Bacup are still searching for their first win since mid May after their latest defeat at Norden last Saturday. After electing to bat first Bacup made an excellent start and were at one stage 113 for 1, before capitulating and being bowled out for 156. Simon Newbitt compiled an excellent 61 and pro Ernie Kemm made 30. However, Norden captain Hashum Malik ripped through the Bacup batting taking 6 for 21, including four wickets in one over. After a two hour delay to facilitate the watching of England's World Cup semi final win over Sweden, Norden knocked off the runs for the loss off five wickets. Kemm took 2 for 38 in 14 overs and young spinner Sean Benson took three late wickets.
The second eleven put up a great fight with a much depleted team at Lanehead where they posted a total of 207 for 8. Knights was in the runs again with 38 and Sam Harris made 40. Bacup opened the bowling with the leg spin of Highley and the medium pace of Harris, who both picked up a couple of wickets to put Norden under pressure. However, Norden reached their target with 7 wickets down and just two overs to spare.
Again it was left to the third eleven to bring some joy to the Lanehead faithful. Accrington made 154 for 9 with all of the young Bacup bowlers bowling well to make it difficult for the Accrington batsmen, Jake Bracewell was again in good form taking 2 for 9 from 6 overs. Bacup chased the runs confidently for the loss of only 4 wickets and plenty of overs to spare. Luke Donovan, who took five impressive outfield catches to earn a collection, made 42 at the top of the order. Then Bacup were taken to victory by brothers Chris Gansler (59 not out) and promising 13 year old Charlie (21 not out), to leave Bacup in a strong position near the top of their group table.
T20 Friday night cricket has been the positive element of the season so far for the first eleven. Another excellent campaign took Bacup to the quarter final. However there was to be no repeat of last year's effort in making Finals Day as Bacup bowed out against a very strong Darwen team.
Darwen racked up 193 for 5 in their 20 overs, whilst Bacup could only manage 134 for 6 despite an impressive 73 from Newbitt who lacked any real support from the other Bacup batsmen.
Bacup now return to league action in the hope that a few victories can be made in the next couple of months to lift themselves away from the foot of the table.
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