Todmorden skipper Andrew Sutcliffe has paid tribute to retiring bowler James Morgan.
Morgan bowed out, along with overseas ace Qaiser Abbas, in last Sunday’s four-wicket home defeat by Colne which means the Centre Vale side have finished fifth in the Lancashire League.
Sutcliffe, whose side had played much better in a one-run win at Bacup on Saturday, said: “It was a shame we didn’t get a victory in his final game.
“James has been a fantastic servant since he got into the first team he has been an ever present.
“He is the ultimate team player who everyone respects enormously. He has taken over 300 wickets along the way and everyone wishes him well.”
Pakistani Abbas is moving on after two excellent years at Todmorden and the departures leave a couple of big holes to fill in the bowling attack in particular.
Sutcliffe said he was slightly disappointed with Tod’s finishing position, after they had been in the top three or four all season.
However, he is keen to stay on as skipper. “I want to carry on with the job. I really enjoy the role and hopefully over the next few seasons we can grow stronger and win something.”
Sutcliffe described Sunday’s performance as a “horror show.”
He added: “We were bowled out for 120 on one of the best tracks of the year. We batted very poorly and didn’t show the discipline required, only Simon Newbitt really troubling the scorers with 49.”
Tod hit back strongly with the ball and Sutcliffe said: “At 70 for seven the game looked like ours but they played well and deserved the victory.”
On Saturday, Tod made 201 for eight but Sutcliffe though his men were 25 runs short of a decent score on a good wicket.
Opener Jack McGregor batted through for 100 not out for Bacup, who failed to get the 14 they needed off the last over. Bowler Paul Senior took his third wicket with the final delivery.