Lancashire U17s reach County Cup Final
Lancashire U17s progressed to the final of the ECB County Cup with an impressive 69 run win over Staffordshire at Porthill Park CC.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, the Red Rose lost an early wicket as opener Thomas Anderton was dismissed for a second ball duck to leave them 1/1.
A superb third wicket partnership of 76 between Captain Sam Dorsey (46) and Kurtis Watson (40) took the score beyond three figures, before Lancashire lost two quick wickets.
But that brought Jack Morley to crease who hit an unbeaten 53 from just 54 balls, despite lower order wickets falling around him, to ensure that Lancashire finished their 50 overs with a strong looking total of 234/9.
Lancashire made the perfect start with the ball as Jack Hill removed Staffordshire's Jack Redman without scoring and with the score on just seven.
Redman's fellow opener Archie O'Hara (68) would dig in, however Staffordshire continued to lose regular wickets around him.
Praharsh Parikh (3/29) and Morley (2/29) turned the screw on the middle order as Lancashire reduced their opponents to 141/7 to move towards victory, especially when Parikh removed the well set O’Hara, who was caught by Dorsey with 87 still required for victory.
The final two wickets were taken by Robert Lord (3/20) as Lancashire sealed a 69 run victory inside 40 overs.
The Red Rose will now face Essex in the final which will be played at Kibworth CC on Sunday 8 July.