1 Run Defeat In Thriller At Rishton!

House suffered their first league defeat since  the end of May as bottom side Rishton turned the form book upside down in a thrilling encounter at Blackburn Road.

Rishton batted first being bowled out for 172 in a 48 overs per side game.  Opener Abdul Bisoodwall top scored with 77 from 111 balls. Bisoodwall and Jon Dobson put on 69 before the left hander was bowled by Fergus Bailey for 15. Sub professional Chris Holt (3) followed 9 runs later when he could only chip his opposite number Francios Haasbroek to Chris Bleazard at mid wicket.  Andy Bartley went next ball caught behind by Joe Martin as House got themselves into the game after a sluggish start. Irfan Muhammad again brought Bleazard into the game to give Bailey his second wicket as Rishton slumped to 83-4. Veteran Craig Smith joined Bisoodwall and the pair added 42 when Smith chipped Paddy Martin over his head and set off for a run. The bowler turned and threw the wicket down to end Smith’s cameo. Jonny Russell returned to form with 2-26. Some lusty late blows took Rishton to 172 with  Haasbroek taking 4-61. Extras was again an issue and ultimately would prove costly.

In reply, House lost Joe Martin (4) at 14 when he was taken by McVarish at bat and pad off Holt. Ben Heap was caught and bowled by Hutchinson for 4 and Paddy Martin was adjudged lbw to the same bowler for 14. Bailey (13) and Haasbroek doubled the score to 70 when the amateur was well caught by Smith low down at long on off Holt. Walker followed 2 balls later caught by Dobson at long on. At this point House were in trouble at 70-5  well behind the required run rate. A 6th wicket stand of 76 between Bleazard and Haasbroek turned the match back in our favour. With 11 overs to go Lowerhouse needed 77 to win. Bleazard took 13 off Sartaj’s over and he went on to make a rapid 58 with three fours and four sixes before he was stumped by Bartley off Sartaj. Skipper Charlie Cottam soon followed and then Holt removed Haasbroek for 55 with just 9 runs needed for victory.

With 7 balls remaining and just one wicket left Russell chipped to cover only for the fielder to spill the easiest of chances.  A scampered single meant that House needed 2 from the last over with last man Russell on strike.  The first ball was a dot ball before Russell swung and top edged to wicket keeper Bartley to give Rishton a one run win. Holt took 5-76 and Sartaj 3-72.  House picked up 7 points but maintain a 15 point lead because Todmorden lost to Church whilst Accrington beat Nelson to move into second spot. Scorecard