Cricket: Rochdale cruise to victory against Littleborough in Tom Hardman Cup Final

Rochdale CC v Littleborough CC - Tom Hardman Cup Final

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Rochdale cruised to victory in the Tom Hardman Cup (the Central Lancashire Cricket League’s Twenty/20 final) against Littleborough yesterday (Sunday 21 July).

Littleborough were first to bat and despite their best efforts laboured against tight Rochdale bowling and superb fielding.

Even their professional player, Clinton Perren, struggled to have any impact and was out for 12 after being caught and bowled by Butterworth.

Schofield with a fine 50 helped his side to a modest 157 for 3 in their 20 overs.

Rochdale set about overhauling the Littleborough total with purpose and Micklethwaite racked up 30 before losing his wicket.

A man-of-the-match innings from Scott Butterworth, with 35 in just 14 balls, kept Rochdale's run rate well beyond what was needed.

Wes Landsdale hit 56 not out, including seven fours and two sixes to give Rochdale a well deserved win.

Amongst the crowd was the Mayor of Rochdale Peter Rush. He said: “I’ve always had an interest in cricket. I used to play here [Rochdale] in my younger days; it’s a great little club.”

Before presenting the trophy to Rochdale, the Chairman of the Central Lancashire League addressed the crowd: “This has been a brilliant day; I’d like to thank Rochdale for hosting.”

Also in attendance were the parents of local cricketer Tom Hardman, who sadly died last year. It had been decided that the trophy would be named after Tom as he was such a popular cricket player in the borough. Many players wore 'Hardman Legend' T-shirts whilst they were warming up.

The cup was presented to the Rochdale captain, Daniel Cryer, by the parents of Tom Hardman.

Man-of-the-match award was presented to Scott Butterworth by the Mayor of Rochdale, Peter Rush.

The runners-up prize was presented by Dean Redfern of sponsors J W Lees.