The 1st team headed to Oswaldtwistle with high spirits, aiming to extend their impressive run of form and solidify their position at the summit of the NWCL Championship. With promotion ambitions burning bright, the side knew another strong performance was essential to maintain their momentum.
Skipper Bilal Ahmed won the toss and, assessing the conditions shrewdly, elected to field - a decision that would soon prove inspired. The Britcliffe duo, Ian and Jordan, took the new ball and immediately applied pressure, restricting the hosts' scoring. The opposition batsmen struggled to break free, making steady but slow progress before Ian struck twice and Jordan claimed a scalp of his own, reducing Oswaldtwistle to 47/3.
Two more wickets fell as the hosts limped to 86, but the real destruction was yet to come.
Enter Heshan Dhanushka, who delivered a spell of sheer devastation. In just 3.4 overs, including a maiden, he conceded a mere 2 runs while ripping through the middle and lower order with a five-wicket haul (5/2) His unplayable lines and relentless accuracy left Oswaldtwistle in tatters, collapsing from 86/5 to 93 all out - a stunning display that earned the side crucial bowling bonus points!
In reply, the chase began shakily as Abrar Hussain fell without scoring, followed by Jordan Kelly (10) and Waqar Rafique (2), leaving the team in a precarious position at 16/3. With nerves jangling, the ever-reliable duo of Heshan Dhanushka and Mack Spencer stepped up to steady the ship.
Dhanushka, fresh from his heroics with the ball, showcased his all-round brilliance with a commanding 39 (including four sixes), while Spencer provided vital support with a gritty 22. Their 59-run partnership turned the tide decisively, taking the score to 75 before Dhanushka departed, having once again proven his match-winning ability.
Though Mack fell shortly after (78/5), the calm heads of Bilal Ahmed and Luke Spencer ensured there would be no late drama, guiding the team to a comfortable victory with minimal fuss.
The win, secured with clinical efficiency, delivered another full 12-point haul, keeping the team firmly at the top of the table. With contributions from both seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, the side continues to demonstrate the depth and resilience required for a sustained title challenge.