Cork County got their 2010 pre-season preparations off to a positive start with two highly competitive fixtures against Baxenden CC, who ply their trade in the Lancashire league. Saturday’s 40 over match saw the Lancashire side put County into bat and the rustiness in the County top order showed with the loss of the top three batsmen for just 10 runs. However the ever dependable Matt Reed ably supported by Oliver Creedon steadied the ship guided the home side to a respectable score with a quick fire 30 from new West Indian recruit Andrew Saul. Cork County finished their innings on 117 for 5 after the allotted 40 overs. Baxenden’s reply got off to a stuttering start with the loss of two early wickets due to an excellent spell of bowling from County opener Parvez Ali. Baxenden skipper Rishton (38) guided the Lancashire side to a five wicket victory with good support from Sudworth (39 not out). On his debut Andrew Saul finished with impressive figures of 1-19 off 5.2.
Sunday’s match was a 20Twenty affair with the Lancashire side deciding to bat first in the warm mid afternoon conditions. The Baxenden innings struggled to get going with a great opening spell of bowling from Bruce Koch and Parvez Ali restricting the English side’s top order. Baxenden’s middle order batsman Craushaw made an impressive 49 before being bowled by Koch to guide the touring side to a reasonable total of 119. In reply Cork County lost Andrew Saul in the second over however opener Des O’Leary (46 not out) and young starlet Chris Banon (31) provided a steady base to the home side’s innings. After Banon’s dismissal Bruce Koch (27 not out) took up the reins and guided County to a well deserved eight wicket victory.
Saturday April 10th at the Mardyke:
Cork County 117-5 lost to Baxenden 120-5 by 5 wickets.
Sunday April 11th at the Mardyke:
Cork County 121-2 beat Baxenden 119 all out by 8 wickets
Scorecards are available on the Fixtures and Results page.
