Bacup's miserable league form continued as they suffered another defeat at home to Rochdale. Good Bacup bowling had reduced Rochdale to 64 for 4 with half of the overs gone. However three good chances, a stumping and two catches, were missed to dismiss the South African professional Eddie Moore, who went on to make the most of his good fortune by going on to make a match winning score of 132 not out in his team's total of 218 for 6. The Bacup professional Ernest Kemm took 3 for 45 in his 15 overs of left arm spin. In reply Bacup slumped to 84 all out with 17 year old Luke Donovan, making his first appearance of the season, top scoring with 24.
A depleted second eleven suffered in the field as Rochdale made 274 for 8. Dom Boardman was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 42 in his 12 overs. Bacup never looked like threatening the total but made a respectable total of 174. Veteran Andrew Knights returned to form with an innings of 61.
On Sunday the 3rd eleven's good form continued with an emphatic victory at Littleborough where the opposition were rolled over for 95. Jake Bracewell earned his first senior collection with 5 for 18 whilst George Sumner continued to impress with 2 for 18 in 8 overs. Bacup made 97 for 1, securing the win in the sixteenth over with Chris Gansler making an impressive 62 not out.
Despite poor league form Bacup's success in the T20 format continued with another win on Friday night at Rawtenstall. The hosts made 127 for 6 with Aziz, Shafiq and Ahmad all making contributions in the twenties. The vital wicket was that of Rawtenstall professional Keegan Peterson, who was well caught low down by Boardman off the bowling of Holder, who went on to take an impressive 3 for 19 in his allotted 4 overs. The reply was far from easy as a win in itself was not enough to progress from the group stages. Bacup had to better the net run rate of Middleton who were claiming a victory against Ramsbottom. Newbitt made 32, Matt Thompson 25 and professional Kemm 24. However it was an eighth wicket partnership between Donovan with 17 not out and Ben Lord 9 not out which helped Bacup claim the victory in just enough time and remain above Middleton in the group to claim a quarter final spot for the second year running. A difficult tie is faced at Darwen on Friday evening as Bacup endeavour to reach T20 Finals Day again.
