Vicars vs imams cricket contest 'fosters unity'

The imams won the match with two balls to spare

Vicars and imams have taken inter-faith dialogue into the sporting arena with their own mini cricket series.

Lancashire vicars took on the county's imams in a close-fought contest at Padiham Cricket Club last week, with the latter winning a nail-biting victory.

Bishop of Burnley the Rt Rev Dr Joe Kennedy said the match was "a testament to the strength of our shared values" and celebrated "diversity against a background of interfaith friendship and mutual respect".

A return match took place on Wednesday at Eccleston Cricket Club, Chorley, in which the vicars won in a dramatic fashion by one run with the final ball of the contest.

Teams contesting the annual clash were drawn from vicars of Blackburn Diocese and imams representing the Lancashire Council of Mosques, alongside members of their congregations.

The match was cheered on by spectators and community leaders including mayor of Padiham Alun Lewis and honorary vice president of Building Bridges in Burnley, Carol Pike.

Civic dignitaries joined spectators for the match

While the cricket might have been a tough duel, both sides said the focus was on "unity, respect and sportsmanship".

The mosques team won the first game after chasing down a 151-run target set in 17 overs thanks to an unbeaten second-wicket partnership, which saw the clergy team get to a total of 151-1.

The imams then secured victory in the final over of their innings with two balls left.

Church of England skipper Fr Jordan McDermott said: "It was fantastic to be able to play against our good friends at the Lancashire Council of Mosques again in a match which has become a cornerstone of the cricketing calendar in Lancashire."

The imams secured victory in the final over of their innings