1XI MATCH REPORTS 2023
Saturday April 22, 2023 v Woodlands @ Albert Terrace
At last a return to where we feel we should be, in the top division of the Gordon Rigg Bradford Cricket League.
In the field, we looked the part with some excellent ground fielding although catches were dropped disappointingly at a vital period of the Woodlands onslaught. However, Jamie Allen started with an excellent maiden over in a good spell and after Heptinstall and Wisniewski kept up the good work keeping control of the game, Tom Clee and Liam Collins created havoc in a rapid stand of 98. Heptinstall was the pick of the bowlers 14 overs 3 for 35.
When we batted, the task was achievable but the Woodlands varied attack was parsimonious to a fault and runs were hard to find. Josh Bennett played a sound innings of 46 and deserved better support with only captain Jubb occupying the crease for any length of time.
As I mentioned earlier, we looked the part against the current Premier League Champions and it was a treat to watch some excellent cricket in good company.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday April 29, 2023 v Ossett @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
On a very busy day at the Amber Cars Britannia Ground, the Congs edged cautiously to a first win in the Premier Division.
Allen followed his good work at Woodlands with a hostile accurate spell of 10 overs 3 for 29 and was well backed up by new opening bowler Oliver 2 for 26. Ossett certainly put bat to ball but only Race prospered for 38 before he was well caught off Wisneiwski. The left armer finished up with 4 for 30 and as a unit our catching and fielding were vastly improved.
With plenty of time and overs, Sabir and Oliver were careful on a pitch which suited the bowler and enjoyed the opportunity for a long innings, Sabir 79 balls, Oliver 21 careful and important runs. Ossett opening bowler Junaid Khan the former Test and Lancashire cricketer bowled a lengthy spell of quick bowling which demanded patience and our openers supplied it. Hassan Butt also enjoyed a lengthy period at the crease making 14 and with Wisniewski a sprightly 11not out, we were home and dry.
A task well done.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday May 13, 2023 v Bankfoot @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
After a lot of hard work by our ground staff supporting our groundsman, the playing area looked pretty good in spite of the amount of rainfall recently.
Bankfoot is a side for us to target if we are to prosper in the Premiership and sadly we were found wanting in a tight game on a slow turning pitch which provided a problem that was never really solved. Because the League website is down, I have no details to present but in a replay of the Woodlands fixture, a late avalanche of runs turned the game and we were always behind the clock. We were loosing wickets at regular intervals and eventually the last pair could not find the boundary we so needed.
Very, very disappointing.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday May 27, 2023 v Hanging Heaton @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
With our beautiful ground looking at its very best, our first eleven rose to the challenge and produced a performance of high quality in every department which resulted in a full 20 points victory.
Jamie Allen and Adam Pearson started our attack with a wicket apiece and our spin twins continued to torment the batters, resulting in Sam Wisniewski 6 for 64 and Ryan Heptinstall 2 for 44, terrific, backed up by our fielding and wicket keeping which was both sharp and secure. Only Callum Geldart resisted with his usual brilliance last out for 84 including eleven boundaries, well played.
The score of 167 on the board looked gettable although the early departures of Oliver and Jubb did little for our supporters nerves. We need not have worried as 17 year old Sabir Mahmood matched the quality of Geldart in compiling a magnificent innings of 72 not out and he also scored eleven boundaries. He did have the calm support of Yohan Mendis, 58 not out and despite seven bowlers being used, they could not separate the assured approach of the pair. After Mendis was clean bowled by former Congs Max Chappell, Josh Bennett came in for a short Cameo and we cruised to a seven wicket victory in comfort. Our teams tactics were sound and field placing was spot on.
Very well played and their efforts were much appreciated by a larger crowd than usual.
Excellent.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday June 3, 2023 v New Farnley @ The Amber Cars Britannia Ground
After a holiday weekend of contrasting fortunes, the Congs faced New Farnley on a superb batting pitch at the Amber Cars Britannia Ground and whilst we fought long and hard, there was only going to be one result.
