Lowerhouse won the toss and chose to bat first on a sweltering afternoon at Liverpool Road. The wicket looked full of runs early on, but as the innings unfolded it became clear there was more in it for the bowlers than first thought. The ball was gripping and turning for the spinners, while those bowling seam up found uneven bounce.
Despite a strong start, House slipped to 114 for 7 and the atmosphere around the ground grew tense. But, as he has done so often this season, Francois Haasbroek steadied the ship. His sublime 87 under pressure was a match-defining knock, mixing watchful defence with bursts of controlled aggression. He was well supported by Paddy Martin, who played with composure for 39, and the ever-reliable Henri Cottam, who added a valuable 31. Together they dragged Lowerhouse to 265 for 9 from their allotted 50 overs – a total that was not only respectable but, given the conditions, well above par.
With runs on the board and a dangerous bowling attack at their disposal, the mood among the large home crowd was one of growing belief. The bowlers wasted no time in asserting dominance. Paddy Martin led the way with figures of 4 for 61 from 10, Dan Salpietro chipped in with a devastating 3 for 14 in just 3 overs, and Tom Walker claimed 2 for 33 in 6. The pace and intensity never relented.
Rochdale simply had no answer. In just 19 overs they were skittled for 114, with the final wicket falling to a moment of sheer brilliance. Thomas Walker produced a world-class piece of fielding to execute a run out that not only ended the game but also sealed the Lancashire Premier League title.
As the stumps were broken and the final wicket confirmed, the celebrations began. Flares were lit, the clubhouse erupted, and players and supporters alike embraced the moment. Lowerhouse, established in 1862, were crowned champions of the Lancashire Premier League in 2025.
It was a victory that confirmed what had been building all season. Following in the footsteps of title-winning sides in 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2014, this team carved out their own place in history. And fittingly, it was sealed in front of a jubilant home crowd who had dared to dream and were rewarded with a day they will never forget.
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#UTH 💛💙
