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Greenmount first eleven stormed to an eight-wicket victory over Nelson on Sunday to stay in the mix at the top of the league.

Elsewhere, the third team won once again but an improved performance from the seconds wasn’t enough for a rare twelve points.

Playing at the Log Cabin, the firsts would’ve been rueing a below-par bowling effort after winning the toss and choosing to field. This was especially the case given they had Nelson 17 for 3 early in the contest.

Their visitors put on 231 for 7 all-in-all, with Neil Thompson’s 93 from 122 balls being by far and away the highest score.

Callum Hunter at least had something to shout about with ball in hand, as he ended with commendable figures of 4 for 52 from 13 overs.

The rain then hit, and an extended delay meant that the new target for the Mount’s batters was 187 from 35 overs. This proved to be no issue, as the score was made in just 20.5 overs, with eight wickets to spare.

Plaudits, once again, went to the formidable opening pair of Jacques Snyman and Tom Heaton, who blasted scores of 55 and 96, respectively.

Heaton’s innings was especially impressive, making his way to the total in just 65 deliveries and scoring 17 fours before falling agonisingly short of a ton.

Once the partnership was broken, the two had put on 142 together, and victory was something of a formality.

A similarly dominant display came on Saturday for the third team, as they played host to Littleborough. After winning the toss and electing to bat, they compiled an excellent total of 213 for 8 off their 40, with several contributors.

Captain Mark Crowther top scored with 63 from 50 balls while Tom Clarke and Liam Riley hit 37 and 34 respectively. Altogether, six of the nine players to bat made it into double figures.

 In the second innings, the bowling effort followed a similar trend, as five of the six bowlers picked up at least one wicket. Riley picked up the best figures of the bunch, taking 3 for 23 in his eight overs.

The visitors were eventually removed for 145 at the end of the 38th over.

Contrastingly, Sunday’s second team fixture at Nelson was yet another tough one for Greenmount, as they lost by five wickets.

They will have been encouraged by the batting display, however, posting 183 for 7 after choosing to bat first. This was mostly down to an anchoring innings from Sam Greenhalgh, who carried his bat in an effort of 66 from 132 balls.

He was backed up by a well-made 42 off 50 from Toby Leach as the Mount at least buried some doubts from recent low scores.

Nelson are top of the league for a reason, though, and their chase was comfortable in the end, despite wobbling at 110 for 5 at one point.

Sardar Asghar (30*) and Armaan Moghal (43*) saw the hosts over the line by the end of the 36th over.

Results mean the first team sit in fourth in JW Lees Division Two, 20 points behind leaders Ramsbottom. The Thirds are also pushing in their league, staying in second with their win and trailing first-placed Nelson by 22 points. The Seconds are ninth as things stand.

Jacques Snyman smashed another fifty as Greenmount’s first eleven got back to winning ways with a comfortable win at Colne writes SAM CHADWICK.

Elsewhere, a young thirds side helped themselves to another win on Saturday.

The first team’s victory came by six wickets, although that didn’t tell the whole story of a dominant performance.

After being asked to field first, their bowlers soon got to work as they reduced their hosts to 41 for 4, and later 117 for 7. In fact, if it wasn’t for a fantastic 101 from 86 balls from Colne professional Geeth Kamara, things could have been much worse for the home side.

In the end they made their way to 180 all out in 41.3 overs. The wickets were shared by four Mount bowlers with Snyman (4-40) and Callum Hunter (3-48) being the pick of the bunch.

The chase came at a canter in just 27 overs, and much of that was down to Snyman’s brutal hitting at the top of the order. All-in-all he hit four 4s and six 6s on his way to 69 from just 38 balls.

After he had fallen, Travis Townsend and Danny Hornby took over to take their side over the line with unbeaten scores of 46 and 27, respectively.

Similarly, on Saturday, the third team helped themselves to a comfortable 47-run win at Rishton. Batting first, a real team effort helped them to a strong score of 168 for 9 from their 40 overs.

Five batsmen made their way into the twenties, with none of them going beyond, but Harry Nuttall’s 28 from 34 balls was particularly notable. Coming in at number ten, the young wicketkeeper blazed five boundaries and gave his side some real end-of-innings momentum.

Two more impressive displays followed as spinners Noah Birtwistle and Ed Dickinson took four wickets each. Dickinson’s efforts were especially impressive, ending with figures of 4 for 4 from 6.2 overs. As a result, their hosts were bowled out for 121 in 29.2 overs.

The other game on Sunday saw the second eleven play host to Church, although they lost by four wickets on a tough afternoon.

After a steady start, regular wickets fell in the first innings after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Captain Oliver Dixon top-scored with 30 from 60 on their way to a modest total of 121all out in 36.3 overs.

