54.. Clitheroe Advertiser &Times, Thursday, June 8th, 2006 ■ tr.


www.clitheroetoday.co.uk


Blues look back on an eventful


year at Shawbridge


A review of the season? Seems a simple enough thing to write, and in most normal seasons it would bel Watching Clitheroe this


season has been anything but a normal season, and events off the field have for once overshadowed the on field activities. Back in August saw the


lull before the storm. Tommy Lawson was appointed as manager of the club and the appoint­ ment appeared, on paper, to be a huge step in the right direction. Early season results


certainly backed up the decision of the committee, although the financial aspects of the deal were yet to fully unfold. The three sides th a t


)v


eventually gained promo­ tion from our league, Fleetwood, Mossley and Kendal were all beaten in the opening months, and victory away to Chorley in October sent the Blues top of the league. Gary Jackson was scor­


ing goals a t will, and we are left to wonder ju s t what might have been had he not suffered his injury and not played again this season. Cup games then began


to take th e ir toll - a strong run in the FA Tro­ phy swelled club coffers at a much-needed time and went a long way a t the end of the day to saving the club. After eventually bow­


ing out of the competition to Barrow, the club were


With the manager gone,


many of the team also walked, but amazingly, thanks to a lot of hard work behind the scenes, a team was; able to play just five days later. A 5-0 away defeat a t


Shepshed was irrelevant, just playing the game saw the club take a giant stride forward. Thanks to the hard


work of the new chairman and his committee, the . financial side of the club slowly began to look slightly healthier. An open and frank


meeting put the support­ ers firmly in the picture, and the club began to move forward once more. Special thanks must go


to everyone who has helped out during this period, but especially the small, loyal group of play­ ers who stuck with us dur­ ing these traumatic times. So the club ended the


WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN: Gary Jackson


almost on the verge of folding as supporters and town folk alike became aware of financial difficul­ ties. Changes at the top then


followed, with the club chairman John Robinson stepping aside and Carl Garner stepping into the role. Further changes fol­


lowed as the committee took on a new look and set about rebuilding the . club’s perilous financial situation. With all the happenings


behind the scenes making front page news, it was perhaps hardly surprising that just one win in nine league games saw the team slide down the league. Hot on the heels of this


was yet another shock to the club’s loyal fanbase, with manager Lawson being relieved of his duties. A three hour committee


meeting and lots of soul searching finally decided that was the best way to take the club forward.


season by avoiding relega­ tion, and the high hopes that surrounded the start of the season were just a distant memory. The committee are


working non-stop to put the club back on its feet, and the appointment of Mark Smitheringale as manager for next season ends a summer of uncer­ tainty. Lets hope we can re-dis-


cover the form we dis­ played at the start of last season and hopefully make next season’s end of year review a lot less com­ plicated to write! ANDY ALSTON


Hyndburn AC turn in gutsy league display


HYNDBURN AC put in a strong and gutsy performance at Wilson running track on Sunday to achieve a sound second place in their Young Athletes League match. The youngsters not only compet­


ed in their usual events, but many spread their talents to try events they had little experience in, help­ ing their club to amass 310.5 points which secured runners-up spot to Liverpool, Pembroke and Sefton. Altrincham finished in third


place, and Leigh were fourth. Team manager Don Lennon


fr-


hopes th a t this inspired perform­ ance will be matched by similar results a t next month’s match in Wrexham, ensuring that the club retain the First Division status they won last season. Notable performances included


Joe Basquill, who gained a grade one performance in the Under 15 boys’ 800m with a time of 2.06.7, and Ian James-Yates with a grade three performance of 2.16.3 in the same race. Ashleigh Williams also earned a grade three in the Under 17


women’s 300m in 44.2, while Rose­ mary Nolan’s triple jump in the Under 17 women’s event of 8.50 earned her the same recognition. Leigh Lennon achieved a grade


two of 2.17.9 in the same age group. In the Under 15 girls’ 100m,


Katy McKenna ran 13.4 to achieve a grade three, and Ruth Nutter gained the same grade in the 800m with a time of 2.32.8, a feat matched by Abbie Thistlewaithe in the Under 13 girls with a time of 2.47.8.


TOP OF THE STOPS: David McGrath. A020606/7 David’s hat-trick I Parents set standard


CLITHEROE Wolves goalkeeper David McGrath has completed his first hat- trick. But instead of goals it is league hon­


ours he has scored, as for the third suc­ cessive year he has been named the War- burtons League’s leading goalkeeper for his age group. The 13-year-old, who will play for


Wolves Under 13s next season, was deemed by the league’s referee to be the most consistent shot stopper of the nine


teams that play in his division. Wolves Under 12s finished third in the


league this year and for the three seasons before that, they achieved runners-up spot. David also plays football for his school ‘


team at Ribblesdale High School and spent two seasons at Blackburn Rovers Academy. He has played for Wolves since the age of seven and is also a keen crick-. eter during the summer months.


