Category: Club news

Greenmount first eleven suffered a comprehensive eight-wicket defeat at home to Crompton on Friday, a result that sees them bow out of the JWL T20 Competition at the group stage writes SAM CHADWICK.

Choosing to bat on a balmy evening at The Log Cabin, the usually in-form 20-over batting line-up crumbled to a disappointing 77 all out. A much-changed team featured new introductions to the first team in Toby Ashworth (signed from Ramsbottom) and young fast-bowler Ed ‘Wackers’ Wackrill, who joined fellow juniors Noah Birtwistle and Toby Leach in the eleven.

All were soon called into action with the bat as regular wickets tumbled. The tone was set when Tom Heaton was removed with just the third ball of the match by Crompton’s Simon Wright. The theme of ‘three’ continued, with three bowlers taking three-wicket hauls: Adam Good and Jaime King both claimed 3 for 9, and Asif Fazal picked up 3 for 6.

Only two would make it into double figures for the Mount. Captain Travis Townsend battled his way to 19 off 28 balls under pressure, while Callum Hunter top-scored with 20 off 17. The highlight of an otherwise disappointing innings was perhaps the 14th over, in which Hunter collected 17 of those runs, hitting Denis Louis for four boundaries.

Hunter also made the away side sweat opening the bowling, giving Wright a taste of his own medicine to leave Crompton 3 for 1 in the first over. However, any signs of an unlikely win for the villagers soon dissipated, with Mohammed Jamal’s 35 off 18 balls doing much of the damage.

Jamal’s was the only other wicket to fall, also to Hunter, before the game was wrapped up in just the eighth over by Sam Rigby’s winning boundary.

The disappointing loss leaves Greenmount fifth in their group, with one more game to play at Todmorden next Friday.

Greenmount first eleven marched on to the semi-finals of the Worsley Cup on Saturday, thanks to another Jacques Snyman hundred when Rishton were the visitors. However, two convincing defeats to Accrington on Sunday for both the first and second teams put a dampener on things writes SAM CHADWICK.

Starting on a positive note, it was a belligerent performance from the Mount as their excellent cup run continued. Having been asked to bat in a rain-affected 30-over affair, Snyman’s 111 from 88 balls, followed by Travis Townsend’s brutal 89 not out from 57 balls, saw them to an imposing total of 247 for 3.

This innings brought Townsend onto 299 runs in just three innings in the Worsley Cup. Well over half of his 498 runs this season have now come in this format, and it is hoped that more captain’s performances can take Greenmount all the way.

The second innings wasn’t all plain sailing though, as Rishton got within 20 runs of their target thanks to fifties from Keiren Grimshaw and Brad Boddie. However, Callum Hunter took 3 for 33, with another five wickets being shared between five bowlers, to regularly keep the away side behind the game.

A similar situation arose on Sunday, with the villagers being asked to bat in a 29-over game at Accrington. But there were to be no such heroics from their usually prolific top four as they fell to 54 for 4 early on. A battling 35 from 41 balls by Dan Stevens stopped the rot, along with Gav Nicholl’s 24 from 30 balls, seeing the away side to a modest 129 for 8.

Accrington suffered no real panic in their chase, making it to the total with eight wickets in hand. Their namesake pro, Jurie Snyman, hit 92 off 87 balls to carry his side over the line in 26.4 overs.

Perhaps the most disappointing loss of the weekend, however, came for the second team in the reverse fixture at the Log Cabin.

Put into bat on a green pitch, they fell to 55 for 6 after some skilful bowling from Accrington opener Mohammed Tayyib, who ended with figures of 5 for 18. It was an outstanding innings of 50 not out off 74 balls from Noah Birtwistle, backed up by a battling 25 off 65 from captain Oliver Dixon, that saw the home side to a competitive 149 for 8.

The 50 was Birtwistle’s first at second team level, and he and Dixon soon went to work with ball in hand afterwards. The former stood out again as his left-arm spin took 4 for 44, with the latter’s economic bowling seeing him pick up 2 for 23. Their efforts, along with Ed Dickinson’s 2 for 18, saw Accrington at 78 for 9 before things rather unraveled.

The away side’s number ten, Zain Hanif, took advantage of some below-par Greenmount bowling towards the end of the innings as he hit 40 from 43 balls. This, along with a battling 9 off 48 from number eleven Antonio Lo-Guidace, saw the away side over the line with just a wicket to spare in a bitterly disappointing loss.

Results mean the firsts move down to second, overtaken by Walsden. The seconds sits in seventh, with Accrington moving above them. The draw for the semi-finals of the Worsley Cup will take place in due course.

An excellent weekend for Greenmount saw the first team stay top of the league, smashing East Lancashire by 136 runs thanks to hundreds from Jacques Snyman and Andy Kerr writes SAM CHADWICK. 

