Match Report Ramsbottom 2nd XI v Walsden 2nd XI – 11 June 2022
WCC 154 all out (40.1 overs) RCC 155 for 4 (39 overs)
Scorecard here and livestream recording here
Strong team performance allows Ramsbottom to overcome old foes Walsden
Following the previous week’s cancellation Rammy seconds faced old foes Walsden at Acre Bottom on Saturday 11 June. As is now tradition captain Mark Dentith loss the toss and with rain forecast the Walsden captain somewhat surprisingly batted.
Despite an early wicket for Toby, the Walsden batters scored at 4 an over to soon reach 80 for one wicket with plenty of overs left. The introduction of spinners Brad Wilson and Chris Round initially slowed the score rate and forced errors from Walsden. Chris Round took three quick wickets including the Walsden opener for 45 who had been dropped at nought, one of at least 4 dropped catches. Brad Wilson also took two wickets including an absolute worldy catch from Charlie Hamilton in front of the boisterous home support. Wickets fell at regular interviews including two for the returning bowler Mano. Walsden were finally all out for 154 with 5 overs left. This total felt eminently catchable.
After a brief rain shower Ramsbottom commenced their innings with Alex Olpin and Nick Round. The Ramsbottom openers started well against the Walsden pace attack putting on 65 for the first wicket ignoring the childish antics of the Walsden wicketkeeper . The Walsden spinners slowed the scoring rate by taking all pace off the ball. Following Nick’s departure and only 3 an over needed, Pin and Mikey batted sensibly to take the score to 105 before Alex departed for 50. Ben ‘Tom’ Parkinson increased the scoring rate and despite his and Mikey’s wickets Ramsbottom reached the target with 6 overs left.
The win moved Ramsbottom into third behind Clitheroe and Burnley whilst Walsden remain in the relegation zone.
There were a number of nominations for man of the match including Alex for his 50 runs, Charlie for his great catch, Ben ‘Tom’ Parkinson for his quick fire 27 runs plus a stumping and catch, Nick for his 25 runs, 2 catches and shot on the free hit but my nomination goes to Chris Round for his 4 wickets including 4 out of the top 6.
