Blackpool miss out on title (From Blackpool Citizen)

Blackpool miss out on title

1:12pm Thursday 18th September 2008 in Blackpool CC

Blackpool missed out on claiming the 3D Sports Northern Premier League title after just failing to force victory at home to Chorley Batting first in a match reduced to 35 overs per-side they made 127 for 7 with Luis Reece hitting 54. A victory would have taken Blackpool level on points with Netherfield but would have earned them the title having won more games.

But Chorley held out for a tense draw, closing on 100 for 8 despite Richard Gleeson and professional Sajeewa Weerakoon each taking four wickets for Blackpool. It meant Netherfield were crowned champions after a four wicket victory at Morecambe.

St Annes moved up to fifth after a tense three-wicket win at Carnforth after bowling the home side out for 79, Pakistani leg-spinner Mansoor Ahmed claiming 5 for 18 in his final game as pro.

Fleetwood ended a disappinting season with a home defeat to Darwen as they collapsed from 84 without loss to 122 all out, despite a fine 50 from Adam Parker in response to a total of 169-6 in a 45-over contest.

St Annes 2nd XI clinched the Division Two title, despite starting the day seven points behind Chorley, after a comfortable 15-points victory over bottom placed Carnforth. Captain Andy Kellett hit 71 in his side's 191-3 in 39 overs, with Neil Bradley remaining unbeaten on 50. Carnforth were dismissed for 64 in reply. Kellett, who will replace Whalley as first XI captain next season, was the leading run- maker in Division Two with 724 at an average of 40.22.