Senior Cricket
The club field three senior teams every weekend throughout the season in The JW Lees Lancashire League.
The 1st XI currently compete in Division 2 of The Senior League, the 2nd XI in Division 1 of The Junior League and the 3rd XI in Division 2 of the three division set up in The Third Eleven League.
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SENIOR CRICKET NEWS
2024
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup Cricket Club is delighted to announce the re-signing of professional Chirag Khurana for the 2024 season.
The talented Indian all rounder enjoyed a highly successful 2023 season scoring 953 runs @68.07, despite a slow start in the difficult early season conditions. He hit four centuries with a top score of 124 not out and was the second highest run scorer in league matches. He was also the second highest wicket taker with 64 wickets @12.87, taking 5 or more wickets on 6 occasions, with a season’s best of 8 for 39 at Accrington. Factor in the 11 catches he took and you are looking at some very impressive statistics. More importantly, many of his performances were match winning contributions.
Chairman Neal Wilkinson said, “ It was no surprise that several clubs were chasing his signature. Therefore we are highly delighted that Chiggy has re-signed for us and I know our supporters will be delighted to see him in action at Lanehead again next season. He is remaining in the area and will be around the club and at winter nets throughout the off season. This can only benefit the club going forward.”
Meanwhile, our sincere thanks go to the outgoing captains of all three teams.
First eleven captain Simon Newbitt is leaving the club after six seasons, the last three as skipper. He has been the mainstay of the batting throughout this period, scoring 2250 runs @24.19, including two centuries. He took on the role of captaincy with enthusiasm and great organisation and has steered a steady ship in his tenure. We would like to thank him for his valuable contribution to the club and wish him well for the future.
Scott Thompson is stepping down as second eleven captain after a recent addition to his family. He has done a sterling job, in difficult circumstances at times, and we thank him for his efforts and look forward to him donning his whites again soon.
Meanwhile, Michael Rabbett stands down as third eleven captain after overseeing the last three seasons. Michael is a very popular member of the club and has been a valuable link between junior and senior cricket. We also thank Michael for his unstinting efforts and look forward to him continuing to enjoy his cricket as a player.
The club has moved quickly to appoint three new captains.
The vastly experienced right arm medium pace bowler Ben Lord takes on the first team captaincy. Eldest son of Club legend Terry Lord, Ben progressed through the junior ranks and the 34 year old now has 17 years of first team experience behind him and 214 senior wickets. Ben will undoubtedly bring strong commitment and desire to the role to go alongside his valuable experience.
The 43 year old Ian Parkinson has been appointed as second eleven captain. Ian has lots of first team experience at Baxenden and has been a good addition to the club in the last couple of seasons after moving into the area. He has also joined the committee and we expect him to make a significant contribution to the club.
Another veteran, junior coach Lee Goddard, will be the new third team skipper. Lee’s knowledge of junior players and junior cricket makes him an ideal choice for the role.
We congratulate Ben, Ian and Lee on their appointments and look forward to their positive impact on the club.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
2nd & 3rd September
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup travelled to Accrington in their penultimate match of the season hoping to improve on the woeful performance at Greenmount the previous week.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first Accrington made a good start scoring 46 for the first wicket with opening bowlers Naylor and Bradford struggling to hit their line and length. The introduction of the professional into the attack and a change of ends for Bradford soon reaped dividends however. Once Khurana had made the breakthrough, dismissing the dangerous Gorton for 17, it was a constant procession of wickets with only the professional Jacob Clarke (44) putting up any real resistance. Khurana finished with his season best 8 for 39 and the best bowling figures in Division Two going into the last game. Bradford provided great assistance from the other end picking up 2 for 36 from his 13 overs.
In reply Bacup coasted to a 7 wicket win with Khurana finishing on 58 not out to cap another impressive all round display. Skipper Simon Newbitt with 8 now requires 38 runs from the last game to achieve the coveted milestone of 10,000 Lancashire League runs. Bradford finished on 13 not out and is now looking every inch a Lancashire League all rounder.
Meanwhile the second eleven entertained league leaders Darwen in a top versus bottom clash. Darwen asked Bacup to bat first who posted a total of 137. Alex Shepherd top scored, left stranded on 41 not out and Pat Brennan (16) helped add 23 for the ninth wicket.
Darwen eased to a 7 wicket win with Shepherd taking all 3 wickets to fall to complete a good day for the all rounder.
