Northern CC crowned Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s Knock Out Cup champions
Northern Cricket Club was once again crowned Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s Men’s Knock Out Cup champion, after defeating Leigh Cricket Club in the final at Southport & Birkdale Sports Club.
The two clubs, both representing the Liverpool Competition, reached the final after a tournament involving 32 of the leading recreational sides from nine leagues across the North West.
After an initial rain delay which reduced the game to 40 overs each way, Northern batted first, putting on 182 runs with an impressive performance from opening batter Liam Grey, who scored 85 not out and went on to be awarded player of the match. It took the winning side 30 overs to bowl Leigh out for 65 runs.
Northern CC have played in three of the last four LCF Men’s Knock Out Cups and have emerged victorious each time.
Other teams that took part in the tournament represented the Northern League, Lancashire League, Palace Shield, North West Cricket League, Greater Manchester Cricket League, Greater Manchester Amateur Cricket League, Liverpool Competition, Westmorland League and Southport & District Amateur League.
James Cole, First XI Captain for Northern CC, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won this cup again. It was disappointing to arrive this morning and see the rain, but once we got out there, we were determined to put in a performance. Getting to 182 gave us a good total to defend, and from there, I thought we bowled and fielded fantastically which is what got us the win.
“Cricket means everything to our community. I’ve grown up at Northern and have come right through the junior system alongside three or four of the lads who played today, which makes winning together even more special. We’ve also got an incredible group of supporters who follow us home and away who I’d like to thank for their consistent support.
“If you’d told us at the start of the season that we’d be lifting this cup again, we’d have been made up, so I’m really proud of the team and over the moon with the result.”
Jen Barden, Managing Director for Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said: “The Knock Out Cup is an important part of the LCF calendar, bringing together some of the strongest teams from leagues across the region and giving them the opportunity to compete against clubs they wouldn’t ordinarily face. The standard we’ve seen throughout the Cup showcases just how much quality there is in community cricket in the North West.
“Making it all the way to the final is a significant achievement for both Northern and Leigh, and they delivered a brilliant contest to bring this year’s tournament to a close.
“It was also fantastic to see the clubs and their supporters come together, creating a brilliant occasion that reflects the quality, passion and competitive spirit that exists throughout the recreational game in Lancashire.”