ON THIS DAY By Paul Hargreaves
July 12th, 2008
Lowerhouse vs Haslingden
Now in 2026 , Lowerhouse have developed a reputation of batting first, sometimes come what may, when winning the toss. It was different in 2008 and on an excellent batting surface ‘House inserted their opposition. It was a decision they soon came to regret as Hassy notched up 276-5.
The main culprits were Western Australian pro’ David Bandy(93) and Steve ‘Dasher’ Dearden (88). This pair were responsible for a 155 run partnership. Dearden was a really ace amateur and he scored 5 centuries and 29 fifties for Haslingden, after he transferred from Ramsbottom. John Pemberton’s 36 not out put a cherry on the cake and 277 would be a formidable target.
Lowerhouse’s pro’ Brendan Drew was the most ‘successful’ of the home bowlers with 3-70.
At the tea interval Lowerhouse supporters weren’t totally resigned because, at least on paper, ‘House had a strong batting line-up. Unfortunately it didn’t take long for the slim hopes to be dashed. The side slumped to an embarrassing 49-6.
The only consolation was the batting form of Drew. The Tasmanian was very much an enigma. He was an opening bowler for his State side who batted at No. 10 or 11. He was surprisingly good as a batter and scored a healthy 800 runs in the season. The downside was his bowling. He never adjusted to the length required in English conditions and 54 wickets was a below par return.
Drew reached a hundred and late flourish’s by the two Joes, Hawke(23) and Beneduce(33), brought respectability at 211 all out.
Lowerhouse finished fifth, two places above Haslingden. ‘House were just three points off third but the top two, Accrington and Rawtenstall were out of sight.
Given that the 2008 side was, perhaps, Lowerhouse’s strongest in history, it was all a little underwhelming. The reasons were being slow out of the gate, captaincy issues and, except for Hasan Khan, batters having respective seasons below expectations.
A stark conclusion, which showed the difference between league cricket and the first class game, was that a Tasmanian tailender had out-performed our strong amateur batting line-up.