SOCIAL Circle scooped the bragging rights in the Farnworth derby for the second time in five days on Saturday, with their cricket manager Andy Cumberbatch admitting: “This week has been very special.”

After Tuesday’s T20 win, Social Circle breached enemy territory again on Saturday to win by five wickets with 2.4 overs to spare as they chased 178 in a rain-affected Premiership clash at Bridgeman Park.

Champions Farnworth made 177-9 from their 38 overs, with Chris Barrow taking four wickets, Ryan Ayres and Jay Chhana two apiece and Will Shuttleworth one.

Opener Jake O’Byrne then led the chase with 64 off 71 balls, and Cumberbatch’s side are now fourth in the table with 34 points, 11 behind leaders Walkden. Farnworth are fifth, also on 34.

“I never played any cricket for Social Circle, but it’s blatantly obvious that it doesn't get any better than winning away at Farnworth – apart from winning a trophy,” said Cumberbatch, who is new to his role this year.

“To beat them twice in a week in their back yard is notable. There are a few happy faces around Social Circle!”

On Saturday, Social Circle had to do without regular captain Richard Dempster (family bereavement). But stand-in skipper David Tonge hit 37 and shared 81 for the first wicket with O’Byrne.

“It was a good game, an interesting game,” said Cumberbatch. “Two Farnworth sides, it’s always competitive.

“We had a lot of good and useful contributions throughout. Dave and Jake batted well, Chris bowled well, as did Jay, Will and Ryan.

“Jake Whittaker, who came in from our seconds, was thrown up the order because he had a dinner reservation and hit one clean out of the ground. He won’t have slept thinking about it.”

Last month, captain Dempster spoke of a young and developing Social Circle side.

And Cumberbatch, who has a three-year plan for silverware at Piggott Park, went on: “With the exception of Dave Tonge and Chris Barrow, I’d say our average age is 21, although I haven't worked it out definitely.

“If there’s a better fielding side in the league, I’ll be amazed.

“The rest of it will come with experience.

“I believe in three years’ time, these lads will realise how good they are and should be serious challengers for the league.

“Who knows, we might win something before. I certainly wouldn't rule it out because anybody can beat anybody on their day in this league.

“I’m not a gambling man, but I wouldn't put money on anybody at the moment.”

After a long and successful playing career across Bolton, Cumberbatch is now enjoying his new off-field role.

He added: “It’s frustrating in one sense because you’re trying to control something you can’t - you can’t bat or bowl for them. But it’s still really pleasurable and rewarding.

“I’ve come out of a dressing room on Tuesday night and Saturday that’s absolutely buzzing.

“They are a cracking set of lads.

“These guys are meeting up every Saturday morning for breakfast and are sat in the dressing room afterwards going ‘what are we doing tonight?’

“They are a team in every sense. Everything is quite rosy for us.”