never let Bacup build any momentum.
A brilliant win and three points on the board. Well played, everyone! 💙🏏
1st XI at Bacup
Stu’s Crew travelled to Lanehead to take on Bacup looking to get back to winning ways after a downturn in form.
The skipper won the toss and put the hosts in and led from the front with 3-49 with the pro, Father Kaz and Sheraz all taking two each and Billy Armer weighing in with a wicket as Bacup were shot out for 198.
Although his side bagged the two points, the skipper was less than pleased with a lacklustre fielding effort and issued a hair dryer to his men wanting a better effort in the future.
And it seemed to do the trick as the batters put the Bacup bowling to the sword.
Openers Jack Hancock (36) and Matt Oddie (49) put on 84 for the first wicket before Caleb Greenhalgh hit an unbeaten 71, ably assisted by Father Kaz (38 not out) as GHCC took the points.
Back to winning ways for the 1st XI, and an impressive win at that.
Rishton next week.
On to the next one.
2nd XI vs Bacup
Miles’ merry men kept up their title charge as they beat their Bacup counterparts in another high-scoring game.
Lots of batters got a start but no one was able to hit a big score. Coddie (39), Alex (36), Euan (27) and the Guru (22 not out) helped the twos pile on 210 in the first innings.
As they responded, Mr Extras had a day out with 54 which have the visitors a sniff of getting close to the total.
Harry Corish and Joel bagged two each, with Houldsy and Sam Davies getting a wicket apiece – the latter bowling the last over filled with wides, no balls, controversy and a victim.
With another 10 safely in the bag, GHCC still lead by six points at the top of the shop.
Rishton next week. We’ll see you then.