Littleborough snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat

Littleborough CC v Clifton CC

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Littleborough snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat in a dramatic final over against Clifton.

With Clifton needing just one run from the final ball, to take what at one stage looked like certain victory, their last wicket fell instead to leave the match drawn, both sides scoring 163 all out.

Littleborough batted first and at 80 for just 1 wicket were looking at setting Clifton a difficult target, however, the balance changed as the Clifton bowlers got into gear and took a further 3 top order wickets very cheaply leaving Littleborough on the back foot with four wickets down and just over three figures on the score board.

Littleborough put on a further 50 for the loss of two wickets – 152 for 6 – before the lower order collapsed for just a further 11 runs.

Clifton came to the crease optimistic but were soon grounded losing their first wicket for a meagre 12 runs, but they steadied themselves and ground out a fine 83 in the first half of their allotted overs before they lost another wicket on 92 followed by a third on 94.

Runs were slowly but steadily added, with a regular loss of wickets, leaving the match finely balanced but still looking as though Clifton would just edge it. But the final over was an over too far and Littleborough pinned them down and took a well earned draw.

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Apology: We sent our photographer to the Milnrow versus Middleton match at Ladybarn but Milnrow treasurer Allen Brett made him unwelcome at the gate citing a non cricket related [political] grudge against Rochdale Online as his reason. We apologise to Milnrow and Middleton players and supporters but given Mr Brett’s hostility our photographer left and drove the short journey to Littleborough where he was made most welcome.