12/06/2026
Week 7 Review: Mixed Fortunes in Cup and League Action
It was a busy week for Ribblesdale Wanderers, with all three teams in action across T20, league, and development cricket. While the 1st Team faced a tough T20 cup match and a narrow league defeat, there were encouraging performances from the 2nd Teamโs youngsters and a superb winning display from the 3rd Team.
T20 Birtwistle Cup โ 1st Team Travel to Padiham
Ribblesdaleโs 1st Team made the trip to Padiham for the T20 Birtwistle Cup, but it was a challenging day with the ball. Padiham batted first and posted an imposing 231/3, largely thanks to their professional, who remained unbeaten on 150 not out โ an innings that proved impossible to contain.
In reply, Ribblesdale fought hard but were bowled out for 157. The highlight of the chase was Bilal Ahmed, who played a superb knock of 67, supported by a quick-fire 28 from Charlie Windsor. Despite their efforts, the total proved too steep, and Ribblesdale suffer a big defeat.
NWCL Championship โ 1st Team Host Walkden
Back to league action on Saturday, Ribblesdale welcomed Walkden in the NWCL Championship. Batting first, the hosts were bowled out for 172, with Heshan top-scoring on 65 โ a composed innings that gave the bowlers something to defend.
Walkdenโs chase went down to the wire. They eventually reached their target at 173/8, edging the win with just two wickets to spare. Heshan continued his fine all-round day by claiming 3 wickets, while Ian Britcliffe chipped in with 2. A narrow defeat, but plenty of positives to take forward.
Conference Premier โ 2nd Team Travel to Barrowford
A youthful 2nd Team travelled to Barrowford in the Conference Premier and gained valuable experience against a strong side. Barrowford batted first and were dismissed for 237. Jack Fielding and Charlie Windsor each took 3 wickets, while there was a special mention for young Noah Hamilton, who impressed with 2 wickets.
In response, Ribblesdale struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 105. Another youngster Lenny Worthy top-scored with 24, and Matt Brett added 19. A heavy defeat, but the young attack showed real promise.
NWCL Development Division โ 3rd Team Travel to Farnworth (Sunday)
The 3rd Team rounded off the weekend in fine style, travelling to Farnworth in the NWCL Development Division. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, they produced a disciplined display to bowl Farnworth out for 137 โ a total built largely on early resistance but undone by a stunning spell from Billy Worthy, who recorded a magnificent five-wicket haul for just 18 runs.
Chasing 138 for victory, Ribblesdale got the job done with 5 wickets in hand. Skipper Matt Brett led from the front with a composed 47, while opening batter Ewan Barker provided excellent support with 32. The pairโs partnership laid the platform for a well-deserved and confident win.
