BLACKPOOL skipper Rudra Singh scored a timely half century and took three wickets to lead Blackpool to a 38-run victory over Fleetwood in the second round of the National Knockout Cup at Stanley Park on Sunday (May 9).

Blackpool won the toss, batted and scored 206-7 and in reply Fleetwood, in miserable light at the end, were bowled out for 168 with 13 balls remaining.

Chris Cornall and Martin Pickles got Blackpool off to a good start with a partnership of 54 in 13 overs before Alex Laird stepped in and dismissed them both, Cornall bowled for 24 and Pickles caught behind for 27.

Laird then had Armstrong splendidly stumped by Riley for 15 to complete an impressive return of 3-21 from his nine overs.

Robin Bracewell (30) and Singh (50) from 58 balls with one six and one four, added 57 for the fourth wicket before Bracewell was caught by Riley off King.

John Whalley was introduced into the attack and accounted for Singh, caught by Gregson, Danson (12) and Bartholomew (17), both leg before wicket to take 3-29 in six overs.

Pat Newell and Jabir Namajee scampered nine runs each as the Blackpool innings closed on 206-7.

Fleetwood started badly, losing John Wright for 10, caught behind off Singh, Nick Coultas (5) was splendidly caught at point by Bartholomew off Sharp and Clinning on three was caught by Armstrong off Namajee, to leave them at 23-3 in the 11th over.

Skipper Tony Hesketh and David Latus repaired the damage and added 49 in 12 overs before Singh at mid-on took a tumbling catch off the bowling of Danson to dismiss Latus for 12.

The off spinner struck again at 121 when he held one back sufficiently for Whalley, 26, to drive a simple return catch.

Tony Hesketh battled on to 61 from 87 balls, including three fours, despite a pulled hamstring - and it was his injury that caused his downfall.

With Mike Clinning as a runner, three runs were completed when the ball was returned into the wicketkeeper's gloves.

Hesketh then wandered outside the crease, the bails were taken off and the Blackpool appeal was upheld.

At 136-6 in the 36th over Fleetwood's last chance of victory appeared to have gone.

And so it proved as Singh, with two more wickets to finish with 3-26 and Sharp 2-23, disposed of a valiant Fleetwood tail to leave the visitors all out for 168 and Blackpool victors by 38 runs.

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