A big day at the Brooks as the First Eleven hosted Middleton on Sunday. After losing the toss, House were asked to bowl and Middleton came out flying – 60 for 0 after 10 overs, were House showing signs of T20 fatigue? In all honesty, there was some great batting from their opening pair. Play was then halted after Tom Walker took a nasty one to the eye socket at point and had to leave the field.
Enter sub fielder Eliza Cottam – part of the Lancashire Women setup – who joined Dad Charlie and brother Henri on the pitch. A brilliant moment for the family and the club.
Joey Hawke then ripped through the top order with 3 wickets in an over, turning it to 63 for 3. Middleton rallied, but with their pro unable to take them further, they were bowled out for 154. Joey finished with 4 for 30 off 10, and Tom Walker returned heroically to claim 4 for 37 from 10.
In reply, Ben Heap and Jonny Whitehead looked settled again, but Jonny was run out early backing up. Ben went on to post a superb 106 off 75 balls — his 5th Lancashire League ton — and was well supported by Henri Cottam’s 28 not out. House got home 3 down with 24.5 overs to spare and now sit 40 points clear at the top.
The Second Eleven also marched on with another 12-point haul and are now 32 points clear at the summit. Batting first after losing the toss, House posted 201 for 6 with Declan Stansfield (47), Shaukat Ali (44*) and Declan Metcalfe (38) contributing well.
Middleton were dismissed for 92, thanks to a stunning 5 for 21 off 9 from Charlie Bithell.
#UTH 💛💙
