‘S’ club heaven

CRICKET: WITH rain sweeping over the smart new buildings which next year form the backdrop of an Ashes Test, ex-Lancashire player Paddy McKeown lifted the LCB Cup.

After the huge letdown of defeat in the semi-finals of the national knock-out, Bamford Fieldhouse’s victory at Old Trafford yesterday was ample compensation.

The Saddleworth and District Cricket League side beat Northern on the basis of losing fewer wickets per runs scored. This was after two stoppages for rain, the second stopping play.

Another former Red Rose player, Chris Schofield, recorded a fine 78 and Michael Stevens an unbeaten 53 as Bamford reached 216 for six from their 45 overs. There were 32 extras in that total.

Northern, from the Liverpool Competition, were 108 for six with 22 overs gone when umpires called it a day. They had been set a new target of 197 off 41 overs after a rain interruption.

Schofield, who spent half-a-dozen years at Lancashire, quite rightly received the man-of-the-match award.

As well as scoring vital runs when Bamford were having a bit of a wobble, the Littleborough lad bagged two for 21 from seven overs. Schofield’s knock, which featured six fours and a six, stabilised his side’s innings.

The Northern supporters were in fine voice. An hour or so later, they were discussing ideas on how to break up the partnership of Schofield and Stevens.

The 'S' men did a good job. There was nothing flashy in the way they went about their business. They found the gaps and ran hard.

Keeping the bright electronic scoreboard moving, the duo were four runs shy of a century stand when Justin Snow sneaked a delivery through a charging Schofield.

Stevens, after his 71 the previous day, would not be moved, however, and had a couple of fours in his 87-ball stay.

Northern lost an early wicket when Steve Lucas was caught at first slip by Marlon Black for six.

Returning after a break for rain, Bamford turned the screw.

Jack Boardman (16) chipped the ball to Stevens in the covers – a second victim for Mel Austin – wicketkeeper Jason Maher, in his farewell appearance, took a straightforward catch to dismiss Snow for no score, and Schofield trapped Mark Walling lbw for 22.

Just as Bamford thought it couldn’t get any better, it did. Northern, with Tom Bailey (three) and Park (one) departing in quick succession, were staggering at 68 for six.

But they refused to give way and full credit to James Coyle (29 not out) and Nick Caunce (20 not out) for taking the fight to their opponents.


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