Parkinson leads victory charge at Atherton
Chris Parkinson and Brett Pelser shake hands after Leyland's win
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Leyland became the third Northern League club to progress through to the second round stage of the LCB Lancashire Cup after they defeated Bolton Association side Atherton by eight wickets in a rearranged tie on Friday evening.
After last Sunday's wash-out the teams agreed upon a 20 overs-per-side game that started at 6pm and Leyland bowled and fielded tightly to restrict the hosts to 94 for 9.
Opener Paul Walsh anchored the innings with 39 off 57 balls before he was seventh man out with the score on 90.
Unicorns all rounder Luis Reece claimed 2/7 in his four overs with skipper David Makinson bowling his quota to take 1/8. Brett Pelser and Tayyab Afsar each took two wickets and James Rounding pulled off an outstanding catch.
Leyland skipper David Makinson bowls to Atherton opener Paul Walsh
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Reece was dismissed first ball, caught behind off Andy Yeomans and when Yeomans also claimed the wicket of Adam Coates Leyland were in some difficulty at 20/2.
But Chris Parkinson made a welcome return to form, reaching his 50 off 59 balls and going on to make an accomplished unbeaten 53 off 63 balls with six fours.
Chris Parkinson led Leyland's victory charge with 53 not out
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Pro Pelser provided the fireworks, ending the game with two sixes in three balls to finish unbeaten on 35 off 26 balls. Pelser hit three sixes and one four as Leyland reached their target with 20 balls to spare.
Atherton's Higham Park ground looked a picture in the evening sunshine and a good-sized crowd, including a healthy following from Leyland witnessed a hard fought encounter played in good spirit.
The Scorecard can be found here:
http://atherton.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=11114115
Leyland's Luis Reece celebrates having Paul Walsh caught behind for 39
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In the second round to be staged on 5 June Blackpool are at home to Darcy Lever, Barrow play Hindley St Peter's and Leyland will travel to Clifton.
Blackpool open T20 campaign with victory
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