Category: Club news

So go on then, Barbie or Oppenheimer over a wet weekend?

The entire league programme was washed out leaving it very much “as we were” for the first team in fourth place with now just seven matches to play.

Has there ever been a summer like it? We have now seen five matches (four at home) completely washed out and just three where rain has not affected the game in some way.

There are now only three remaining home fixtures with a particularly big one looming against table topping Church on 6th August.

Before then, minds are focused on the weekend ahead with a trip to East Lancs, who are only four points behind us in fifth place.

It’s definitely still all to play for with just 25 points separating the top seven teams and 16 between us and a promotion spot.
We need a big final push for the last seven weeks of the season  and we have to rise above the weather and just focus on playing one match at a time – that’s a lot of cricket to play and there’s plenty of opportunities for us to go out and take.

Meanwhile, here’s a bit of an appeal to common sense please – we’ve started the week with the cancellation of tonight’s under 11 fixture – although it’s a dry day and for anyone scratching their head, be assured the ground is still wet through after 48 hours of continuous rain.

I know it looks fine from the road however on the ground it is extremely wet!!

Can we please ask for people to stay off the grass especially in front of the pavilion and anyone using the nets to walk around the boundary perimeter and not across the square.

It’s not a massive ask but it’s fair to say that ground care has been even more challenging than usual this season and everyone can help by respecting the playing area.

Thanks in advance for your help and support, fingers crossed for better weather this weekend!

If you are not glued to the Ashes or indeed at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday, why not pop down to the Mount for some junior cricket action!

We will be hosting a mini Roses encounter as currently unbeaten  Lancashire under-11 age group entertain East and Central Yorkshire in the first of a series of Roses games leading to a grande finale on 31st August at Rainford CC.

Harrison’s will be open serving breakfast and hot drinks from 9.30am to 12 noon and then burgers / snacks and sandwiches from 12.30pm through to close of play which will be around 5pm.

This will be a 40 over match and is scheduled to start at 11am weather permitting. It would be great to see some local support for county age group cricket.

You never know who may emerge from those on show in future years!

What a wet weekend – while southern Europe basks in extreme heat we’d be better off playing water polo!

Nevertheless, we didn’t need good weather for a memorable evening with the great Mark Taylor who took time out from his Sky commentary commitments to spend 24 hours with his favourite English club.

It was great to see some famous – or infamous? – faces return to the Mount , notably Mark Stewart, John Ashworth, Gary Chadwick, Darron Foy, Dave Jones, accompanied by our current fourth team captain Dave Mason.

Mark was on for a good 90 minutes and supplied the assembled audience with some great anecdotes and memories of 1988. Many thanks to Dave Mason for arranging an awesome weekend!

Mark stayed to watch the fourths on Saturday but after ten overs – during which I couldn’t possibly give Mr Mason out despite a voracious appeal – the heavens opened and that was that.

On to Sunday and more rain however the second eleven started on time and up at Colne the first team were reduced to a 42 overs match.

The seconds once again found their match abandoned due to heavy rain. The bigger issue is how we get the ground dry for next week!

There was another excellent 59 for Kieran Edwards, a gritty unbeaten 35 from Mark Crowther and a cameo 28 from just 31 balls from Oli Dixon in his new role as all rounder – he followed up with a miserly six overs for nine before the rain.

We are still bottom of the table but only nine points from eighth spot and the signs of a potential good run in are there!

Up at Colne the first team managed to complete a win which keeps us very much in the mix, lying in fourth place, 17 points behind second with Middleton at home next week assuming a real “24 pointer” significance, swiftly followed by Church at home on 6th August.

Travis won the toss and Colne were restricted to 158 from their 42 overs with Jacques Snyman bagging another four wickets supported by Evan Williams with two and one apiece for Callum and Tom.

The Greenmount reply was emphatic and clinical, racing to an adjusted target of 146 from just 22 overs and no loss.

Jacques dominated the innings with another fine unbeaten century – his fifth of the season – peppered with five sixes and 11 fours.

Evan continued to show his growing maturity with a fine supporting unbeaten 43 with seven fours and nobody else was needed this week!

A fine win against poor conditions and the threat of rain, plus a relief to get a game in with such localised heavy showers striking nearby.

We move in to Middleton at home – be there in your numbers and support the lads – however we’d just politely remind spectators to stop the practice of “shouting on” to the field especially towards umpire decisions.

