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2008 First XI

Pudsey Congs v Woodlands

Priestley Cup Final At Wagon Lane

Sunday September 14th, 2008

Match report courtesy of Alan Birkinshaw – Editor of the Bradford Cricket League website

 

Andrew Bairstow hit a brilliant 121 as Pudsey Congs won the Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup for the fifth time in seven seasons. Their margin of victory over the newly-crowned JCT 600 Bradford League champions Woodlands was 51 runs but bare figures alone did not convey the comprehensive nature of Congs’s win. The champions were outplayed in all areas of the game by the side who finished just two points behind them in the title race. And as Congs savour their third final success over Woodlands in five seasons and their fifth cup triumph in seven seasons the man they will thank is Bairstow. He is one of the most popular and talented players in the JCT 600 Bradford League and today he played an innings which will live long in the memories of all who witnessed it. The left-hander arrived at the crease with his side in some disarray at 12-3 after being put in to bat. Former Yorkshire seamer Pieter Swanepoel had removed Alexis Twigg, Adam Patel and Andrew Bourke in quick succession, but Bairstow was in no mood to surrender. He pulled his first ball from Swanepoel over mid-wicket for six and that set the tone for a wonderful innings. Five more sixes and 12 fours flowed from his bat in a 131-ball innings which was the fifth highest score ever made in a Priestley Cup final. Thanks to Bairstow and fellow left hander Glenn Roberts who made 55 not out off 59 balls, Congs posted a score of 232-7 which was far in excess of  all expectations on a Bingley ground which was under water just five days earlier. Woodlands, normally so disciplined, gave a ragged bowling display which saw them send down 29 wides. All of their bowlers struggled bowling to the left handers.

Much has been made of the importance of Swanepoel and Safraz Ahmed to Woodlands’ title successes but it was clear in this match that their success has left the back up bowlers short of overs. The ten over restriction in the cup limits their effectiveness – they can bowl 15 overs each in the league – and Congs certainly cashed in when the opening bowlers were out of the attack. The 20 overs from Swanepoel (3-34) and Safraz (0-20) yielded 54 runs, but the remaing 30 overs from Tosh Baker (1-35), Richard Spittlehouse (0-56) and Chris Brice (2-80) cost their side 171 runs. Seldom have the Woodlands bowlers been as careless as they were in this match. They sent down an unforgiveable total of 29 wides which contributed to them taking a pedestrian 3hrs 40mins to bowl their 50 overs. Pudsey Congs were far more controlled and sent down just eight wides. Their bowlers maintained tight control of length and line which meant Woodlands never looked likely to win the game. Former Yorkshire off spinner Jeremy Batty took three for 29 and Mark Bray – securing his seventh win in seven finals – with two for 37 helped bowl out the champions for 181. Woodlands’ skipper Tim Orrell played a fine innings of 52 before he was well caught by Bray on the  mid-wicket boundary off the bowling of left arm spinner Glenn Roberts. Tosh Baker (39) was the only other batsman to make an impression.

Bairstow crowned a fine individual performance by taking three catches behind the stumps. He was deservedly named man of the match by adjudicator Reg Nelson, and in years to come it is likely that this will be remembered as Bairstow’s final by all who were priveleged to witness a performance that brought a difficult season to a wonderful conclusion. Even more fitting was the fact that the smile should be put back on the face of Bradford League cricket by a player who always plays with a smile on his – Andrew Bairstow.

 

Pudsey Congs: 232-7 (Andrew Bairstow 121, Glenn Roberts 55no (50 overs)

Woodlands 181 all out (Tim Orrell 52, Tosh Baker 39, Jeremy Batty 3-29) (43 overs)

   

Cleckheaton v Pudsey Congs

At Moorend

Saturday Sept 13th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Matthew Doidge

Match report courtesy of Alan Birkinshaw – Editor of the Bradford Cricket League website