The third eleven faced Clitheroe Fourth Eleven at Lanehead. After being asked to bat first Bacup could only muster a total of 75 all out.Adam Goddard again top scored with 22 whilst veteran Terry Lord chipped in with 15 not out.
Clitheroe won by 7 wickets with Pat Boardman being the pick of the bowlers taking a miserly 1 for 8 off his allotted 8 overs.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
9 & 10th September
by Neal Wilkinson
With nothing at stake Bacup entertained Nelson in their final game of the season with Nelson only having ten men owing to the non-appearance of their professional.
The visitors won the test and elected to bat first. After a bright start they were soon in trouble at 93 for 6 despite an enterprising 32 from veteran wicket keeper Michael Bradley. Raja, batting at nine, took on the Bacup bowlers and his excellent innings of 36 helped Nelson to post a total of 154.
Bacup professional Chirag Khurana took 4 for 27 to take his total to an impressive 64 for the season with Naylor picking up three and Lord and Dom Boardman one apiece.
Skipper Newbitt opened the innings requiring 38 runs to achieve the coveted 10.000 Lancashire League runs milestone. Sadly, this was not to be as he departed for 16 and his last Bacup innings ended in disappointment. Khurana joined Collinge at the wicket and the pair put on 69 for the second wicket before the professional departed having scored 42 in 44 balls, finishing an excellent season on 953 runs, just falling short of becoming the first Bacup professional for 20 years to score 1,000 league runs. Collinge went on to make 48, his top score of the season, to finish on a high note, in what was a poor season for the usually reliable opening batsman.
A typical Bacup middle order collapse ensued before an unbeaten 21 from Chris Gansler saw his team home by 2 wickets with the Lanehead outfit gaining their ninth win out of 20 games completed, finishing with more points than last season, but one position lower in eighth place.
The second eleven, already relegated, travelled to play Rochdale who needed a win to avoid relegation themselves.
Bacup won the toss and took first knock, but were soon in trouble falling to58 for 7. it was only a typically belligerent innings of 29 from Shepherd which helped Bacup post a total of 105.
Rochdale coasted to a 7-wicket victory with Pat Boardman picking up two wickets and Theo Goddard one.
The third eleven enjoyed an excellent win in a tight finish away to the veteran Rishton fourth eleven. Fantastic opening spells from Theo Goddard and Pat Boardman saw the home team reduced to 13 for 6. However, half centuries from Wells and Roberts enabled Rishton to make 148 with Goddard finishing with the excellent figures of 5 for 15 and Boardman 2 for 13.
Bacup won with one ball to spare by 4 wickets. Rhys Lloyd batted through the innings to see Bacup home with an impressive 66 not out and was ably assisted by Theo Goddard who made 39 in an excellent match for the 15-year-old all-rounder. The third eleven complete their season with a home match this Saturday.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
26th, 27th & 28th August
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup’s good recent run of form came to a shuddering halt in a disastrous ten wicket defeat at Greenmount. After being asked to bat first Bacup made a reasonable start with Collinge (28) and Khurana (32) adding 55 for the second wicket. However, a succession of bad shots meant that Bacup fell from 61 for 1 to 107 all out and that included a tenth wicket partnership of 17 between Dom Boardman (14) and Theo Goddard (3 not out). Greenmount professional Travis Townsend picked up 6 for 28 as the Bacup batting offered little resistance.
The Greenmount reply was swift and merciless as Greenmount knocked off the runs in only 14.3 overs with professional Snyman bludgeoning his way to 83 not out in only 53 balls.
The second eleven lost at home to Littleborough but put up a very good show in losing a tight game by only one run.
Littleborough made 161 for 9 in a rain reduced allocation of 39 overs. Pat Boardman picked up 3 for 51, Alex Shepherd 2 for 37 and George Sumner bowled well on his return.
In reply Bacup closed on 160 for 9, agonisingly one run short with Scott Thompson making 35 and George Sumner 23. Bacup picked up 5 bonus points for their efforts but the result means that the second eleven are relegated to Division Two.
The third eleven had a busy weekend with two matches. The game at home to Norden on Saturday was abandoned after heavy rain at the interval meant no further play was possible. Norden had made 162 for 8 off their 40 overs.
