Two defeats on the first weekend of the 2026 campaign was not the outcome both Greenmount’s first and second elevens were hoping for, but facing strong opponents in their respective higher divisions, there is still room for encouragement over the summer.
The firsts travelled to Burnley on Sunday and, on a wicket that offered nothing for batsmen but plenty for spinners, bowled the home side out for 120 in the 47th over.
Tormentor-in-chief for the Mount was returning professional Jacques Snyman who finished with fabulous figures of 6 for 32 from 15 overs. Callum Hunter also helped himself to three wickets.
In reply the villagers were soon in trouble on 6 for 3 with Tom Heaton, Snyman and Gavin Nichol back in the shed.
Skipper Travis Townsend followed with the score on 13 before there was something of a recovery as Max Birtwistle (14) and Cameron Mapstone (20) put on 35 before the latter fell with the score on 48.
Despite a stubborn unbeaten 18 from Ishy Patel the Greenmount total fell short at 91 all out in the 43rd over to go down by 29 runs.
In retrospect, Mount were left to rue 19 extras and a couple of dropped catches that could have swung the game their way but it was encouraging to pick up five bonus points (3 batting, 2 bowling) from the defeat, and those small margins could be crucial as the side look to establish themselves throughout the summer.
Meanwhile, it was a tough afternoon for a young second string side that took on a strong Burnley seconds at the Log Cabin.
Burnley won the toss and elected to bat. It proved to be the correct decision as – in marked contrast to the track at Turf Moor – the Mount wicket was highly conducive to run-scoring.
The visitors racked up 261 for 4 from their 45 overs with the experienced Mathew Roberts hitting 100 from 118 balls with Aarav Neherkar and Ali Syed each scoring 44.
The Greenmount reply relied on the senior statesmen in the team with Matty Donnelly hitting 34; Kieran Edwards 25 and Nigel Franklin 18.
Skipper Oli Dixon’s was the final wicket to fall at 119 as Burnley claimed a 142 run triumph.