Jamie Allen gave us early hope in getting Captain Lee Goddard caught behind before Langley (11x4) and Bullen (18x4,1x6) took charge. Congs hung on with effort, skill and superb ground fielding but dropped catches cost us dearly. The entry of Cameron Fletcher (7x4 & 8x6) took the game away as he struck the ball far & hard as he peppered our surrounds in a thrilling display despite the best efforts of Captain Jubb who kept his team fighting hard till the 50th over.
When we batted, Oliver and Mahmood got settled in against Alex Lilley and newly signed Will Williams from Lancashire CCC. We found it hard to make progress and in truth only Captain Jubb, who faced 67 deliveries for his 34 runs playing mainly on the front foot looked at ease. Sadly our remaining batters did not follow his example and Gurman Randawa gleefully bagged 5 for 40 with only Chopra, 30 in 50 deliveries and Allen 23 (2x4 & 2x6) making a mark.
New Farnley looked a class apart in a top display of quality league cricket, very well played.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday June 10, 2023 v Bradford & Bingley @ Wagon Lane
Chasing 244 and at 180 for 3 with overs a plenty, we managed to scrape to 221 all out which was a bitter pill to swallow as we had played some good cricket up till then.
Callum Oliver batted well for his 50 but immediately got in an awful tangle falling LBW and when Richard Jubb perished caught behind, we never really got back in the game.
Earlier we bowled well, especially spinners Wisniewski, Heptinstall and Chopra and supported again by good ground fielding, we restricted the home side with Captain Ed Brown 65no, Yasir 43 and Jack Luxton 36, playing freely on a very hot day, but again we maintained our high standards to the end.
Sadly we could not break the strangle hold of some accurate bowling especially by Brown 6 for 52, and fell short at 221.
Very disappointing.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday June 24, 2023 v Farsley @ The Amber Cars Britannia Ground
On a hot sunny day with a flat hard pitch, it was the perfect stage for a run fest and Oliver 38 and Mahmood 12 started well until Sabir departed unable to stop a top delivery from Holderness. Captain Jubb then fell at 60 whereupon we proceeded to become becalmed and make batting look difficult with only Hassan Butt, 17 in 68 balls and Sam Wisniewski 17 in 58, occupying the crease for any length of time.
It was soon clear that 129 would not be enough and Harry Duke 42 not out and Daniel Revis 38 with six boundaries wrapped up the win leaving the Congs with 3 bonus points. Jamie Allen 3 for 33 and Sam deceived Revis with flight and accuracy to end a dismal performance at the halfway point in the season.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday July 1, 2023 v Woodlands @ The Amber Cars Britannia Ground
After some difficult games, we came upon the rampant side that is Woodlands. However we can claim some success in a fighting performance with both ball and bat especially in our top fielding display.
Jamie Allen lead the way with a good 8 over spell for 34 as Frankland, Jackson and Schmulian helped themselves to trio of half centuries plus. A couple of fine catches lifted us as Wisniewski bowled skillfully taking 4 wickets aided by some smart work by keeper Josh Bennett. I would suggest that 250 runs is par for the prevailing conditions so due credit to us for sticking to the task.
Losing two quick wickets did not auger well but Sabir 56, and Yohan 75, knuckled down compiling an excellent 107 run partnership. Rishi Chopra chipped in with a lively 33 as we passed 200 despite the best efforts of Woodlands Captain Brad Schmulian, 6 for 61.
Seven bonus points were our reward in a competitive quality fixture. A bargain for those who paid to come in (thanks Jim) and some satisfaction for our loyal supporters.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday July 8, 2023 v Ossett @ Queens Terrace
On a day when the rain wreaked havoc across much of the league, it was fitting that the sun should be shining when Congs crossed the finish line in a thrilling chase against Ossett.
The match got off to the perfect start as William Wade was run out for 0 off the very first ball thanks to a cracking direct hit from Sam Wisniewski. A couple of short rain breaks then reduced the match to 42 overs per side. Race and Mehmi’s mammoth 154-run partnership for the second wicket was eventually broken by Rishi Chopra who proceeded to take 4 for 22 in 5 overs to curb the hosts’ progress with Ryan Heptinstall also taking the key wicket of Race, who fell 3 runs short of a century. A late flurry of boundaries took Ossett to 227/7 with Rishi completing his 5-fer off the final ball.