On Monday they travelled to Middleton where, batting first, they made 132 for 8. Opening the batting Niall Boardman made 41 and brother Brady 22 whilst Louie Macintosh added an entertaining 24.
Middleton eased home winning by six wickets with Theo Goddard picking up two more wickets.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
19th & 20th August
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup enjoyed another fine victory, this time at home to Great Harwood, as The Stags completed a fifth win in the last seven matches played.
And it was the professional Chirag Khurana who was, once again, the star of the show as Bacup took all 12 points in a 119 run win.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Bacup made a bright start with openers Newbitt (29) and Collinge (21) setting the tone. However, it was a magnificent third wicket partnership of 151 between Khurana (100 not out) and the in form 18 year old Charlie Gansler (53) that was largely responsible for Bacup making their highest total of the season as they made 245 for 8 in their 50 overs. Harwood professional de Silva took 5 for 44.
Great Harwood never threatened the total and after de Silva departed for 27, it was game over as they were dismissed for 126. Khurana completed an excellent all round performance picking up 6 for 44. There were two more wickets for Lord, and Bradford and Naylor both bowled good opening spells picking up one wicket apiece.
Khurana now has 821 league runs for the season at 68.41 and has 52 wickets at 13.9 and is undoubtedly the standout professional in the division.
It wasn’t so good news for the second eleven who fell to a heavy defeat at Lowerhouse who made 250 for 8. Shepherd was the pick of the bowlers taking 4 for 44. Bacup could only muster 77 in reply with Syers top scoring with 14.
The young third eleven also suffered a heavy defeat being dismissed for only 75. Once again bright prospect 13 year old Adam Goddard top scored with 18 as the youngsters fell to an eight wicket loss.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
12th & 13th August
by Neal Wilkinson
After last week’s narrow 6 run defeat at home to East Lancashire it was another tight finish as Bacup went to top of the League and promotion favourites Church. However, this time the result went Bacup’s way, despite fielding a seriously depleted team missing skipper Newbitt and opening bowlers Lord and Naylor.
Stand in skipper, the professional Chirag Khurana, won the toss and elected to bat on a day when rain was always threatening but never actually arrived. The innings was once again dominated by Khurana who hit a splendid 109 not out, sharing good partnerships with the in form Charlie Gansler (27) and Jack Bradford who contributed 18 in an important fourth wicket partnership of 73. Bacup ended their innings on 203 for 7, knowing that they faced a fight on their hands being without most of their regular bowling attack and against a team with a number of in form batsman.
Khurana again did his job with the ball, removing opposite number Assad Shafiq and top amateur batsman in the division Sam Holt. However, the bowling performance of the day came from Jack Bradford who opened the bowling and bowled 15 superb overs on the bounce picking up 3 for 35. Dom Boardman, Charlie Gansler and young Theo Goddard all bowled vital spells as Church were restricted to 199 for 9, falling 4 runs short. Keeper Matt Collinge capped another good display behind the stumps by taking an excellent diving catch to remove the dangerous Josh Scully for 79, a vital moment in the match. Gansler held his nerve bowling the last over and Bacup won by 4 runs thereby winning a second game in three matches against teams in the top two.
The second eleven did not fare so well with their home match against Haslingden being abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The third eleven, however, managed to beat the weather on Sunday at Todmorden. Bacup won the toss and asked Todmorden to bat first who made 167 for 6 in their allotted 40 overs. Brady Boardman and Theo Goddard picked up two wickets each with Adam Goddard taking 1 for 15 in an impressive 5 over spell.
There were some encouraging performances in the reply with Pat Boardman making 25, Rhys Lloyd 21 and Ibrahim Baig 18 not out. Top scorer was again 13 year old Adam Goddard who made 26. However Bacup fell 31 runs short being unable to force the pace in the later overs and closed the innings on 136 for 7 and fell 31 runs short.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
29th & 30th July
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup professional Chirag Khurana was in imperious form as Bacup travelled to promotion hopefuls Middleton and came away with a resounding victory.
After being asked to bat first Bacup scored 214 for 5 off their 50 overs. Skipper Simon Newbitt (36) got the innings off to a positive start before Khurana came to the crease and took charge of proceedings. The professional has been in sensational form recently and he made 92 adding 110 for the fifth wicket with the in form Charlie Gansler making 41 not out.
