Vicars and imams in Lancashire stepped off the pulpit and into the crease last week as part of an annual interfaith cricket series aimed at building unity through sport.
The teams, made up of clergy from the Blackburn Diocese and the Lancashire Council of Mosques, faced off in two closely fought matches, each claiming a win.
The first game, hosted at Padiham Cricket Club, saw the imams take victory with just two balls to spare.
The vicars narrowly clinched the return match at Eccleston Cricket Club, winning by a single run on the final ball.
Cheered on by local dignitaries and faith communities, the matches drew praise for promoting peace, understanding, and camaraderie.
In an interview with the BBC, Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev Dr Joe Kennedy, described the event as “a testament to the strength of our shared values", highlighting “diversity against a background of interfaith friendship and mutual respect.”
Fr Jordan McDermott, who captained the Church of England side, 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.”