Report of Farnworth v Farnworth Social Circle Under 15’s match: 6^th  May

After last Sunday’s Hamer Cup battle local hostilities were resumed at Under 15s level. Two of the unbeaten teams of the season so far squared up in front of a large crowd at Bridgeman Park ....something had to give.... 

After losing the toss Farnworth were asked to bat. They made a cautious start, thanks to some fine bowling by Chris Taylor and, in particular, the exceptional talents of Scott Lees. Having faced him in the Birtwistle Cup last Sunday, I can vouch personally for his speed, accuracy and variety ......a fine prospect for the future. 

After 10 overs Farnworth had struggled to 30 for 1 with Scott Mather playing the unusual role of anchoring the innings. Danny Lafferty struck an excellent 6 driven over cover off Lees picking his slower ball very well. With bowling changes made at both ends the Farnworth run rate increased with Mather hitting 14 runs off one over including a straight six back over the bowler’s head. He closed the innings on 47 not out with the Farnworth total at 91 for 4 wickets.
        The total set by Farnworth was to be the highest chased so far this season by the lads from Piggott Street. They got off to a patient start with Josh Rushmore and Luke Perry playing themselves in very well. Farnworth's opening bowlers, Pete Eccles and Bilal Tazeem, toiled away without much luck and as the Farnworth S C innings progressed it became obvious that the task of getting through the FSC batsmen was to be difficult.  Rushmore and Perry saw FSC home with some excellent shot making later on in their innings. Josh finishing on 48 not out and Luke not out 40. Farnworth S C closed out the match with 7.1 overs remaining on 96 without loss thus winning by 10 wickets.
        The Farnworth S C team has in it some exceptional talent with Messers Taylor, Wilde, Raynor, Collins et al not even required to bat. I have watched junior cricket for some 7 or 8 years and was impressed by their all round game. They appear to be setting the standard for other teams at this level to follow. Many thanks to umpires Greg O'Donoghue and Neil Taylor and, in particular, to a fine crowd on a warm summer evening.................long may it continue.

Gary Mather