Fylde coast cricket preview: Blackpool aim to bounce back as St Annes seek to establish home rule

Blackpool CC will be looking to bounce back in the Northern Premier League this weekend after suffering just their second defeat of the season.
Blackpool batsman Josh Boyne in action during their defeat to Chorley last time outBlackpool batsman Josh Boyne in action during their defeat to Chorley last time out
Blackpool batsman Josh Boyne in action during their defeat to Chorley last time out

Despite their shock seven-wicket loss to Chorley last Saturday, Blackpool remain well-placed in second place in Division One.

The blow was softened by news that league leaders Netherfield were held to a draw by Penrith, leaving Blackpool 13 points behind with eight games of the season remaining.

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Blackpool now travel to fifth-placed Garstang this Saturday as they look to get back to winning ways.

Tomorrow’s hosts have had an impressive opening season in the league, having come into the competition after winning the Moore and Smalley Palace Shield Premier Division last year.

The two sides met earlier in the season with Blackpool recording a winning draw at Stanley Park after having Garstang nine wickets down at the end of their reply.

Club chairman Dave Cresswell, speaking to The Gazette, says he is happy with how the season is going.

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“From a playing point of view the first team have done as well as can be expected,” he said.

“Unfortunately the last couple of results haven’t quite gone to plan, but during the season there have been some very good performances by individuals. I just think we might lack that bit of consistency.

“We will be looking to bounce back after last week’s disappointing result.

“Garstang have had a very good start to the season but I would be disappointed if we don’t do well against them.”

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Cresswell will be gearing up for a busy month for Blackpool, with women’s team Lancashire Thunder taking on rivals Yorkshire Diamonds at Stanley Park.

That will be followed by a three-day game between Lancashire’s second XI and their Leicestershire counterparts.

“That will be a great week of cricket,” Cresswell added. “So there is a lot to look forward to at the cricket club.

“The nice weather helps the club and Stanley Park is a great venue for people to have something to drink and a bite to eat with the backdrop of a nice game of cricket.”

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Blackpool are also in action on Sunday, as they travel to face Netherfield in the Northern League’s knockout cup competition with a spot in the quarter final on the line.

Elsewhere in the Northern Premier League, third-placed St Annes host Leyland and are looking to build upon last week’s 38-run win against Fleetwood.

Amar Ullah top scored with 55 as St Annes built an impressive 193 from their 50 overs.

Fleetwood, who have now lost their last three, were 155 all out in reply, with Ullah also starring with the ball, taking four wickets.

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Blackpool’s conquerors last time out, fourth-placed Chorley, are next up for Fleetwood who are two places below.

Lytham have a good chance to atone for their defeat against Rainhill in the ECB top flight.

They are at home to bottom side Highfield, looking for a third win in their last six outings.

Fixtures

Northern Premier Cricket League first division: Chorley v Fleetwood, Fulwood and Broughton v Barrow, Garstang v Blackpool, Penrith v Morecambe, Preston v Netherfield, St Annes v Leyland.

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Liverpool Competition ECB premier league: Lytham v Highfield.

Moore and Smalley Palace Shield premier league: Lancaster v Kendal, New Longton v South Shore, Penwortham v Longridge, Thornton Cleveleys v Great Eccleston, Torrisholme v Croston, Vernon Carus v Eccleston.

Division 1A: BAC/EE Preston v Kirkham and Wesham, Grimsargh v Freckleton, Hoghton v Fylde, Rufford v Norcross, Tarleton v Standish, Withnell Fold v Mawdesley.

Sunday

NPL Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery Trophy round one: Netherfield v Blackpool.