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 !