Littleborough Under 9s win by one run against Milnrow Under 9s

Photo: Alpha Photography

Milnrow CC Under 9s V Littleborough Under 9s

Littleborough Under 9s beat Milnrow Under 9s by one run in this local derby with both teams made up of several young year one and two players who have taken up cricket for the first time this season.

Littleborough won the toss and elected to bat.

Both teams made steady starts with some good bowling from the Milnrow team and some good all round batting from Littleborough.

The first break through came in the third over when Milnrow took a couple of wickets to peg back Littleborough's score by four runs per wicket, this was quickly followed up by two more wickets, leaving Littleborough in a tough position and struggling to find runs, but the the fourth batting pair steadied the ship and played some great shots to increase the score.

However, with a good score now looking possible Milnrow again responded and took another three wickets to reduce Littleborough's final score by 12 runs to end on 217 for 7 wickets.

Milnrow then came out to bat, and got off to a flying start in the first four overs, before a great piece of fielding from Littleborough brought a run out, this lifted the Littleborough fielders and two more quick wickets followed.

Milnrow where now on the back foot but still ahead of the target and looking strong favourites.

Littleborough’s bowlers continued to bowl well and their hard work paid off taking two more wickets in the penultimate over leaving Milnrow behind for the first time in the match with a target of seven runs to win from the last over.

A quick single on the first ball was followed by four dot balls, meaning that the game came down to the final ball of the innings with Milnrow needing six to win and five to tie, the batter played a lovely a pull shot that sailed towards the boundary, both sides and spectators held their breaths before the ball fell a few inches short of the rope for a one bounce four, Littleborough were victorious by one run.

The game was played in a great spirit and both sides left the field with heads held high smiling. It was great to see two young teams enjoying the sport of cricket and the future of both clubs certainly look bright.