Perhaps their most comfortable result of the season, they were put into bat in a rain affected fixture at The Log Cabin, but soon made their visitors pay.  

Snyman made it 512 league runs this season with a brutal innings of 168 from just 97 balls. His knock included 18 fours and 7 sixes and saw him go from 100 to 150 in just 21 balls.  

Kerr made sure he didn’t steal the show at the other end, making 122 from 129 balls in a welcome return to form. Their efforts saw them build a second-wicket partnership of some 268 runs, taking the score from 16 for 1 to 284 for 2 either side of a rain delay.  

The result was an insurmountable total of 353 for 4, as East Lancs made their way to 127 for 7 in 31 overs before rain put stop to any more play. Snyman still managed to find time to add to his already extraordinary performance, though, taking 4 for 34 in 10 overs.  

Elsewhere, Toby Leach scored his second hundred of the season, helping the third team to a 33-run victory at home to Rishton on Saturday. He hit 108 off 104 balls, including 14 fours and 3 sixes, after Mark Crowther won the toss and chose to bat. Crowther also contributed, scoring 52 off 45 balls in a third-wicket partnership of 109 with Leach.  

In addition, opener Nigel Franklin notably battled to 38 off 71 balls too, expertly seeing off the away side’s opening bowlers.

This strong batting display meant The Mount ended their 40 overs on 216 for 3, with their youthful bowling attack then restricting Rishton to 183 for 8. George Kenyon impressed, with figures of 3 for 27 in his 6 overs as well as Luke Hall taking 2 for 22 in just his second senior match.  

It means that they are now second in the league, just three points behind Nelson with a game in hand.  

Unfortunately, the second eleven fixture was called off on Sunday due to a waterlogged ground at East Lancashire.

Greenmount first eleven suffered their first defeat in the JWL MPA T20 campaign with a comprehensive eight-wicket loss to local rivals Ramsbottom.

After being put into bat, they started strongly, continuing their trend of fast starts. Jacques Snyman smashed 61 from just 33 balls and Tom Heaton added 57 from 39 balls. Their excellent form was no surprise, as both had scored over 50 in the previous T20 match against Norden.

By the time Snyman and Heaton were caught in the deep off finger spinner JJ Fielding, Greenmount were well-placed at 138 for 2. However, the pressure of maintaining a high run-rate led to cheap dismissals for Kieran Edwards (1 from 5 balls) and Travis Townsend (4 from 11 balls).  

It took a valuable unbeaten knock of 25 from 26 balls by Gav Nicholl to guide them to a competitive total of 172 for 4.

This was to be the high point of the match, as Ramsbottom responded with a devastating batting performance. Greenmount’s usually reliable spinners particularly struggled with a wet ball on a damp June evening, failing to build much pressure in a frustrating bowling effort.  

The home side’s star was opener Brad Fielding, who scored 65 not out from 44 balls, supported by Hareen Buddila’s unbeaten 56 from 33 balls. Coming in at 66 for 2, they piled on the pressure with regular boundaries, comfortably seeing their side to victory in the 18th over.  

Snyman and Jack Thomond took the only two wickets to fall, but it was a disappointing defence of an imposing total for the team in black and green.  

The defeat places them fourth in their group, with Ramsbottom moving to the top spot. Greenmount’s next T20 fixture sees them travel to Walsden on Friday 14th June.

All three senior Greenmount teams enjoyed another positive weekend with two wins and an exciting tie with Rishton writes John Stevens.

The first team remain top of the table after a win away at Rishton. After the persistent rain earlier in the week it was no surprise that skipper Travis Townsend chose to put Rishton in after winning the toss.

Runs  were hard to come by against the miserly spin twin attack of Jacques Snyman and Amal Dalugoda (pictured) supported by the nagging accuracy of skipper Townsend.

The only surprise is that somehow we didn’t manage to bowl Rishton out in 50 overs as they limped to 120 for 9 with only Kieran Grimshaw with 46 not out offering any resistance.

Amal bagged another four wickets with two apiece for Travis and Jacques.

The Greenmount reply was fairly routine and accomplished in just 25 overs, led once again by Jacques with an unbeaten 65 peppered with four sixes.

Jacques was well supported by Andy Kerr who complied a patient 35 in a partnership of 93 for the second wicket.

The win keeps the Mount top of the tree with a resurgent Walsden now biting at their heels. As expected competition is fierce and with 16 games to play it’s set to be an intriguing plot!

There was great excitement at our home encounter with Rishton seconds as the match finished in a tie!

Batting first Greenmount failed to build on a positive start from father and son opening duo Nigel and Rupert Hallows.

Once Nigel was dismissed for a fine 30 with the score on 82, there was a bit of a procession as Greenmount slumped to 119 all out with six overs not used.

