CRICKET: Nash dash

HOLIDAYMAKERS searching for thrills and spills will have descended on Blackpool Pleasure Beach in their thousands over the Bank Holiday weekend.

But those looking for the ultimate rollercoaster ride could have saved themselves both time and money by witnessing Todmorden's clash with Enfield at Centre Vale.

These two sides served up a classic full of ups and downs.

And just as one team looked set to seize the initiative, the other came fighting back.

Ultimately, it was Todmorden professional Brendan Nash who proved the difference between the two sides, stroking a brilliant 50 before claiming two crucial wickets at the death.

"It was a very exciting game of cricket," said Nash.

"It was one of those matches which was full of ups and downs as the initiative kept swinging between both teams.

"But we've been pretty unlucky as a team this season so hopefully this result will help turn things around a bit."

Todmorden made a confident start as openers Stewart Priestley and Richard Baigent put on 31 for the first wicket before Baigent (6) was snapped up by David Bracewell.

But that only served to bring Nash to the wicket and the young Aussie showed bags of finesse on his way to a stylish half century.

He dominated a brilliant second wicket stand of 63 with Priestley as the duo set about laying the foundations for a healthy total.

And when Victorian pace-bowler Dave Saker finally broke up the party with a real snorter to remove Priestley (38), Nash kept the momentum going. He struck seven fours and one six in a 64-ball 52 before perishing to a rather dubious looking lbw decision.

But his team-mates ensured his hard work didn't go to waste as Mark Clayton (25), David Parker (18) and David Whitehead (34 not out) all weighed in with useful contributions to edge the home side to 197-8 at the close.

Enfield's reply could have been over before it began as teenager Alec Scholefield bagged two early wickets to leave the visitors reeling on 22-2.

But skipper Andy Barker and professional Dave Saker are made of sterner stuff and mounted an admirable salvage operation.

Last weekend, the duo shared stands of 227 and 104 to set up wins over Heywood and Rawtenstall respectively.

They looked all set for a repeat performance as Saker, in particular, picked up the momentum.

But the Aussie attempted one swashbuckling stroke too many off Parker and was expertly stumped by Whitehead for 32, ending a stand of 60.

Advantage Todmorden.

Barker and Neil Holmes had other ideas, though.

After a nervy start, Holmes started to open his shoulders and struck one glorious four through the covers off Parker. Then Barker got in on the act with a couple of thumping boundaries to bring up his 50.

Holmes survived a run-out from a direct hit and Barker was dropped twice as the match reached boiling point.

But Nash hit back with what appeared to be the hammer blow when he got one to lift and Barker (63) edged it to the wicketkeeper.

When Liam Jackson went cheaply an over later, Enfield were all but dead and buried on 139-5 with less than eight overs left and 49 still wanted.

But Holmes suddenly cut loose, belting two fours and a huge straight six off one John Morgan over, to leave the game in the balance again.

Nash wasn't to be denied, though, as he bowled Bracewell for nought.

And the pendulum swung decisively in Todmorden's favour as Holmes was finally run out for 47 attempting a risky two.

Dave Baker departed in similar fashion in the penultimate over with the visitors still eight short.

And Nash, fittingly, wrapped it up by bowling Sam Reidy with four balls and seven runs to spare.

These two meet again in the Worsley Cup next week - I suggest you book your seats early.

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