SPIN star Jonathan Fielding savoured his perfect return to the Lancashire League and then told his title favourites: “You’ve set the template for the season now”.
Ramsbottom’s new captain claimed 5-12 from six overs as his men steamrollered Nelson at Seedhill but he insists the win was as much down to his team-mates.
“We have a very strong bowling attack with Mike Haslam, Ross Brown and myself,” said Fielding.
“If anything, the batting side was thought to be not as strong but Jamie Pilling came in on Sunday and hit 65 and Keith Webb and David Bell will score runs as well.
“So it was a good start for us – and I told all the lads after the game that they had set their template for the season now and they must live up to those standards now.”
Ramsbottom picked up the Colne Trophy on Saturday when they beat Accrington by virtue of losing fewer wickets and Fielding said: “It is a good start but there is a long way to go and a lot of cricket to be played.
“Obviously it is nice to start with a win and, for me, it is great to come back into the league with a few wickets.”
Excitement is building at Acre Bottom ahead of the arrival of former Lancashire man Francois du Plessis, who will act as professional until Aussie Usman Khawaja arrives in July.
Added Fielding: “du Plessis will be good for us.
“He is a top batsman and one of the best fielders in the world and we are all very excited about him coming to Ramsbottom.”
“He won’t be here in time for this weekend and we are trying to find a sub-pro for Saturday but should arrive in time for the weekend after and we are all looking forward to him coming.”
Ramsbottom innings
KT Webb run out 24
J Pilling b Salpietro 65
McMillan c P’berton b Salpietro 37
DM Bell run out 15
JM Fielding b SR Lemon 4
RE Read not out 4
A Caunce not out 1
Extras 14
Total (5 wickets) 164
Halstead 9 2 45 0, Meade 6 2 23 0, Salpietro 12 1 49 2, SR Lemon 9 0 46 1.
Nelson innings
CJ Heap c Fielding b McMillan 22
SR Lemon lbw b McMillan 1
Salpietro b Haslam 6
DA Crotty b Fielding 11
NS Thompson c Bell b Brown 16
SM Lemon c Bell b Fielding 17
TA Lord c McMillan b Fielding 3
R Bradley b Fielding 2
RA Meade c Holt b McMillan 1
CD Pemberton b Fielding 5
S Halstead not out 0
Extras 11
Total (10 wickets) 95
McMillan 9 3 27 3, Haslam 9 0 23 1, Brown 6 0 28 1, Fielding 6 2 12 5.
Ramsbottom won by 69 runs. Nelson 0, Ramsbottom 12.
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