THE BURNLEY CRICKET CHALLENGE
The Burnley Cricket Challenge got underway as the first qualifying round was staged at Lowerhouse Cricket Club on Friday 15th July. Despite the rain, the four teams who took part were cheered on by a large, enthusiastic crowd of supporter’s family and friends.
The Burnley Cricket Challenge has been developed and organised by a Burnley Bondholder Company, Neville Gee Ltd, to bring Burnley businesses together and offer an opportunity for their employees to meet and socialise with employees from other Burnley businesses in a competitive setting. To underpin the inclusiveness of the ‘Challenge’ all teams taking part have a minimum of three female players and rules are set to allow maximum involvement from all team members. All proceeds from the ‘Challenge’ will be donated to Pendleside Hospice.
On Friday evening the four teams taking part, Aircelle, Unison EC, Ultrafinishing and Futaba Tenneco, were faced with difficult weather conditions but they displayed typical Burnley resolve and valiantly persevered to produce two highly competitive games of cricket.
The opening game saw Unison set a competitive total of 74 for 3 from their 10 overs. Futaba’s reply stumbled initially as they lost two quick wickets for a total for 8 runs. The batting side then stabilised and scored runs quickly to keep in touch with the required run rate. Unfortunately for Futaba, a combination of good bowling and excellent fielding from Unison brought about a middle order collapse. This resulted in Futaba falling short of the required total and finishing their innings all out for 48 runs after losing their last three wickets for 2 runs in the eighth over.
The second tie started in heavy rain as both teams were determined to support the event and delight their supporters, family and friends by playing the game. One team member summed up the mood on the night by stating “we’ve had a great time so far and we want to play, Anyway, we’re from Burnley, when has a bit of rain stopped us from doing anything”.
The first innings of the second tie saw Ultrafinishing post a total of 53 for 3 after consistently tight bowling from the Aircelle bowlers. It has to be said also that Ultrafinishing were batting in conditions that would have seen them sat with their feet up and the covers on, had it been at Lords or the Oval.
Aircelle responded to the challenge by losing their first wicket cheaply but then going on to quickly reach the required total in 5 overs.
After the cricket the teams and their fans had a well deserved supper in the clubhoue, followed by excellent entertainment from local band Steeros.
The Burnley Cricket Challenge organiser, Neville Gee Director, Donnie Doran stated “Despite difficult conditions all four teams demonstrated their commitment to the Challenge by their eagerness to play on the night. As a result they produced a memorable evening on and off the field.
The overall winner has to be the town as it shows the people of Burnley will work together to overcome adverse conditions to support their employers, family and friends in a fun event with a competitive edge.
As a Trustee of Pendleside Hospice I can say we are also delighted that the teams taking part are doing so to support the Hospice and its patients throughout Burnley and Pendle”
Unison and Aircelle now progress to the finals day when they will be joined by the winners of the next qualifying round to be held at Lowerhouse Cricket Club this coming Friday, 22nd of July.
The 2nd set of Quarter Finals were played Friday 22nd July Burnley Football Club were victors against Burnley Borough Council and Warburton’s won through against Calico – Both ties were decided by bowl outs and by 1-0 after rain curtailed the initial match and conditions deteriorated rapidly
