Rammy push the title holders close in narrow defeat
CCC 126 all out (30.2 overs) RCC 101 all out (33.1 overs)
Scorecard here
Recently crowned champions Clitheroe arrived at Acre Bottom with just one defeat all season facing another inexperienced Ramsbottom team who had not won in 8 games.
Captain Brad lost the toss and Clitheroe decided to bat. The Peel Brow Express still buzzing from his Viva Ronaldo trip out the day before and the Haslingden second team loss in their cup final steamed in from the old papermill end to claim 3 early wickets including an excellent catch from Lee minor. Toby Ashworth claimed another early wicket (caught Lee major) and both sets of supporters looked in shock as Clitheroe were reduced to 11 for 4.
The Clitheroe middle order dug in and despite Brad’s 4 wickets and another excellent catch for Pyke minor off Toby Anderson managed to reach 126.
Whilst the Clitheroe attack was missing the league’s top wicket taker, it still possessed lots of wickets in spinners Murphy, Smith and Ahmed. Rammy started well reaching 22 before limping to 43 for 4. Pyke minor was digging in and looking for support. At 78 for 6 and with plenty of overs to spare, veteran Chris Woods joined Pyke minor. The healthy home support started to feel more hope as Woodsey rolled back the years looking solid and stylish in defence whilst Pyke minor looked to hit any bad ball to the boundary. Two controversial lbw decisions sent both batters back to the pavilion and with the inexperienced Ramsbottom tail unable to wag, the Rams ended up at 101 all out. All 10 wickets fell to spin.
Despite the narrow defeat to the title holders, the Ramsbottom team ended the season on a high after their best performance for a number of weeks.
Men of the match Peel Brow Express /Pyke minor
Back by popular demand – Final Total of Extras Conceded* by
RCC 2nd XI 613
Opposition 2nd XIs 395
* 19 league & 1 Cup matches
