Leyland captain David Makinson relishing Penwortham match

Leyland’s Ross Betherton bowls in last weekend’s win over Vernon Carus at Fox Lane

One such meeting takes place tomorrow afternoon with Penwortham hosting Leyland at Middleforth Green.

Penwortham are long established in the Palace Shield, Leyland likewise in the Northern League.

Hence it is a game which Leyland skipper David Makinson is really looking forward to being a part of.

His side top Group C in the opening group stage of the 40-over competition, one now in its fourth week after the long delay to the start of the local cricket season.

Makinson said: “With the leagues being joined it means you are facing some old rivals but also some new ones.

“Our game at Eccleston on the first weekend was abandoned because of the weather, then we played Chorley who we have faced so many times over the years.

“Last week we played Vernon Carus and had a really good crowd in.

“We go to Penwortham next and I don’t think I have played there before. I’ve been there with the juniors down the years when my lad was playing in the Under-13s, 15s and 17s.”

Makinson’s men have won their last two games, beating Chorley by 54 runs a fortnight ago and then running out seven-wicket winners over Vernons.

Nathan McDonnell hit a half-century in that win, with Ross Bretherton and Karl Cross both contributing 38.

For Makinson, being back in action on the square is a big relief after all the uncertainty of the lockdown when no cricket was possible.

“It’s just nice to play again,” said Makinson.

“The format is more like a cup competition, with 40 overs and bowlers being limited to eight overs.

“It means more lads have to have a bowl. In league games if you had a pair bowling well you’d leave them on and they could dominate the game.

“You’ve got to be careful with the safety regulations, when the ball is dusty you’ve got to be careful not to wet and polish the ball – something we’d been doing for years.

“With not being allowed to use the dressing rooms you miss the communal spirit of two lads out in the middle batting and nine of you sat supporting them.

“At home games our regulars used to sit in front of the pavilion but they can’t now, they have to spread out.”

FIXTURES

Group A: Lytham v St Annes, Thornton Cleveleys v Blackpool.

Group B: Kirkham and Wesham v Fulwood and Broughton, Longridge v Great Eccleston, Preston v Garstang.

Group C: Chorley v Euxton, Penwortham v Leyland, Vernon Carus v Eccleston.

Group D: Lancaster v Morecambe, Netherfield v Kendal.