da bet7： The first attempt to play the final of the Thwaites LCB Cup was at OldTrafford on Sunday 19th September
Neil Girvin25-Nov-1999The first attempt to play the final of the Thwaites LCB Cup was at OldTrafford on Sunday 19th September. Despite heavy rain in Southport,Blackpool, Liverpool and Bolton, a start was made on time. Sefton Parkbatted first and scored 132 for 9 in their 45 overs. Ormskirk’s reply wasdelayed by the rain that had arrived, and eventually, after one over (1 for0) the game had to be abandoned.The second attempt was at Ormskirk C.C. on the following Saturday,when once again the forecast was for heavy showers – some prolonged. Ormskirkagain won the toss and invited Sefton to bat on a wicket that had damppatches. Sefton approached their task in a much more positive manner andattacked everything that was over pitched. Richie Bann and David Heyes hadscored 54 before Bann was lbw and Sefton were nicely placed until disasterstruck at 87, Heyes being run out after a mix-up for 43. Worse was to followas Jude Mahadanaarachchi was brilliantly caught by Jon Armstrong off Baileyfrom the next ball. Howie Baird (36) and Paul Horton (24) then set out toscore as many as possible in the remaining overs. A final total of 164 for 5was felt to be competitive in the conditions.Ormskirk started uncertainly, losing Ken Burns and Armstrong quickly, and when Craig Wiseman departed with the score on 37 for 3 (a third victim forHowie Parker), much depended on captain David Snellgrove. He and DavidWhittaker consolidated the position and then realised quick runs wereessential as the dark clouds came ever nearer. The match became a race toincrease Ormskirk’s scoring rate to the required level before the rain came.After the 22nd over, Ormskirk were still behind, but Sefton’s delayingtactics backfired on them when the Umpire’s saw out the full over, andOrmskirk were in front by the narrowest margin. The rain continued as theovers ticked away and eventually Ormskirk were winners as no further playwas possible.The presentation was made in a very crowded clubhouse, by KevinGlover, marketing Executive of Daniel Thwaites Ltd., and John Brewer, Chairman of the Lancashire Cricket Board. David Snellgrove was adjudged Man of the Matchfor his 9 overs for 24 runs and 42 not out.