A VALUABLE last wicket stand of 16 featuring Colne teenager Andrew Whitaker wasn't quite enough to rescue Lancashire from their first defeat after resounding victories over Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Shropshire in the Northern Group of the Inaugural Disability County League competition, against Wales at Flowery Field, Hyde.

However, that won't stop them having home advantage in the play-off semi-final against either Warwickshire or Essex - with Wales and Shropshire battling for the other semi-final spot next Sunday.

The competition, for players with physical or learning difficulties, culminates in the final at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Wednesday, September 8 and, despite this defeat, the Red Rose county are probably still favourites to take the ECB Trophy.

Rain, and the prospect of further showers, led to Sunday's fixture being reduced to 25 overs a side - a factor which worked strongly in the visitors' favour as Lancashire lost crucial early wickets trying to force the pace against balls which weren't coming on to the bat. Skipper Paul Blackburn, with over 200 runs in three matches was the first to go. Dave Lyons went next without scoring and he was followed by Jeff Gore. That left Lancs on 27-3 and in need of a good partnership.

The experienced Alan Foster and young all-rounder Steve Grimshaw looked to be steadying the ship until Foster, trying to hit over the top, was caught at cover for 13. When Grimshaw was out for 22, Lancs were 82-9 but Whitaker, back after injury, looked confident and combined some delicate cuts with three fierce pulls to score 14 before falling to a well delivered slower ball.

Lancashire's total of 98 might have been enough but for Welsh opener Paul Bennett and 21 extras. No other Wales batsman reached double figures, but Bennett batted excellently - aided by too many balls down the left-hander's leg side - to finish with 59 not out as Wales reached 99-5 with two and a half overs to spare.

Anyone interested in playing should contact the Lancashire team manager Peter Edmondson on 01772 262806 or Rudra Singh, the Lancashire Cricket Board Development Officer on 0966 395353.

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