Ramsbottom Inflict First Defeat But Youngsters Impress

The House slipped to a heavy defeat at early league leaders Ramsbottom on Sunday. Keith Webb hit 70, including ten fours and sub professional Ross McMillan hit an unbeaten 79 with eight fours as Ramsbottom  posted 206-2. The pair added 74 for the 2nd wicket after Jamie Pilling (20) had put on 58 for the first wicket with Webb. David Bell (20*) then helped McMillan add an unbroken 74 for the 3rd wicket.

Left arm seamer Mick Haslam struck early removing Jon Finch (5) and Paddy Martin (3) before McMillan removed the pro without scoring to leave us 19-3. Ben Heap and Chris Bleazard then steadied the ship hitting 23 apiece to take the score to 30. Spinners Jon Fielding (4-30) and former Lowerhouse junior Ross Brown (2-44) tore through our middle order until  a last wicket stand of 33 between Fergus Bailey (24) and Joe Martin (11 not out)  gave the score some respectability.