Keith's Memories of R.C.C.

Rawtenstall C.C. v Haslingden C.C. Saturday 25th May 08

Sunday saw us entertain the "Reptiles from Haslingden".The visitors
no doubt buoyed by our perceived dip in form.Anyway they won the toss and decided
to field. Our opening pair attacked from the word go, putting on 54 before Paynie
was struck a painful blow on the elbow off Steve Dearden and retired hurt on 36.
Nathan leg glanced his first ball for 4,but was trapped lbw the next ball.Chris followed
3 runs later lbw to Bandy for 13.Danny B and Sealy the added 17 before both falling with
the score on 80.Jay-Lo Hayman and Willie Boy then set about steadying the ship.
Skipper Knowles replaced Steve Dearden with immediate effect having Will adjudged
lbw sweeping for 22.Big Vin played an invaluable knock,adding 29 with Jay-Lo(15)and
another 29 partnership with Bomber Riley,he was particularly ruthless against Sheepies
one over spell, lifting his first ball into Bacup Road for six.Vin eventually departed for 37.
At the fall of this wicket Paynie resumed his innings,he and Bomber added a further 21
before the latter was gone for 17.Afi didn't tarry long, so we were 189 for 9 with Paynie
48not out ,no need to worry about Paynie being left high and dry(I've never missed out on
a free drink yet!)Paynie completed his 50 next over,blasting Knowles over mid wicket for 4.
A fearsome cut brought up the 200,but next ball Paynie was stumped for 57. 203 all out.
Success in the second over when Nathan trapped the Hassy skipper Knowles lbw for 0.
Olly Rigby was promoted to number 3 and proceeded to drive the full ball imperiously.
The same could not be said of the hapless Sheepy Clough who missed a loose one from
Nathan and was bowled for 6,much to the amusement of his former team-mates.
Rigby and Bandy then added 60 for the third wicket.Nathan again getting the scalp of his opposite
number, well caught at mid on by Jay-Lo for 20.Steve Dearden hung around playing very
sedately until being trapped lbw by Paynie for 8.Olly Rigby already passed 50 looked
likely to take the game away from us,but he was spectacularly caught by Nathan at extra cover,
and the fight back had begun.Three runs later John Pemberton was off, well stumped by Vin
for 27. 161for 6 soon became 172 for 7 as Mike Ingham was caught by a diving Paynie at slip
for 9.Paynie then removed the Imtiaz brothers in successive overs.It was left to Nathan to polish off
the innings having Joe Marcroft caught and bowled for 1.Then all hell broke lose, scenes of utter
jubilation from the terracing and on the pitch,what a fight back.One could see the disbelief and devastation
in the eyes of the opposition and their supporters.These are great games to win but awful games to lose
so spare a thought for the losers,then again don't bother!
One quick observation the happiest man in the club was Bob"the blog" Holmes,so his piece should
be very interesting,bet he doesn't mention his and Jimmy Warbys spell on the dancefloor,watch out
girls "theWeather Boys"are back in town.
'til next time see you laytur Kes

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