Having a blast!

Cricket:

DELPH’S Arron Lilley and former Bamford Fieldhouse professional Stephen Parry played leading roles as Lancashire Lightning ended their 16–year wait for limited–overs silverware by winning the NatWest T20 Blast at Edgbaston.

Lancashire successfully defended 166 for seven against Northants Steelbacks, clinching a 13-run victory at the ground where Lightning coach Ashley Giles first cut his coaching teeth.

Lancashire reached the final with a six-wicket semi-final defeat of Hampshire. Off-spinner Lilley took two wickets for 11 runs off his four overs as Hampshire were bowled out for 114.

He was complementing the display of left-armer Parry, who collected three for 21 from his four.

Lancashire reached their target for the loss of four wickets and in the final they batted first and made 166 for seven, Lilley hitting a six off the last ball of their 20 overs.

The Delph man returned creditable figures of 3-0-20-0 and Parry 4-0-23-1 as Northants were restricted to 153 for six.