Chipping let rivals off hook in top-of-the-table clash


Myerscough...............3 C h ip p in g ...................... 3 CHIPPING should have won this top-of-the-table clash a t a canter in the Catforth and District League Second Division last Tuesday evening. The first action of the


game saw a Myerscough midfielder try a specula­ tive effort from all of 45 yards, which Rich Ireland- did well to turn over his crossbar, This only served to stir (jhipping into life as they dominated the first period. Only a number of fine


saves from the home goal­ keeper kept out a rampant Chipping side as Joe Melling and Danny Austin went close. Following a number of


classy moves, a scramble in the six-yard box allowed Bridget to open the scor­ ing after Myerscough failed to clear a Chris Hornby comer. Chipping could have


added to their lead, but from a free kick stupidly given away, Myerscough


found an unlikely equalis­ er with a well-struck free kick. I t looked as though the


teams would go into the break level, but Hornby had other ideas. Straight from kick-off


he set off on a mazy run which saw him ghost pass a number of players before, being crudely upended in' the area for a penalty. I t was a clear foul, but


one Myerscough player clearly disagreed and screamed a t the referee, being sent off for his trou­ ble. Hornby wasn’t dis­ rupted by this as he coolly slotted home the penalty for 2-1. The second half began


disastrously for Chipping and for Ireland in goal especially. A tame pass back from


Bridget somehow slipped under the studs of Ireland and to his horror ended up in the back of the net for a freakish equaliser. However, to the great


credit of the Chipping players, this did not upset


A MIXED blind trebles darts match has been organised for Friday, June 23rd at the Royal British Legion in aid of chari- ty.


their rhythm arid they set about regaining the lead once more. Further efforts from


Melling and Bridget went close, but i t was skipper Danny Austin who made the breakthrough. A superb crossfield ball


from John Ross found Melling, whose perfect nod down was thrashed home by Austin to make the score 3-2. Both sides traded


opportunities and Chip­ ping had a number of chances to seal victory, but it was another own goal in the dying seconds which denied them. A comer swung in from


the left was met with a crashing header from Mal- ley and Ireland had no chance keeping it out. Despite knowing they


should have won comfort­ ably, the level of perform­ ance was outstanding and Chipping will be looking to continue th e ir good form in the coming weeks as they aim to gain pro­ motion.


Legion to host darts competition Anyone can enter on the night, darters'


and non-darters alike. Entry is S.2 each j and registration is at 7 p.m.


All money raised will go towards can­ cer research and Macmillan nurses.


. There will also be a raffle and an auc­ tion of boxing and darting memorabilia."


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lAwad. Supported by LCB Cricket Develop-


CLITHEROE Cobras parents became the first group of adults in the coimty to be awarded the ECB Introductory Level


I ment Officers Rudra Singh and Gerry Thomas, the Cbbras parents were able to undertake training aimed specifically at those with little'or no pre'vious cricketing


,


Gerpr Thomas are pictured presenting the certificate to Chris Donald, one of the suc­ cessful candidates, as the young Cobras show their appreciation (s). The Cobras Under 13s A team had a


comfortable win at home to WhaUey A. Whalley elected to bat first and soon got


I delighted with the efforts of all 13 success- I ful participants and said: "This is the first land extremely important step on the I coaching ladder for our parents “This training has helped to give them


I experienca Cobras Chairman Farouk Husain was


I the confidence and self belief to work I alongside a more qualified coach and feel I as if they are making a vital contribution I to the child's cricketing development. “I am very optimistic that many of the


I parents 'will take on the challenge of the I next coaching badge and help to further I enhance the quality of coaching already in I operation at Chatbum Road. This once again underlines our com-


themsel-ves into trouble taking a quick sin­ gle, only for Dewhurst to run them out. 'This was followed by a great catch


and with Banks’ leg spin mesmerising the opposition, he took a wicket caught at extra cover. Another wicket fell, bowled by


behind by Walsh off the fine away swing of Bowness. There -was another run out to Dewhurst,


Dewhurst. Only Taylor for Whalley reached double figures and their final score was net 197. In reply, Clitheroe got off to a steady


^ if'- A /4


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Clitheroe Adve'rtlser &Times, Tliuieday, June 8tli, 2668 55'' Derby showdown!


