Ormskirk’s lower order played their part in holding on for a draw against table toppers Bootle

Jun 4 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

ORMSKIRK had the resilient batting of their lower order to thank after claiming a draw against league leaders Bootle on Saturday at Brook Lane.

The following day a John Armstrong century and 85* from Simon Kerrigan helped Adam Waterhouse’s men progress to the next round of the League Knockout with a convincing 127 run victory at Ainsdale.

In a clash of last season’s top two sides, a captain’s innings from Adam Waterhouse (32) and contributions from Simon Kerrigan (26), John Armstrong (24), Nicky Caunce (20) and Phil Armstrong (19*) proved not enough for Ormskirk to mount a serious challenge to Bootle’s target of 232.

Earlier, three wickets for Martyn Farrell and two for Caunce restricted Bootle to a score under 250, which looked likely after David Snellgrove’s side had made a blistering start.

Former Ormskirk skipper, Snellgrove, won the toss and along with fellow opener Steven Mullaney, took the attack to Ormskirk’s bowlers. The pair made 95 for the first wicket, Mullaney’s knock of 51 in 68 balls, including nine boundaries.

Unfortunately for the home side Australian all-rounder Pat Jackson continued where Mullaney left off, smashing 41 off 50 balls before being bowled by Simon Kerrigan.

After Snellgrove departed for 50, caught by Ian Glayzer off the bowling of Farrell, Bootle lost Jack Kelliher (0) and Neil Williams (1) in quick succession giving Ormskirk hope of preventing a big score.

However, Craig Prince’s impressive knock of 57 restored his side’s advantage, taking Bootle from 140-4 up to 232-6 before Snellgrove declared.

In reply, a middle order collapse after a decent start meant the Blue and Gold never looked like chasing down the target.