Lowerhouse v Colne

Lowerhouse bounced back from their cup heartaches in spectacular style with a crushing victory over Colne on Sunday afternoon.

Due to the heavy rain 24 hours earlier, the start was delayed by 35 minutes and the game reduced to 45 overs per side as the wicket needed to be prepared to a suitable playing standard. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first that decision seemed to be the wrong one as Colne got the benefit of some generous movement and swing. Cobus Pienaar (0), Jonny Whitehead (7), Ben Heap (5), Matt Walker (1) and Charlie Cottam (0) were all removed by David Wallbank in the first 11 overs to leave the hosts on a staggering 25/5. Paddy Martin (promoted up the order to number 4) and Joe Hawke were enlisted with the task of attempting to stage a recovery. They went about things at a sedate pace but the important things they were still there at the crease. They actually managed to achieve a 50 partnership as Colne began to become frustrated.  Martin scored a highly respectable 33 (a season’s best) as Andy Hakin was finally rewarded with a wicket. Hawke was out shortly for 35 to the same bowlers. Vital late cameos from Chris Bleazard (11*), Ben Gorton (17) and Joe Martin (11) dragged Lowerhouse to 139/9 off their 45 overs and prevented Colne from claiming the bowling bonus points.

To say Colne’s innings never took off is possibly the understatement of the year as the host’s bowlers caused utter destruction. Pienaar dismissed Tom Bradshaw for just 1 and Joel Duerden was sent packing by Walker for 7 (this would end up being the best score of the innings). The South African also succeeded in dismissing professional Ali Azmat at the 2nd attempt for 4 and Khurrum Nazir for 0 to finish with figures of 3/8 off only 8 overs, including 4 maidens. It was this point that Walker took control and put the match firmly beyond doubt.  First to go was Sam Williamson for 1 via a plumb LBW. Hakin was deceived by an outswinger and bowled out for 0 and Colne’s namesake departed the very next ball for a golden duck as he looped one up in the air straight back to the bowler as he completed his 5 wicket haul and finished with personal best figures of 5/9 off just 10 overs, also included . Hawke, after bowling 3 consecutive maidens, claimed the final 2 wickets of the innings as Colne finished on a humiliating 33 all out after just 23.5 overs. Credit to our bowlers, who were ruthless and showed no mercy (and also made use of the wicket).

MOM was Matt Walker for his 5/9. It’s an away double this weekend for the Lancashire League leaders as East Lancs provide the opposition on Saturday in the 2nd replay of the season then it’s a third visit to Seedhill on Sunday to take on Nelson.

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