The League take a very dim view of unruly crowd behaviour and this carries the risk of points deduction which would be criminal. So please keep it shut apart from encouraging the team!

Here’s an amazing unique view of Greenmount Cricket Club’s Brandlesholme Road ground thanks to our friends at Charles Louis Homes.

The local estate agents and letting agents have donated this superb drone video of the Log Cabin and ground in all its summer splendour – showing why it is one of the most picturesque cricket venues in the country.

Many thanks to James Birch and all at Charles Louis Homes for their kind gesture.

Estate Agents & Lettings Agents in Ramsbottom – Charles Louis Homes

Littleborough Cricket Club will be the venue for the T20 Finals Day on Bank Holiday Monday (August 28th).

Greenmount have been drawn to face Burnley at 1pm while in the other semi-final Rochdale take on Littleborough at 10am.

The final is due to be held at 4.30pm.

Following the euphoria of Friday night’s stellar performance to reach T20 Finals Day, there was always the risk of an unwanted anti-climax on Sunday.

And so it proved in a top of the table league clash at home to Crompton.

In contrast with Friday’s glorious weather, once again Sunday beckoned with the threat of storms and showers and the inevitable intervention of DLS.

Crompton won the toss and predictably invited Greenmount to bat. An early trademark six from Jacques, riding high on the back of an unbeaten century on Saturday, was quickly followed by his dismissal for just eight.

Andy Kerr and Tom Heaton departed quickly to leave us on 24-3 and Travis followed after a brief rebuild with Evan Williams leaving the score on 70-4.

Evan had continued his fine form from Friday and held the innings together. He was joined by Dan Stevens and the ex-Sedbergh School pair added 93 before Evan fell for another fine 87 with 13 fours and a six.

Dan picked up the mantle and with wickets continuing to fall he blazed four sixes to reach an excellent 52 before we were all out for 209 irritatingly with three overs to spare.

Certainly a below par score on a good surface but after the sticky start at least something to defend.

I could copy and paste reports from previous weeks where it has then rained at around 5pm and the game dynamics have altered.

Although 209 was never a massive target it was reduced to 169 from 30 overs following the break.

A quickfire trademark 57 from professional Jamal from 37 balls with six sixes, supported by an unbeaten steady 57 from fellow opener Fazal saw Crompton home with five overs to spare by seven wickets.

Church are now top with nine games left, the Mount slip to 5th however are 16 points from top and just 20 points separate seven teams.

It’s a disappointing loss but this promotion race has many twists and turns so expect the unexpected! We’ve had many fantastic days and performances, the team has to regroup and respond next game – and so does everyone!

One loss does not define the season outcome at this stage so please continue to get behind the team for nine big matches, it will be a rollercoaster ride for sure.

Meanwhile, the second team were at Crompton but were washed away by a big storm after tea which finished the match very quickly.

Batting first we were washed away for 93 and only Nigel Hallows with an excellent 40 demonstrating any resilience with the bat. Crompton were 48-3 when the rain arrived.

On Saturday Mark Crowther’s “high flying thirds” (see what I did there?) overcame Accrington in an exciting rain affected match at the Mount.

Batting first in a 29 over match we piled on 173-6 with Ed Dickinson(48), Crowther in cavalier mode (43) and Rupert Hallows (22).

There was also a cameo 17 from Wesley (that’s his name) Young who now tops the charts as the division’s top run scorer.

The Accrington response to an adjusted target of 140 from 20 overs was spirited and fell just ten runs short.

Max Birtwistle clinched the win with three tight overs and Ed Wackrill bowled with pace and accuracy picking up a wicket and showing real hostility.

A good win as the weather burst the clouds just moments after victory was completed!

Aussie legend Mark Taylor will be our guest next Saturday as the Mount 4th team makes a rare appearance versus Roe Green. No thirds match next week.

Up the Mount !

Greenmount Cricket Club is delighted to announce the retention of South African professional Jacques Snyman for season 2024.

Jacques is an explosive batter and excellent all rounder who has delivered numerous entertaining performances already this season.

Members at the Mount have already witnessed some stunning hitting including an all-time Lancashire League record score of 269 not out and an unforgettable run chase in the T20 at Norden against all odds.

Jacques has really integrated into the club along with his family and has shown an incredible commitment to junior player development.

