Holders East Lancs crash in Worsley Cup

12:40pm Monday 19th May 2008

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DEFENDING Worsley Cup champions East Lancs yesterday fell at the first hurdle in their attempts to defend the trophy.

It was one of several stories on a high-quality day of cup cricket, with several high-scoring games and superb individual performances, including an unbeaten 182 by Todmorden pro Gulam Bodi in his side's two wicket win at Rawtenstall.

But East Lancs' attempts to defend their crown came unstuck in a seven-wicket defeat at Enfield.

The holders were reduced to 13-3 after a poor start.

Phil Bolton (37) got East Lancs back on track, and a ninth wicket stand of 60 between Steve Whalley (33) and Paul Moss (28 not out) took them to 167-9.

Keith Barker was the pick of the bowlers for Enfield, taking 5-18 from 10 overs.

Enfield's top order did the rest, with an opening stand of 76 between Mas Ahmed (41) and Craig Ferguson (44) providing the foundations.

Bodi was in truly fantastic form for Todmorden, hitting Rawtenstall over the park in a dramatic tie.

But he was not the only centurion during the game, as Chris Cook-Martin hit a career best 132 with 18 fours and five sixes, in Rawtenstall's 283 all out.

At one stage, Todmorden looked to be in danger at 196-7, but Bodi was not to be undone, firing 20 boundaries and 11 sixes in an incredible effort.

They were not the only centurions on the day, as Colne professional Blake Snijman smashed a superb 103 against Lowerhouse.

However, it was not enough, as Lowerhouse triumped by 59 runs in another high-scoring affair.

Batting first, Will Driver's first half century for the club helped his side on their way to a daunting 277-4 from their alloted overs.

Club captain Jon Finch top-scored with 69, while pro Brendan Drew (48), Chris Bleazard (37 not out) and Hassan Khan (33 not out) weighed in with vital knocks.

In reply, Snijman was in terrific form, cracking 103 from 90 balls, including 16 boundaries.

But he was dismissed to an excellent diving catch at point by Khan, and his exit ultimately swung the game in Lowerhouse's favour.

Two century partnerships provided the foundations to Bacup's 38-run victory over Church at Lanehead.

Peter Killelea was the star turn for Bacup, notching up 78 from 67 balls, including nine fours and a six. He was given valuable support by Nick Cronshaw (49) and Paul Gallagher (48).

Church looked to be going well in reply, with opener Alec Holt (55) and pro Niel Bredenkamp (59) posting 73 for the second wicket.

But their contributions were not enough in the end, as Church were eventually skittled out for 212.

Burnley progressed to the last eight with a 70-run win over Nelson.

Pro Jeeve Kulatunga fired 78 in Burnley's 222-9, before Nelson were shot out for 152.

A season's best 63 from David Bell proved a match-winning knock as Ramsbottom beat Rishton by six wickets.