Lancashire League Handbook 2018

21 match for the sportsmanship of each team and is based on a total of both First & Second Team Marks. Every Club achieved at least 90%. In third place with 98.3% were East Lancs followed by Bacup with 98.6% But in top place in their first season in the League with 99.44%were Darwen. The last award is the Alick Ormerod Trophy which is again marked by the umpires but this one is on the effectiveness of first team captains. Four teams scored 98.82% Accrington, Bacup, Darwen and East Lancs But the overall winner Matthew Walker of Colne scored 100%, The Presentation Dinner on the 9th February was attended by members of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation and this gave an opportunity for the presentation of the Lancashire Knockout Trophy. Our teams had great success in the competition with three teams reaching the semifinals. Lowerhouse overcame local rivals Burnley in one semi final but our other semifinalists, Ramsbottom couldn’t stop Ormskirk reaching the final at Old Trafford. Unfortunately, the game fell foul of the weather with Ormskirk on 31 for 1 after 9 overs. The replay was scheduled for the following Sunday but this too was a victim of the weather and so the decision was taken to share the trophy which was presented at the dinner to Ben Heap by Mr Paul Allott. 2018 will see the League expand by a further seven Clubs, thus achieving our intended 24 members. This will create competitive cricket with the top 12 sides gaining a place in the top division in 2019. Within this there will be sides at the top vying for Lancashire Knockout places. In mid table there will be a battle to hit the top 12 so there is a lot to look forward to.. I submit my report for approval.