Only Ed Dickinson toughed it out for a battling 21 and Chris Sherrington finished 12 not out. The Rishton reply looked to be reasonably straightforward although wickets fell at regular intervals as the Mount refused to give up.

With the score on 108, Paul Manley snared the big seventh wicket of Lunat for 56 off the bowling of Ed Wackrill. This sparked a spectacular panic in the Rishton ranks as Wackrill and Noah Birtwistle polished off the tail with the scores level!

Gareth Williams showed all his experience with a miserly spell of 4 for 21 from ten overs, Noah bagged two wickets and Ed Wackrill took 3 for 32.

A fine battling performance from Oli Dixon’s team which continues to feature a number of young players, they occupy a respectable mid table place after six games.

Saturdays third team encounter with Rishton resulted in a resounding win for Mark Crowther’s young guns.

Noah Birtwistle was unlucky to miss a maiden senior 50 ending unbeaten on 46 and there were fine contributions from Wes Young (32) and Max Birtwistle (29).

Rishton were blown away by the Birty Boys Max and Noah, with Max destroying the top order with 4 for 9 and Noah taking three wickets for just one run.

Dexter Crowther bowled a nice spell and took 1 for 4, Rupert Hallows picked up a wicket and there was a debut success for Luke Hall with 1 for 3.

Mark Crowther also bowled – we aren’t sure why Wes Young didn’t – and the video replay of his somewhat desperate appeal confirms it wouldn’t have hit another set!!

The teams meet again this Saturday at the Mount.  Mark and his team would like to thank Rishton for their hospitality and sportsmanship , everyone really enjoyed the day!

This week the T20 action  continues on Friday with an away trip to local rivals Ramsbottom.
The tirds home on Saturday and the firsts entertain East Lancs on Sunday.

This week’s fixtures are: Friday, June 7th, T20 v Ramsbottom, away. Saturday, June 8th: Third team at home to Rishton; SundayJune 9th: First team at home against East Lancashire and the second team are away at East Lancashire on the same day.

This week’s bar opening hours

Monday: 3pm to 11pm

Tuesday: 4pm to 11pm

Wednesday and Thursday: 3pm to 11pm

Friday: 2pm to 11pm

Saturday: 12 noon to 11pm

Sunday: 12 noon to 10.30pm

Harrison’s at Greenmount

Chris will be serving food at the following times, but also please follow him on Facebook for specials and any changes.

Thursday, June 6th: No food due to a function at the club

Friday, Jun 7th: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 4pm to 8pm

Saturday, June 8th: 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 8pm

Sunday, June 9th: 9.30pm to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm

Sport on TV this week

Monday, June 3rd: 7.45pm: England v Bosnia

Tuesday, June 4th: 4pm: England v Scotland (World Cup T20 cricket) 8pm: France Women v England Women.

Friday, June 7th: 7.45pm: England v Iceland

Saturday, June 8th: 6pm: England v Australia (World Cup T20 Cricket).

Sunday, June 9th: 7.45pm: Soccer Aid: England XI v Soccer Aid World XI.

Cask Ales this week

The coming week’s cask ales will be a selection of beers: Marble Draft; Ilkley Mary Jane; Bowland Bumble and Moorhouse’s Straw Dog and White Witch.

Greenmount’s first T20 of the new campaign ended in a resounding victory over Norden last night writes John Stevens.

Winning the toss, skipper Travis Townsend chose to bat and both professional Jacques Snyman and opening partner Tom Heaton continued where they left off on Sunday with a 93 run opening stand.

Jacques was caught in the deep for 54 from 31 balls but Tom powered on in the second half.

Gav Nicholl and Travis Townsend then both fell cheaply but Tom was joined by Dan Stevens in a 40-run partnership to close out the innings, finishing with an excellent 76 including ten fours and a six. Dan finished 13 not out.

However, the last ball of the innings was smashed for six by Kieran Edwards in an effort to gain another special mention after his sensational catch at Crompton (the fees are rising pal ….).
Nobody quite expected Norden to start in the manner they did, losing seven wickets for 12 runs thanks mainly to an inspired spell by Callum Hunter.

Backed by a vocal large home crowd, Callum tore through the Norden line up finishing with five wickets for seven runs from his four over stint.

Jacques Snyman picked up two important victims, however the evening highlight was the debut performance from 14-year-old Noah Birtwistle.

Playing his first senior T20 match, Noah showed exactly why we’ve invested faith in his developing skills as he snared two wickets to cap a wonderful evening for The Mount.

Special thanks to everyone who worked so hard to help stage the event, especially the Greenmount Grill, the ground team and all our wonderful bar staff.

Weather looks okay for the weekend and all three of our teams lock horns with Rishton.

Next T20 is this Friday (June 7^th) away at local rivals Ramsbottom.

Don’t miss any of the action but if you do, you can read about it here.

