Northern Cricket League under 21s v MCC
at Darwen CC
The annual match between the M.C.C. and the Northern Premier Cricket League Under 21's was held at Darwen Cricket Club on Friday the 12th July, 2013.
It was quite obvious that the grounds staff at Birch Hall had taken full advantage of the recent excellent Summer weather by providing an outstanding wicket and the outfield had never looked better.
As was the tradition, the M.C.C. elected to bat first and after 44.3 overs produced a rather below par score of 172 all out. Ex Leyland Motors and Worcestershire C.C.C., Duncan Catterall, scored an excellent 82 not out with support from Queenslander Clint Perren with a stubborn 25.
The Northern Premier League bowling attack was in great form with wickets for Ben Eckton (Blackpool) , Matthew Taaffe (St.Annes), Patrick Allington (Barrow) and Joseph Allington (Barrow) who all performed well under the excellent leadership of Captain Henry Thompson (Leyland).
The Northern League batting proved to be too strong for the visitors with the winning target being reached after 44.3 overs with the loss of only 3 wickets. Blackpool's Matthew Houston (55), Ryan Pearson (70 n.o.) and 12 from Chorley's Stuart Naden saw the target reached with an excellent maximum by Nathan Armstrong off Littleborough's pro Clint Perren.
The M.C.C. used seven bowlers in an attempt to unsettle the Northern League's batsmen but this was to no avail.
The match proved to be an excellent occasion with praise to everyone concerned from the M.C.C., players and Captain Roland Horridge. A big thank you to the members of Darwen Cricket Club for their hospitality and hard work. Also to our excellent Secretary for her hard work and support.
The 2014 date and venue has still to be agreed.
Clive Henderson