Congs always knew that Woodlands had the destiny of the title in their own hands, but they put up a fine performance on the final day to defeat Cleckheaton by 89 runs to claim 19 points which reduced the gap between themselves and the champions to just two points. Pakistan Under-19 pace bowler Mohammad Naved crowned a fine first season in the JCT 600 Bradford League with his second eight wicket haul in three games. He took eight for 50 as Cleckheaton were dismissed for 122 in reply to Congs’ score of 211-7. Naved claimed the first six wickets as Cleckheaton plunged to 42-6. Ian Nicholson (28) and Tom Pringle (26) gave the score a look of respectability before Naved returned to wrap up victory with the last two wickets. Congs, who batted first, lost both openers with just three runs on the board, but were revived by a third-wicket stand of 89 between Babar Butt (59) and Andrew Bourke (41). Butt hit  two sixes and ten fours and after he and Bourke had departed, skipper Matthew Doidge upped the tempo with a knock of 45 as Congs took their score to 211-7.Paceman Ian Wardlaw

Pudsey Congs 211-7 (Babar Butt 59, Matthew Doidge 45, Andrew Bourke 41) (50overs)

Cleckheaton 122 all out (Mohammad Naved 8-50) (42.4overs)

Pudsey Congs 19pts bt Cleckheaton 3pts by 89 runs

Pudsey Congs v Brighouse

At Britannia Ground

Sunday August 31st, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Parkers Plumbing & Heating

Match report courtesy of Alan Birkinshaw – Editor of the Bradford Cricket League website

Pudsey Congs stormed to a ten-wicket win over Brighouse in just 26.5 overs and then sat back and saw all the day’s remaining games washed out.

Congs bowled out Brighouse for just 40 with their overseas bowler Mohammad Naved taking his best JCT 600 Bradford League figures of eight for 26, then openers Alexis Twigg (22no) and Adam Patel (21no) sped their side to their victory target in just five overs.

The win enabled Congs to cut Woodlands’ lead in the title race to just six points with two matches to play.

 

Brighouse 40 all out Mohammad Naved 8-26) (22 overs)

Pudsey Congs 44-0 (5 overs)

Pudsey Congs 15 pts bt Brighouse 0 pts by 10 wkts

Manningham Mills v Pudsey Congs

At Scotchman Road

Saturday August 30th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Fallon & Sayers (Les Cunningham)

Match report courtesy of Alan Birkinshaw – Editor of the Bradford Cricket League website

Pudsey Congs reduced Woodlands lead in Division One to 18 points after securing a slender six-run win at Manningham Mills. The victory earned Congs16 points – one more than Woodlands gained for their 44-run win over Yeadon in another low-scoring encounter at Albert Terrace.

Two familiar figures – Andrew Bairstow and Jeremy Batty – played key roles once again for Congs. Bairstow top-scored with 52 – an innings which contained three sixes and five fours – and Batty took four for 55 with his off spin as Mills were restricted to 168-8 in reply to Congs’ score of 174.

 

Pudsey Congs 174-9 (Andrew Bairstow 52, Nasser Jamal 3-30)(50 overs)

Manningham Mills 168-8 (Wajjid Hussain 32, Jeremy Batty 4-55)(50 overs)

Pudsey Congs 16 pts bt Manningham Mills 6 pts by 6 runs

 

 

Pudsey Congs v East Bierley

Priestley Cup Semi Final

At Britannia Ground

Sunday August 24th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Adrian Carr

Match report courtesy of Bill Marshall – Bradford Telegraph & Argus

Pudsey Congs cricket chairman Ralph Middlebrook has praised his players for being “cool, calm and collected” in reaching their fourth Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup final in five years. The holders defeated East Bierley by five wickets at the Britannia Ground in a contest that took over two weeks to complete because of persistent rain. However, Middlebrook said that the delay affected Congs’ groundstaff and support staff rather than their 11 players. He said: “Our team was up for it. However, because of all the stoppages it didn’t feel like a cup semi-final. “There were questions about whether we would be playing or not and about whether the wicket was fit or not but the Bradford League and their officials were pretty good about it all.” Two weeks previously, Bierley had reached 101 for three, with Gharib Razak 37 not out and captain Gavin Hamilton 29 not out. Off-spinner Jeremy Batty soon got among the wickets to take five for 38 as the visitors were eventually dismissed for 180, Hamilton being out for 59. Congs paced their reply perfectly, winning with three overs to spare. Adam Patel top-scored with 40, Babar Butt scoring 35, Andrew Bairstow 34 not out and Andrew Bourke 27. Middlebrook said; “We have had the benefit of having slow left-armer Glenn Roberts and off-spinner Jeremy Batty this season but Bierley are a fine side. “What we weren’t expecting was having wicket-keeper Greg Wood and Lee Goddard (also a wicket-keeper) bowling against us and Gavin Hamilton keeping. “In the Bradford League, some bowlers can have success one season but batsmen work them out in the second season. “But it is difficult batting against someone you have not faced before, especially if you think ‘I shouldn’t get out to this bowler’. “However, Congs played in a very cool, calm and collected manner, and you won’t find a better captain in the history of the Bradford League than Matthew Doidge, and it would be great if he finished his career with us. “Also, people keep saying that Babar Butt is retiring but we aren’t saying that because we know how well he can bat.”

