It’s a shorter round up than usual this week reflecting the intervention of weather which yet again left a sense of disappointment and anti-climax to the weekend .
Friday saw a bright start as the first team sealed qualification for the first time into the quarter finals of the T20 competition with a fourth consecutive win, this time at Bacup.
Batting first, the home side were checked on 120-8 with Jacques Snyman bagging 4-12 and one wicket apiece for Cal, Evan, Tom and Jack.
The Greenmount reply was complete in ten overs for the loss of just three wickets. Skipper Travis Townsend top scored with 35 not out while there were cameo knocks from Tom Heaton (27), Jacques (24), Evan (10) and Andy Kerr (16 not out). A final group home tie with Ramsbottom awaits this Friday before the quarter finals on 30th June.
Saturday saw the visit of a very young Lowerhouse fourth team against our league-leading thirds in a match which ended all too early – the visitors dismissed for just 60.
Bowling plaudits went to Adam Clarke 3-11, Noah Birtwistle 2-6, Sam Woolley 2-8 and there was a wicket apiece for Ben Clarke and Nigel (yes folks that’s Nigel not Rupert!) Hallows.
The Greenmount reply saw another emphatic partnership between Rupert Hallows and Tom Clarke to seal another win by 10 wickets. Rupert finished 33 not out and Tom 18 not out. The third team have a narrow lead over Rawtenstall at the top and travel to bottom-placed Walsden this weekend.
On Sunda , the visit of bottom-placed Nelson offered opportunity to the first team to extend their recent winning streak and further close the gap at the top.
As it was, the weather this week turned out to be the winner but now only nine points separate six teams at the top with the final match of the first half to play this weekend.
Meanwhile Nelson were bowled out for 150 – another four wickets for Jacques – Callum also took four with one apiece for Jack Thomond and Travis. Greenmount were unable to reply due to the torrential rain.
The seconds started the day with optimism and a strong team but finished it nursing another loss and propping up the division.
Batting first, Greenmount compiled 190 with a fine 96 from Kieran Edwards the highlight which included four sixes. Unfortunately Nelson reached the target in just 27 overs, matters made worse through illness for Jake Chadwick and injury to Danny Hornby. We move on to host Rawtenstall this weekend .
A rather anti climactic weekend BUT third team still lead their league, firsts are in T20 quarters and just nine points off top spot so lots to play for starting this week!
No more thunder and lightning please!