Played on August 30th 2013 at Acre Bottom all that was wished for was a dry day. This was duly granted and although overcast and a touch nippy come late afternoon the spectacle was a worthwhile one. The ground was in beautiful condition and attendance was considerable. I estimated 1000 by teatime.......

Great to see some of yesteryears cricketers still showing that technique and class is permanent even as the years roll on. Chris Schofield once again had everyone wondering how he is back in the league ranks after making 80 odd with his own brand of innovation,flippancy and inventiveness in a casual display of sweeps,reverse sweeps,dabs,pats,nurdles,nudges punctuated with the odd full blooded whack! Rumours aplenty that he  perhaps hasn`t always been a likeable individual. Who knows.....?

Nice to see Neil Fairbrother coming out to bat and looking like he`s never really been away. A quick chat with him after revealed what a pleasant and insightful chap he is. I had to remind him that 27 years ago whilst I was on a Bobby Charlton School of Cricket course at the age of 13, I sat in the Lancs changing room with him as he was waiting to bat. To cut a long story short,the mini bus didnt pick me up at Victoria station that morning and it was the day our group was visiting the changing rooms during the `86 Roses Championship match. My Dad had to come and get me and drop me at Old Trafford and as reward for being let down by the mini bus driver I got half an hour in the changing room on my own,led in by Harry Pilling. I sat with Fairbrother and as any child would be,I was fascinated by picking his bat up. I recall he was very kind and for a kid it was an unforgettable experience.

 Neil didn`t remember of course but it was nice to have a chat with him. I asked him if he was bitter about not playing more for England,and his response was a simple one. "No,not at all,I played 20 years of cricket for a living". Great attitude from a great cricketer.

Hope Ramsbottom do this again next year....a good day was had by all.