Match Report Ramsbottom 1st XI v Colne 1st XI 18 April 2021 by Michael Everett
Ramsbottom won the toss and elected to bat
It was with more than a sense of relief rather than exultation that the Rammy supporters left the Horsfield having managed to eke out a victory for which a long time seemed highly unlikely against a spirited Colne outfit.
Once again we were highly indebted to our professional for another match winning performance of 116 runs and 6 wickets but it could have been so different. Batting first against bowling that offered little threat we posted a score of 252 thanks to Daryn’s innings which consisted of twelve 4s and five 6s.
He was ably supported by Kieren Grimshaw (34) and Brad Fielding (36) who both looked in great touch and will be frustrated with the manner of their dismissals. The real impetus of the innings came with the arrival of Jacob Clarke. For ages he hardly faced a delivery with Daryn completely running he show. In fact having only scored 1 off 9 deliveries he decided enough was enough and proceeded to smash four 6s and a 4 in a cameo innings of 35 not out.
253 was a massive score to chase even on a good deck and when Clarke and Dan Pyke removed both openers with the score only on 21 it looked a formality for the visitors. No such thing. Batting really sensibly Colne sub-pro Gugale and Chris Walton comfortably built up a century partnership before the latter was run out due to a mix of a clever piece of fielding and poor running between the wickets. Another wicket quickly followed and Rimmer then joined Gugale. It was shortly after this that the Colne paid man survived a fairly straight forward chance in the deep. This escape obviously spurred him on and he started smashing the ball to all parts of the ground reaching a well deserved ton.
With the score on 192 and plenty of overs left Colne were in complete control. Something special was needed and it came in the form of a stunning boundary catch by Brad Fielding to dismiss Gugale. Even then Rimmer continued to take the attack to the Rammy bowlers and Colne remained on track for shock win. It was only after Daryn trapped him LBW for an excellent 40 that the Colne tail end capitulated and they fell 14 runs short of the total required.
This was not a great performance in the field at Colne and we will have to sharpen up our game with tougher tests to come.
Amateur Man of the Match goes to Brad Feilding for his 36 and magnificent game changing catch, just edging out Jacob Clarke.
MC Everett
