LONDON — In a thrilling finale at the Home of Cricket, Ormskirk Cricket Club were crowned the 2023 National Club Champions on Sunday, defeating a valiant Penzance side by 25 runs.
On a sun-drenched afternoon at Lord's, the Lancashire champions held their nerve in a high-pressure encounter, posting a competitive total before their bowling attack, led by a magnificent spell from seamer Josh Bohannon, successfully defended it to claim the prestigious title for the first time in the club's history.
A Grand Stage for Club Cricket's Finest
The National Club Championship final represents the pinnacle of recreational club cricket in England and Wales, bringing together the champion clubs from the country's premier leagues for a straight knockout competition that culminates in the showpiece event at Lord's.
For Ormskirk, champions of the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition, and Penzance, winners of the Cornwall Cricket League, the day was the culmination of a long and hard-fought journey, requiring victory in numerous regional rounds to earn the right to walk onto the hallowed turf.
Ormskirk Set a Challenging Total
Winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Ormskirk openers John Armstrong and Tyler McGladdery provided a solid, if cautious, start against the disciplined Penzance bowling attack. The Cornish bowlers, led by veteran seamer Greg Smith, kept a tight line and length, making scoring difficult in the initial powerplay.
The breakthrough came in the 15th over when McGladdery (32) was caught behind off the bowling of left-arm spinner Christian Purchase. The key moment of the innings, however, was the dismissal of the dangerous Armstrong for a well-made 47, which triggered a mini-collapse.
From a promising position of 120-2, Ormskirk stumbled to 150-5, threatening to squander their strong platform. It was left to the middle-order duo of captain Gary Knight and all-rounder Bohannon to rebuild. Their partnership of 65 runs from just 48 balls proved to be the decisive passage of the match.
Bohannon's aggressive 44 off 31 deliveries provided crucial momentum, while Knight anchored the innings with a captain's knock of 38 not out. Their efforts propelled Ormskirk to a final total of 225-8 from their allotted 40 overs, a challenging score on a Lord's pitch that offered something for both batters and bowlers.
Penzance's Valiant Chase Falls Short
In reply, Penzance's chase began positively, with openers Jack Paull and Christian Purchase looking comfortable. The pair put on 55 for the first wicket before the introduction of spin turned the tide. Off-spinner Alex Rankin made the vital breakthrough, trapping Paull lbw for 28.
The key wicket, however, was that of Purchase. After looking set on a fluent 40, he was brilliantly caught by a diving McGladdery at mid-wicket off the bowling of Bohannon, a moment of fielding quality befitting the final. From that point, Ormskirk's bowlers began to tighten their grip on the game.
Bohannon, in particular, was exceptional. Generating sharp pace and bounce from the Lord's slope, he ripped through the Penzance middle order, taking 4 for 28 in his eight overs. He was well supported by the entire bowling unit, with seamers Nicky Caunce and Tom Hartley maintaining relentless pressure.
Penzance's lower order, led by a spirited 35 from tailender Smith, refused to go down without a fight. They chipped away at the target, keeping the Ormskirk fielders anxious until the very end. The required run rate, however, proved too steep, and the final wicket fell in the 39th over, with Penzance all out for 200.
Captain's Delight and a Club's Pride
Ormskirk captain Gary Knight, holding the trophy aloft on the Lord's balcony, was understandably elated. "It's an unbelievable feeling," he said. "To win at Lord's is the dream for any club cricketer. The lads were outstanding today. We knew 225 was around par, and the bowlers were just magnificent. Josh [Bohannon] was on another level."
He was quick to pay tribute to the opponents, adding, "Full credit to Penzance, they pushed us all the way. It was a fantastic game of cricket and a brilliant advert for the club game. We'll enjoy this one for a long time."
A disappointed but proud Penzance skipper, Greg Smith, reflected on a missed opportunity. "We're gutted, of course, but Ormskirk were the better team on the day," he conceded. "We let them get 20 too many, and losing Christian when we did was a big moment. But to get to Lord's is a huge achievement for our club and for Cornish cricket."
A Legacy Forged at Lord's
The victory marks a historic achievement for Ormskirk CC, cementing their status as one of the top club sides in the country. The journey to win the national title requires not just skill, but immense depth and consistency across a long season.
For the players, many of whom have come through the club's youth system, the day will live long in the memory. The sight of Bohannon, a product of the Ormskirk colts, producing a match-winning performance with both bat and ball on cricket's most famous ground, epitomizes the magic of the club game.
The National Club Championship continues to be a vital showcase for the health and talent within the recreational game. Matches like this final, played in great spirit and with tremendous skill, demonstrate that the heart of English cricket beats strongly in its clubs.
As the shadows lengthened across the Lord's outfield, the Ormskirk players began their celebrations, a moment of pure triumph earned through a season of hard work and capped with a performance of grit and quality where it mattered most.