Rammy fight back just short in the end

RCC 98 all out (42.4 overs) BCC 99 for 7 (25.5 overs)

Scorecard here 

The seconds travelled up to Turf Moor to face fellow League challengers Burnley on Sunday 29 May. Ramsbottom were looking to continue their excellent league run and also make up for the previous day’s cup defeat at Haslingden. The team showed four changes from the previous day with Seb Schofield,  Mikey Howarth, Matt Burdaky and Mano replacing Jon Fielding, Ben Parkinson, Toby Anderson and Toby Ashworth. Captain Mark Dentith won the toss and batted. He did not have long to celebrate his second toss win of the season as he walked out to bat with Ramsbottom 25 for 5! The top order Ramsbottom batters providing the locals with lots of catching practice.

Mark and Seb dug in and managed to take the score to 69 before three quick wickets fell leaving Ramsbottom 69 for 8.  The final three Rammy batters Chris Round, Lewie Pearson and Matt Burdaky batted sensibly before being all out for 98 which looked a lot of runs short.

Matt Burdaky and Mano opened for Ramsbottom with Mano getting the dangerous Lamb caught by Chris Round without scoring. Seb took the next wicket but at 40 for 2 all seemed lost. With the locals becoming increasingly vociferous, this galvanized Ramsbottom and Mark Dentith took a superb slip catch off Chris Round to leave Burnley at 52 for 3. Excellent fielding by Matt Burdaky brought another wicket at 60 for 4. Panic set in for the home team as Chris Round took 3 wickets in 5 balls to leave Burnley 75 for 8. The Burnley captain was due in next but it was above 3 minutes before he appeared (I thought there were rules about being timed out!). After an early edge, the Burnley captain batted sensibly alongside the Burnley number four to take the home side to victory. If only Rammy had got another 20 runs.

Man of the match. Less candidates this time but Mark Dentith for the top score of 25  and excellent catch, Seb Schofield for the second top score of 20 and one wicket. However my vote goes to Chris Round for his lower order runs, one catch and bowling figures of 9 overs 4 for 18.