Waiting for Congs in the final at Bradford & Bingley CC on Sunday, September 14 are Woodlands, who defeated Cleckheaton by ten wickets in their semi-final and have now reached five Priestley cup finals in six seasons. However, Congs beat them in both the 2004 and 2005 deciders.

 

 

Pudsey Congs v Hanging Heaton

At the Britannia

Saturday August 23rd, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – MB Knight & B Wells

Match report courtesy of Alan Birkinshaw – Editor of the Bradford Cricket League website

Despite winning convincingly, Woodlands saw their lead trimmed by five-points to 19 as Pudsey Congs defeated Hanging Heaton by 66 runs. Spinners Jeremy Batty (4-30) and Glenn Roberts (3-44) were again prominent as Congs dismissed Hanging Heaton for 186. Skipper Alan Mynett top scored with 41.

Congs, who gained a maximum 20 points for their win, made 252-5 batting first. Opener Adam Patel made 72, while Andrew Bairstow hit 59 and skipper Matthew Doidge and unbeaten 44.

This Congs victory closes the the gap atop Division One to a mere 19 points with four matches remaining on the 2008 schedule.

 

Pudsey Congs 252-5 (Adam Patel 72, Andrew Bairstow 59, Matthew Doidge 44no) (50overs)

Hanging Heaton 186 all out (Alan Mynett 41, Mark Inwood 34, Haroon Rashid 32, Jeremy Batty 4-30, Glenn Roberts 3-44) (47.4 overs)

 

Pudsey Congs 20pts bt Hanging Heaton 5pts by 66 runs

Pudsey Congs v Baildon

At the Britannia

Saturday August 16th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Andrea David Booth

The weather might mean they are having to drag their heels in the Priestley Cup but Pudsey Congs were in no mood to hang around in the JCT600 Bradford League when they hosted fourth-placed Baildon.

 

Mohammed Naved (6-16) and Tom Glover (4-27) bowled unchanged as the visitors were dismissed for 48, only two players reaching double figures. Second-placed Congs lost three wickets in reaching their target in 16.2 overs.

Baildon 48 all out (Mohammad Naveed 6-16, Tom Glover 4-27) (20.1 overs)

Pudsey Congs 49-3 (16.2 overs)

Pudsey Congs (15pts) bt Baildon (1pt) by 7 wkts

 

 

Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy

York CC v Pudsey Congs

Clifton Park, York

Semi Final

Sunday August 3rd at 1.00pm

The JCT 600 Bradford League’s recent domination of the Black Sheep Champions Trophy has come to an end with the exit for Pudsey Congs from this season’s competition. They suffered a 69-run defeat at the hands of Yorkshire League champions York, despite a battling century from Andrew Bairstow.

York 272-8 (Dan Walsh 61, Duncan Snell 58, Nicky Kay 48, Simon Mason 32, M Naveed 4-32)

Pudsey Congs 203 (Andrew Bairstow 101, Matthew Doidge 25, Duncan Snell 3-14)

York won by 69 runs

East Bierley v Pudsey Congs

At South view Road

Saturday August 2nd, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Willow Sportswear

The JCT 600 Bradford League Division One title race took another dramatic twist as Cleckheaton defeated leaders Woodlands for the second time this season and Saltaire inflicted a shock nine wicket defeat on Baildon. It means that Pudsey Congs, five wicket winners at East Bierley, are alone in second just ten points behind defending champions Woodlands with seven games to go.

