A TEAM of clergy and laity from the diocese of Blackburn defeated a side representing the Lancashire Council of Mosques, in a closely fought cricket match at Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, last month.

The contest, held on 17 June, was the fourth between the two sides, and the second time that the diocesan side had won (News, 18 June 2021).

The Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Revd Philip North, said: “This encounter between the team from the diocese and the team from Lancashire Council of Mosques is now a regular fixture in the County’s cricketing calendar. The match embodies love and friendship between our communities, giving us a chance to spend time together so we can learn more about each other and build mutual respect.

“And now we have emerged from the pandemic, it’s even more important to ensure we continue have events like this. I am delighted to hear it is now a biannual fixture and I’m sure the match will grow in popularity for many years to come.”

The diocesan captain, the Revd Jordan McDermott, who is the assistant curate of St Mary Magdalen’s, Accrington, said: “It has been wonderful to participate in a now biannual match that is going from strength to strength.

“On the pitch, you never know what is going to happen — that’s cricket. Off the pitch, you can guarantee that bonds are being formed and nurtured which can only have a positive impact on the county of Lancashire.

“It is the highlight of our cricketing calendar: good cricket, good food, and, most importantly, good friends. Long may it continue.”