ON THIS DAY by Paul Hargreaves
Aug. 2nd, 2015
Todmorden vs Lowerhouse
It had become a nightmare season pro’-wise for Todmorden. Their intended pro’ Bilawal Bhatti arrived late, and then only lasted a dozen games, before his season ended. He will probably only be remembered for his remarkable 188 in a home game versus Enfield.
On this day ‘House inserted Todmorden. The decision was completely justified as Tod. were 107 all out. Ben Sutcliffe, often a thorn in Lowerhouse’s side, and extras tied for top contributor, with 25 each.
Lowerhouse pro’ Cobus Pienaar had a rare wicketless day. His excellent bowling had played a major part in ‘House’s run to the 2014 Lancashire League championship. As a pro’ he was the opposite to the 2008 professional Brendan Drew. Drew had arrived as a dangerous opening bowler who impressed more with the batting side of his game. Cobus came as a master batsman but was generally more effective as a bowler.
Lowerhouse’s wicket takers in this game were Fergus Bailey(5-24) , Matt Walker(3-19) and Paddy Martin(2-13). Bailey had started as a high order batter but his role shifted to success as a nagging medium pace bowler. He took 129 wickets for Lowerhouse.
Matt Walker had one of the greatest seasons ever by a ‘House amateur. He made 611 runs and took 56 wickets to complete the amateur ‘double’ with a little to spare.
Lowerhouse’s reply wasn’t straightforward but they never lost the favourite tag at any time. Jonny Whitehead top scored with 24 and there was still concern at 88-7. Two cool heads , Lewis Marsden and Chris Bleazard, saw the team home for a 3 wicket win. Jalat Khan took 4 wickets but was slightly expensive in this type of game.
In the final 2015 standings Todmorden were 8th, whilst Lowerhouse were 4th, both teams well behind a dominant Burnley side.
The season was the swansong for the ‘House ‘dream’ team that had emerged in the successful 2011 season. Jonny Whitehead took a temporary ‘holiday’ from the club; Bailey left for Enfield on route to Turf Moor; and Matt Walker’s marvellous year led inevitably to offers elsewhere. The same thing had happened with Jon Hartley many years before.
In conclusion, Lowerhouse faced something of a rebuild for 2016 as a mini-era was over.