Northern League (14 June 1999)
Darwen's 22-point lead at the top of the Northern League was cut to 14 points as rain caused the abandonment of their game against Blackpool and nearest challengers St Annes won in the last over of their match against Lancaster
14-Jun-1999
14 June 1999
Northern League
The Lancashire Evening Telegraph
Darwen's 22-point lead at the top of the Northern League was cut to
14 points as rain caused the abandonment of their game against
Blackpool and nearest challengers St Annes won in the last over of
their match against Lancaster.
Not surprisingly, the Birch Hall side were asked to bat first on a
very difficult wicket, and in the face of some fine bowling from
Blackpool skipper Rudra Singh who returned 6-69, Darwen reached
148-8.
The cornerstone of the innings again being professional Richard
Petrie, unbeaten on 59 with several batsmen perishing in the vain
attempt to reach 150 in the final overs to secure a bonus point.
The Darwen players were confident their total would be sufficient on
the wicket but a downpour during the tea interval delayed the
resumption. In controversial circumstances the umpires could not
agree as to whether play should resume, and with Blackpool themselves
unwilling to play, Darwen's victory attempt was frustrated with all
other league games finishing.
A second successive defeat severely dented Chorley's championship
hopes as they went down by six wickets at Fleetwood. The loss of the
toss proved crucial on an increasingly friendly track and Chorley's
160-7 never looked a big enough total to defend.
Skipper Nigel Heaton's attractive 60 was the foundation of the
Chorley innings, and there was solid support from Roland Horridge (26
not out).
In Fleetwood's reply, Nick Coultas (37) dominated an opening
partnership of 49 with professional Shawn Nicolson, who grafted his
way to 42 to set up victory with Michael Clinning, who made 52.
Source :: The Lancashire Evening Telegraph