FIRST the bad news for Lancashire League batsmen.

Allan Donald was bowling well within himself.

But now for the good news.

Ramsbottom opener Jack Simpson showed for 10 overs that it is possible to survive the White Lightning - just.

Another ray of hope for the summer - if Rishton are to face a challenge - is that the Rishton track could not suit Donald any less.

Even the world's fastest bowler could hardly lift the ball above stump height.

And so, with Simpson still at the crease, Ramsbottom were in with a shout for the majority of the game.

Ironically, it was a classic "pea-roller" which trapped the pugnacious opener, who attempted an audacious pull, and sparked a collapse from 101 for three to 115 all out.

That will not be a rare scenario this summer.

The South African superstar is going to crucify the weaker tails in the league.

Taking into account the extremely poor light and the farcical run-out of Ramsbottom's substitute professional Meyrick Pringle, the outcome was not in question following Simpson's dismissal.

Pringle, by no means a natural batsman but an ominous threat with some lusty swipes, was facedown in his crease searching for missing toes after a Donald yorker when he decided to run a quick single.

Craig Smith hurtled in and Pringle, by now prostrate in the other crease, was well short of his ground.

The Rishton groundwork had been carried out by dependable skipper John Wharton.

His 62 was patient on a damp wicket which prevented confidant strokeplay.

Pringle, a South African team-mate of Donald, was wayward initially and although he moved the ball both ways in the air, rarely threatened the Rishton openers. Nick Riley tied up one end, making full use of movement of the track.

The occasional ball was also stopping and an absolute peach trapped Neil Wells thanks to an exceptional piece of wicketkeeping from Simpson.

Donald, who fancies his chances of scoring a few runs on the small Rishton ground, obviously needs time to become accustomed to batting conditions.

A leading edge off Riley was snaffled at mid-on and Rishton struggled to force the pace.

Donald's first over was a real loosener with two consecutive wides but also a strong appeal for caught behind off Simpson.

His pace and accuracy improved though he was clearly never comfortable with the damp footholds.

However, despite a shortened run-up and the lack of pace off the wicket, his surprisingly imposing physique is sufficient to generate intimidating pace through the air.

And he appears quite prepared to bowl straight through from one end, feeling the lack of competition through the week will improve his "freshness" rather than detract from fitness.

Though the weather detracted from the gate, he is obviously going to be an enormous crowd-puller throughout the summer.

And there is one other factor which will help overcome his absence from the club during the week.

The man may be a beast on the field but he is a gentleman off it.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.