By Richard Edmondson
Blackpool Cricket Club Readers Cup Winners 2013
(Pictures courtesy of Ann Gilfoyle) |
Blackpool Cricket Club were crowned 2013 Readers Cup Champions following a 36 run victory over Leyland.
Blackpool winning the toss decided to bat, as they got off to a bad start losing John Mounsey for 11 as he was caught by Adam Coates off the bowling of Dale Jones.
However it was the crucial partnership of Lancashire players Steven Croft and Liam Livingstone which put Paul Danson's team in a commanding position as they raced to 181.
Leyland finally getting the breakthrough when Steven Croft went for 75 off 98 balls, caught by Dale Jones off the bowling of Sub Professional Dale Conway.
Leyland captain David Makinson deep in thought
(Pictures courtesy of Ann Gilfoyle) |
The hosts starting to get on top then got the wicket of top scorer Liam Livingstone as he fell for 84 off 76 balls stumped by Adam Coates with Devon Conway taking his 2nd wicket.
Blackpool now on 194-3, lost further wickets as Alex Smith was stumped by Adam Coates off Tayyab Afsar,before Steven Twist was caught by Andrew Makinson off the bowling of Devon Conway who returned figures of 3-49
Paul Danson then fell for 11 after being bowled by Tayyab Afsar as Blackpool closed on 238-6 off 40 overs.
In reply Leyland started strongly racing to 34, however two quick wickets put Blackpool in the game as Chris Parkinson was run out for 10 by Alex Smith before Adam Coates fell for 20 after being caught by Craig Brown off the bowling of Ben Eckton.
Leyland were on 40-2 then pushed on to 135 thanks to the partnership of Sub Professional Dale Conway and Daniel Lamb.
However Blackpool broke the partnership when Devon Conway was caught and bowled by Steven Croft for 45 off 57 balls.
Leyland at that stage were on 135-3, and despite Daniel Lambs unbeaten 95 off 103 balls, they couldn't push on as Blackpool bowled and fielded well.
Henry Thompson and Andrew Makinson's wickets also falling with Thompson being caught by John Mounsey off Liam Livingstones delivery, whilst Makinson was caught by Andy Furniss off the bowling of Ben Eckton.
Leyland closing on 202-5, sparking wild celebrations at the end of the game.
Wild celebrations as Blackpool's players celebrate
(Pictures courtesy of Ann Gilfoyle) |
The man of the match which was chosen by the umpires was awarded to Liam Livingstone! for his 84 off 76 balls in the first innings
Man of the Match Liam Livingstone receives his waward from League President Brian Standing with Chairman Norman Poole looking on
(Pictures courtesy of Ann Gilfoyle) |