The DLS calculations increased the victory target by 5 runs to 233, but contributions of 31, 50 and 32 from Callum Oliver, Richard Jubb and Yohan Mendis respectively ensured that the chase was kept on track throughout. When Vinit Patel was out leaving us 7 down and 27 runs still required from 4 overs, the nerves started to jangle.
Josh Bennett showed no such nerves however, hooking the former Pakistani international Junaid Khan for 6 over backward square leg before a succession of singles between Josh and Sam brought the target down to 13 from 2 overs. Two excellent fours from Sam with a mix of power and touch meant the scores were level and with Josh on strike on 49, his 50 and the team win were brought up off the penultimate ball with a crunching straight drive to the boundary. An outstanding performance by all with a valuable 18 points to boot.
Next up is the small matter of a T20 against our very near neighbours!
Dan Stevanato
1st XI Official Scorer
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday July 15, 2023 v Methley @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
The forecast was accurate and there was plenty of the wet stuff around but thanks to heroic efforts by Graham and several others play began, each innings 48 overs.
Methley opener Kris Ward soon got into his stride reaching 50 runs with nine boundaries. Congs plugged away, Heptinstall and Wisniewski with the aid of smart work in the field plus some top catches kept us in the game. Methley never got away, a top team effort resulting in four bonus points.
Then in true Yorkshire fashion, it rained. Tea was taken early and the value of bowling first became more apparent. Again members and players got stuck in and after a long delay. it became clear that we had created ourselves a good opportunity.
I left the ground due to family commitments and Dan Stevanato takes up the story.
When the rain eventually abated and play resumed, we were given a DLS adjusted target of 128 to win from 27 overs.
A steady 6-over opening partnership between Oliver and Mahmood ended on 23 when the latter was clean bowled. Jubb then followed in the next over, caught behind, with 100 still needed. Some excellent running and timely boundaries brought the target down to 34 before Mendis was smartly caught at point for 33.
Oliver made his second 50 of the season (four 4s) but it was left to Chopra, with the help of Methley's 5th no ball of the innings, to see the team home with 3.1 overs to spare.
A relatively comfortable 19 point victory means the gap to 10th placed Ossett is now only 1 point. Our next league match is away to Bankfoot, whom we trail by just 7 points.
Saturday July 29, 2023 v Townville @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
After last weeks washout against Bankfoot we needed to gather points against Premier League high flyers Townville.
We made a promising start with a 38 run opening partnership between Oliver and Mahmood until they departed almost together. Thereafter the hopes of a big score on a slow pitch rested with Yohan Mendis and he did not disappoint. Playing probably his finest innings for us displaying deft shots, superb timing, finishing on 81 not out {11x 4},very well played. As to the rest of the batting I am afraid we never came to terms with slow pitch and although there were two contentious decisions, 183 was never going to be enough. Jack Hughes led the attack with hostility finishing with 6 for 54 and was well supported in the field.
The Townville reply was calm and secure, no rush, with a steady accumulation of runs until a late acceleration ensured a comfortable victory. Keeper Jonny Booth 69 and Harry Warwick 53 displayed their talent although Congs supporters were puzzled by the late introduction of leading wicket taker Sam Wisniewski, the end came in the 39th over.
Second from bottom we have much hard work to do during August if we are to play Premier League Cricket in 2024.
Saturday August 12, 2023 v Pudsey St Lawrence @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
A big weekend for the Congs, a vital match versus local rivals St Lawrence and hosting the Priestley Cup Final. Much effort had gone in to make our beautiful ground look fit for purpose.
Callum Oliver put together a critical half centuary, 59 (6x4) and was well supported by Yohan Mendis 22 and Hassan Butt 27. The next best contribution came from 18 extras as our fragile batting succumbed to the spin of Archie Scott 4 for 36 and Luke Patel 3 for 22 wickets clattering down and we could not even manage a second batting point. 142 for 6.
