Colne’s misery continued at the weekend as they lost another two games to leave them without a league victory all season.
The Horsfield side have lost 16 of their 17 outings, with their only saving grace being a no-result.
There was a feast of runs at the Horsfield last Saturday, but again too many were scored by the opposition.
The last time Rawtenstall professional Brad Pelser played at the Horsfield, he was Colne’s sub-pro and took 9-32 in a losing cause against Nelson. This time, he scored 119 not out, with opener Sam Kershaw, 17, adding 53.
As so often this season, Colne proved unable to take enough wickets to put opposing batsmen under pressure.
Although for a while Rawtenstall’s run rate was under control, they entered the last 10 overs with seven wickets left, and so had freedom to hit out. Their total of 253-6 was not an outrageous target on a dry wicket with a very fast outfield, but was always likely to be out of Colne’s reach.
Shadley van Schalkwyk came close to his second century in reply, scoring 96 from 79 balls, having come in at 42-3. But he was short of support.
Alex White batted well for 22 in a partnership of 66, before being caught behind. Gary Hunt scored 21, Tayyib Jamil 14, and Matthew Walker 12 in getting Colne to 223 all out.
At Ramsbottom on Sunday, Colne struggled against Ramsbottom’s left arm bowler Jonathon Fielding. He took 6-55 in Colne’s total of 172 all out. Van Schalkwyk top scored again with 47, supported by Qureshi (29), Rhodes (23), Walker (18), Qasim (17), and Hunt (16).
Ramsbottom pro Peter Malan opened the innings and made 82 not out, putting on 116 for the first wicket with Tom Parton (44). Dave Wallbank claimed three late wickets, but Ramsbottom made 176-5 from 35.3 overs.
Tomorrow Colne travel to Rawtenstall and they host Ramsbottom on Sunday.