Match Report Ramsbottom 1st XI v Crompton 1st XI 25 April 2021 by Michael Everett
To those supporters whose nerves were shredded at Colne this made a much more comfortable watch as the Rams enjoyed a 91 runs win over Crompton.
Winning the toss and batting first on what looked a good deck we needed a solid base. This was provided excellently by Harry Caton (38) and Simon Hansen (41) who put on 68 for the first wicket, thus taking the shine off the ball and reducing chances of movement. This is particularly important as under Covid restrictions you are not allowed to shine the ball.
Such a good start enabled our remaining batsmen to play with total freedom and all made telling contributions with Kieren Grimshaw (32) Brad Fielding (25) Jacob Clarke (26 not out) and of course our very much in form pro Daryn (83 not out).
It was really a joy to watch with the ball disappearing all over the park; the highlight being Daryn’s reverse sweep for six. It has to be said that Crompton don’t have the most fearsome bowling attack but you could only admire the way we batted in reaching a formidable total of 262 for 4.
As silly as it may sound Crompton possess such players who are capable of chasing that sort of score so it was vital to take early wickets. Their intentions were made clear with the second ball from Jacob Clarke being hit for six by their opener Denis Louis; although Clarkey had the last laugh three balls later when he had him caught behind.
Dan Pyke then removed the other opener on 14 thanks to a brilliant catch by Kieren Grimshaw. With the score on 34 he then bowled the Crompton sub pro Aaron Lilley (the ex-Lancashire player). This left the opposition with a mountain to climb and even with the talented Jamal at the crease they never looked like making a fist of it.
In fact it was from this point that it was a question of whether we could get the extra points for bowling them out. Daryn and Josh Dentith came on to bowl in tandem and after Daryn had Dean caught by Jamie Pilling; Josh got the valuable wicket of Jamal when he pulled a short ball into the reliable hands of Simon Hanson. Both Josh and Daryn continued to chip away picking 3 wickets apiece before a last wicket stand looked like denying us a bonus point. Daryn then played a master stroke by bringing on Kieren Grimshaw to bowl; after having his first ball dispatched for four he successfully trapped Parker LBW off the next delivery to see us home and hosed.
It seems to be unfair to be critical after such a resounding success but it has to be said that the fielding performance has to improve to match the top sides in the league. 50 overs is a long time to remain the field especially for amateurs but fielding is a massively important part of the game to help make a club successful.
With several amateurs playing well, it was tough call to pick the man of the match but after consultation the winner is Kieren Grimshaw; his brilliant catch clinching the deal.
