SO last Saturday, I had my first look at Farnworth Social Circle before the Hamer Cup final on Sunday.

Despite having a couple of regulars missing, a 120-run win was completed by some excellent opening bowling from Ayres and Mather. Having seen that my team were seemingly struggling for players in the morning, I packed my kit just in case, but luckily my services were not required.

Perhaps the highlight of my day was being offered a pint at the drinks break in both innings – why weren't there two breaks? Other clubs please note for the rest of the season.

On Sunday it was the opening bowling again of Walkden that brought an early conclusion to the final. I suggested a couple of weeks ago they had the best attack I had seen this year and so it proved. In fairness Social Circle gave it a good go and another 30 or 40 runs could have got them even closer.

Credit to Astley Bridge for their staging of the event, and to Walkden's vocal support.

Two slight bugbears however – the first is the playing of music after every couple of overs. This is meant to be the showpiece final so let's save that for the T20 competition.

I'm also not convinced by the free hit rule following no-balls. Perhaps that is one rule that could be up for revision next year.