Date: Sunday, 13 April 2025
Venue: Tynefield Park, Penrith
Competition: ECB National Club Championship
Result: Penrith CC won by 41 runs

Littleton’s Century Anchors Penrith’s Strong Total

After electing to bat first, Penrith made full use of excellent batting conditions. Opener Ben Littleton delivered a commanding performance, crafting a superb 126 from 118 balls. His innings was full of fluent strokeplay, including 18 boundaries and a six, and anchored the Penrith innings.

Captain Nicky Burns provided perfect support at the other end, compiling an elegant 72 off 69 deliveries, with 10 fours and two sixes. The pair added 153 for the second wicket, setting a strong platform.

The fireworks continued late in the innings as Alister Craig blasted an unbeaten 56 from just 32 balls, peppering the boundary with 9 fours and 2 sixes to help Penrith reach an imposing 294 for 4 in their 40 overs.

Cherry Tree’s Chase Falters Under Pressure

Chasing nearly 300, Cherry Tree CC started brightly, with Mini Bhada top-scoring with a fluent 63 off 55 balls. He received support from Ziyad Bhada (36), Charlie Elwood (28), and Mark Hadfield (26), but Penrith’s bowlers consistently struck at key moments to halt the momentum.

Dylan Simpson led the attack with 3 for 44, while Alexander Cox proved just as effective, claiming 3 for 42. James Farmer chipped in with 2 for 49, and there were wickets for both Donovan Zealand and Samuel Hall as Cherry Tree were bowled out for 253 in 38.2 overs.

Confident Start to National Campaign

The 41-run win sees Penrith safely through to the next round of the ECB National Club Championship, a prestigious competition involving top clubs from across the country. With their batting firing and the bowling unit already showing good rhythm, Penrith will take plenty of confidence into the upcoming rounds.