He’s already achieved 1000 runs for the season and with ten league games to go will continue to spearhead our promotion challenge.

It goes without saying we are all absolutely delighted that you are staying Jacques, definitely a part of the Mount family!

Greenmount bludgeoned their way into the Finals Day of the JW Lees T20 KO on Friday night with a stunning batting display at the Mount.

Batting first on a lovely track, professional Jacques Snyman set the tone following the early loss of Tom Heaton for a brisk 10.

In just 24 balls Jacques hammered 70 with five sixes while Evan Williams supported with sensible strike rotation.

But Evan then decided that he could adopt the aggressive role and he exploded into a sublime knock which yielded 83 from just 40 balls with an amazing eight sixes.

Indeed, such was the nature of his innings it was like having another professional on show!

As if that was not enough, skipper Travis Townsend continued a recent rich vein of form hammering 67 not out from 32 balls with another five sixes.

There was still time for a little cameo from Andy Kerr who hit two sixes in a score of 31 from just 14 balls before being bowled with four balls remaining.

Dan Stevens entered the arena for those last 4 balls and smashed an unbeaten nine to raise the score past 280 and set a daunting target of 284 to win.

Enfield gave the chase a spirited charge but in truth were never going to sustain a rate of over 16 per over and once Cal Hunter and Evan set the tone with tight bowling it was more about fun in the sun as the innings played out 118 runs short.

Wickets were shared around the attack with two for Tom Heaton and one apiece for Evan, Max Birtwistle, Jack Thomond, Travis  and Jacques.

The evening was topped with the announcement that Jacques has re-signed for 2024.

And so to Finals Day for the very first time and another chapter in what’s becoming a memorable season with some blistering entertainment.

Reserve the date in your calendar, Monday 28th August, venue to be announced between Rochdale, Burnley, Littleborough and Greenmount.

Thanks to everyone who supported and especially to those who helped on an incredibly busy night.

The Greenmount Grill with Master Chef Birty and Matt Clarke ably helped by Wes Young, Nigel Franklin and Josh Birtwistle (with thanks to Juan!) and the Bottle Bar with Dave and Jo plus the raffle with Leigh and his assistants.

Well done and thanks to all our staff and Chris for keeping it all together through the night and of course to DJ Skins for music and comedy!

Finally – Sammy Greenhalgh happy birthday that’s a party to remember!  See you all on August 28th!

Continuing our Ashes Summer theme after the visit of Merv Hughes, we now welcome Mark Taylor home to Greenmount CC.

Mark remains our most successful professional from his famous stay in 1988 which saw us win the Bolton League while he racked up over 1300 runs at an average of 70.

Mark went on to score 17,415 first class runs, achieved a test match best score of 334 not out, 104 test caps for Australia with 19 test centuries and 40 fifties.

He’s widely acknowledged as one of the top test captains and is now a broadcaster for Sky where he often references “his” Greenmount.

Mark will spend an evening with us on Friday 14th July between the Headingley and Old Trafford test matches, admission will be strictly by ticket only and the price is just £10.

This will be a very popular event and demand is already high so to secure your ticket please either reply to the ‘all membership’ email from Helen stating the quantity required or contact John Stevens directly.

Orders will be fulfilled with tickets placed in an envelope behind the members’ bar. Payment is cash only and must be made in advance of the evening.

It would be fantastic to see as many of the 1988 team at this evening to relive some amazing memories during a special season where this generation of the club is creating their own story.

Unfortunately, we need to add a couple of restrictions for this event – we are unable to open to children under the age of 16 and insist that strictly no dogs allowed. Thanks for your understanding on both counts.

Looking forward to another memorable evening at The Mount!

Yesterday’s century at Rishton saw Greenmount’s professional Jacques Snyman reach over 1000 runs in all competitions – just over halfway through the season!

Jacques has been a credit to the club since signing and has provided spectators with numerous special innings, including his most memorable record breaking 269* (139) against Accrington.

Averaging 99.27 from 15 innings, his current 1092 runs includes four 50’s and four 100’s at a whopping strike rate of 168.

Not only contributing on the pitch, but Jacques’ full commitment to the club and also his willingness to develop the youngsters coming through with timeless hours spent coaching has been clear for all to see. 

We look forward to seeing what the rest of the  season has in store but for now, a huge congratulations to Jacques from everyone at the club on reaching 1000 runs.