Match Report

Played on a warm sunny evening the St Annes skipper Luke Wilks lost the toss and was asked to bat first. After the early loss of Andrew Walkden (1), Wilks (31no) and Jack Todd (25) dominated the Freckleton bowling, with Todd successfully finding the boundary on four occasions including a powerful pull over midwicket for six.

Taking a few chances with their running between the wickets the pair complimented each other well with Wilks playing some delicate glances and cut shots and Todd looking to play more powerful drives and pulls. After Todd departed (run out) St Annes lost a couple of cheap wickets to balls that kept low before Ben Willis (13no) arrived at the crease to bring some useful stability to the middle order. Wilks and Willis batted well together until Wilks retired. After this, Willis showed good application in his batting.

With some support from the later order batsmen, including a magnificent six from Stuart Walters, St Annes completed the 20 over allocation on 97 for the loss of seven wickets.

Knowing that they must bowl and field as well as they had batted, St Annes opening bowlers Willis (2-1-1-1) and Walters (3-0-10-1) both removed Freckleton opening batsmen in their first overs. The excellent accuracy of the bowling was continued with Todd (3-0-8-2) and Sam Little (3-1-7-2) replacing the opening duo, and displaying fine swing bowling which perplexed the batsmen. Little was unlucky not to claim a hat-trick.

With other notable contributions from Matt Grindley (2.4-0-6-2) and Jack Bickerdike (2-0-3-1) Freckleton could only reach 73 all out with St Annes winning by 24 runs. A fine all round team performance.

The Manager would add that the attitude and behaviour of all involved was exemplary. A special mention of praise for Luke Wilks batted responsibly, kept wicket with skill and courage (not frightened to take a few blows) and all the while captaining the side well.