Woodbank CC hosted an extraordinary semi final last Thursday between Bury and St Helens under 11 district representative teams which resulted in a narrow nail biting and pulsating victory for the home side off the very last ball.
Having chosen to bat on a great surface, Bury posted 229-9 with JJ Fielding continuing his prolific form with 58 and an important innings steadying knock from Tom Partington of 52. The innings looked to be rocking with the departure of Evan Williams , 28, Owen Jackson and Dom Wood in quick succession but the lower order batters added 83 vital runs between them, all delivering double figures to ensure a competitive total was reached.
The St Helens reply was steady and measured with an outstanding knock from Ben Walkden who finished unbeaten on 112, however Bury squeezed the scoring rate with all bowlers delivering the goods when asked, and the match entered the last 10 overs with every result possible. At this point the Bury fielding became almost demonically possessed with some incredible last ditch saves as the competition reached fever pitch. Finally Callum Hunter delivered the last over, complete with penultimate nerve jangling no ball which left 4 needed off the final ball - which thankfully went for just one run leaving Bury to celebrate a second successive Rose Bowl final where once again they will face Wigan.
Massive well done to both teams for delivering an even fought contest in superb conditions , an excellent advertisement for junior cricket and an excellent game to watch on any level.
Huge thanks to everyone at Woodbank CC for staging an excellent day with the usual high quality hospitality and atmosphere - especially to Tony for keeping me moderately sane at the death !
The final will take place on Monday 1st September at Newton - le Willows, more details nearer the time !

John Stevens