Skipper is relishing 'Battle of Burnley'

The 'Battle of Burnley' will be an even greater spectacle with the Worsley Cup on the line, says Turf Moor skipper Dan Pickup.
Dan PickupDan Pickup
Dan Pickup

The two rivals will make history when they meet at the Brooks Foundation Ground on August 5th to contest the 93rd edition of the competition’s pièce de résistance.

Burnley and Lowerhouse have gone head-to-head in the derby on countless occasions over previous decades but, rather remarkably, they’ve never shared a cup final.

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“The Worsley Cup final is as big as it gets in Lancashire League cricket,” said Pickup. “It’s going to be a fantastic event and it will be brilliant for the town.

“It doesn’t get any bigger really. The derbies are always big days regardless of what’s at stake. It just makes it even more special with the Worsley Cup being on the line.

“It’s crazy that it’s never happened before and this will be the 93rd final. It’s hard to believe, particularly when there’s only been 14 teams in it for so long.”

The West Enders claimed the bragging rights in the Lancashire League this season, winning by eight wickets at Liverpool Road.

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However, on paper, Burnley would have the edge in this particular tie as the history-makers have owned the silverware for four of the last five years.

“We’ve given ourselves the chance to enact our revenge in the final now,” Pickup said. “That’s how it is set up.

“We’ve got a pretty good record in the Worsley Cup and we’ll go in to that game with confidence. We feel that we can beat anybody in that format.

“The rivalry has been there for a long time. Over the last few years it’s been even more intense because both clubs have been strong and competing for trophies. It’s a really strong rivalry but there’s nothing malicious. There’s a lot of respect there too.

“It’s really good for cricket in Burnley. It will be an absolute privilege to be involved in it.”

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