Hard going as Rammy break down Church. by Webmaster

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Scorecard:

Ramsbottom v Church

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DateLine: 20th July 2008

 

Ramsbottom returned to winning ways at Acre Bottom on Sunday when they defeated Church in a dour atritional match by 26 runs, but were penalized for a slow over rate.

 

Again Ramsbottom lost the toss, and after being asked to bat first found the damp wicket difficult to play. Even Phil Hayes who has delighted Rammy supporters throughout the season with his array of stroke play was stifled against the visitors pace attack. His 40 runs did include one superb six and four fours but his hard work was undone when he drove the Church professional Bredenkamp to mid-off. The South African helped himself to 6 wickets as the going never eased for batting. Ramsbottom's pro Shane Harwood hit 26, and Martin Cropper a painstaking unbeaten 19, with Richard Hevingham and Jack Walmsley boosting the tally with some late runs.

 

Team time was welcomed if only to warm up with some hot soup as the mid-July weather seemed more like mid-January.

 

Mick Haslam picked up both openers with only 8 runs on the board, with Harwood removing the middle order. At 77 for 7 it seemed all over bar the shouting, but a brave 55 run partnership for the 8th wicket by Andrew Bentley and Mark Gilrane kept the shivering crowd from the bar a bit longer. Both were dismissed in quick succession and although well behind the rate, the Church tail enders held out to deprive the home side the extra points. Harwood collected 4 wickets, with Toby McLean two and Mick Haslam two.

 

Ramsbottom were penalized a single point for a slow over rate, their cause not helped by the bowling of 6 wides and 10 no balls, a matter that needs urgent addressing by the coaches.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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