CLITHEROE CC captain Neil Bolton anticipates this Saturday’s top of the table derby to be something of a title showdown. His his experienced


Chatbum Road side go up against this season’s other formidable outfit, Whalley. The Station Road side


prospect as he rates them as their new challengers for the title this term: “It will be an interesting game as they are a strong amateur batting side and our strongest test yet. “We will need our


ther strengthened a side that narrowly lost out on the title to Settle last sea­ son - a team they east aside with a reven-wicket victory last Saturday. The Ribblesdale Lea^e


have turned around their poor league form of recent seasons, transforming from whipping boys to title con­ tenders. While Clitheroe have fur­


bowlers to perform at their best, but, as was seen in Saturday’s performance at Settle, I ’ve been spoilt for choice in that area. “I haven’t even had to


day’s win at the Marsh­ field, Settle’s first game this season on their own pitch, due to the relaying of tracks, saw the home side win the toss and elect to bat first. Professional Saj Fernan­


former Whalley pro Mar­ quet, four from Hargreaves, two from Butt and another from Naeem Ashraf put a stoptoSettla In reply, Clitheroe profes­


use Neil Bibby, who is one of the better spinners in the league, as the seamers have been doing the business. “It will be a tough game


champions from Yorkshire proved little trouble for the accomplished bowling line up of Josh Marquet (^ 1 ) , Farouk Butt (2-54) and Mark Hargeaves (4-22), but Bolton believes Whal­ ley to be a different


though, especially as they are a bit of a bogey team for us. “They will be up there at


but I fancy us getting more bonus points.” Turning back to Satur­


“The pressure is on them __


the end of the season, no doubt, i t is just whether their bowling attack is up to it.


do set his stall out as if to play all through the innings, and if an appeal for c a u ^ t behind had been ©ven halfway through the innings. Settle would have fallen way short of their 163 all out. The Settle paid man


posted 104 not out after his scare in the 27th over, with the next highest scorer after him being Tim Davidson ■with 11. Marquet, half the


sional Shahid Nawaz racked up 88 not out ■with the mini­ mum of fuss, but by his own admission Bolton (12) was a bit irresponsible in playing a shot a ball and was caught by Hughes at mid-wicket, having not learned from playing an identical dropped shot to the same man earlier. Namesake Mark Bolton


Clitheroe team and even the square leg umpire were sure the ball had clipped his bat before reaching Simon Coulter’s gloves, only the umpire hadb’t h e ^ it. But it needn’t have mat­ tered as three wickets from


was trapped leg before for 10 by Fernando, and after being dropped by the Settle professional with a simple dolly catch, Ashraf scored 44 before he was caught, leaving Coulter (not out 3) and Nawaz to see the side to a 167-3 -victory in less than 32 overs. Clitheroe’s game with


Whalley at Chatbum Road on Saturday, wickets pitched at 1-30 p.m.


Driver century in vain


DON’T you just feel sorry for Will Driver. Read’s teenage opening batsmen


cracked a century in their clash with Ribblesdale Wanderers on Saturday. He smashed 112 off 131 balls,


including 11 fours and a six, as his side posted a decent total at Church Meadow. But despite th a t mammoth


I mitment to creating a fully inclusive envi- I ronment where opportunities exist for all I sections of the community - child and 1 adult alike." Clitheroe CC Chairman Robin Sharp I and LCB Cricket Development Officer


AFTER five games; the Clitheroe ■. Midweek Cricket League is looking like a two-horse race, with Rimington and Waggon and Horses well clear of the rest. Wa^on easily d e f^ t^


Chipping Ramblers; who were dismissed for 36, while Rimington enjoyed a nine-wicket win against Sabden. Bill Thatcher iivvas


unbeaten on with 30 in Sabden’s 100,'and Rim­ ington crept home in the last over thanks to 30s by Phil Bishop and Steve Whalley. Richard ,.-B lackburn scored 30-and: Freddy


Green took 3-3 for St James’ Church, but


Fazackerly took 6-20 to help dismiss'Low-Moor for a modest total on an unreliablepitch.- Low Moor had the last


Calderstones won by four ■wickets. Chipping; A’s Tyson


start with Bowness (12) and Banks (6) see­ ing off the opening bowlers and putting on 19. Parkinson (18) and Nuttall (10) took the total up to 51. Le-Breton (28), with his best knock so


far this campaign, assisted by the unselfish Walsh, progressed to 86. Dewhurst (39) and Ramsden took the


final tally to 328 and the Cobras ran out ■victors by 131 runs.


