2nds fall short despite fightback

Lancaster 2nds fell just 20 runs short in an entertaining game at Stanley Park.

Alex Metcalfe's 74 was not enough for the visitors as Jamie Thomson tore through the Lancaster line up with 5 for 32.

Earlier Lancaster fought back after a solid opening stand from stalwart Adrian Darlington and Tom Jefferson.

Matthew Liver made the breakthrough after drinks bowling Jefferson before the occasional leg breaks of Sam Reddick forced Darlington into an error leaving Paul Dawson to take a good catch.

Elliot Mason bowled well but without luck and young Ethan Markland impressed in his five over spell.

Dakshina De Silva and Steven Armstrong used all their experience to restrict Blackpool's middle order with two wickets apiece as the hosts closed on 177-6.

Lancaster's reply started badly as Sam Reddick was castled first ball by a nip backer from Thomson.

Danny Welbourne played some eye-catching strokes for his 25 but couldn't go on - spooning Sam Owen to mid-wicket.

Laurie Atkinson consolidated with Metcalfe to take Lancaster past fifty but the off-spin of Jefferson finally did for Atkinson as he miscued to cover off the back foot.

Metcalfe brought up his fifty with a cut - but a tired stroke and a good ball from Thomson saw his departure and the match back in the balance at 129-4.

Reuben Orr - who kept well earlier in the day - tried to accelerate with Paul Dawson but both fell in the pursuit of quick runs.

Elliot Mason offered hope but wickets continued to fall as Armstrong, Liver and Dakshina De Silva all perished to Thomson.

Markland was the last man to go as Lancaster fell short with bat in hand.

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Video of the game - courtesy of Lester Jefferson from BCC - can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgLK6oyE74U6l-7rB4icQoPDTp2wIBQsH