CHURCH reached the semi-finals of the Lancashire League’s 20/20 competition with a 33-run win over ACCRINGTON last Friday.
Church won the toss at Thorneyholme Road and elected to bat, making 182-7 off their 20 overs.
Professional Usman Tariq top scored with 59 off 35 balls, hitting eight fours and one six. The former Pakistan Under-19 player made a third-wicket stand of 40 off six overs with Harvey Aspin (17) then put on 75 off seven hours for the fourth wicket with Church captain Craig Fergusson (35).
Other contributions came from Lloyd Aspin (37) and Phil Gilrane, who hit a quickfire 15 to help push Church towards the 200 mark.
Lloyd Aspin was then the pick of the Church bowlers, finishing with 4-16 off his four overs as the hosts came well short on 149-8.
Accrington pro Ockert Erasmus top scored with 64 off 50 balls, which included five fours and one six.
Opener Graeme Sneddon hit 26 while Ali Hasham (16) and Ramiz Hussain (16 not out) also contributed but six Accy batsmen failed to reach double figures.
Victory saw Church finish top of Group A. ENFIELD and East Lancashire were also in the running to go through but their game was one of four 20/20 matches to be abandoned without play last Friday.
Despite missing out on the last four, Erasmus was in a positive mood after the game.
“It’s been a very good season so far,” said the 26-year-old South African, who spent the last three years with East Lancs. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Accrington this year.
“I still miss everybody at East Lancs but the boys at Accrington have treated me like I have been here for a couple of years. Hopefully we can finish the season on a good run.”
CHURCH are the sole Hyndburn side to reach the last four, where they’ll play Haslingden tonight at Bentgate. Nelson will play host to holders Lowerhouse in the other semi-final.