Chatburn win


and were asked to bowl by their hosts, but Russell Braithwaite quickly made inroads in their Craven League Third Division opponents’ top order, backed up by some excellent


CHATBURN beat Oak- worth seconds by four wick­ ets on Saturday. The locals lost the toss


the party with his usual accurate and economic bowling, taking the middle order out of actio,n before Braithwaite returned to fin­ ish the job and return fig­ ures of 5-43. John Reynolds also


fielding. Rod Booth (3-23) joined


grabbed claimed 2-26 as Oakworth were all out for


laugh though; wihnmg by. 15 runs.


early wickets until Chris Waddington and Richard Shovelton showed how things should be done, with the former scooping 25 and the latter hitting a breath­ taking 71 not out, 60 of


135. In reply, Chatburn lost


which came from bound­ aries, making light work of a low total. Chatbum seconds contin­


ued their recent improve­ ment over the weekend -with a low scoring 17-run victory over Glusbum Thirds. The local village side bat­


ted first and lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for 98 with over 20 overs remaining. Thomas Eglin was the


struggled to score runs against good bowling and fielding and were bowled out for 81. Chris Mulheam had the


batting star with 43 in what was a very disappointing batting performanca However Glusburn also


knock, it still wasn’t enough to pro­ pel Read up the Veka Ribblesdale League table. The Whalley Road side have only


registered one -victory so far this sea­ son, in their local derby with Padi- ham last week. But they should have added to


that tally this time around, and Dri­ ver -will be more displeased than any­ one that his knock ultimately count­ ed for nothing. He and Nick Marsh opened the


innings, but the latter would fall for 23 having been caught by Joe Scud- eri off Barry Spencer.


The Wanderers professional


picked up a -wicket of his o-wn when skipper Michael Whalley went for 19, while professional Dodda Ganesh made just nine before he was caught by M ^ in Pratt off David Howard. That was to be the first of four


wickets for Howard, but first, Kyle O’Connor would at last provide Dri­ ver -with a worthwhile partner. The pair took the score on


between them, and turned a poten­ tially mediocre total into one they could at least defend. O’Connor crashed 33 off just 24


balls, including four fours and a six, but he was to be another -victim for Howard when caught by Ryan Glad- ■win. Driver had cracked his half centu­


ry off 57 balls, and taken another 67 to register his century, but his knock finally came to a close when he found the safe hands of Spencer off Howard. A score of 223 looked decent


enough, but -with Joe Scuderi in then- ranks, Wanderers always had a chance. After losing Alastair Marsh for a


single early on, he and Howard set about hunting down the target and getting after the Read bowlers. Howard did fall when on 39,


bowled by Driver, and when Holt (4) and Scuderi (79) went. Wanderers were up against it at 140-4. But Ryan Gladwin and Stephen


Kerr took over, and guided them to their target -with just over two overs remaining. The pair finished unbeaten on 36


and 46 respectively, as Read were left to ponder what might have been for another weekend. And they will hope for better on


Satmxlay when they entertain Settle, before Will Driver is in action for the Ribblesdale League on Sunday against the Saddleworth League in the first round of the MEN Cup at Earby.


Whalley maintain fine start


A FINE all round team performance - fielding apart - saw Whalley achieve a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Edenfield at Station Road on Satm-day. Martin Davies lost the


best bowling figures with 4- 27, and the other wicket takers were Thomas Eglin (2-11), Geoff Lambert (2- 18) and John Ashe (1-19). The ■win moved Chatbum


third in the league just three points behind the leaders.


toss and the -visitors elect­ ed to bat on what appeared to be an ideal batting track, but it was the home attack that soon had things under control with the ever-improving Ben Dowling having Babar Naeem, Edenfield's professional, snapped up lay Alex Whelan with just 11 on the board. Smithson fell to the eco­


nomical Lee Burgess and the villagers soon had their guests in trouble as Simon Gorton picked up a


couple of wickets in his spell, along with David O'Neill as the to ta l reached 70-6 to set Whal­ ley up for the bowling bonus points. But the tail hung


ship of 120 to see Whalley coast home. “The Prince” looked the


around until the final over when Dowling deservedly picked up his fifth -wicket by clean bowling Liam Bones to the delight of the vocal locals, setting Whal­ ley a target of 126. Following tea, Whalley


part in his elegant knock of 72 not out off 73 balls, including nine fours and three sixes, while Rain provided the perfect part­ ner -with his 45, including seven fours. Proceedings came to an


openers Davies and pro­ fessional Bradman Ediri- weera put on six before the captain played on to Steven Bulcock for five. But that was to be the


only wicket to fall as the professional and John Rain poured on the runs in an unbroken partner­


early end when Rain hit the winning boundary ■with almost half the allot­ ted overs remaining to the delight of the home crowd as Whalley took all seven points. The Sri Lankan's


innings showed the signs of real quality with some classic drives through the covers, accompanied by a couple of sweet leg side sixes off the -visiting pro.


and if the sun shines like it did on Saturday, there should be some entertain­ ing innings to come through the summer. Rain is also in good nick


a t present, carrying on from last week’s fine knock as Whalley main­ tained their positive start


stern test on Saturday when Whalley -visit Chat­ burn Road to take on league leaders Clitheroe. On Tuesday night Sta­


to the season This will come under


tion Road hosts the club’s first twenty/20 game of the season with Cherry Tree the opposition, in what should be a couple of lively hours of entertain­ ment, wickets pitched 6- 30 p.m.


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