Cricket: Rochdale win Tom Hardman Cup

Heywood Cricket Club, The Crimble

Rochdale won the Tom Hardman Cup on an exciting day of T20 cricket at Crimble.

The visitors posted a challenging total of 128-4 in the final against Heywood, with 42 from A Musafa, 34 by Harris Hussain and professional Ed Moore chipping in with 25. Andy Dawson claimed 3-20.

Heywood made a gallant effort to chase down the victory target but fell short on 121-5. Andy Dawson completed a fine all-round performance with 39, professional Faisal Iqbal hit 29 and Mikey Grogan added an unbeaten 19.

Norden made 125 in the first semi-final against Rochdale, who were on 40-0 when the game was sadly curtailed owing to illness to one of the Norden players. He was taken to hospital and Norden conceded the game.

Heywood comfortably saw off Middleton in their semi-final. The visitors made 99-9, Chris Williams making 49 and Cav Hilton claiming 3-11.

The home side replied with 101-3, Andy Dawson hitting 36, Simon Dawson 15 and Jack Morley an unbeaten 16.

The day commemorated Tom Hardman and raised funds for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

Tom, a former pupil at Holy Family RC and CE College, was a gifted batsman and bowler who played for the Lancashire second team, as well as Middleton Cricket Club, prior to his sudden death aged just 21 in November 2012. 

Since its formation in 1995, CRY has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD.

CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY funds fast track referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals.