The Ribblesdale Wanderers 2nd team hosted Foulridge at Church Meadow in a high-stakes clash, with both sides pushing for the Conference 2 title and promotion. After winning the toss, Ribblesdale elected to field first, and despite a brief rain delay reducing the match to 44 overs per side, the home side was determined to restrict Foulridge’s strong batting lineup.
The ever-reliable Graeme Kershaw struck early, leaving Foulridge at 8-1, before adding a second wicket with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort (24-2). Foulridge attempted to rebuild, but Kershaw struck again—this time thanks to a smart catch behind by Stephen Tandy - before claiming his fourth victim, reducing the visitors to 44-4. With Travis Blezard applying pressure at the other end, Foulridge’s batters struggled to break free. The mounting frustration led to wickets—Blezard struck with a brilliant catch from Stewart Trotter, before George Kerr, replacing Kershaw, tore through the middle order. Kerr claimed two quick wickets - one bowled, the other pouched by Blezard - leaving Foulridge reeling at 85-8. Blezard struck again (89-9), before Kerr wrapped up the innings, cleaning up the last batter to bowl Foulridge out for 105 in 34.1 overs.
Despite the modest target, Ribblesdale knew the pitch was tricky. Openers Kristian Collinge and Stephen Tandy began cautiously, but Collinge was bowled early (8-1). Andrew Hutchins joined Tandy, but scoring proved difficult against disciplined bowling. Hutchins fell LBW (46-2), bringing Trotter to the crease. The pair steadied the chase, taking Ribblesdale to 73-2, before a controversial LBW decision removed Trotter.
Suddenly, the game turned chaotic: Matthew Brett was run out without facing a ball, Charlie Windsor was bowled first delivery (73-5), and skipper Travis Blezard entered under pressure. Worse followed when Tandy, after a gritty 34, was bowled (74-6). Luke Spencer (1) and Graeme Kershaw tried to rebuild, but Spencer fell caught (78-7)Kershaw survived a dropped chance, but Blezard was then run out (86-8), leaving Jack Fielding and Kershaw to inch toward victory.
With just one run needed off four balls, Fielding went for glory - only to be bowled, leaving George Kerr to face the final three deliveries. After blocking two balls, Kerr unleashed a magnificent straight drive over the bowler’s head to seal a heart-stopping one-wicket win! The victory keeps Ribblesdale top of the table, preserving their unbeaten season.
The next match? A huge top-of-the-table clash against second-placed Burnley Belvedere - a win there could give the Wanderers a commanding lead in the title race!