In an accomplished attack, all five Church bowlers helped themselves to wickets. The visitors looked comfortable for much of their chase, although some stoic fast bowling from Ed Wackrill (2 for 34) and George Kenyon (2 for 18) made the contest tighter than it first looked. The result was defeat by four wickets.

At the end of the weekend, the first sit in fourth place in the table, still with an outside chance of promotion from the Second Division. The seconds are ninth while the thirds kept their spot in second.

Despite another Tom Heaton hundred, Greenmount’ First Team’s first eleven fell 26 runs short of
victory at home to Walsden in a high-scoring contest. Elsewhere, a youthful third team
proved a shining light with a convincing win over Church and Oswaldtwistle writes SAM CHADWICK.

Starting on Sunday, the first eleven were looking for an upturn in fortunes after a string
of disappointing results in recent weeks. However, they were made to toil by Walsden’s
batters despite winning the toss and electing to field.

The visitors’ opening partnership was a solid one, worth 96 runs, with Josh Gale and
Nick Barker hitting scores of 49 and 56, respectively. This set the platform for their
middle order to kick on later in the innings, and it was their professional, Jameel Stuart,
who capitalized, coming in at number four to blast 73 off 51 deliveries. The result was an
imposing total of 277 for 6.

Greenmount began well in the chase, with the familiar opening partnership of Tom
Heaton and Jacques Snyman proving fruitful yet again. Snyman hit 52 in typically brisk
fashion, but once he was removed, Heaton stepped up to the plate. His measured
innings of 109 off 124 balls kept the hosts well in with a shout, although the regular fall
of wickets at the other end would prove to be their downfall.

The next top scorer was Kieran Edwards with 30 off 20 balls. He was one of six victims to
fall to the off-spin of Stuart, who capped off a fine all-round display with figures of 6 for 59.
Similarly, in the reverse fixture, the second team would also fall short in their chase as
they lost by 90 runs to cap off a difficult Sunday. Walsden chose to bat on their home
ground and ensured a tiring afternoon for Mount’s bowlers. Fiaz Khan top-scored with
71 from 67 balls, while Leon Bailey hit 65 from just 53. A cameo of 46 not out from 33
deliveries by Majid Khan compounded the hosts’ dominance as his efforts took them to
255 for 4 from their 45 overs.

Ed Wackrill’s head could at least be held high in the second innings, as he hit 45 from 55
balls to continue his excellent form with the bat, but the away side was eventually
bowled out for 166 in 42.2 overs after Chris Lord took figures of 5 for 36.
In contrast, the other game to take place at The Log Cabin brought a welcome
Greenmount win, as a particularly young third team brushed aside Church on Saturday.

After being asked to field first, the hosts’ familiar pace attack soon went to work,
applying constant pressure on their visitors. It was George Kenyon who particularly took
the eye with ball in hand, picking up his first-ever five-for in senior cricket in an
impressive effort. The other five scalps were shared around the rest of the bowlers, with
the away side ending on a below-par total of 112 all out in 32.2 overs.

Wickets fell in the reply, but scoreboard pressure was never on Church’s side. Wackrill
again top-scored with an eye-catching innings of 34 from 52 balls before Adam Clarke
finished the game off in style, hitting three fours and two sixes on his way to 28 not out
from 21 deliveries. All in all, the win came by five wickets in just 28.1 overs and was a
pleasing watch for stand-in captain Wesley Young.
Results leave the first team in fourth place, 13 points behind Crompton in third. The
second team sit in eighth in their division, while the third team sit in second place in
theirs, 22 points behind leaders Nelson.

A much-improved on-field performance from Greenmount’s senior teams this weekend saw two wins from two for the twos but the firsts fell just three runs short of a double! writes JOHN STEVENS

With Euro football fever gripping the nation probably the last thing anyone wanted was a double header but this weekend incorporated the first of the early season postponements.

On Saturday, the first team travelled to Rawtenstall and completed a comfortable win by nine wickets.

Fresh from his exploits with South Africa in the World Legends championship, professional Jacques Snyman starred with 4 for 29 and a typically belligerent unbeaten 64.

The second team match at home followed a similar pattern with the added interest of the first use of a hybrid pitch at the Mount.

Noah Birtwistle starred with 5 for 31 ably supported by Ed Dickinson with 3 for 26 and Matthew Gilmore with 2 for 21.

The runs were knocked off for the loss of Ed Dickinson for 36, Nigel Franklin was stranded on 49 not out and it was good to see a cameo unbeaten 18 from Max Birtwistle.

On Sunday the seconds continued their momentum with a tense one wicket win against a decent Crompton team.

Batting first Crompton made 177 , Ed Dickinson was among the action again with 4 for 37. After the last few games some may have been sceptical about our ability to chase.