Woodlands are now looking over their shoulder anxiously at the growing challenge of Pudsey Congs. They underlined the growing strength of their title challenge as they bowled out East Bierley for 161 with spinners Jeremy Batty and Glenn Roberts each taking four for 36, before knocking off the runs with Babar Butt (67) and Andrew Bairstow (47) in good form. Greg Wood top scored for East Bierley with 51.

East Bierley 161 all out (Greg Wood 54, Glenn Roberts 4-36, Jeremy Batty 4-36) (49.3 overs)

Pudsey Congs 162-5 (Babar Butt 67, Andrew Bairstow 47, Paul Htchison 3-40) (37.5 overs)


Pudsey Congs 17 pts bt East Bierley 4 pts by 5 wkts

Pudsey Congs v Cleckheaton

At the Britannia

Sunday July 27th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – David J Carr

Pudsey Congs picked up maximum points as they defeated fifth-placed Cleckheaton by 75 runs. For the second successive day, Babar Butt made 91 not out and along with opener Adam Patel – who made a dashing 80 against his old club – and Andrew Bairstow (57) gave his side the impetus to compile a score of 251-3.

Cleckheaton were put in a spin when they replied. Jeremy Batty took his haul of wickets from the weekend’s double programme to 11, with six for 42. Opener Mally Nicholson with 50 was top scorer as Cleckheaton were dismissed for 176.

Pudsey Congs 251-3 (Adam Patel 80, Babar Butt 91no, Andrew Bairstow 57) (50 overs)

Cleckheaton 176 all out (Mally Nicholson 50, Jeremy Batty 6-42) (45 overs)


Pudsey Congs 20 pts bt Cleckheaton 4 pts by 75 runs

Pudsey Congs v Saltaire

At the Britannia

Saturday July 26th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Adrian Carr

Pudsey Congs remain tied for third place with Baildon as the Congs defeated Saltaire by 73 runs. The match-winners for Congs were veteran batsman Babar Butt and all-rounder Jeremy Batty.

Butt made an unbeaten 91, punctuated with four sixes and nine fours, as Congs recovered from a slow start to make 192-5. Batty chipped in with 31 to give the innings late impetus, but it was his efforts with the ball which proved most telling.

The former Yorkshire and Somerset off spinner took five for 28 as Saltaire subsided to 119 all out. Overseas player Rahul Kanwat was their top scorer.

Pudsey Congs 192-5 (Babar Butt 91no, Jeremy Batty 31no) (50 overs)

Saltaire 119 all out (Rahul Kanwat 34 )(39.5 overs)


Pudsey Congs 18pts bt Saltaire 2pts by 73 runs

 

Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy

Elsecar v Pudsey Congs

Crab Field, Armroyd Lane, Barnsley

Round 2

Sunday July 20th at 1.00pm

Match Ball Sponsor – Barry Wilson

Matthew Doidge’s side overpowered the South Yorkshire League champions Elsecar. Mark Bray took five for 29 as Elsecar were dismissed for 81. Jason Meadows (22) was the only batsman to resist for long. The Congs’ bowlers were backed by some excellent catching with Babar Butt taking three in the slips. Congs didn’t hang about when they replied. Opener Alexis Twigg made 51 and Adam Patel (26) as they eased to an eight-wicket win. Congs will face the winners of next week’s outstanding second round tie between the Yorkshire League champions York and the York Senior League champions Clifton Alliance.

Elsecar 81 all out (Jason Meadows 22, Mark Bray 5-29)

Pudsey Congs 83-2 (Alexis Twigg 51no, Adam Patel 26)

Pudsey Congs won by 8 wkts to advance to Semi Final

_______________________________________________________

A Fan’s Comment:

Evening to all at the Congs

First of all I would like to congratulate Pudsey Congs Cricket Club on their win over Elsecar Cricket Club in the Black Sheep Trophy yesterday.  I was unable to watch the game due to work commitments but from what I hear, it was more of a one sided game and Pudsey seemed to be in a rush to knock of the runs and head back to Bradford lol.  Another reason why I also wanted to watch the game was to observe your overseas player, Mohammed Naveed, bowl.  From what I have seen of him playing for Sheffield Friends CC in the Irwin Mitchell Sheffield Alliance Midweek Cricket League, I have to say he has some serious pace. Would have been more interesting watching him bowl in a 50 over game rather than a 14 (8 ball over) game.

