Darwen prove too strong as monsoon misses this part of Lancashire
Match Report Ramsbottom 1st XI v Darwen 1st XI – 8 August 2021
RCC 125 for 9 (31 overs) & Darwen 126 for 3 (27.1 overs) – overs to reduced to 31
Scorecard is here
An inexperienced Ramsbottom first team travelled up to title chasing Darwen on Sunday 8 August looking for revenge after the early season 5 wicket defeat against the same opposition. Chances of play looked remote due the monsoon weather forecast but mid afternoon, the rain clouds disappeared and a 31 over match arranged. Darwen won the vital toss and asked Ramsbottom to bat on a drying wicket and damp outfield.
Despite the early loss of Brad Fielding, Ramsbottom started well and were well placed after 9 overs with a run rate of over 6 and only one wicket down. The introduction of the two experienced Darwen spinners Cordingley and Bowden slowed the run rate considerably and forced the Ramsbottom batters to take more chances. Wickets soon began to fall including top scorer Alex Olpin (37 ) , captain Kieran Grimshaw (19) and professional Daryn Smit (10). The introduction of the Darwen pro Lad continued the stranglehold and the long Ramsbottom tail limped to 125 for 9 after 31 overs including 22 from Nick Round. The score felt at least 30 short.
With rain in the air, the Darwen openers started with intent and 49 runs were scored before Josh Dentith took a wicket with his first ball. With regular wicket keeper Harry Caton out injured, Daryn Smit perfomed the stumping role before handing over the gloves to Brad Fielding as Daryn started his bowling stint. With some tight bowling and excellent ground fielding the run rate was kept in check but Darwen were always ahead of the game helped by the 22 extras conceded. Josh took another wicket and Daryn one wicket as Darwen passed the 125 for the loss of 3 wickets with 4 overs to spare. Bowden capped an excellent day with 58 not out as Darwen moved to the top of the league.
Amateur Man of the Match Alex Olpin