Mark Robertshaw took the opportunity to build a calm and careful half century 52 and had to use all his skills to defy Jamie Allen’s magnificent spell of 13 overs 2 for 18 continuing the form he has shown all season. Scott then tucked into our spinners in scoring 37 but Wisniewski and Heptinstall captured 2 wickets each to give us 3 valuable points in our battle to stay in the Premiership.
Saturday August 19, 2023 v New Farnley @ Barry Jackson Ground
A very poor day for our Cricket Club as 15 hardy supporters endured a defeat by 155 runs and a drop into the relegation zone.We only gathered 3 points.
Bullen 105 and Killoran 78 led the way and apart from a spell from Rishi Chopra and Sam Wisniewski both batters punished anything short towards the boundary which probably measured 35 yards, not easy for spinners. The ground fielding faltered and
we dropped a couple of catches whilst trying to collect a bowling bonus point!
In reply both openers perished but Jubb 36 and Mendis 37 put together a partnership of 55 and it looked likely we would collect 2 or 3 batting bonus points until our Captain was dismissed attempting a ‘Joe Root’ style ramp shot. Things went from bad to worse as wickets tumbled and we only just squeaked a single batting bonus point.
Not good enough.
Qulzam Mahmood
Congs Supporter
Saturday August 26, 2023 v Bradford & Bingley @ The Amber Cars Britannia Ground
After last weeks debacle, Congs outplayed Bradford and Bingley in all departments in a top class display in a must win match.
Jamie Allen continued his fine season in a 15 over spell taking 3 for 41 as Billy Whitford, Jack Luxton, and later Yasir Abbas, played with care and through a drop of rain and a precautionary break for thunder but all were under the spell of Wisniewski and Heptinstall. Sam especially regularly picked up wickets finishing with 6 for 63 supported well by his keeper and fielders.
Then came our turn to bat. We need not have worried as Oliver, Mahmood and especially Hassan Butt decided to concentrate on a patient approach with scores of 35,10 and 41 respectively. Looking back, the result was never really in doubt especially when Yohan came to the crease. During the two seasons as our overseas pro he has never played a more important innings than his 53 not out. The little master finished with a boundary and victory with overs to spare.
We shall need these qualities again next Saturday and Sunday if we are to remain in the Premier Division.
Very well played.
Saturday September 2nd, 2023 v Jer Lane @ Horton Bank Top
A personal nostalgic return visit to Bradford Park Avenue marked our struggle to avoid relegation and we were marginally successful gathering 8 points.
Pride of place goes to our overseas player Yohan Mendis with an innings of 84 holding our response together. The most help came from Sam Wisniewski who scored 11 but occupied the crease for 72 deliveries, well played. Sam was also our most effective bowler gathering 5 wickets (including a hat-trick) in the last overs of the blistering batting by Jer Lane on a slow flat pitch.
A shoulder injury to Callum Oliver disrupted our batting order but our reply was no surprise as we never were in with a realistic chance of victory.
We play Farsley in our last fixture and can only hope we play upto our potential with both ball and bat!
Sunday September 3rd, 2023 v Farsley @ Red Lane
Relief all round as Captain Jubb and Josh Bennett compile a match winning partnership of 67 to calmly secure 20 points and Premiership cricket in 2024.
Beech, Revis and Sullivan scored freely but two wickets for Adam Pearson and a top class run out kept us in the game. Jamie Allen finished the season well with 4 for 40, an early breakthrough and returning to polish off the tail, well bowled.
Our reply started, as usual struggling for fluency, then Yohan, once again was our main hope as he passed 1000 runs for the season. His departure did nothing to calm our nerves but Bennett played fluently for his contribution of 38 not out. Captain Richard Jubb played with assurance reaching 49 and a reward for all the hard work he has put in throughout the season as we took the points much to the delight of our loyal regular supporters.
Well played to all our players as we embark again in the Premier League. It has been a tough 2 days watching but our players deserve to remain in the Premier Division as it where we belong.