THE difference in cricketing class between the Northern League and the Ribblesdale League was cruelly exposed in the first round Lancashire Cup tie at Broadwater on Sunday (May 24).

Northern League Fleetwood completely overran Ribblesdale League opponents Padiham, who had only lost twice in nine starts, by 106 runs.

Fleetwood won the toss, batted and amassed a mammoth 267-6 from their 45 overs.

Padiham, in reply, could only manage 161-9 and many of those runs came when Fleetwood had taken the pressure off towards the end of the innings.

Fleetwood opener John Wright missed out on the run feast as he was bowled by Rashid for one in the third over.

This served as the perfect cue for professional Sean Nicolson and Michael Clinning to embark on a tremendous 176-run partnership in 31 overs.

Clinning made the early running and was first to his 50 but Nicolson's innings gained momentum the longer he was at the crease.

Clinning was eventually bowled by Duncan Hall for 85, made from 107 balls with nine fours.

Then Nicolson, with particularly strong blows on the leg side, cruised past his century in partnership with John Whalley.

The latter was bowled by McNicholas for 18 at 239 - and with the score at 260 in the 43rd over Nicolson's innings came to an end.

He miscued McNicholas to be caught by Hartley at short extra cover for 139 made from only 122 balls with 13 fours and four sixes.

Skipper Tony Hesketh added a quick 17 before the innings closed at 267-6.

Faced with a mountain to climb Padiham never really reached base camp.

Tripathi, 12, was splendidly caught by a diving Hesketh off Gregson at point and Andrew Hall was run out for four by the time the total had reached 27.

Professional Mark Harvey and Hartley then added 43 before both fell in the space of six runs.

Hartley, 15, was caught behind by Riley off Nicolson who then accounted for Harvey, 40, smartly stumped by the wicketkeeper.

Nicolson struck again with his very next ball when Hesketh once again took the catch to dismiss McNicholas and it was 76-5.

Metcalfe failed to trouble the scorers as Hesketh held his third catch, this time off the bowling of Pat King before skipper Neil Anderson and Rashid made a vain attempt at a fight-back and took the score to 106.

Rashid, 21, was then caught by Clinning, Anderson, 26, followed at 133 bowled by Tony Poxon and only some lusty blows by Pethard on 18 not out and Hall, 16, took the score past the 150 mark.

Tony Hesketh bowled the penultimate over and much to his delight had Hall stumped before the innings drew to a close at 161-9 giving Fleetwood victory by 106 runs.

A delighted Hesketh commented: "It's our first win of the season and it's a very nice feeling."

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