CROSS AND PRO KHAN PAVE WAY FOR VICTORY
Leyland earned the local bragging rights, at least for a week or so, when they defeated derby rivals Chorley by 18 runs in an entertaining T20 encounter at Fox Lane.
Leyland have now won their opening two games in the group and are in pole position to qualify for T20 Finals Day. David Makinson's side complete their fixtures with trips to Darwen on Friday and Chorley next Tuesday.
Fine half centuries by Karl Cross (50 off 49 balls) and professional Ameer Khan (51 off 35 balls) underpinned Leyland's challenging total of 174 for 5.
Leyland pro Ameer Khan hits Bill Smith for four on hs way to 51 |
Cross added 33 for the first wicket with Chris Parkinson before combining with Ameer Khan in a second wicket stand of 103 in 11 overs.
Leyland opener Karl Cross is bowled by Bill Smith for a fine 50 |
Andrew Makinson then supplied the late innings fireworks with an outstanding display of clean hitting, reaching an unbeaten 34 off only 15 balls.
Chorley pro Friedel de Wet was the visitors's best bowler, returning figures of 3 for 24.
Chorley had by far the worst of the batting conditions, facing overcast skies and steady rain in the second half of their innings.
Nigel Eastham hit three sixes in a typically aggressive opening before he was caught and bowled by Ameer Khan off a skier.
Chorley opener Josh Tolley faces up to James Rounding |
The prolific Josh Tolley reached 30 before he was bowled by Peter Cummings to leave Chorley 86 for 2 in the 11th over.
Nigel Eastham hits Leyland's James Rounding for six |
Chorley went past the 100-mark in the 14th over- the same point as Leyland and pro de Wet held the key to their chances.
he South African hit two sixes off Leyland captain David Makinson in the 15th over and another off James Rounding before he was bowled by Stephen Cartwright in the 18th over.
Chorley's last chance disappeared when captain Jack Catterall was run out by Parkinson's outstanding fielding in the penultimate over.
Cartwright bowled superbly at the death to return one for 19 off his four overs and the ever-reliable Cummings collected two for 24.
