By Noel Bullock
New Farnley Cricket Club booked their place in the quarter-finals of the ECB National Club Championship after producing another outstanding all-round display to defeat reigning National Club Champions Ormskirk by 79 runs.
Played in blazing sunshine before an excellent crowd at The Barry Jackson Ground, the round four tie was a superb advertisement for club cricket.
Two of the country’s premier clubs went head-to-head in a fiercely competitive contest, but it was New Farnley who once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the leading sides in England.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, New Farnley built their innings around a magnificent unbeaten 88 from Ed Brown. Displaying tremendous composure, elegant stroke play and excellent game management, Brown expertly anchored the innings throughout, ensuring the scoreboard continued to tick over while punishing anything loose. His innings provided the perfect platform for the home side’s imposing total and once again highlighted his quality on the big occasion.
Brown received excellent support from Ryan McKendry, whose explosive 77 from just 62 balls featured six fours and four towering sixes, changing the momentum of the innings during the middle overs.
Captain Aidan Langley (22), Steven Bullen (33) and Alex Lilley (39) all made valuable contributions before Fletcher Coutts provided the perfect finish with an unbeaten 41 from just 17 deliveries, smashing five fours and two sixes as New Farnley closed on an outstanding 313-5 from their 40 overs.
Ormskirk knew they required something special in reply and, despite a determined 102 from Marlon Welcome-Goodman, New Farnley’s bowlers never allowed the visitors to build sustained momentum.
Coutts completed a superb all-round performance by claiming 3-28, while Abhay Negi (2-28) again impressed with the new ball. Reuben Majithia (3-26) and Gurman Randhawa (2-51) all chipped in with important wickets as Ormskirk were eventually dismissed for 234 in 36 overs, sealing a comprehensive 79-run victory and another memorable National Cup success for New Farnley.
While the cricket on the field was of the highest standard, the spirit shown off it was equally impressive.
Ormskirk’s players and supporters travelled together by coach and, following the match, remained at the ground to enjoy a drink with members of New Farnley Cricket Club. It was a fantastic gesture and reflected everything that is good about club cricket, with both clubs sharing stories and refreshments after a hard-fought contest.
One moment that perfectly summed up the day’s camaraderie came when New Farnley Life Member Simon Jowett discovered Ormskirk scorer Kev Wilson was struggling after the battery in his hearing aid failed. Without hesitation, Simon nipped home to collect a spare battery, ensuring Kev could continue scoring the match. It was a thoughtful act of kindness that was greatly appreciated and demonstrated the welcoming reputation New Farnley Cricket Club is renowned for.
Behind the scenes, another army of volunteers ensured the day ran seamlessly. The bar staff worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon, serving supporters enjoying the sunshine, while Treasurer Rachel Dalby, assisted superbly by Sue Baldwin, did a tremendous job keeping everyone fed with an excellent BBQ that proved hugely popular from the first burger to the last.
With another statement victory secured, New Farnley now progress to the ECB National Club Championship Quarter-Finals with a home advantage once again against Woodlands on Sunday, 2 August 2026, their hopes of national glory still very much alive.
Cup success for New Farnley second 11
New Farnley Cricket Club’s 2nd XI booked their place in the Priestley Shield Final with an outstanding all-round performance, brushing aside Woodlands by 111 runs at Albert Terrace.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, New Farnley recovered from an early wobble thanks to a superb innings from Mark Lawson, whose composed 68 not out proved to be the cornerstone of the innings racking up a 101 partnership with Taylor Robinson 36 not out. Displaying patience when required before accelerating in the closing stages, Lawson guided the visitors to a competitive 202-7 from their 40 overs.
Earlier, Alex Holt made an important contribution with 20, while Jonny Phillips (19), Edward Denton (14) and Max Chaplin (13) all chipped in to ensure the scoreboard kept moving. Despite regular wickets falling at the other end, Lawson remained calm throughout, expertly marshalling the lower order to give New Farnley a total that always looked challenging.
The bowlers then produced a relentless display to blow Woodlands away for just 91 in 23.4 overs. The opening spell from Kai Watson set the tone, returning exceptional figures of 3-7 from 5 overs which helped to achieve 50 wickets for the season, while Chaplin was equally impressive with 3-18 from six overs. Their accuracy and movement left Woodlands struggling from the outset.
There was no way back for the hosts as wickets continued to tumble, with Sam Barraclough (3-27) providing excellent support and Chris Blakeney (1-1) also getting in on the act. Only Kez Ahmed (23), Jack Pearson (20) and Jack Bleazard (19) offered any resistance as New Farnley completed a dominant victory.
The result secures New Farnley’s place in the 2026 Priestley Shield Final where they will face Farsley on Sunday, 2 August 2026 at Undercliffe Cricket Club, with play scheduled to begin at 12pm.
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