Longridge Cricket Club will play at Emirates Old Trafford in a bid to win the Lancashire Knockout Cup Final

Longridge Cricket Club make history as they are set to play in their first ever Lancashire Knockout Cup Final hosted at Emirates Old Trafford in a bid to win the showpiece event.

The match against reigning champions Ormskirk CC will take place on Sunday September 11 at the Old Trafford ground with play to start at 11am. The local Longridge cricket team will compete against defending winners Ormskirk CC who have championed the finals five times already, having won in 1999, 2014, 2017 and last year in 2021.

James Fairclough, Director of Cricket said: “We realise we are massive underdogs going into the final against a predominantly semi-professional outfit in Ormskirk. They are performing very well week in, week out in the Liverpool Competition, however, on the day it's 11v11 and our boys will be well prepared and ready to raise it up a level.”

Semi-final matches made history for Longridge CC as they played on Sunday August 17 against Leigh CC and secured a victory by 98 runs, leading the Preston based side to book their ticket to the final.

Mr Fairclough said about the semi final: “Arriving to the game having had both opening bowlers pull up injured following the Saturday game at St Anne's, the team were extremely apprehensive and nervous in the lead up. In all honesty, we didn't hold out much hope. However on hearing the news they were also missing key players the team soon kicked into gear.

“The game itself was amazing, the lads battled hard against some high quality bowling and with wickets in hand managed to set a good score. An exceptional bowling and fielding display followed which allowed us to pressurise the Leigh batsmen into mistakes and come away with the comfortable victory.

“The team and fans were over the moon as this will be our first trip to Old Trafford for the Lancashire Knock Out Final. Something which the whole town is exceptionally proud of.”

The other semi-final providing the Longridge team with their opponent as the game secured the win for reigning champions Ormskirk CC as they triumphed by four wickets against Northern CC.

Support and community spirit in the local town has played a huge part in the success of the Longirdge Cricket Team as James explains: “The fans have been amazing, not just on the cup run but for every game we play home or away. We have already filled 3 coaches for the trip to Old Trafford, with more expected to book, as well as many making their own way down. I'd say we'll have 200-250 fans there weather permitting!

“We want to give a special thanks to all our fans and sponsors for their support. We'd also like to invite as many people as possible to support us.”

The club have arranged coaches to depart from the Longridge Cricket Club to Old Trafford at 08:00am Sunday 11 September.

You can contact the club to book your seat and show your support for Longridge Cricket Club.