With the sun shining down on us on Sunday, we headed to Firwood Bootle CC for our pre season fixture. We were able to name a squad of 13 on the day with the knowledge that all would get involvement in the game.
The game was set up to allowing our batters the opportunity to spend time in the middle, putting into practice the things we have worked on preseason, and then following the tea interval our bowlers were able to once again get used to the pink ball or bowl a good length spell.
Things started well as we were able to score at a rate of 4-5 runs per over with our openers Finneran and Bradley adding 83 runs before Finneran retired reaching his 50.
Local hero Meskell would come to replace him before 2 quick wickets saw Bradley depart for 38 and Meskell to huge celebrations.
England Deaf Internationals Jimmy Dixon and Joel Harris (on his return to the county side) came to the crease and were able to push on the score to over 200, as both completed their half centuries within 2 balls.
As the new batters came to the crease we were unable to capitalise in the start and finished our innings on 219/6 off the allocated 40overs.
After the interval Lancashire took to the field in an attempt to defend their score.
Things didn’t quite go to hand in the early exchanges as Waqass weaved his magic but unfortunately we couldn’t capitalise on the chances.
Meskell at the other end was able to generate some pace and control and it wasn’t long before the wickets started to tumble.
Aaron O’Neill used his opportunity with the ball to great effect and picked up several wickets, one of which should the video return to action would definitely make an appearance on A Question of Sports - What happens next round.
Ben Hawkins showed why he received the player of the year award at last seasons presentation picking up 3 wickets in his spell. During the Bootle innings they used the game to allow both their 3rd XI and Sunday XI players the chance to bat and so a little confusion came to the Lancashire skippers on why we had taken more than 10 wickets but were still fielding.
With 18 needed in the last over the game could have gone either way, however the squad held their nerves and saw home victory by 14 runs.
Huge Thankyou to Firwood Bootle CC for hosting our squad and hopefully we will see an annual fixture appear at the start of the calendar each year.
Big Thankyou also to Garry Henderson for his capturing of the game and quality photography.
