Lancashire County League 256-6
North Lancashire and Cumbria League 259-7

The Lancashire County League team fell at the first hurdle in the defence of the JW Lees Inter-League Trophy.

With a young and powerful team, they set off with high hopes on Sunday to Furness C.C. in Barrow – further than some of the lads go for their holidays!

The LCL won the toss and elected to bat on a perfect wicket. The Glossop openers, Dale Pennington (45) and Dave Toft (25), got them off to the perfect start with 54 coming off the first 10 overs. Scott Kirwin of Denton West scored 36 and, although Imran Mirza (Cheetham Hill) was dismissed cheaply, a big score looked on the cards.

Paul Green and Scott Allen of Denton St Lawrence maintained the momentum with skipper Green in particular showing positive intent with 78 not out off only 67 balls to lead the side to 256-6 off their 45 overs.

Kirwin took an early wicket as the NLCL began their reply, and although they scored at a good rate, wickets fell at regular intervals. Glyn Middleton (Flowery Field) bowled a tidy spell and picked up the wicket of Imran Khan.

At 100-4, the LCL looked favourites until the brothers Callum and Kristian Moffatt dragged the innings round adding 119 in only 17 overs, and although Kirwin returned to pick up two wickets in an over, Kristian Moffatt lead home his team with four balls to spare.

Although disappointing that the LCL lost, it was a very enjoyable game of cricket played on an excellent ground on the hottest day of the year – there are worse ways of spending a Sunday!