Apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Cottam junior proved that he was a chip off the old block when making his debut for the club’s third team recently, partnering his dad in an unbeaten stand for the 10th wicket to help the West Enders get over the line.

After Kheiro Chir hit 63 to put ‘House in touching distance against Rochdale it was down to father and son to get the 26 runs needed for victory.

And it was the 13-year-old, encouraged by the club’s most decorated skipper, that hit the majority of those runs needed.

“The icing on the cake was seeing Henri Cottam get the thirds over the line,” said club chairman Stan Heaton. “He’s Charlie’s son and they both batted together at the end to see us through to victory. It was smashing.

“It’s the first time that they’ve played together and I make it the fifth father and son partnership that we’ve had here over the years.

“It was lovely and people watching had lumps in their throats. He’s only young but he batted like a maestro.”

Heaton believes Lowerhouse will be contenders for the Lancashire League title again this term but he knows that they’ll need a good run of results to strengthen their cause.

Ahead of Sunday’s game against Enfield at Dill Hall Lane, he said: “I think we’ll be among the five teams who will be challenging for the title so it’s important that we put a run of results together.

“Enfield were champions of the second tier last season so they’ll be a tough side to beat. We’ll have to be on our mettle.”

Lowerhouse were drawn against Church in the second round of the Worsley Cup with the tie taking place at Blackburn Road on May 26th.

Elsewhere, in the Ribblesdale Cricket League, Read travel to School Lane to take on Brinscall while Padiham, who have won both of their games to date, make the short journey to Church Meadow where Ribblesdale Wanderers are their hosts.