With the resident wordsmith taking a well-earned rest on the sun-drenched beaches of Greece this week’s report will be somewhat shorter than normal.
At the Property Shop Arena, Accrington won the toss & decided to ask Ramsbottom to bat first on a slightly green looking pitch.
Ramsbottom’s opening pair JJ Fielding & former Accrington player Simon Hanson gave us a very solid base to go on and make a good total with an opening stand of 64 before both were dismissed by former Ram Ross Brown, JJ made 30 & Simon 33. Substitute professional Ashar Zaidi made a comfortable 34 before being bowled attempting what could only be described as a untidy ‘slog’. Skipper Tom Parton made an impressive 70 not out & Brad Fielding a little cameo 20, with the addition of 34 extras the Rams posted a very impressive total of 228 for 5 off the 50 overs.
Our opening pair of Dan Pyke & Jack Wynn both bowled impressively & soon had the home side in deep trouble at 14 for 3, Dan went on to earn his ‘Baggy Green’ with his first Lancashire League five fer, (5 for 39 off ten overs) Jack 1 for 16 off five, Owen Collinge also bowled a good spell taking 1 for 16 off four overs, then over to the spin twins Zaidi (1 for 8) & evergreen Jon Fielding (2 for 6) to do the mopping up. The home side being dismissed for a disappointing 89 runs off just over 26 overs.
The visitors catching & ground fielding was also in the main very pleasing to the travelling fans.
Well done boys!
All round a very pleasing performance from the boys and a more than useful 12 points to take back to Acre Bottom.
Next week welcome back to the ‘Bronzed Greek God’ & a home game vs. Church C.C.
Maurice Haslam
Pictured Skipper Tom Parton after his fine knock of 70 not out