Return of Lancashire to Blackpool Cricket Club raises the spirits says chairman

That’s the view of Blackpool chairman David Cresswell after Stanley Park was selected to stage Lancashire Lightning’s Royal London Cup fixture against Worcestershire on August 8.

It’s the fifth time in the seven seasons of the 50-over competition that Lancashire have opted to take a home fixture to Blackpool and Cresswell is delighted at the county’s commitment.

He told The Gazette: “It’s very positive news. It’s still conditional on the ground drainage and other works being completed but we have until August and we’re confident.

“It’s some light at the end of the tunnel for everyone associated with the club at a very challenging time.

“Looking at all the positive comments on social media, it is giving people something to look forward to and that is just what we need.”

Lancashire’s County Championship and Vitality Blast fixtures for 2021 have also been announced, and the Blackpool game is as yet the only senior men’s home fixture to be played anywhere other than at Emirates Old Trafford.

The Royal London Cup opener against Sussex may also go to an outground but this is yet to be confirmed.

Cresswell added: “It is fantastic that it has been sorted out so quickly, and with it being on a Sunday in August, it all adds up to a fantastic day .... if the weather is kind.

“Coming to us first does show that the county appreciates what we offer from a crowd point of view, and it supports our belief that Blackpool is a better option than any other outground for Lancashire.”

Before then, Blackpool CC hope for a more normal Northern Premier League season, though whether that begins as planned with a home fixture against Fulwood and Broughton on April 17 is anyone’s guess.

“Everything is completely up in the air at the minute,” Cresswell added.

“We anticipate the government’s announcement on the road forward next Monday but we don’t expect too much detail then. It’s more likely the plans will be drip-fed over a number of weeks.”

Last season the pandemic delayed the Fylde coast cricket season until July, when the NPL and Palace Shield joined forces to stage a two-month tournament which saw Blackpool victorious.

It was a testament to the cricket community’s determination to provide some organised competitive action, though all clubs will surely share Cresswell’s desire for a more conventional league campaign in 2021.

He added: “We got some cricket played last year. It wasn’t perfect and some players did not agree to play, but the majority did play and enjoyed it, and the fact we won the competition is an added bonus.”

They enjoyed it despite the various restrictions and protocols introduced to ensure matches could take place safely, and Cresswell hopes this year will offer a more complete cricket experience for players and supporters alike.

“We see little point in playing cricket with the clubhouse closed,” he said. “We can’t afford to do that and we want to create an atmosphere for the spectators, our members and, of course, for the players.”

Lancashire were scheduled to face Worcestershire in the Royal London Cup at Stanley Park last summer but the tournament was scrapped as a result of the pandemic.

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