In a dramatic, rain-affected showdown at Chew Moor, Ribblesdale Wanderers 2nd Team knew a win would secure the North West Cricket League Conference 2, Wanderers were inserted into bat on a treacherously wet deck after Lostock won the toss.
The conditions proved immediately hostile as the visitors' innings imploded from the outset. Mack Burgess (2) fell in the very first over, guiding a catch to gully, setting a ominous tone. The collapse accelerated rapidly as Andrew Hutchins departed for a duck and Stephen Tandy followed soon after, leaving the innings in tatters at 10-3. The procession continued as Stewart Trotter was dismissed by a grubber, and when the promising Kristian Collinge was caught for 6, the scoreboard read a desperate 40-5.
The heart of the Wanderers' batting had been ripped out, and the championship dream was hanging by a thread. A brief resistance from Graeme Kershaw alongside Josh Dean offered a flicker of hope, but his dismissal for 5, followed quickly by the in-form Charlie Windsor for 2, plunged Ribblesdale into deeper trouble at 56-7. A rain delay offered a temporary respite, reducing the match to 42 overs per side, but it did little to stem the tide as skipper Travis Blezard fell shortly after the restart. At 63-8, the innings and the title rested on the shoulders of Josh Dean and Jack Fielding.
Displaying immense character, the pair launched a stunning counter-attack. They batted with freedom and purpose, striking a series of boundaries in what became the partnership of the innings, adding a crucial 39 runs and dragging Wanderers towards a semblance of respectability. Fielding's aggressive cameo ended on 14, and last man George Kerr joined Dean. Dean, having shepherded the tail with immense discipline, began to open up, but the innings was finally closed when Kerr was caught.
Wanderers were all out for 116 in the 33rd over. Amid the wreckage, one figure stood tall - Josh Dean, whose immensely gritty, unbeaten 33 from 88 balls was a masterclass in determination on a difficult pitch. It was an innings that ultimately made victory possible.
Fired up and defending a meagre total, Ribblesdale's bowling attack knew they had to be perfect. The new-ball pair of Graeme Kershaw and skipper Travis Blezard were relentlessly accurate, building pressure from the first ball. The breakthrough came via a moment of fielding brilliance from George Kerr, whose sharp work in the ring effected a run out. Despite the early wicket, Lostock began to chip away at the target, finding gaps and riding their luck. Just as frustration began to set in, the game exploded into life.
Kershaw, the metronome, triggered a spectacular collapse, aided by superb catches from Stephen Tandy behind the stumps and a stunning grab by Travis Blezard at gully. From 42-2, Lostock lost three wickets for two run. George Kerr pulled off a remarkable caught and bowled to remove the set opener, and Kershaw struck again, with Stewart Trotter snaffling a sharp chance at first slip. At 44-5, the momentum had violently swung. Lostock attempted to rebuild, but Blezard, reintroduced into the attack, broke another partnership with a wicket caught by Josh Dean.
Charlie Windsor then produced a blistering delivery to shatter the stumps, and a phenomenal direct hit from Andrew Hutchins at point ran out another, leaving Lostock reeling at 69-8. The end was now in sight. Blezard claimed another, with Tandy taking a fine catch: 77-9. With just one wicket needed, the tension was palpable. Lostock swung bravely, but fittingly, it was the tireless bowling duo who combined for the final act. In the 40th over, Blezard forced a skier, and Graeme Kershaw settled underneath it to take the catch and seal the championship.
Pandemonium ensued! The Wanderers' fielders converged in a euphoric pile, celebrating a victory forged not from easy dominance, but from sheer, unyielding grit. This was a true team performance, built on a foundation of brilliant bowling - Kershaw 12 overs 4 maidens 16 runs for 3 wickets and Blezard 11.1 overs 2 maidens 20 runs for 3 wickets were magnificent and electric fielding.
To be bowled out for 116 and then dismiss a capable side for 84 is the mark of true champions. This team, outstanding on and off the field all season, has earned its place in the club's history with a performance of heart, character, and resilience that will be remembered for years to come.
UP THE WANDERERS! NWCL CONFERENCE 2 CHAMPIONS!
