Dominant Boro’s show of promise
LITTLEBOROUGH got off to the perfect start when they completely dominated an ordinary looking Colne side at a sun-drenched Hare Hill in a contest played out before a fair-sized crowd.
The ground is looking outstanding and Colne had no hesitation in deciding to bat after winning the toss
Ryan Miskella and Lewis Willman bowled very tightly and Willman made the breakthrough when he had the slashing Kenton Rhodes snaffled up by the returning Chris Schofield at slip, 8/1 after six overs.
The only downside on the bowling front was the next six overs sent down went for 37 as David Spokes and Jake Greenbank looked to counter attack.
If Littleborough are to go up then both Miskella and Willman need to concentrate throughout and bowl in tandem.
Travis Townsend replaced Willman and had Spokes caught at slip by Clinton Perren for 28. 70/2 in the 19th over
Miskella finally found his line as he dismissed the visiting pro for a duck courtesy of slip catch by Schofield, 72/3.
Townsend then hit a purple patch and had Tom Bradshaw caught behind and then bowled the dangerous Greenbank for 36 offering no shot.
Willman replaced Miskella after 27 overs before Townsend had Lewis Rimmer caught at point to leave the visitors 81/6.
Willman then got in on the act courtesy of two fabulous catches, a one-handed, cool-asyou-like snaffle from Schofield in the slips and an outstanding diving one-handed catch by keeper Matthew Hernon.
Townsend completed his collection and was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with 6/33 backed up Willman who finished with 3/30 as the innings ended on 96 all out.
One thing Littleborough have got this year is competition for batting spots which can only be a good problem for skipper Perren.
Townsend set off at full steam as the home side set off like a train and were 21/0 after two overs and were coasting at 44/0 off 9 when Townsend played an awful shot and was caught at mid on.
Skipper Perren had a day to forget with the bat as he was dismissed first ball and then his son, Zac, was next to follow courtesy of a poor sweep shot and was caught round the corner.
Schofield was harshly judged lbw and as Littleborough slipped to 52/4.
In days gone by, this Littleborough side may have panicked but now in Miskella and Hernon they have a pair of maturing batsmen who are finally learning their own game.
Hernon in particular was the aggressor as his partner was quite happy to play second fidddle.
Hernon looked to dominate as the pair put on 45 to see their side home.
Hernon finished with 38 off 33 balls including one massive straight six.
His partner Miskella finished on 9 not out as the home side took maximum points.
Next stop for the Boro is an away trip to Enfield which will be a good test.