Rain was always threatening and likely to appear part way through the Middleton innings. The home team made an unconvincing start and when Khurana dismissed the Middleton professional James Price to claim his third wicket, it was more of a question as to whether Bacup would be able to complete the 20 overs necessary to produce a run rate result. When the rain arrived after 29 overs, with Middleton on 88 for 8 and no further play possible, Bacup were winners by 100 runs on the DLS calculation. Khurana completed a splendid day picking up 7 for 40, well supported at the other end with good spells from Naylor and Lord.
The second eleven put up a good fight in going down to a two wicket defeat at home to Norden.
After being asked to bat first, Bacup struggled to 108 all out with Aaron Fielding top scoring with 26. However, at 86 for 8 Bacup were favourites to win. Unfortunately a dropped catch and a match winning ninth wicket partnership of 23 took Norden to victory with Dom Boardman picking up 3 wickets and Theo Goddard again impressing with two.
The third eleven fell to a heavy defeat against a strong Enfield team at Dill Hall Lane where they were dismissed for only 56 with extras being the main contribution with 24 and no player making double figures. Enfield romped home to a ten wicket victory in quick time.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
15th & 16th July
by Neal Wilkinson
After winning their last two games Bacup travelled to take on promotion hopefuls Crompton.
With plenty of rain around Bacup won the toss and asked Crompton to bat first after a slightly delayed start resulted in the game being reduced to 46 overs. The innings was dominated by professional Mo Jamal who scored an impressive 127 with a mixture of powerful and exquisitely timed shots. He was well supported by Zulfiqar (38) and Dean (36). Lord and Holt picked up a couple of wickets each but nobody was able to contain the Crompton professional.
The Bacup innings started well with a half century partnership before Newbitt fell for 31. Only 2 more runs were added before disaster struck when professional Khurana was run out for 1 after being unbeaten in his previous four innings. Collinge made 23 and there was good sixth wicket partnership between Adlum (36) and Charlie Gansler who continued his good form since his return from injury with 42 not out. However, the total proved to be too many to chase and Bacup closed their innings on 157 for 8, denying Crompton the two bonus bowling points.
The second eleven were at home to Ramsbottom the previous day and were not so fortunate in avoiding the heavy showers.
Bacup won the toss and asked Ramsbottom to bat first who were 94 for 2 when a thunderstorm brought an early end to proceedings with Theo Goddard picking up both wickets to fall.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
8th & 9th July
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup moved up to eighth place in the table after a second consecutive win at home to Rishton with professional Chirag Khurana again in impressive form with the bat.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Rishton were bowled out for 167 in the 44th over, after being well placed at 133 for 4. Professional Dale Phillips top scored, making 51 in only 36 balls. Josh Holt took 4 for 35 in his first appearance of the season in the first eleven with Khurana picking up 3 wickets. Ben Lord and Liam Naylor bowled good opening spells with Lord being particularly impressive in taking 1 for 23 in 13 overs.
In reply Bacup were soon in trouble at 19 for 3. At 41 for 3 a thunderstorm interrupted play and 16 overs were lost. On resumption of play Bacup were chasing a revised target of 145. An unbeaten fifth wicket partnership of 89 between Khurana (70 not out) and Charlie Gansler (43 not out), on his return after injury, took Bacup home comfortably with more than 4 overs to spare. The Bacup professional has amassed almost 300 runs in his last 3 innings without losing his wicket.
The second eleven’s woes continued at Burnley where they were bowled out for only 90, with only Parkinson 22), Theo Goddard (19) and Lee Goddard (12) making it in to double figures.
Burnley reached their target for the loss of only 2 wickets, both taken by Theo Goddard.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
1st & 2nd July
by Neal Wilkinson
Professional Chirag Khurana played a starring role in a long awaited victory for Bacup away to local rivals Rawtenstall.
Having won the toss and decided to bat first, Rawtenstall were bowled out for 169. There were several contributions without anyone playing a major innings. Professional Sean Whitehead top scored with 34 whilst Aziz weighed in with 27 and Barlow 24. Lord, Sumner and Naylor all bowled well picking up 2 wickets apiece but Khurana was the main thorn in Rawtenstall’s side, taking 4 for 18 from 13 overs.
In an exciting run chase which swung both ways, Bacup triumphed, winning by 3 wickets with 5 overs to spare. Khurana played a majestic innings finishing on 105 not out. He was in danger of running out of partners until number nine Ben Lord (13 not out) kept him company in a match winning partnership of 38. Whitehead picked up 4 for 47, whilst veteran Keith Roscoe took 2 for 25.
