Match Report Ramsbottom 2nd XI v Clitheroe CC 2nd XI – 21 May 2022
RCC 189 for 9 (45 overs) CCC 180 all out (44.4overs)
Scorecard here and Livestream recording here
The 2nds Secure a Win in a Thrilling Match
Mark Dentith’s team hosted table topping Clitheroe at Acre Bottom and in a turn up for the books the home skipper won the toss and opted to bat first.
Openers Nick Round and Michael Howarth made an excellent start with Nick in particular scoring freely. When Nick fell caught for 40 the score was 70 in the 14th over. This brought Ben Parkinson to join Mickey, who then took up the mantle and kept the scoring rate ticking over. Mickey had just reached 50 when he was bowled by Murphy with the score on 134. Ben then held the innings togther as wickets began to fall regularly, including the skipper run out at the non-striking end after the bowler deflected a straight drive onto the stumps. Ben eventually fell one short of his 50 as he chased late runs and we ended on 189 f0r 9 after our 45 overs. Jack Hinchliffe was the only other batter to reach double figures with a handy 10 not out at the end.
After a steady start by Clitheroe Birdy made the break through capturing Musgrave LBW for 2. Chris Round then held a fine diving catch to dismiss the other opener, Hewitt, for 37 off the bowling of Brad Wilson. Brad bowled a great spell with little luck and on another day could have picked up a 5 fer. The Clitheroe chase was held together by an excellent innings by Farooq Butt. Toby Ashworth took 3 wickets in his fine 7 over spell but the key wicket fell to Mickey when he bowled Butt for 47. The game was still in the balance as we entered the final 8 overs although the required run rate was creeping up. Mickey and Ryan Storey, backed up by some excellent fielding, kept their composure to see us home in the final over when Neville was run out for a very good 27.
RCC Man of the match – a great team performance in the field with all the bowlers contributing but the man of the match goes to the old timer Michael Howarth for his 50 runs and 3 for 49.
