Church 133 all out

Bacup 69 all out

Much of the pre-match publicity centred on the welcome and long-overdue arrival of Kiwi pro Luke Woodcock but the New Zealander had only a bit-part to play as another fine effort by the amateurs got the boys back on the winning trail.                    

After two defeats and the disappointment of Friday's 20-20 Semi-Final postponement - when, oh when will the weather shine kindly on a Church home match?- this could have been another disappointing day with only 133 to defend as Church, put in, were bowled out.

Levi Wolfenden (with a patient 22) and Sag Hussain (a quickfire 30) were the main contributors  after a familiar foe, ex-Burnley star Jon Clare, had made inroads as sub pro opening the bowling for Bacup.

After trapping Alec Holt following an opening stand of 25 with Phil Sykes, Sykes could only watch in horror as Clare comprehensively bowled Woodcock second ball to ensure no  dream debut.

Adam Greenwood was soon out too and Sykes became Ben Lord's first victim at 47 for four.

Levi and Sag had pulled it round with a partnership of 46 but both fell to Lord, either side of Sam Holt being snapped up at slip by Clare off Fell as three wickets fell for/ two runs.

It didn't get much better as Andy Bentley and Philip Gilrane went to leave Church on a perilous 109 for nine.

Ryan North and Tucker did occupy the crease for a further 10 overs to add 27 and Church were grateful for 22 wides and no-balls to swell the modest total as Lord collected 6 for 45.

But if you thought Church were demoralised after successive defeats and an indifferent batting effort, you reckoned without what must have been an inspirational rallying talk at  tea.

The young lions simply ripped into Bacup, Bentley bowling Farragher neck and crop second ball and Levi having Spencer pouched at slip second ball of his opening over - 2 for two and both openers back in the tent without scoring.

The visitors recovered but after Clare hit a 6 off the first ball of Levi's fifth over the 16-year-old induced the Derbyshire all-rounder to play on then sensationally bowled the stubborn Highley four balls later.

Showers and a 40-minute stoppage reduced the target to 111 off 39 overs but Chris Bleasdale went to another fine Sag slip take off Levi to make it 34 for five.

Alex Taylor was next out, caught by Levi at mid-on and when Wolfenden bowled Thompson and Tucker superbly caught Fell off Bentley, it seemed the amateurs might take all the kudos.

However Woodcock managed to get in on the act when Danny Hartley skyed a hit to Sam Holt, who took a fine catch then repeated the trick off Killelea's ill-judged heave at AB as the Bacup captain hit out in desperation.

S Hussain 30

L Wolfenden 22

P Sykes 12

A Bentley 11.5-1-24-4

L Wolfenden 10-1-39-5 (career best)

L Woodcock 1-0-4-1