This was Khurana’s second successive undefeated century as his upturn in form continues following on from his 124 not out at Nelson and 86 not out in the T20 competition at Todmorden.
The second eleven continue to struggle in Division One of the Junior League and face a relegation battle, having failed to register a win so far this season.
Having inserted Clitheroe, the opposition ran up 239 for 4 with youngster Theo Goddard picking up two wickets.
Bacup made a spirited response, without ever threatening the total, finishing on 168 for 8. Steven Ball made 53 and Niall Boardman a personal best of 41.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
23rd - 25th June
by Neal Wilkinson
It was another winless weekend for Bacup Cricket Club despite some good personal performances. The first eleven travelled to bottom placed Nelson where they were well placed on 196 for 7 with 5 overs remaining when the rain came. Professional Chirag Khurana was in imperious form on 124 not out with Jack Bradford providing excellent support on 21 not out. After the rain abated Nelson were given a DLS revised total to chase of 178 in 34 overs. After a good start, with opener Imdad blasting a quick 32, Nelson started to falter and when home professional Usman Tariq fell for 55 the game was in the balance. Nelson skipper Khurram Nazir took Nelson to the brink of victory with a quick fire 30 before they edged home with 9 wickets down to win by the tightest of margins. Liam Naylor returned to first team duties and bowled really well picking up 4 for 27 as well as taking two excellent catches. It was another disappointing loss for Bacup but they did pick up the maximum 5 bonus points for their efforts.
In their final T20 game Bacup travelled to Centre Vale Park to take on Todmorden. Bacup took first knock and posted a very respectable 174 for 6 with Khurana making 86 not out and skipper Newbitt 41. Todmorden professional Bosisto picked up 4 for 20. Todmorden chased down the total with 5 overs to spare with Bosisto making 68 and Noah Priestley 42.
The second eleven entertained Rochdale and had them in trouble at 9 for 3 with young Theo Goddard picking up 3 wickets before conceding a run. Rochdale had recovered and were on 164 for 8 when rain ended play for the day.
The young Bacup 3rd eleven entertained a veteran Rishton team and disappointingly were dismissed for only 68. Pat Boardman top scored with 25, with brother Niall the only other player to make double figures with 14. Theo Goddard picked up two early wickets and Brady Boardman one as Rishton were 9 for 3 in reply. However, Clifford saw Rishton home on 43 not out to bring the game to an early finish.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
16th - 18th June
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup finally found some form with the bat at home to Accrington. After winning the toss and batting first Bacup were 211 all out in 41.5 overs. Professional Khurana and Chris Gansler both made 37 and there were other good contributions from Jack Bradford (35), Ben Lord (30 not out) and Simon Newbitt (29). Had Bacup batted for their full quota of overs they may have achieved an unassailable total. Far worth was the pick of the opposition’s bowlers picking up 4 for 34.
Thunderstorms were always threatening as Accrington began their innings and it always looked likely that a Duckworth/Lewis run rate calculation would be required to determine a winner. Just after 20 overs were bowled, the minimum to produce a result, the players left the field for a final time, with Accrington edging home by just one run.
Professional Clarke was undefeated on 45 with Jack Bradford producing a fine spell of bowling, picking up 3 for 31 from 10 overs making it a good day for the all rounder.
The second eleven travelled to Darwen with a very under strength team and were bowled out for only 67 with no player able to make double figures. Darwen romped home to win by 8 wickets.
The third eleven entertained Middleton who racked up 232 for 8 from their 40 overs. Theo Goddard was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 36. In response the Bacup youngsters were dismissed for 127. Niall Boardman and Adam Goddard both made 23 and Pat Boardman 20.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
9th - 11th June
by Neal Wilkinson
It was another miserable weekend for Bacup as they fell to a third successive league defeat at home to Greenmount.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first Bacup were bowled out for only 93 in 24.5 overs. Opening bowlers Hunter and Williams bowled impressively as they tore through the early order batsmen. Professional Jacques Snyman then took over with his off spin and picked up 4 for 14 as Bacup succumbed with half of their overs remaining. Chris Gansler impressed with 31 before becoming the last man to fall.
