Last-ball blow for over-50s

LANCASHIRE suffered a heartbreaking last-ball defeat against Oxfordshire at Lords in the final of the national over-50s championship.

Captain Alan Whiston (Crompton), Howard Lyon (Flowery Field) and Mike Ingham (Haslingden) had cut short Mediterranean holidays to take part in Sunday’s showpiece game which had a number of dramatic twists and turns.

Oxfordshire’s decision to bat looked to have misfired as they were reduced to 53 for six.

But Andrew Wingfield-Digby and Andrew Manger came to their rescue as they recovered splendidly to reach 186 for eight from their 45 overs.

Vice-captain John Punchard (Middleton) was the most successful Lancashire bowler, taking two wickets for 14 from his nine overs.

After a slow start in reply, Lancashire got into their stride with Punchard leading the way by hitting 76.

Lancashire needed 30 runs off the last three overs, an imposing target they almost reached after some swashbuckling hitting from Lyon.

Lancashire required four off the last ball to win but Lyon, who made a quickfire 23, was bowled as his side was all out for 183.

Other local players in the side were Gary Crossley (Uppermill) and Chris Dearden (Littleborough) while Stuart Meredith (Hollinwood) was 12th man and Royton’s Barry Woodward the travelling reserve.

Whiston said: “It wasn’t cheap buying a one-way flight back from Cyprus, but I didn’t want to miss perhaps my only chance to play at Lords.

“Despite losing it was still a great experience and huge thrill to play at the home of cricket and there must have been a crowd of 1,000 at the game.

“I will never forget watching the groundstaff at working preparing the wicket, and even mopping up the dew from the outfield before we went out to play.”