Rochdale knock Milnrow out of the Wood Cup

Rochdale Cricket Club

Rochdale put in a strong performance with bat and ball to knock Milnrow out of the Wood Cup, easing to a seven wicket victory.

Milnrow were put into bat and straight away Rochdale's bowling was tight and accurate.

Mo Bux took the wicket of Alex Willis in his second over.

Opener, Crabtree, and professional, Rudi Second, were made to work very hard for their runs.

When Crabtree was caught down the leg side of Bux, and Second was out caught behind for 28 off a fine ball from Harling, Milnrow were 49 for 3, and it was clear that they were going to struggle to post a threatening score.

Milnrow skipper, Max Power, grafted for his 20 runs as he tried to stabilise the Milnrow innings, but he along with Milnrow's other key batsmen were not able to go onto a significant score.

Milnrow supporters enjoyed the innings of Joe Wilson, who scored 36 to help Milnrow move from 88 for 6 to 134 all out but the large crowd at a sunny Redbrook knew that Milnrow would have to do something remarkable to win the game.

Harling finished with 4 for 23, but credit must go to all the Rochdale bowling attack, as first the seam bowlers Bux, Avery and Harling and then spinners, Highton and Bosisto bowled very few bad balls.

Milnrow's bowlers and fielders worked hard but did not get the early breakthrough they needed.

Rochdale pro, Will Bosisto, and Jack Avery put on 70 for the first wicket, as both batsmen played confidently.

Bosisto went for 23, caught by Helliwell off Second.

Charlie Lloyd Jones bowled well alongside Second, but the next breakthrough did not come until Avery went for a fine 43.

At 95 for two, Rochdale's overseas player Marradon Bend anchored the innings home on 38 not out, with Andrew Dawson hitting a couple of impressive cover drives in his contribution of 15.

A comprehensive victory for Rochdale and a reality check for a Milnrow side who had won all four league games this season.