Holders Darwen to meet Norden in the Lancashire Knockout Cup Final
Darwen, Norden advance to final at Heywood CC
This year’s Lancashire Knockout Cup, sponsored by Heineken, will be an all Lancashire League affair as defending champions Darwen look to retain their title against Norden, following two tremendous semi-finals on Sunday.
2018 winners Darwen have earned the right to defend their title following a spirited effort which saw them chase down a total of 105, after dismissing Horwich RMI in a low scoring contest at the Recreational Ground.
David Bowden set the tone for Darwen with figures of 3/8 from his 9 overs, with Greg Lawrenson (3/30) and Marques Ackerman (2/21) providing solid support. Only Dean Morris (28) provided any real resistance in Horwich’s total of 105.
With ball dominating bat, Darwen fought their way to 106/7 in the 43rd over with Mark Friend proving the backbone of the innings (29 not out) to seal another finals berth for the defending champions, where they’ll meet fellow Lancashire League side Norden.
After another low scoring affair, Norden were dismissed for just 116 in 36 overs away at Netherfield with Professional Jake Sandham (39) and Greg Butterworth (38) providing the bulk of the runs and Isaac Medhurst taking 3/13 for the home side.
Norden, with the bit between their teeth, took early wickets to keep Netherfield well and truly under pressure and dismissed them for just 99 with Jake Sandham again leading from the front with 4/30 from his 9 overs.
After two tense, closely fought semi-finals, the final at Heywood CC on Sunday 8 September has the stage set for a fantastic contest with Darwen looking to be the first club to retain the title since Bootle in 2007.
