THE Shakers XI may have lost out on the cricketing front to the Bolton Wanderers Legends last weekend, but the club's youth system still benefited to the tune of over £1,000.

Shakers dignitaries such as Chris Casper, Ian Wilcock and Ryan Kidd competed against a Bolton select side at Darcy Lever Cricket Club, losing by six wickets.

But with a crowd of several hundred spectators enjoying the day, the Shakers' Centre of Excellence picked up some much-needed cash from the occasion.

Gigg Lane director Ross Johnson said: "We're delighted to have raised over £1,000 from the function and the turnout on the day was fantastic given the time of year and uncertain weather forecast.

"Everyone who came down had a very enjoyable time, and the 20/20 game was an entertaining contest played in an excellent spirit.

"Even though the result went the wrong way from our point of view, we're hoping this venture can become an annual event - and maybe we'll be able to put the result to rights next time.

"I'd obviously like to extend my thanks to everyone from Bury FC, Lord's School and Darcy Lever CC who put in so much time to ensure this success, and of course to all the players who donated their time and the supporters who came along to make the day so successful.

"The money raised from this event sets us well on the way towards achieving the total amount we need to raise to fund the scholarship, and hopefully we'll be able to find a main sponsor for the scheme to complement the finance we expect to raise from our forthcoming celebratory dinner."

Casper showed some of the experience he gained as a junior with the Lancashire set-up as he regularly pitched the ball in the right areas, and also made an unbeaten three runs in his side's 143 all out.

Beech (26),Wilcock (29) and Phil Sykes (33) also made valuable runs on a very wet wicket.

It looked to be a highly competitive score on a very damp outfield but Bolton's youthful guests from the local leagues helped to propel their batting reply at a steady rate.

Peter Nicholson - at 55-years old the youngest of the legends' and the only former Wanderer in the top five - was a steadying influence with 25.