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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)

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