Accrington v Ramsbottom

2nd XI Cup Final Preview

This Saturday Accrington take on Ramsbottom in the Second XI Cup Final at Thorneyholme Road. Accrington won the cup in 2000 and Ramsbottom were runners up last season, losing to Rishton in the final.

League champions Ramsbottom are currently in fourth place in the table with 11 wins and two defeats. Accrington are in a mid table position with six wins and seven defeats. Player availability has been a problem for Accrington this season with the team winning matches when a full strength team is available but losing when a younger side is put out.

The Accrington side is a mixture of highly experienced players and of the club's up and coming young talent. The experience is provided by players such as Paul Barratt, Martin Whittle and skipper Len Dewhurst. Abbass Sadiq, Nasser Hussain and Graeme Sneddon have already made the breakthrough into the first team. Tofeeq Khan misses the final due to a hand injury.

Ramsbottom have a greater accent on youth with the exception of captain Julian Marcroft and left arm spinner Garfield Moreton, who can count himself unfortunate not to have played more first team cricket in recent seasons. Steve Eardley Spencer Woods, Robert Read and more recently Bobby Horrocks have all played first team cricket for the Acre Bottom club.

Admission is £2 adults and £1 concessions.

Road to the final
Player Profiles
2000 Final
After the final