Cricket: Amateurs see Rochdale through challenging cup tie

Rochdale Cricket, Lacrosse and Squash Club

Rochdale Cricket Club, with three teenagers in the team, pulled off a remarkable and memorable victory, passing Penrith’s 195 for with three wickets and over two overs to spareinthe fourth round of the Lancashire Federation Cup on Sunday.

The Rochdale hero was 17-year-old fledgling opening batsman Jack Pilling, who, in display of resolve and patience, batted throughout for an undefeated 74.

Much of the support Pilling received came from unpredicted sources. Another youngster, Haris Hussain also played with a maturity beyond his years, and the two, whose partnership started with Rochdale on 123 for 5 and the game on a knife edge, put on 61.

Kabir Ahmed, in the team to replace Moore also justified his inclusion, his fluent wristy 28 bolstering the middle order and providing much needed impetus.

Penrith had at one point been on target for a massive total, despite losing Jon Stockdale, Alistair Craig and Chris Stockdale in the first five overs.

Professional Ashwin Hebbar was totally dominant. Driving crisply all round the wicket, Hebbar played faultlessly and attractively and motored along at more than a run a ball.

It was a surprise to all when, on 59, Tom Avery managed to elicit a positive response from the umpire to an optimistic lbw appeal. Thereafter, and despite Greg Cameron’s highly praiseworthy 85, Rochdale managed to just about keep a lid on things.

Rochdale’s reply had a familiar stutter to start with and it was only when Ahmed came in that any sign of Rochdale dominance appeared, but when they got a grip on the game they kept hold.

Pilling overcame the loss of Ahmed and Andrew Dawson and, complemented by Hussain’s youthful exuberance, guided his team home.

Rochdale now travel to Darwen for the quarter final on 22 July.  

Scores: 45 overs.  Penrith 195 for 9 (Cameron 85, Hebbar 59, T Avery 3-52). Rochdale 196 for 7 (Pilling 74 not out, Ahmed 28, Hussain 26).