JUNIOR ROUND UP – 27 June 2022
Chasing such a relatively low score was never going to be easy on a wicket that was seaming around, the calibre of Greenmounts bowling making things even more difficult. Losing Grace in the first over to an absolute unplayable delivery, pitched leg hit off, didn’t bode well!
Lucas B.L and Louis weathered the storm for the next 7 overs from Ed and another talented ‘mount player Ben Clarke, basically seeing off the new ball threat and picking up runs where they could. The introduction of Noah Birtwistle, left arm spin and Dexter Crowther, left arm seam, brought about the demise of both Lucas and Louis, putting on 20 they set the tone for the rest by being watchful and patient.
Harry and Ryan continued the chase in the same manner, with some great running between the wickets they edged us ever closer to the modest total. The unlucky dismissal of Harry, played on, brought to the crease Freddy J. Striding out to the middle with real purpose he played the shot of the night, a screaming cover drive that hit the paper mill wall a bounced back onto the pitch before any fielder moved! Another boundry and two more from Ryan in the next over took us within 10 of the target. As with most epics things don’t go perfectly both Fred and Ryan falling in quick succession. With plenty of overs left Greenmount had to get wickets to win, Mahdi and, new to the crease, Freddy C still had a lot to do. Mahdi, usually a younger version of his free-scoring dad, played with real concentration and Freddie C also solid got us to within one, a loose leg side delivery was pounced on by Fred and the winning run was taken.
A thriller of a game, played in great spirit by both teams!
A superb all round performance from a Ramsbottom side who are getting better each week takes us to 2nd in the league with a game in hand, well done all!
U13’s Girls v Leyland
It was a blustery morning at Acre Bottom as Ramsbottom Girls Under 13’s took on Leyland in the 3rd round of the national knockout but that didn’t hinder the Rams as they set about the Leyland attack sending them to all parts of the ground. Scarlett Anderson led the charge with one of the best batting displays seen and along with the stylish stroke play of Grace Eaves kept the scoring at 10 runs an over with ease. Together they amassed an amazing partnership of 162 before Grace fell for 56 while trying up the scoring rate even more with only 5 overs left. Amelia Buckley then joined in the fun sharing a quick fire partnership of 54 with Scarlett before Evie Bennett smashed 2 fours. It was however fitting that Scarlett should face the last ball of the innings and she dispatched it over the ropes to end on 107 not out and Ramsbottom 238/2 from 20 overs.
Leyland’s reply got off to a steady start but accurate bowling from Emilia O’Keeffe and Amelia Buckley meant they were never near the required rate. Emilia bowled through for great figures of 5 overs 2-11. Further tight bowling from Isla kept Leyland further restrained before the spin twins of Evie Bennett (2-16) and Grace Iles (2-6) finished them off. Extra mention for Evie who took a good catch and also a run out from a direct throw from the boundary.
Fantastic effort from all the girls and we face Macclesfield next in the regional semi final.
Chris Eardley
