Liverpool C. C. hosted this game on a perfect cricketing day in early September - sunshine all the way. Moston batted first and started their innings very cautiously - perhaps, with hindsight - too cautiously? The batsmen found it difficult to come to terms with the fast wicket and the Rochdale bowlers all bowled accurately.

Although they had wickets to spare, and accelerated in the second half of their innings through D. Wolstenholme (51 no), the final total of 159 for 7 always looked on the low side. A. Ali (3 for 63) and P. Forden (3 for 16) were the most successful Rochdale bowlers. D. Mulkeen had an unfortunate accident, when trying to prevent a four on the boundary edge, breaking his collar bone and spending most of the day in Liverpool Royal Infirmary.

Rochdale Catholic Club made sure that they were close to the required scoring rate throughout their innings and were guided to success by S. Collins (31) and P. Forden (40 no). S. Whittingham took 3 for 18 in the Rochdale Catholic Club's total of 160 for 7.

The Shield was presented by Dr Tony Crook, Chairman of the LCB Recreational Cricket Committee and Chris Lunn, Marketing Co-ordinator, Thwaites Brewery.

Peter Forden won the Man of the Match award for his 3 for 16 and 40 not out.

© 1999