The KO Cup Final sponsored by Sportsbreaks - Longridge CC faced Northern CC in the final on September 3rd, glorious weather greeted the teams at Emirates Old Trafford and a strong crowd of supporters travelled to Manchester. Longridge, looking to defend their title won the toss and elected to field. A strong first wicket partnership of 116 from Chris Laker (54) and Liam Grey (41*) got Northern off to a solid start, the incoming bat of Tyler McGladdery was able to capitalise on this contributing 52 off 50 balls to take Northern over 200 with 4 overs to go. Liam Grey was the stand out batter for Northern, with an unbeaten 118* off 118 balls, saw Northern post 268 for 3 in their 45 overs. The pick of the bowlers for Longridge was Jake Durnell who broke the opening partnership and bowled his 9 overs for just 24 runs. In reply Longridge couldn't find the key partnership they needed, with wickets falling at regular intervals, they found themselves 30 for 5. However Matthew De Villiers (56) showing why he has amassed over 1500 this season for Longridge, alongside wicket keeper Tom Turner (27), with a partnership in the middle, however the task ahead was just too big and the Northern bowlers able to break the partnership and bowl Longridge out for 112. 3 wickets a piece for Tomas Sephton and Chris Laker, but Liam Grey who opened the bowling alongside Tomas, removed Longridge's number 1 and 3 took home player of the match award - 118* and 2 for 18.  Well done to both teams for reaching finals day and to the supporters who travelled. We look forward to the competition in 2024!

Chesck out the finalists route to the final Lancashire Cricket Foundation Competitions (play-cricket.com). Full scorecard from the final can be found here Lancashire Cricket Foundation Competitions (play-cricket.com). The game was streamed live and you can watch it back here