Not all lost in first friendly

Report taken from the Lancaster Guardian

Lancaster made a stuttering start to their pre-season campaign losing to Palace Shield side Garstang by three wickets.

Ian Walling’s side made the most of the moist conditions at the Riverside Sports Ground rolling out the Northern Premier League side for just 83.​

There were positives for the visitors with Kieran Moffat and Charlie Swarbrick spending valuable time at the crease to take the Lune Road men past 50.

Moffat’s breezy innings came to an end as one drive too many saw him caught behind.

Swarbrick departed soon after - his relatively controlled stay at the crease cut short by a top-edge.

The winter rust became more apparent in the middle-order with Michael Walling the chief beneficiary of Lancaster’s loose strokeplay.

Sam Moorby, Danny Welbourne and Alex Metcalfe all fell cheaply as the visitors remained flummoxed by the slow April surface.

The lower order fared little better as the innings folded in double-quick time.
With just 83 to defend Callum East and Liam Moffat saved some of the visitors’ blushes reducing Garstang to 8-4.

East, who has spent the winter netting at Old Trafford, was particularly impressive extracting plenty of lateral movement to finish with the remarkable figures of 2-1 from 6 overs.

Ian Walling’s scything blade steadied the innings as his opposite number Ben Simm looked to give all his bowlers a run out.

Taking advantage of some wayward bowling late on, Garstang took the bragging rights easing home with more than 10 overs to spare.

Lancaster will complete their pre-season roster at Ribblesdale League outfit Great Harwood on Sunday April 13.

Starting XI: Simm (c) Moffat K Moffat L East Chambers Sparks Heywood Metcalfe Welbourne Swarbrick Moorby