Colne continue to search for their first league win of the season following last weekend’s games against Todmorden and Rishton.
On Saturday Todmorden won the toss and had no hesitation in electing to bat on a superb batting track and lightning outfield.
David Wallbank struck early as he forced Sutcliffe to play on with the score on 13. Sadly this was to be the only success for some time as Todmorden professional Geeth Alwis took the Colne bowling attack apart. He played a near flawless innings to notch up 149 not out. He hit 23 fours and one six in a commanding innings as Todmorden racked up a score of 253-7.
Professional Shadley van Schalkwyk was the pick of the Colne bowlers finishing with figures of 4-72 from 13 overs.
In reply Colne were soon in trouble with both Saleem Qureshi and Khurram Nazir both back in the dressing with just nine runs on the board. Van Schalkwyk and Tayyib Jamil then put together a stand of 53 to take the score on to 63 before Jamil was needlessly run out as Colne achieved the required run rate to overhaul the Todmorden score.
Both Sam Williamson and Bradley Ramshead’s time at the crease was sadly all too short after both had played some promising shots.
Van Schalkwyk continued to flay the Todmorden attack but when he had reached 61 he was well caught by his opposite number Alwis. He had hit four fours and four sixes in his total.
Firstly, captain Matthew Walker (14) and then Kenton Rhodes(26) put on a mini revival with veteran Gary Hunt, who had come into the team at the last moment following withdrawals. The old warhorse played an exquisite innings as he showed, at the ripe old age of 50, that he has not lost his touch.
Colne were all out for 209 with Hunt last man at the crease with 39 not out .
In their game at Rishton, the following day, Colne were soundly beaten.
Colne won the toss and elected to bat. They made 181 with Shadley van Schalkwyk top scoring on 55. Sam Tillotson got back to form with an assured 25. Alex White(16), Kenton Rhodes(27), Bradley Ramshead(19) and Daneyal Qasim(19) all showed promise but their efforts were to no avail as the Rishton professional, Daniel Salpietro , scored a faultless 110 not out.
Rishton ran out easy winners losing just two wickets as they overhauled the Colne score.
Colne entertain Rawtenstall tomorrow and are away to Ramsbottom on Sunday.
• A Help For Heroes Charity T20 game takes place at Colne tonight,from 6 p.m. - a Colne XI versus 9 Regt AAC.
Admission is £2, with live music from Crash and a performance fromRussell Shaun.