Gavin Browne

1 week ago | blackpoolgazette.co.uk | Gavin Browne

Ben Howarth has acknowledged the challenge ahead as Blackpool CC prepare for a match featuring two of the Northern Premier Cricket League’s in-form sides in 2025. Saturday sees Howarth’s players travel to Garstang in division one after a promising start to the season for both teams. Blackpool had won eight of their opening nine matches before last Sunday’s ECB National Club Championship loss at Roe Green, followed by Monday’s abandoned 40 Over Cup tie with Mawdesley.

1 week ago | blackpoolgazette.co.uk | Gavin Browne

Steven Croft believes Lancashire possess an ‘unbelievable squad’ after being named as the men’s interim head coach. The Blackpool-born all-rounder stepped into the role yesterday following the departure of Dale Benkenstein. He left Emirates Old Trafford with the club second-bottom in division two of the Rothesay County Championship. Croft is set to oversee his first match in acting charge tonight with Lancashire Lightning playing Worcestershire Rapids in the Vitality Blast (6.30pm).

1 week ago | lancasterguardian.co.uk | Gavin Browne

Morecambe have confirmed their opponents for half-a-dozen pre-season matches ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Derek Adams’ players are due back in training on June 23 as the Shrimps prepare for life back in the National League after 18 years away. Their pre-season programme kicks off on July 8 at Longridge Town (7.30pm), facing a team which finished 18th in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division this season.

1 week ago | blackpoolgazette.co.uk | Gavin Browne

Steven Croft has been appointed as Lancashire’s interim men’s head coach following the departure of Dale Benkenstein from the club. Benkenstein has left his position by mutual consent with the Red Rose second-bottom in division two of the Rothesay County Championship. Blackpool-born Croft will lead Lancashire’s first team into their Vitality Blast campaign, which starts against Worcestershire Rapids at Emirates Old Trafford on Thursday.

1 week ago | blackpoolgazette.co.uk | Gavin Browne

Blackpool and Fleetwood have booked their places in the NPCL 40 Over Cup knockout stages after a rain-affected final round of group matches. Bank Holiday Monday’s wet weather meant seven of the 10 scheduled fixtures were abandoned, with Blackpool, Fleetwood and Great Eccleston among the early finishers. Blackpool managed 40 overs against Mawdesley at Stanley Park, where Fyffe Dennis (72) and Aneeq Hassan (97 not out) put on 119 for the second wicket in the visitors’ 207-3.