It does not feel that long ago that we started writing the first match preview for the season and here we are already with the last weekend of scheduled fixtures. Where did the summer go…….. Any feedback on the match preview format and content will be welcome for next season.
Saturday 07/09/19 3rd XI v Todmorden Home 12:30 pm
Sunday 08/09/19 1st XI v Lowerhouse Home 12:30 pm
Sunday 08/09/19 2nd XI v Colne Away 12:30 pm
All three teams were in action last weekend. The 3rd team had a successful start to the play offs with an excellent away win at Walsden. Batting first we made 140 for 9 with Henry Doyle top scoring with 45 and Jake Walker making 27. A Walsden win would have seen them retain the 3rd team title so it was brilliant to see us bowl them out for 113 and pick up 12 points. Jake Walker, Ryan Storey and Jack Thomond all picked up wickets. On Saturday we face Todmorden at home with the chance to pick up the third trophy of the season. Good luck to Keni and his team – please get down to give them your support.
The 1st team won away at Todmorden and picked up 10 points, securing us 4th place this season. Depending on results this weekend we could move up to 3rd at best. Todmorden batted first and scored 129 for 6 in a rain affected match. Jonathan Fielding taking 4 for 37. Jake Walker made his debut and bowled 4 overs. We reached our D/L target of 114 with one ball to spare. Alexander Olpin made 32, Thomas Parton 42 and Daryn Smit 24 not out.
At home the 2nd team fell to a disappointing loss against Todmorden. In a match that had an end of season feel we were bowled out for 69 with Henry Doyle 20 not out. Todmorden reached their target in the 13th over to bring an early finish to the game. We are 3rd in the league, having won the Junior Cup and a win this weekend should leave us in 3rd place.
Saturday 07/09/19 3rd XI v Todmorden Home 12:30 pm
The 3rds play the last of the round robin play-off matches on Saturday. A win against Todmorden will secure the title. Current standings below.
M Points
1 Walsden Third XI 2 15
2 Ramsbottom Third XI 1 12
3 Todmorden Third XI 1 5
Team Selection
Kenyon *+
Collinge
N Round
C Round
Storey
Walker
Wilson
Doyle
Thomond
Lee
Ashworth
Sunday 08/09/19 1st XI v Lowerhouse Home 12:30 pm
The 1st team host our rivals Lowerhouse on Saturday. Lowerhouse still have a chance to win the title, depending on Burnley’s result so we are expecting a competitive match. We lost up at Lowerhouse earlier in the season after they posted an impressive 226 for 8 despite Jonathan Fielding’s 5 wicket haul. We were bowled out for 151 with 50s for Thomas Parton and Simon Hanson. Ockert Erasmus will be playing his last game as Lowerhouse’s pro. He bats right handed and bowls right arm off breaks. Our sub pro on Sunday is again the very familiar figure of Daryn Smit.
Team Selection
Parton*+
Hanson
Olpin
Udwadia
B Fielding
Walker
Cropper
J Fielding
Pyke
Wynn
Smit (Pro)
Sunday 08/09/19 2nd XI v Colne Away 12:30 pm
The 2nd team travel to Cone for their final match. In June we won by 4 wickets securing 12 points. Colne were bowled out for 120 with Jake Walker taking 5 for 19. We reached our target in less than 21 overs with 54 from skipper Dale Gabriel and 24 not out from Bradley Wilson. Colne’s ground, The Horsfield is on Keighley Road. The post code is BB8 0RF and it should take you about 40 minutes to drive there.
Team Selection
Gabriel*
Parkinson+
N Round
Howarth
Dack
Price
Collinge
Wilkinson
Storey
Thomond
C Round
Finally, a note from the Cricket Chairman as the three 2019 captains are standing down at the end of the season
Andy Dalby (RCC Cricket Chairman) would like to place on record his personal thanks to all three (Tom, Dale and Keni) for their hard work and dedication throughout the season.
“They have worked tirelessly throughout the season and in particular the lead up to games. They have ensured the club compete to the levels we have all come accustomed to. It is testament to the captains that both the first and second XI having already collected silverware. With the third XI having a great chance of reversing last season’s final defeat to Walsden when they host Todmorden on Sunday. Good luck Keni!!! I know all support would be most welcome! We now move into a new era with three new captains. If the 2020 captains continue in the same vein as these guys then the future of RCC will be in a great position.”
An announcement will be made in due course regarding the 2nd and 3rd XI captains for 2020. Daryn Smit has already been announced as the 1st team skipper for 2020.