I have to say that, for me, last Sunday is the day that will remain in my mind long after the rest of 2002 has been consigned to history writes Peter Stafford
I have fond memories of the days when Bob Goslin, Alan Lansdale, Ian Edwards, and more recently, Rod Estwick and Simon Anderton picked up the LCB Thwaites Trophy, but to watch two teams from the Warburton's Bolton League in opposition at Old Trafford was something rather special.
After it was all over, I couldn't begin to imagine how Mike Bennison must have felt after having hit an unbeaten century on a Test ground against his club's traditional rivals, the only one in the final of this competition so far as anyone can remember, to have been hailed as Man-of-the-Match, and, eventually to have captained his side to victory in such a prestigious game.
I tried also to imagine how Kearsley captain Simon Thomson must have felt, having just had all his hopes dashed, but that, too, was beyond my comprehension. What I do know is that both Mike and Simon, their two sides, and all the host of supporters from both clubs brought nothing but credit to the League.
So far as the actual cricket was concerned, Matt Parkinson, on any other occasion, might well have been Man-of-the-Match, Bernard Reidy bowled superbly on a ground where he probably felt more at home than he does at Walkden's Oval, and, for Kearsley, Mel Whittle, Fazal, Darron Foy and Simon Thomson himself all played cricket that was good, but, on the day, not good enough.
Incidentally, that wasn't the first time that Bennison has batted through a Lancashire KO innings and finished up with an undefeated century. In 1995 he hit 110 not out for Farnworth in Round Three of the competition ... against Kearsley!
On Sunday I wanted Kearsley to win because, I suppose, I'm a Kearsleyite, and because it's where I feel at home. I wanted Walkden to win for the sake of John and Dave Smith and Tony Keays, the only three survivors of the 1995 side that lost to Kendal in the final. So I was going to be happy whatever the outcome.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article