‘The best day in our club’s history’

Photo: Anthony Miller

PARTY TIME: Woodhouses celebrate their Persimmon Village Cup final victory at Lord’s.

WHEN Woodhouses lit up Lord’s with victory over Rottingdean in the Persimmon Village Cup final last month, they wrote themselves into local cricket folklore.

Ashley Prescott’s hat-trick at the ‘home of cricket’ — the first of his career — ensured this was no run-of-the-mill triumph.

A memorable performance produced by the Medlock Road side, who also finished third in the Lees Brewery Lancashire County League Division One, has earned the club a nomination for this year’s Pride in Oldham sports performer category. The whole day had a surreal feel to it, not least for the hardened supporters who made the long journey down south. Heavy rain saw the original match abandoned 13 overs in, with the Brighton outfit on 43 for three — Prescott, Luke Swards and Nick Hardman taking the wickets.

After five hours of frustration and constant downpour, organisers reverted to a 10-overs-per-side clash and, following Woodhouses’ fine effort of 112 for one, Prescott stepped up. Taking the scalps of George Ledden, Mark Grantham and Sam Shepherd, he helped restrict Rottingdean to 54 for eight.

The end of the contest sparked scenes of jubilation from fans, players and members alike.

Captain Mike Cassidy has since set about creating a shrine at his Failsworth home dedicated to the win.

He said: “Lord’s still regularly crops up in conversation with friends and family, it was just one of those days you never forget.

“I am happy to admit I have created a bit of a Village Cup final shrine in the spare bedroom

at home — there are scorecards, photographs, it is a work in progress. I had a couple of friends around the other day and we sat and watched footage from the final on DVD, which was fun.

“A couple of photographs have also gone up in the clubhouse. But I think when we report back for the start of the new season a few more permanent reminders of the occasion will be added to the wall.

When all is said and done, it was the best day in our club’s history.”

Cassidy, who confirmed he will skipper the side again next term, believes the Pride in Oldham nomination is proof of what can be achieved when young people work hard for a cause.

He added: “We have quite a youthful team at Woodhouses and this goes to show what can happen when they all put their minds to something. They are all close and totally dedicated to striving for success, as the Village Cup experience demonstrated. Hopefully they are a good example. The players’ attitudes are superb — many of the stars of Lord’s have spent ages as unsung heroes week in, week out.

“Knuckling down can get you far in any walk of life. Young people in Oldham can learn a lot from this experience.”

Nominations for Pride in Oldham 2011 are now closed.