Heywood pull off last-over miracle to beat Milnrow in two-run cup final classic

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 17:37

By David Murphy

Heywood Cricket Club pulled off an unforgettable win over Milnrow on Sunday to take home the GMCL Championship Cup, thanks to a stunning final over that saw three wickets fall in four balls.

On a sunny afternoon at Roe Green Cricket Club, the atmosphere felt every bit like a final. Heywood skipper Will Purser won the toss and batted first, but things didn’t go to plan early on. Milnrow’s opening bowlers found their line quickly, and Heywood were struggling at 21-3 inside 10 overs.

Greg Butterworth (51) and Marty Walters dug in to rebuild with a 60-run stand, but another flurry of wickets left them wobbling again at 122-7. Crucial lower-order knocks from Benji McCulloch (25) and Sean Burrill (27) dragged them to 176 all out in the 41st over, a total that felt a little short of par but at least gave them something to bowl at.

Milnrow came out swinging and looked to be cruising, smashing 90 without loss in the first 10 overs. But the game started to turn with the introduction of spin. Ed Dickinson bowled a brilliant nine-over spell, taking 3-34, and Richard Slatem chipped in with 3-32 to claw Heywood back into the match. Milnrow lost five wickets for 28 runs and were suddenly 118-5.

Even so, they regained control. With just 13 runs needed and three wickets in hand, the match looked done and dusted.

Then came one of the most incredible overs in Heywood’s long history.

Captain Purser, bowling his final over, produced a moment for the ages: dot ball, wicket, dot ball, wicket, wicket. Three dismissals in four balls. Milnrow, chasing two to win, all out for 174.

Cue chaos. Players, supporters and members flooded the outfield in celebration, with Purser mobbed by teammates after one of the great pressure spells to seal the trophy.

Final score:

Milnrow 174 all out lost to Heywood 176 all out by 2 runs

Standout performances:

Greg Butterworth – 51
Benji McCulloch – 25
Sean Burrill – 27
Richard Slatem – 3/32
Ed Dickinson – 3/34
Will Purser – 3/40, including a heroic final over (Player of the Match)

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.