Nawaz heroics in vain as Leyland lose out in cup

The Pakistani ace hit 167 off just 102 balls – a knock which included 18 boundaries and a staggering nine sixes – as he flayed St Annes bowlers to all parts of the ground.

It appeared the paid man together with Kurtis Watson who had given Nawaz some excellent support with a fine 60 had put the hosts into a winning position as they closed on a sizeable 293-4.

However, the visitors were equal to the task as superb knocks from Tom Higson (60), Yohan De Silva (87) and Lukman Vahaluwala (79) saw them reach their target with more than an over to spare and with five wickets in hand.

Leyland had slightly better luck the day before as they had the better of their Northern League encounter against Lancaster at Lune Road.

James Rounding’s men picked up 12 points, but were denied the outright win by one wicket.

The visitors batted first and posted 216-8 off their 50 overs. That total was largely down to a half-century from Nawaz, while Karl Cross (42) and Andrew Jacques (36) contributed well. Ben Simm was the pick of the attack, taking 4-55.

Irfan Khan hit 40 in reply and skipper Jamie Heywood hit 38, but 4-54 from Nathan McDonnell and 3-26 from Nawaz ensured Leyland had the better of proceedings.

After last weekend’s joyous T20 Cup success, Chorley were brought back down to Earth on Saturday at home to Fulwood & Broughton, losing by 97 runs.

Professional Roshen Silva top scored with 29 as the home side were skittled for 106 all out. Opposite pro Sonal Dinusha (3-32) and Dom Jackson (3-17) were the destroyers-in-chief with the ball.

Earlier, things had looked promising for the hosts as Will Moulton produced a fine spell, returning figures of 5-32.

However, Dinusha proved to be the difference as he hit a fine century, including 10 boundaries and two sixes, to help F&B post a competitive score of 193.

He was supported by some late order resistence from Charlie Rossiter (29) and Jackson (23).