Have a great weekend!

Great news! Thankfully the seemingly endless spell of rain has finally stopped.

The ground team have been able to get on and do their stuff to tonight’s T20 match against Norden is all systems go!

Once again it is free admission so we are looking forward to a bumper crowd for what should be an exciting contest.

The friendly team at the Greenmount Grill are on hand with the best burgers and sausages in town, there will be music hosted by Rocking Ricky and a raffle with the chance to win an array of the usual sort of stuff that you find in a raffle – maybe with the odd surprise thrown in!

So come on down and join the fun. Action starts at 6.15pm.

Just one small advice point – please keep your eyes on the action at all times and take care of young children and dogs as cricket balls flying at speed are dangerous!

The draw for the quarter finals of the Worsley Cup was made at last night’s league meeting.

Greenmount will be at home to the winners of this Saturday’s rearranged second round fixture between East Lancashire and Rishton.

It’s the first time the club has reached the quarter-final stage of this prestigious competition and represents a solid start to the season campaign.

Travis Townsend has shown a particular liking for the tournament so far with two hugely impactful innings and is keen for the team to maintain momentum.

The Mount currently sit top of Division Two after five matches following the delayed season start.

The quarter-final will take place on Saturday 15th June.

Full draw:

Burnley v Todmorden

Darwen v Haslingden

Greenmount v East Lancs or Rishton

Ramsbottom v Lowerhouse

Meanwhile T20 action is scheduled to start tomorrow (Friday). However persistent heavy rainfall has left the ground extremely wet and there will be a race against time to get the game on. Stay tuned for pre match news tomorrow.

A Bank Holiday double header offered an appetising weekend of cricket following the cancellation of most of the T20 first round of matches writes John Stevens.

The First team finished the weekend with a place in the quarter finals and a league leaders position after five matches as we close out May.

After yet another week of monsoon-like weather it was no shock to hear that our defence of the T20 cup would be starting a week late.

And so we moved on to Saturday away at a rather damp and not exactly tropical Crompton for the Worsley Cup second round.

Asked to bat first on a challenging pitch, Greenmount posted a respectable 236 for 8. Professional Jacques Snyman made light of the conditions with 79 from 68 balls to continue his fine form from Nelson, before falling to an excellent catch (it’s okay Kie, not as good as yours!).

Skipper Travis Townsend continued his imperious start to the season with another impressive performance finishing not out 95 but surely once again deserving of a century.  He was well supported by Kieran Edwards with 32.

The Crompton reply started very positively and they soon reached 85 for the loss of just one wicket. Travis was able to deploy a full range of bowlers and it was Jack Thomond who struck to remove the dangerous duo of Fazal and Jamal.

Jack was ably supported by the spin of Tom Heaton and the pair restricted the middle overs scoring whilst picking up wickets regularly. Jack finished with club best figures of 4 for 31 and Tom 2 for 36.

Amal Dalugoda chipped in with 2 for 28 and Jacques Snyman 2 for 30, Callum Hunter grabbing five catches!

Unfortunately we suffered another injury to keeper Jack Hallows who has a recurrence of a dislocated thumb. However this was a very good win by 58 runs against a strong opponent who will be fighting for promotion – and a first ever quarter final tie – draw to be made on Wednesday.

Post script – The scorecard will show that Crompton’s Ali was caught by Kieran Edwards – for readers who were not there please try to imagine a cross between a diving Jonty Rhodes and a swooping eagle to pull off an amazing effort (come on Kie you’ve got to say that’s a good mention, a Guinness should cover it).

On Sunday it was back to normal with rubbish weather and all that goes with it. Messing around with covers, pitch and ground inspections, weather apps and DLS with its customary confusion.

Throw in a bit of thunder and lightning too, not the ideal spectator sport. But Travis won the toss and the team responded by bowling out Great Harwood for 100.

Once again Jack Thomond was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 21, Callum Hunter also weighed in with 2 for 31 and there were two wickets apiece for spin twins Amal and Jacques, with Danny Hornby taking the remaining scalp.

With rain looming all around and rumbling thunder, the Greenmount reply was laced with lightning strikes as Tom Heaton and Jacques Snyman blazed their way to 74 in just five overs.

Clearly warming up for T20 action, Tom blasted 39 and Jacques 22 before a big flash of lightning took the teams off. When play was fit to resume some 45 minutes later, Greenmount had already exceeded the DLS target and after one ball sealed the win and an important 12 points to go top of the league.

The youthful second team were bouncing back nicely at Middleton where the opposition were 100 for 7 before rain ended proceedings. Ed Dickinson bagged four wickets and Ben Clarke picked up two.

This week sees the start of T20 with the Mount entertaining Norden this Friday. Watch out for team updates on Facebook and also for the Worsley Cup quarter-final draw on Wednesday!