Leaders suffer big upset on home soil

IN the JW Lees ECB Premier League, shock result of the day came at leaders Lowerhouse's Brooks Foundation Ground, where struggling Ramsbottom won by four wickets.

- RICHARD PARTINGTON

Home captain Benjamin Heap won the toss and opted to bat first, but was out second ball of the day having scored just one run.

Joseph Hawke top-scored with 34 before he became one of five Alex Olpin wickets, the Rammy bowler ending 5-55 off 11 overs.

Ben Pearson top-scored for Ramsbottom in their reply while Jonny Dack hit 23, and Harry Caton 24. Ben Fielding, 25no, and Joe Holderness, 33no, came in and saw the visitors home in the 36th over. The victory lifted Ramsbottom from second bottom up above Rochdale in the table and level on points with Burnley.

Haslingden suffered defeat against Clitheroe at Chatburn Road, losing by eight wickets.

The visitors’ captain, Matt Griffin, won the toss and opted to bat first, his side posting 138-7 from 24 overs. Griffin, 25, Matt Sudworth, 24, sub pro Michael Rippon, 30, Lucas Bargh, 21, and Sean Hunsley, 22no, all played their way in but were unable to post big scores.

For Clitheroe, both Ali Ross and Coby Campbell hit half centuries, Ross unbeaten on 53 and Campbell hitting 50 as the home side sealed victory inside 22 overs with just two wickets down.

Rochdale were well beaten at Todmorden, the home side winning by 126 runs at Centre Vale.

Visiting captain Oli Makin won the toss and asked the home side to bat first, Tod going on to set a challenging 212 with five wickets down. In response, Rochdale were all out for 86 inside 28 overs.