Lancashire League Handbook 2014

17 Enfield hosted Lowerhouse in one semi final and Ramsbottom travelled to Nelson in the other. Enfield won the toss and fielded at Dill Hall Lane in bright sunshine. Lowerhouse, thanks to 35 from Francois Haaesbroek and 38 from captain Charlie Cottam made 150 from their 20 overs. Enfield captainAdam Bracewell raced to 41 but when he fell little resistance was given and Ben Heap ended with 3 for 10 from his 4 overs as Enfield were restricted to 106 for 8 from their 20 overs. At Seedhill, Ramsbottom opted to bat and Stephen Dearden and Pieter Malan put on 66 for the 1st wicket before posting 161 for 1 from their overs. In reply Ryan Canning hit a quickfire 33 but Nelson were unable to chase the target, as theywere 112 all out in 18.3 overs. A bumper gate at the final saw Lowerhouse host Ramsbottom and the home side batted first and made 171 from their 20 overs with Ben Heap top scoring with 79. Despite a strong start from Dearden and Malan, a collapse was to follow which saw Ramsbottom use only 13 of their available overs as they were 59 all out with Fergus Bailey and Paddy Martin sharing 7 of the wickets to fall leading to Lowerhouse's first 20/20 trophywin. The highest individual innings in a match was made by Simon Newbitt of Todmorden with 140 not out against Haslingden on 22nd July and the best amateur bowling performance of 8 for 25 by Kelly Mall of Rishton v Bacup on the 22nd June, his first ever wickets in the League! Both received the Telegraph Tankard awards for these performances. The Telegraph also make an award to the wicketkeeper with most victims. This year we had 2 award winners with 6 victims, on the 25th August with 3 caught, 3 stumped, Tom Parton of Ramsbottom and a week later on the 1st September 4 caught and 2 stumped SamTucker of Church. Several players achievedmajor career milestones during the season. Chris Bleazard passed the 15000 run mark in style with a century against Enfield. Moorhouses, our 20/20 sponsors duly named a beer after him in his honour. In acknowledgement of the achievement Chris was presented with a memento, by the League President, at the Annual Dinner. Michael Ingham of Haslingden andDavid Pearson of East Lancashire the only other two batsmen, in the history of the League, to have achieved the feat were also presented with mementos in recognition. Keith Roscoe of Rawtenstall took his 1500th wicket of his Lancashire League career at Enfield on the 22nd June, in achieving this he has taken 5 wickets on 97