Fylde coast cricket preview: Plenty of positives at St Annes ahead of Bank Holiday double-header
Harry Birkman is feeling optimistic for the year ahead after St Annes CC’s opening month of the season.
Birkman had taken charge of a revamped squad at Vernon Road following last year’s promotion to the Northern Premier Cricket League top flight.
While they might have only won one of the first six league and cup matches in 2026, Birkman’s players have been well in contention in most of them.
“I’m really pleased with how it’s gone to be honest,” Birkman told the Gazette.
“It’s not perfect if you look at the overall results but when we met Longridge (in the 40 Over Cup), we dropped six catches and probably could have won that game.
“Playing Kendal, last year’s champions, in the first league game was never an easy start but we bowled and fielded really well.”
After last weekend’s league match at Longridge was abandoned, the hope is that the two Bank Holiday matches bring better weather.
Both are at Vernon Road, where Netherfield visit in the NPCL on Saturday with only 10 points separating early leaders Kendal from second-bottom Chorley after three games.
Lytham then make the trip when the 40 Over Cup recommences on Monday, a derby day which sees both teams looking for a first cup win of the year.
Birkman added: “Netherfield are another team you look at and think they’re going to be up there, but there’s no reason why we can’t win if we play well.
“Lytham is a game that we’re really looking forward to because we don’t get the chance to play them that often.
“I think it’s the first time in quite a long time and both teams will want to get one over their local rivals.”
SATURDAY
Northern Premier Cricket League Division One (12.30pm): Settle v Blackpool, St Annes v Netherfield.
Northern Premier Cricket League Division Two (12.30pm): Barrow v Thornton Cleveleys, Fleetwood v Lytham, Great Eccleston v Whalley.
Palace Shield Championship (1pm): Fylde v Eccleston.
Palace Shield Division One (1pm): Blackpool 2 v Shireshead & Forton, Kirkham and Wesham v Fleetwood 2.
MONDAY
Northern Premier Cricket League 40 Over Cup (12.30pm): Blackpool v Preston, Great Eccleston v Thornton Cleveleys, Morecambe v Fleetwood, St Annes v Lytham.