Reece fires Leyland to derby win
Several Leyland players could face a dilemma come the end of July if they continue their progress in the Furness Building Society Northern Premier League Twenty20 competition.
Leyland completed a quick-fire Twenty20 double over neighbours Chorley to put them in the box seat for a place at Finals Day on Sunday 26 July.
But the date coincides with the club's annual trip to Malta on which several first-teamers are booked.
Leyland now face Darwen home and away in their remaining group games with the Birch Hall outfit playing their first game in the competition on Friday when they host Chorley.
Chorley's Australian professional Chris Hartley again defied the Leyland bowlers but could not force his side into a winning position.
Hartley again looked a class player but was restricted to 53 not out as he carried his bat through a disappointing Chorley innings of 113 for 8.
Hartley faced 50 balls, less than half those bowled and hit seven fours but received little support as Leyland's Lancashire Second XI player Luis Reece produced a match-winning bowling performance.
Reece collected figures of 4 for 13 from his four overs accounting for Sam Tolley, Michael Critchley, Ian Oakes and Andy Holdsworth in a fiery spell of left-arm pace bowling.
Chorley pro Chris Hartley carried his bat for an undefeated 53 |
Henry Thompson pulled off a fine catch to dismiss Chorley's Michael Critchley |
Leyland's stand-in captain Peter Cummings, deputising for the injured David Makinson, got his side off to the ideal start hitting 34 off 36 balls.
But though Leyland lost opener Karl Cross, caught by Chorley captain Jack Catterall the ball after hitting James Lee for a big six, and Reece first ball to a fine catch by Adam Peacock, they never looked in danger of losing.
Holdsworth picked up two wickets for Chorley to leave Leyland 61 for 3.
But professional Ameer Khan (32 not out) and Henry Thompson (25 not out) steered their side home with eleven balls to spare.
Chorley were left to rue the concession of ten wides that made a difference in such a low-scoring contest while all-rounder Ian Oakes picked up a hand injury while fielding that adds to their lengthening injury-list.
Peter Cummings hit 34 as stand-in captain |
