Clarke glad to see players cure derby hangover against Barnoldswick!

Having lost their Twenty20 derby fixture against Read on Friday night, Padiham skipper Callum Clarke praised the response of his squad as they battered Barnoldswick.
Padiham skipper Callum ClarkePadiham skipper Callum Clarke
Padiham skipper Callum Clarke

Padiham fell 49 runs short of their opponent’s 134-7 tally at Whalley Road in Group Two of the limited overs competition, just weeks after trailing their fiercest rivals by 25 runs at the same venue in the Ribblesdale Cricket League.

“We didn’t turn up on Friday,” said Clarke. “It just didn’t go to plan. It was a really poor performance. We bowled and fielded well, restricted them to 134, but we didn’t bat well at all.

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“We lost wickets continuously and failed to form any partnerships. It was just one of those days.”

But the formation of partnerships wasn’t a problem when focus switched to the league as paid man Ben Heap and Brannon Varley provided the perfect remedy for their hangover.

Former Lowerhouse amateur Heap hit an unbeaten 66 while his partner in crime added 69 not out to secure an eight-wicket win on home soil. “We responded well,” Clarke beamed.

“It was a display similar to those in the last few week’s at home. We’ve won three on the trot at the Arbories now and we’re building momentum.

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“They showed a lot of pride in their performance. It was brilliant. Brannon batted superbly and the pro was excellent. They’ve seen us home in the end.”

Padiham’s professional had contributed with four wickets in downing Barlick’s batting order initially and he was ably assisted by teenage debutant Curtis Meehan who claimed three victims.

“Curtis is a tricky leg-spinner and took 3-15 from eight overs,” Clarke said. “We took some crucial wickets and bowled well.

“We dragged it back because they’d climbed to 90-odd for two after about 10 overs. Their opener Matt Nutter got 75. But we restricted the rest of their batting line-up.”

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Elsewhere, Read climbed to third in the hierarchy following a 24-run victory over Great Harwood at the Cliffe.

Defending 134-5, with Michael Whalley (44 not out) and professional Keegan Petersen adding 24, Kyle O’Connor’s side bowled out their hosts for 109 with Andrew Rushton claiming 5-19.

Read are now just six points adrift of league leaders Settle and two points shy of defending champions Clitheroe.

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