Rusty Lancaster scrape over the line

The Lancaster XI were indeed below par against a plucky Milnthorpe side. Milnthorpe indeed started well, seeing off the opening attack of Liam Moffat and Matthew Liver in the strong spring breeze. Ben Simm and Alex Metcalfe turned their arms over, as did Iain Burstow and Scott Sparks, all picking up wickets, however frequent wides and some rather large maximums from the visitors boosted the total to 126 on what was a very average early season track.

It didn't get much better for the home side, after Charlie Swarbrick's pre-season preparations weren't helped by being run out without facing a ball. His other opener suffering a similar fate after a painful 2. Jamie Heywood steadied the ship, and continued his thorough pre-season training with a well compiled 69. Jamie was alone in his efforts however, as Milnthorpe's good outfielding and some dire strokeplay from the middle order left the home side on the verge of embarrassment at 90-7. Iain Burstow and Matthew Liver spared Lancaster's blushes taking them over the line with an over to spare. A Much needed improvement is required for Darwen this Saturday, however, winning is a habit; no matter how they come!

Thanks to Milnthorpe for stepping in at short notice for the fixture and to the two umpires.