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Mawdesley is Chorley 2nd XI hero
A man-of-the-match performance by skipper Ian Mawdesley saw Chorley's second team through to a magnificent victory in the Readers Division Two Cup final on Sunday.
The biggest crowd at the club's Windsor Park ground for many a year saw long serving Mawdesley lead his side home amid emotional scenes to crown Chorley's centenary year in fairytale style.
Batting first, the visitors got off to a cracking start but some fine home bowling in the later stages of their innings saw them dismissed for 196 in the final over, and a superb unbeaten 85 by the skipper helped his side home with six wickets to spare.
And as he accepted both the man of the match award and the Readers Cup, the ecstatic Chorley skipper paid tribute to both his own side and St Annes.
"There was a fantastic crowd and it was just like the old days," he said.
"St Annes started so well that at the drinks break, I thought we were looking at chasing 260, but we pegged them back and the run chase went well. I'm delighted for the lads and also credit to St Annes who were sporting opponents."
The victory capped a wonderful first season as second team skipper for Mawdesley, who like father John has given the club many years' sterling service, and also crowned Chorley's centenary year.
It had not been all plain sailing, St Annes opener Adam Taylor and Aiden Cotton cruising past the 100 mark in quick time on their way to a second wicket stand of 120 as the Vernon Road men threatened a big total.
But Mawdesley's four wicket haul and fine spells by Matt Parry and young leg spinner Matthew Critchley hauled Chorley back into the game.
However, St Annes' final total of 196 looked formidable when the home side lost the in form Stuart Naden and Rowan Mitcham quickly.
In stepped Mawdesley and supported first by Jack Bentham then the seasoned David Catterall, he led his side home and fittingly hit the winning runs to spark great celebrations among the huge crowd.
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