Indeed after a shaky start losing four quick wickets things looked tricky. However partnerships continued to build with Chris Sherrington, 40 , Mark Crowther 23 and Liam Riley with an excellent unbeaten 29 being the main contributors.

It was a genuine team effort and an exciting prelude to the football. With captain Oliver Dixon away and pressure on availability with several young players absent, it was a brilliant club effort.

Thanks to Leigh Dickinson and Mark Crowther for stepping up to captain and lead from the front, two excellent days which offer signs of genuine progress and further potential.

The first team had a delayed start in their top four clash away at cloudy Crompton. Their opponents had first use of tricky batting conditions in a game where no player passed 50, finishing on 165 for 9.

Wickets were shared between Jacques 3 for 56, Amal Dalugoda 3 for 42 and Callum Hunter 2 for 42 with Jack Thomond taking the other.

The run chase followed a similar pattern to the seconds with four quick wickets tumbling after Jacques and Tom Heaton had reached an opening stand of 50.

Both fell for 28 and 22 respectively but when Andy Kerr and Gav Nicholl followed we were 68 for 4. Skipper Travis Townsend and Dan Stevens set about a rebuilding stand of 30 before Travis was bowled for 20 by a ball which kept low.

Kieran Edwards and Dan then combined for another stand of 30 before Kie was bowled for 18. Then with the score  at 146 with 19 to win Dan Stevens was caught and bowled for a fine 35 and Callum Hunter was caught for 7.

There was still belief that we could get over the line between Jack Thomond and Sam Greenhalgh but Sam was run out in very unfortunate circumstances leaving six to win from the last over. Jack was bowled from the last ball to leave us three runs short.

The result sees Greenmount in fourth place but only 15 points separate the teams so every game is going to be vital – starting next Sunday when league leaders Walsden visit the Mount.

Lots of cricket to be played yet , nine more exciting games to come – don’t miss it!

Unfortunately Harrison’s will not be serving food today (Friday 12th) as the function room is being closed off for a funeral. 

On Sunday England are playing Spain in the Euro 24 Final at 8pm. 

The football will be shown on the club’s eight TVs but we again ask that any children under 18 are sat with their parents and NOT allowed to roam around the club, inside or outside, on their own.

Additionally children are asked not to come to the bar as per licensing laws which we have recently been made aware of. 

These arrangements have been well received and respected, making the club a safer and more enjoyable environment for people, so thank you. 

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Greenmount CC Directors

There were two great performances from our professional Jacques Snyman who played for the South Africa Champions team in the World Championship of Legends this week at Northampton.

On Tuesday against Pakistan, Jacques scored an unbeaten 82 while on Wednesday against India he blasted 73 runs and bowled 1 for 30 from four overs.

The performances earned him the Meethi Sweet Moment of the Match against Pakistan and he picked up the Player of the Match accolade for his efforts against India.

Congratulations to Greenmount legend Jacques Snyman who has been called into the SA Champions team for the World Championship of Legends.

South Africa play Pakistan today at 4pm then India tomorrow (Wednesday) also 4pm. Games will be played at Edgbaston and will be shown on TNT Sports.

Then it’s back to the high life for the Mount in fixtures against Rawtenstall and Crompton at the weekend.

Go well pro!

Greenmount’s first eleven crashed out of the Worsley Cup at the semi-final stage during a weekend where the senior setup lost all four of their respective games writes SAM CHADWICK.

 On Saturday, hopes were high as the villagers travelled to Todmorden in a bid to reach the final of the prestigious competition.

After choosing to bat, they lost opener Tom Heaton early, leaving them at 9 for 1. Jacques Snyman’s brisk 36 from 31 balls offered some hope, but his dismissal triggered a collapse from 47 for 1 to 57 for 4.

It was battling middle-order contributions from Dan Stevens (26 from 47 balls), Gav Nicholl (31 from 64), and Callum Hunter (21 from 37) that helped Greenmount reach a somewhat competitive total of 153 all out in 44.5 overs.

Harry Rickard was the standout bowler for Todmorden, taking 4 for 14 in seven overs. In response, Snyman removed opener Noah Priestley early, leaving Todmorden at 14 for 1. However, consistent scoring from Edward Moore and Rickard, who both scored unbeaten 50s, saw Todmorden comfortably chase the target in just 22 overs with eight wickets to spare.

Sunday brought another disappointment with a 67-run loss to local rivals Ramsbottom. Tom Parton starred with the bat for The Rams, hitting 84 from 139 balls to help his side to 195 for 6 in their 50 overs.

Snyman (3 for 56) and Hunter (2 for 42) took wickets to at least continue their wicket-taking form. Greenmount’s reply never really got going, especially after Heaton and Snyman were removed early, leaving the score at 9 for 2.

Wickets fell in chunks throughout, with Nicholl’s score of 23 from 55 balls being the highest. The result was a total of 128 all out.

