Barton off the mark with helping hand from 'guest' professional Ngoepe | 'Lisiba showed exactly how important overseas players are' –Steve Lewis

HATHERLEIGH came unstuck by six wickets against previously winless Barton, who were strengthened by the inclusion of guest overseas player Lesiba Ngoepe.

Ngoepe, formerly a South African under-19 batter and currently playing First-Class cricket for North West, has more than 300 professional appearances in his scorebook.

Church & Oswaldtwistle CC, who perform in the Lancashire League Division Two, signed Ngoepe as their overseas player for the current season. He is averaging more than 70 in 45-over cricket.

A peculiarity of the league system in Lancashire is that many games are played on Sundays, which meant Ngoepe was at a loose end last Saturday. With the help of an agent, Ngoepe dashed down to help Barton out of the crisis caused by the non-arrival of their own overseas player due to visa issues.

And he dashed back again in time to score a match-winning 71 not out on Sunday in a five-wicket win over Bacup.

The difference one player can make was underlined by Ngoepe’s contribution to Barton’s first victory of the season.

Two wickets for 25 runs when Hatherleigh batted, were complemented by 45 off 33 balls as Barton chased down 194 to win with more than 11 overs up their sleeves.

Gareth Tidball marked his return to 1st XI action with a top score of 67 in Hatherleigh’s total of 193 for seven. 

Tidball was the last man out having been involved in stands that added 107. Jasper Presswell (27) was at the other end during one of 97.

Fin Last (2-11), Morgan Harford (2-38) and Ngoepe took six of the Hatherleigh wickets that fell.

Opener Nick Watkin was potentially the man of the moment for Barton with an unbeaten 63 off 99 balls. His stand of 62 with Ngoepe for the second wicket paved the way for a successful run-hunt.

Matt Lipton with 51 in a further stand of 108 with Watkin put the outcome beyond doubt.

Charlie Presswell (9-3-24-2) was easily the pick of Hatherleigh’s bowlers.

Steve Lewis, the Barton skipper, said the impact Ngoepe made underlined how badly an overseas player has been missed.

“Lisiba showed exactly how important overseas players are,” said Lewis.

“He bowled 10 tight overs, took important catches and added a batting cameo.”

Lewis also highlighted the effect Ngoepe had on the players around him.

“I was very happy our guys stepped up against a great side. Our bowling was so disciplined didn't give away boundaries and stuck to plans against great batsman. 

“I won't name all the bowlers, but every spell had a purpose! 

“Lesiba hit a quick 45 to get the total to a relaxed position in the chase. Nick Watkin showed his class and Matt Lipton continued his great form.

“I hope this gives my players the belief we need belong here.”

Although Hatherleigh captain Rob Cockwill was ruled out of the game, said he had a good picture of it from reports fed back to him.

“We were slightly under par with the bat – and possibly a bit unlucky with the ball at times on a pitch that got easier as the game went on,” said Cockwill.

“We just weren't quite at 100 per cent – and in this division that can cost you.”