Greenmount’s first eleven suffered a heavy defeat at Great Harwood this weekend to stunt their late season momentum writes SAM CHADWICK.
However, there was plenty to shout about for the rest of the senior setup, with Ed Dickinson’s hundred helping the thirds to victory and a rare twelve points for the seconds.
Fresh off the news that pro Jacques Snyman had signed for the club for another season, the firsts travelled to Great Harwood on Saturday still with outside hopes of promotion. Things didn’t go to plan, though, as they succumbed to a 159-run defeat.
The Mount chose to bowl first but had to watch their opponents post a more-than-solid total, ending on 222 for 5 from their 50 overs. The hosts’ professional, Thikshila De Silva, top scored with 86 from just 68 balls, handily backed by an unbeaten 61 from Reece Willets.
The reply was even more disappointing, with the star opening partnership of Snyman and Tom Heaton being removed without a run between them. In fact, only Andy Kerr and Callum Hunter made it to double figures as the visitors were bowled out for 63. De Silva had a big hand in things again, picking up figures of 5 for 29.
There was better news at the Log Cabin on Saturday though, as the seconds built on an improved performance last week to overcome Middleton by six wickets.
Again, choosing to field first, all the work was done by a bowling quartet of Oliver Dixon, Max Birtwistle, Ed Wackrill and Liam Riley. All four took wickets, with Dixon’s figures of 4 for 35 standing out. They eventually removed their visitors for just 109 in 31 overs.
With a low total to chase, the result was something of a formality, although there was still enough time for Sam Greenhalgh to bag his second fifty in as many games. His score of 54 from 89, along with Birtwistle’s 39, did much of the heavy lifting.
Elsewhere, on Sunday, there was a landmark moment for Ed Dickinson as he made his way to his maiden senior hundred. This helped the third team to a 96-run win at Rawtenstall.
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Greenmount totted up a huge total of 241 for 5 in their 40 overs. Dickinson opened the batting and made his way to 116 from 126 balls in an eye-catching effort. He was ably backed up by Toby Leach, who hit a quickfire 68 from 47 balls.
Not content with one landmark, Dickinson returned with his off spin to take 5 for 41 in the second innings. This, along with wickets for Adam Clarke, Matthew Gilmore, Dexter Crowther and Ben Clarke, ensured Rawtenstall were bowled out for 145 in reply.
A loss for Nelson this weekend means the thirds are still well in the hunt for top spot in their division, moving to within 16 points in second. Otherwise, the first team are in fourth place 32 points behind leaders Ramsbottom while the seconds move up a place from ninth to eighth.