12/07/2026
On another scorching Saturday afternoon, Blackboys returned to the Fortress to host second-placed Laughton CC in a highly anticipated encounter. With batting conditions looking favourable, Blackboys skipper won the toss and, somewhat surprisingly, elected to field first. A change to the opening attack saw G.Funnell partner C.Morton and the pair ripped through the Laughton’s top order. The visitors were left in despair at 8/4 off 8 overs with G.Funnell claiming three wickets in as many overs and C.Morton removing Laughton’s danger man. From there, the Laughton captain dug deep, combining with the number six batter in a determined counterattack. As the partnership gathered momentum and runs began to flow, C.Morton was reintroduced into the attack and immediately made the breakthrough, dismissing the number six for a well-made 86. With the backbone of the innings broken, it became the S.Nugent show. The spinner produced a superb spell, claiming 5/29 as he expertly cleaned up the lower order to bowl Laughton out for a modest 170.
Blackboys’ reply began with an early setback as the skipper departed cheaply, before the dependable L.Poulton was left completely bamboozled by his dismissal. At 2 down, Laughton sensed an opportunity. That hope was short-lived once N.Rogers produced a breathtaking unbeaten century, punishing anything loose and finding the boundary with remarkable consistency. At the other end, D.Griffiths played the supporting role, rotating the strike intelligently while dispatching any scoring opportunities that came his way. The pair took complete control of the chase, guiding Blackboys to the victory. Fittingly, N.Rogers reached his century by launching a straight drive for six over long-on, sealing both his hundred and a comprehensive victory for the home side.
