Congratulations to our Under 11s who have won the Lancashire Cup, which took place on Sunday 8th September at Highfield Cricket Club in Wigan. On a glorious late summer day, playing in the second semi final, we were drawn against Orrell Red Triangle CC. Unbeaten all season, they where always going to be strong opponents. GCC lost the loss and were invited to bat. Jim and Lewis got us off to a good start taking us to 216. Jake and Louis then took over followed by James and Harrison. In the face of some exceptional bowling and fielding, GCC reached 227 with 4 overs to go. Harley and Will knuckled down to get GCC to 247 despite losing a couple of wickets. Although this was less than we hoped for, it inspired the boys to bowl and field to a higher standard than they have ever done. Harrison was exceptional with 4 for 7 from his 3 overs, and Will and Jim both reliable as ever both started and finished the innings each taking 3 for 11 from 3 overs. Wickets from Jake, James and Louis; and great fielding from everyone including Alexander who was allowed to come on too, restricted Orrell to 189 for 13.
After a short break, we were straight back out to play the final. Our opponents this time where the defending champions, Clitheroe CC, who we had arrived earlier to see them comfortably beat Monton CC in the first semi final. Winning the toss, Clitheroe elected to bat and started well. Bowling as miserly as always, Jim and Will kept the runs down to 7 off the first 4 overs but were unable to dislodge either of the openers. After 7 overs Clitheroe had not lost a wicket, but runs continued to be difficult to come by and Harrison eventually made a breakthrough as the pressure built. Lewis then took over spinning out another two quick wickets. The last pair began well and three boundaries suddenly threatened to take them to a good total. But Jim, bowling the last over had other ideas as he dismissed both batters to bring Clitheroe back to 239 for 5.
Needing a good start, Jim and Lewis didn't let us down, seeing off the opening bowlers and taking 16 off the target despite losing an early wicket. Jake and Alfie then added another 10 for the loss of 1 wicket. With the game evenly balanced, and runs difficult to come by, Harrison smashed three boundaries in a partnership of 18 with James. Will and Harley now needed only 10 to win off 4 overs, but with the opening bowlers back on they knew any wickets would increase the target by 6 runs. Batting with great maturity, the two never looked like getting out and accumulated runs steadily and the game was safe with 3 balls to go. Our final score was 259 for the loss of only 2 wickets and GCC held the Lancashire trophy aloft for the first time. Well done boys!
