In a traditional finals day at Stanley Park, Blackpool came out on top to win the NPCL Twenty20 for the first time since the competitions inception in 2004.
In the first Semi Final, Garstang defeated Netherfield in the last over, chasing down 153 with 5 balls to spare.
Netherfield batters all got starts with Barrow (26) Beeden (28) and Huck (55) and would have been confident having posted 153/5 off their 20.
Garstang Professional Imran Butt (48) and Tom Higson (41) put on 86 for the first wicket but both fell leaving Garstang on 98-2. It was left to Captain Danny Gilbert to navigate the fall of wickets as the chase concluded to take his team to the final.
In the second semi final, Chorley, having been asked to bat took full advantage of the Power Play with W Moulton blasting 59 fom 32. The introduction of Aaran Lewin stemed the Chorley attack (4-0-27-3) along with Matt Grindley (4-0-24-3) saw Chorley's push stutter to post 142.
In reply Chaudhary (43) and Henshall (38) attacked the new ball taking Blackpool to 85-2. Boyne and Needham ticked over before Sharma and Birkman saw the hosts over the line. Sam Steeple was the pick of the bowlers (3-1-10-1)
The Final saw Garstang bat first, and the top order were unable to attack Matt Grindley (4--0-24-3) as they fell to 46-4 with Higson, Butt and two Wallings back in the sheds. Ian Walling (23), Danny Gilbert (10) and Matt Crowther (16*) provided some late order resistance as Garstand posted 122.
When Henshall departed for 0 in the second over, Garstang felt the door was open, only for Chaudhary (37 off 23) and Man of the Match Josh Boyne (68 off 41) to slam it shut. Andrew Needham (13) joined Boyne at the crease before Boyne switched gears ending up with 7 fours and 4 sixes and a Strike Rate of 165 from 41 balls.
Blackpool passed the total in just 14 overs.
Many thanks to the Umpires and Blackpool for hosting.
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