Leigh CC defeated in Lancashire Cricket Foundation’s Knock Out Cup Final
Leigh Cricket Club were defeated in the Lancashire Cricket Foundation's Men's Knock Out Cup Final, losing to Northern Cricket Club, the reigning champions.
The two clubs, both representing the Liverpool Competition, reached the final - which took place at Southport & Birkdale Sports Club - after a tournament involving 32 of the leading recreational sides from nine leagues across the North West.
After an initial rain delay which reduced the game to 40 overs each way, Northern batted first, putting on 182 runs with an impressive performance from opening batter Liam Grey, who scored 85 not out and went on to be awarded player of the match. It took the winning side 30 overs to bowl Leigh out for 65 runs.
Northern CC have played in three of the last four LCF Men’s Knock Out Cups and have emerged victorious each time.
Other teams that took part in the tournament represented the Northern League, Lancashire League, Palace Shield, North West Cricket League, Greater Manchester Cricket League, Greater Manchester Amateur Cricket League, Liverpool Competition, Westmorland League and Southport & District Amateur League.
Jen Barden, Managing Director for Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said: “The Knock Out Cup is an important part of the LCF calendar, bringing together some of the strongest teams from leagues across the region and giving them the opportunity to compete against clubs they wouldn’t ordinarily face.
"The standard we’ve seen just how much quality there is in community cricket in the North West.
“Making it all the way to the final is a significant achievement for both Northern and Leigh, and they delivered a brilliant contest to bring this year’s tournament to a close.”