RamCC 82 all out (20 overs) RochCC 83 for (16.4 overs)
Our young Rams felt confident as we journeyed past Owd Betts to face Rochdale in our next league game. Jack won the toss and chose to bat in the best light.
As usual, Ali (21 off 23) and TAsh got us off to decent start against the quality opening bowling attack of seam and spin. But when Rochdale hit us with spin from both ends, their quality duo ran through our top order cheaply. At 41 for 6 we needed a partnership and stepping up to the plate were James and Tom. With some hefty blows and good running between the wickets with the lower order, we scrambled to a low total of 82 all out. Highlight being a massive 6 from James which matched Lewie’s blow last year over the scoreboard.
We knew that recent games at Redbrook had been low scoring, so the interval team talk was upbeat.
Tom removed one of their skilful (1st XI) openers when Oli took a high catch off a top edge. But Rochdale were patient and despite a brilliant opening 4 over spell from TAsh, the Rams couldn’t break through. Eventually a great catch in the deep by Isaac off Lewie’s bowling and a victim for our leading wicket taker, Toby, gave us hope.
Our spinners tried their best to break through but Rochdale were more than equal to it and we fell to our first defeat of the season in the 17th over.
Two more league games to go and still a great chance of taking the title.
Phil Croft
