Lancashire League T20 is a big hit says Church captain Wolfenden

Wolfenden’s side were victorious in 2014 and 2016 but suffered defeat in their opening JWL Founders Group game against Colne.

After putting the opposition in, Colne finished on 123-7, only for Church to finish 19 runs short.

They face a trip to Rishton tonight, big winners in their opening group game against Great Harwood, looking to get their first points on the board.

The other game in the group sees Colne host East Lancs.

Wolfenden, who top-scored for his side with 31 in their opening game, says a number of the players who were key to their 2014 and 2016 victories have since moved on.

But he is a big supporter of the competition which he feels is going from strength to strength and brings great enjoyment to the players.

“We won in 2014 and 2016 so have not done too badly and not lost many games over a five-year period,” said Wolfenden, who hit a 56-ball century in the Lancashire League last month.

“We have lost a few of the older guys who played in those, but it’s a good opportunity for some of the younger guys to come in and perform.

“Everyone loves playing a bit of Twenty20. Hopefully there’s a big crowd because it makes you feel like a proper cricketer.

“People enjoy watching it and I think it’s well run, compared to other leagues.

“I remember it starting and people were thinking ‘what is this?’ but it’s grown and grown and I think it’s only going to get better.”

All four groups, that each include six teams, are in action tonight.

The pick of the games in the JWL Bitter Group sees Burnley host local rivals Lowerhouse.

* Fixtures - tonight

JWL Bitter Group: Accrington v Nelson, Burnley v Lowerhouse, Darwen v Enfield

JWL Founders Group: Colne v East Lancashire, Great Harwood v Clitheroe, Rishton v Church

JWL Manchester Craft Group: Crompton v Walsden, Littleborough v Ramsbottom, Norden v Haslingden

JWL MPA Group: Milnrow v Bacup, Rawtenstall v Rochdale, Todmorden v Middleton