In reply Greenmount raced to 54 off 8.5 overs before heavy rain interrupted the match. A lengthy delay ensued before the players returned to the field to bowl just one ball for Greenmount to win with the DLS revised target having already been achieved.
The second eleven lost at Littleborough. After winning the toss and batting first Bacup made 146 with veteran John Syers top scoring with 54. Littleborough eased home to win by 5 wickets. Spinners Josh Holt and Pat Boardman both bowled well in picking up a couple of wickets each to earn one bowling bonus point.
The first eleven were also defeated in their T20 encounter at Ramsbottom on Friday evening. Batting first Bacup made 120 for 6 in their 20 overs. Simon Newbitt made 46 at the top of the order, but the innings fell away. Aaron Fielding made 19 not out on his return to action. Ramsbottom took only 12.5 overs to seal a 9 wicket victory.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
2nd - 4th June
by Neal Wilkinson
It was another disappointing weekend for Bacup as they again failed to register a win.
The first eleven travelled to Great Harwood where they won the toss and elected to bat first. It was a disastrous start to the innings with openers Newbitt and Collinge both departing without scoring. Harwood professional de Silva (4 for 26) was proving particularly difficult to play as Bacup were reduced to 34 for 6. Professional Khurana was successfully keeping his counterpart at bay, but then frustratingly was caught behind down the leg side to Kasir Masood for 16. Good batting down the order from Luke Bradford (25), Ball (20) and Jack Bradford 19 not out) enabled Bacup to post a score of 110 all out, a decent recovery, but surely not enough in good conditions for batting.
This proved to be the case as Great Harwood cantered to a nine wicket victory with opening batsman Willets (55) helping himself to a half century. Jack Bradford picked up the sole wicket for the visitors.
The second eleven fared better but still fell to defeat at home to Lowerhouse. On a good wicket and a fast outfield Lowerhouse racked up 275 for 7. Brady Boardman was the pick of the Bacup bowlers with 1 for 23 off his 7 overs. It was a spirited response from Bacup. Although never really in a position to win they kept going admirably and were 210 for 9 at the end of their 45 overs. Shepherd made an entertaining 55, with Excell (20) and an excellent last wicket partnership between Brady Boardman (23 not out) and Theo Goddard (16 not out) pushing up the score.
The third eleven travelled to Norden who batted first and made 192 for 5 from their allotted 40 overs. Niall Boardman picked up two wickets, whilst Theo Goddard and Pat Boardman bowled particularly good spells.
In reply Bacup made 167 all out to pick up 3 bonus points. Lee Goddard (37) and son Theo (28) were both amongst the runs again after a half century stand between brothers Niall Boardman (25) and Brady (24) had got the innings off to a good start. A great cameo from Louie Mackintosh (15 in 7 balls) put Bacup within sight of victory but ultimately they fell 26 runs short.
On Friday evening the club entertained Norden in the T20 competition and fell to a heavy defeat. Norden made 182 for 2 with opening batsman Tolley making 112 not out. Bacup were all out for just 44.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
26th - 29th May
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup experienced a difficult weekend with all three elevens failing to register a win.
The first eleven entertained Church and elected to bat first on a good looking pitch. Skipper Newbitt departed early for 8 after a rash shot before Collinge (17) and Dom Boardman (18) both strived to build the Bacup innings. An enterprising partnership of 65 between professional Khurana and Charlie Gansler had the Lanehead outfit very much on the front foot. However, a dubious LBW decision saw Khurana departing for 43, quickly followed by Gansler carelessly being bowled for 38. After losing three more wickets in quick succession, it was a ninth wicket partnership of 27 between Sumner (16) and Lord (9 not out) which took Bacup to a total of 182 for 9, a score you felt was probably 50 runs short.
In reply Bacup soon had Church in trouble on 39 for 3 with Khurana picking up two wickets. However, a magnificent fourth wicket partnership of 145 between professional Wimalasekara (48 not out) and Florentine (83 not out) took Church home with over 12 overs to spare.
Bacup also went down to defeat in their opening T20 game at Walsden where the home side racked up 235 for 5 with Joe Gale hammering the Bacup attack for 118 not out in only 53 balls hitting 11 sixes and 8 fours. In reply Bacup made 163 for 6 without ever really threatening the Walsden total. Khurana top scored with 78 whilst Jack Bradford (24) and Ball (25) played useful innings.
