Longridge notch 10th win after Zac heroics
A brilliant unbeaten century by Zac Christie set Longridge up for their 10th win of the summer at South Shore on Saturday.
The current Moore and Smalley Palace Shield Premier Division leaders were far too strong for the men from Mad Nook, winning by a huge 161 runs.
Opener Christie, who struck 106, was given excellent support Neil Holden (36), Daniel Wilkinson Junior (44) and James Whitehead (59 not out) as the visitors closed on a colossal 266-3.
In reply, Matt Greenall took 5-39 as South Shore were bowled out for 105 inside 23 overs. Hassan Pazeer top scored with 39.
Second-placed Lancaster remain firmly on the coat-tails of Longridge after crushing Thornton Cleveleys by 207 runs.
After winning the toss at Illawalla, Brendan Hetherington’s men piled on the runs with Charlie Swarbrick smashing two sixes and 12 fours in a brilliant 56-ball knock of 80.
Hetherington himself hit a superb half-century while Elliot Mason finished unbeaten on 40. In reply, the home side were shot out for a paltry 86 off 21 overs – with Swarbrick showcasing his all-round ability, taking 6-32.
Croston remain in the promotion picture after they enjoyed an eight-wicket win at home to Eccleston. The visitors had first use of the track and posted a competitive 157 all out, with Tom Langshaw (51 not out) the mainstay. Sam Marsh and Callum McIlveen both took three wickets.
Marsh then struck an unbeaten run-a-ball 62 to guide Croston to victory inside 37 overs. Adam Sexton hit 40 and Ian Dickinson was 33 not out.
Vernon Carus are up to fifth in the table but only after being made to work hard by bottom side Torrisholme at Boundary Meadow.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the visitors were in all sorts of trouble after being reduced to 54-6 thanks to an inspired spell of bowling from Callum Steel (6-36)
However, a timely unbeaten half-century from Paul Chapman Junior helped Vernons close on 179-9.
Torrisholme were reduced to 14-4 in their reply, but Joel Stewart’s 38 combined with a couple of decent partnerships gave them hope although they were eventually all out for 160.
Kendal enjoyed a fine 63-run win over Great Eccleston at Hall Lane. Ryan Shepherd top-scored with 42 as the visitors closed on 214-9.
In reply, Great Ecc were all out for 151 with Saeed Bariwala taking 6-25.
In the final match of the weekend, New Longton enjoyed an emphatic 74-run win over Penwortham.
Robbie Sumner (50) and Thomas Wilson (5-31) impressed in a losing cause.