Brand and Griffin too hot to handle

HASLINGDEN entertained Darwen in the JW Lees ECB Premier League at the weekend and emerged winners by 89 runs.

- RICHARD PARTINGTON

The visitors won the toss and elected to field, a decision that played right into the home team’s hands.

Matt Griffin and Matt Sudworth gave Hassy a solid start, putting on 41 for the first wicket, Sudworth lbw to J Davies for 20.

In came pro Neil Brand and he went on to build a big innings with Griffin, the opener falling for 60 having reached 167 for the second wicket.

Brand's was the stand-out inning of the day, he raced to 150 off 118 deliveries, slamming 12 boundaries and seven sixes to help Hassy post 275-9 off their 50 overs.

Griffin went on to claim 5-27 off just six overs as Darwen were bowled out for 189, sub pro R Tiwari top-scoring for them with 68 and J Daviues contributing 35.

The victory lifted Hassy up to fifth in the table.

Meanwhile, Ramsbottom's struggles continued with a home defeat against Todmorden.

Rammy won the toss and opted to bat, making 166-8 off their 50 overs, a disappointing total having got off to a decent start with JJ Fielding, 29 and Tom Parton, 69, putting on 58 for the first wicket.

Hamza Ali claimed 4-57 for Todmorden, who reached the required target in the 48th over, Shaun von Berg best with the ball for Rammy as he claimed 4-34.

Rochdale beat Clitheroe by three wickets at Redbrook.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first, Rochdale restricting them to 139 all out inside 46 overs.

Henry Cooper did most of the damage with the ball, claiming 5-25 off 11 overs with three maidens.