Rammy outshine Colne by Webmaster

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Scorecard:

Colne v Ramsbottom

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DateLine: 27th April 2008

 

At last the Sponsorbank Lancashire League season got underway after last weeks rain, and in style by Ramsbottom who recorded an outstanding victory at Horsfield, Colne.

 

Choosing to bat first on a wicket with a tinge of green proved fruitful for skipper Simon Read. A new regulation from the league executive that leg side wides would be signalled this season was put to the test as the first three balls went that way.

 

Phil Hayes and new pro Lou Vincent gave the visitors a good start, sharing an opening stand of 45, before Vincent got tangled with the ball and inside eged on to his pads and onto the stumps. His four boundaries at least gave the supporters something to savour for the season.

 

The innings lost tempo, but David Bell kept the score board moving steadily before he was trapped lbw. Hayes finally drove the ball back to the bowler, but his innings of 67 ((8 fours and 2 sixes) proved valuable. A middle order collapse was avoided, when Simon Read batting higher up the order that of recent years steadied the ship. He guided the rest of the batsmen with a steady 54 which included 2 sixes, to record his first half century since August 2005. Wicket-keeper Richard Hevingham chipped in with his highest score for 2 years.

 

Colne soon found the chase a bridge too far, they lost three wickets for 26 runs, with only Chris Holt standing in their way. Mick Haslam and Simon Read took two wickets each with their brand of medium pace, Lou Vincent took one, and Toby McLean three, taking the last two in successive balls, to give Rammy the maximum 12 points.

 

"A great start" said captain Simon Read, "To be honest Colne were not going to be our toughest opposition this season, but I'm delighted with the result".

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