Elsewhere on Saturday, the third team narrowly lost in a thrilling encounter against Middleton at The Log Cabin. Winning the toss and electing to bat, Ed Wackrill’s excellent 61 from 82 balls helped the home side to an imposing total of 177 for 7 in an innings shortened to 38 overs.

Despite a large target, Middleton chased it down in just 30.1 overs with three wickets in hand, largely thanks to an opening partnership of 84 that took away a significant chunk of their work.

 Finally, Sunday saw a disappointing nine-wicket loss for the second team at home to Rochdale. Batting first on a bowler-friendly wicket, an incredible spell of nine maidens from the away side saw Greenmount fall from 19 for 1 to 19 for 6. Oliver Dixon (24 from 44 balls) and Sam Chadwick (28* from 75) helped their side recover slightly, with George Kenyon also adding an assured 21 from 35.

 Those efforts saw them finish on 96 all out. However, an opening partnership of 63 between Rochdale youngsters Thomas Gilbertson and Haroon Kashmiri quashed any hopes of an unlikely home win.

Kashmiri fell to Gareth Williams, but Rochdale reached the target in 21.4 overs.

Results mean Ramsbottom now leapfrog the first team into second with a narrow four-point gap. The second team drop to a disappointing tenth in their division, while Middleton moved level on points with the third team in second place in theirs.

Greenmount first eleven maintained the pressure at the top of the table to close out June with a fine win over fellow challengers Crompton at the Log Cabin writes JOHN STEVENS.

Conditions were seam friendly after a damp Saturday as skipper Travis Townsend won the toss and invited Crompton to bat first.

Wickets fell frequently with the home side producing a sharp fielding and bowling performance. Crompton eventually moved from 124 for 9 to a slightly more respectable 156 all out thanks to last wicket resistance from opening bowlers Good and King.

Both Travis and Callum Hunter bagged three wickets with professional Jacques Snyman taking 2 for 17 and Amal Dalugoda the prize wicket of professional Jamal who made a fine 54.

Greenmount’s reply merely served to underline the bowler-friendly conditions with both Snyman and Heaton out caught behind early and then Townsend receiving a peach from Adam Good to complete a hat-trick of catches for keeper Kain Dean.

At 32 for 3 Crompton sensed a potential early win in time for the football however Andy Kerr and Dan Stevens put together a match turning partnership of 85 before Dan was unfortunately run out for a fine 33 with three fours and two sixes.

Andy went on to see us through to complete the win with another excellent individual performance, unbeaten on 70 with eight fours and a six.

The win sees Greenmount remain in second place behind Walsden with just 16 points between the top three teams. The coming weeks will see crunch encounters against each of the other three teams from the top four so expect it to be exciting and tense stuff! 

Elsewhere Oli Dixon’s second team suffered defeat in the reverse fixture at Crompton. The hosts compiled a competitive 208 for 9 thanks in the main to 84 from Whittle.

There were three wickets apiece for Dixon, Gareth Williams and Noah Birtwistle who continues his fine run of form in senior cricket. Unfortunately the Greenmount reply never really got moving with both Ed and Leigh Dickinson reaching 26, Ed Wackrill 22 before Dixon with 21 not out and Ben Clarke 14 not out at least ensured that we were not bowled out.

On Saturday Mark Crowther’s third team had posted a decent target of 209 for Todmorden only for rain to intervene and bring the encounter to an early close. Ed Dickinson made a fine 51 with contributions also coming from Nigel Franklin 43, Toby Leach 38, Ed Wackrill 35 not out and Sam Chadwick 26 not out.

This weekend is not all about England’s continued dramatic journey at the Euros as the first team have the Worsley Cup semi final at Todmorden on Saturday followed by the local derby away at Ramsbottom.

The thirds are at home on Saturday against Middleton and the seconds entertain Rochdale on Sunday. And if you don`t fancy any of that, there’s always the footy and Harrison’s on at the Mount!

Tomorrow (Sunday) our first team are playing at home in a top of the table clash against Crompton. Meanwhile, England are also playing in the last 16 of Euro 24 against Slovakia at 5pm. This means the club is going to be extremely busy.

Cricket teas will be taken in the function room between approx 4.15pm and 5pm so we ask that no-one sits in the function room until cricket teas are finished. Once they are finished the football will be put on the big screen.

The football will be shown on the TVs in the other rooms but we ask that any children under-16 are sat with their parents and NOT allowed to roam around the club, inside or outside, on their own. Additionally children are asked not to come to the bar.

Out of courtesy we also ask that when you finish your drinks any glasses are returned to the bar, especially if you are sat around the cricket ground as too many are just being left on the floor, which creates a safety issue. If this persists we will have no option to start serving drinks in plastic glasses for those drinking outside.

Thank you for your understanding and support.