The second went down to defeat at Haslingden. Batting first Haslingden were 211 all out with Matt Sudworth at the top of the innings scoring 79 at a run a ball. Jack Bradford picked up 5 for 52 with Donovan (3) and Theo Goddard (2) also amongst the wickets. Bacup could only muster 100 in reply with skipper Scott Thompson top scoring with 25. Barth picked up 4 wickets for Haslingden and Wilkinson 3.
The third eleven were in action on Saturday and Monday. At Great Harwood, Bacup batted first and made 150 for 4 off their 40 overs. Charlie Gansler made 43 and keeper batsman Rhys Lloyd 38 not out. However, Great Harwood cruised to a ten wicket victory.
Monday saw another away trip, this time to Ramsbottom. The young Bacup team again batted their overs in making 136 for 9. Veteran Lee Goddard finished on 30 not out whilst his son Theo impressed with 27. Bacup again suffered defeat as Ramsbottom cantered to an 8 wicket victory.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
20th & 21st May
by Neal Wilkinson
After a couple of very disappointing weekends Bacup bounced back to form with an excellent win at Alexandra Meadows against an in form East Lancashire team.
Bacup won the toss and elected to bat first. On a wicket with variable bounce, which gave plenty of encouragement to the bowlers, Bacup did well to bat the majority of their 50 overs in making 145. Skipper Simon Newbitt got the visitors off to a good start scoring an enterprising 39 off 44 balls and professional Chiggy Khurana made a patient 53, his first half century of the season. Lawrence Adlum made a useful 15 in an important fourth wicket stand of 49 whilst Joe Bolton bowled an impressive spell for the home team taking 5 for 23.
Bacup turned to their most experienced bowlers in Lord and Khurana in their attempt to defend a modest total. East Lancs struggled to put any partnerships together as the pair ran through the batting order with professional Khurana continuing his excellent form with the ball picking up 6 for 38 and Lord equally impressive taking 4 for 29 as East Lancs were dismissed for only 70 in 27.2 overs. The Bacup professional has already taken 20 wickets at an average of only 7.85.
The second eleven suffered a loss at home to Enfield. On an excellent Bacup wicket Enfield made 215 for 8 in their 45 overs. Keeper Anderson-Perkins top scored with 47 for the visitors, whilst Matt Thompson on his return to action picked up 4 for 38 and youngster Theo Goddard again picked up a couple of wickets.
Bacup never really threatened the total and we’re bowled out for 132 in 40.4 overs with John Syers top scoring with 40.
The third eleven were not in action last weekend.
WEEKEND TEAM REPORT
13th & 14th May
by Neal Wilkinson
Bacup suffered a home defeat to Middleton after another poor batting display. Having won the toss and electing to bat first, Bacup’s early order batting struggled against the opening bowling of Fitton and Udwadia. Collinge(12), Adlum (11) and Charlie Gansler (11) tried to build an innings and put a score on the board. However, the introduction of leg spinner Amjad saw Bacup lose a glut of wickets in disappointing fashion, with the spinner picking up 6 for 12, as Bacup fell to 64 all out.
It wasn’t plain sailing for Middleton however, as they lost seven wickets before edging over the line. Professional Price made 17 and opener Shipley 16, with Lord and Khurana picking up three wickets each.
On a bad weekend for the club the second eleven fell to a heavy defeat at Norden, also being bowled out for 64. Luke Bradford made 21 and Jack Bradford 16, but nobody else made double figures. Norden won by 10 wickets, hitting the winning runs in only the ninth over.
Meanwhile, the third eleven also fell to a heavy defeat with an 8 wicket loss at home to Todmorden. Bacup won the toss and batted first but were dismissed for only 75. Charlie Gansler made 24, but the highlight of the weekend was a very mature innings of 27 not out from 13 year old Adam Goddard who looked completely untroubled as wickets fell around him. Philip Byrne, another 13 year old, took a wicket on debut but Todmorden coasted to victory for the loss of only two wickets.
WEEKEND TEAM NEWS
6TH & 7TH MAY
WEEKEND TEAM NEWS
29TH, 30TH APRIL & 1ST MAY
WEEKEND TEAM NEWS
22ND & 23RD APRIL
Season 2023
Boxfit
The club has arranged for our senior players to take part in BoxFit sessions at Body Box Fitness for 12 weeks during the winter period.
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Plenty of fitness and team work - which will help them with their cricket once the season starts.