PS: Oh yes before I forget, one of your ex players – Scott Cunningham – also hit a ton at the weekend. 

                                                                                                                               Casoom Khan

Esholt v Pudsey Congs

At Esholt Lane

Saturday July 19th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Titan Ceilings (Scott Cunningham)

Pudsey Congs were hoping to repeat last Sunday’s Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup quarter-final triumph at Esholt, but the rain ruined the possibility of an exciting finish. Congs reached 201-6 in their 50 overs with Essex all-rounder James Middlebrook making 57, Adam Patel (37) and skipper Matthew Doidge (36no). Esholt started well in reply with the Cummins brothers Paul (65no) and Mark (44) sharing a stand of 108, but the rain was the eventual winner with Esholt finishing on 140-2 off 41 overs. Congs picked up seven points.

Pudsey Congs 201-6 (James Middlebrook 57, Adam Patel 37, Matthew Doidge 36no) (50 overs)

Esholt 140-2 (Paul Cummins 65, Mark Cummins 44) (41 overs)

Match abandoned: Esholt 6pts Pudsey Congs 7pts

 

Esholt v Pudsey Congs

Third Round

At Esholt Lane

Sunday July 13th, 2008

Skipper Matthew Doidge blasted a 24-ball unbeaten half century as Pudsey Congs beat Esholt by 31 runs. Thanks to Doidge, the Congs scored 50 in the last four overs to push their total to 230-5. Doidge hit three sixes and four fours as he added late impetus to his side’s innings. Opener Adam Patel (46), Andrew Bourke (32) and a generous donation of 33 extras – 29 of them wides – were the other main contributors. Esholt’s spirited response was led by Gulsheraz Ahmed (52) and Paul Cummins (31), but they lost wickets at regular intervals with off-spinner Jeremy Batty taking five for 62 to ensure Congs gained revenge for a surprise league defeat earlier in the season.

It’s now a battle of the big guns in the semi-finals with holders Pudsey Congs, league champions Woodlands, East Bierley and Cleckheaton all going into the hat for Thursday night’s draw.

Pudsey Congs 230-6 (Matthew Doidge 50 not out off 24 balls (3 x 6, 4 x4), Adam Patel 46, Andrew Bourke 32, Extras 33 of which 29 were wides) (50overs)

Esholt 199 all out (Gulsheraz Ahmed 52, Paul Cummins 31, Jeremy Batty 5-62) (49.1 overs)

Pudsey Congs beat Esholt by 31 runs to progress to Priestley Cup Semi Final

Pudsey Congs v Bowling Old Lane

At the Britannia

Saturday July 12th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Fallon & Sayers (Les Cunningham)

Pudsey Congs climbed above Cleckheaton into fourth place, two points behind Bradford & Bingley, after a six-wicket win over Bowling Old Lane. Andrew Bairstow (49no) and Adam Patel (41) led their side to victory as they overhauled an Old Lane score of 151-7. Rashid Ramzan (37) was the top scorer for Old Lane who were kept in check by a Congs attack spearhead by Tom Glover (3-40) and Mohammad Naved (3-41).At the same time, Baildon blasted the JCT 600 Bradford League Division One title race wide open by beating champions Woodlands by 23 runs.

Bowling Old Lane 151-7 (Rashid Ramzan 37, Tom Glover 3-40, Mohammad Naved 3-41) (47 overs)

Pudsey Congs 152-4 (Andrew Bairstow 49no, Adam Patel 41)(36.4 overs)

 

Pudsey Congs 15pts bt Bowling Old Lane 4pts by 6 wkts   

 

 

Pudsey Congs v Bradford & Bingley

At the Britannia

Saturday July 5th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Peter Marsh

Opener Mark Gill made an impressive 90 not out and Andrew Bourke (48) as Pudsey Congs inflicted a fourth defeat in seven games on Bradford & Bingley. Gill struck five sixes in a chanceless knock and his third-wicket partnership of 133 with Bourke ensured Congs overcame Bradford & Bingley’s score of 167-6 with an over to spare. Opener Scott Etherington top scored for Bradford & Bingley while Amila Ranga (34no) and Phil Slater (34) were the other main contributors.

Bradford & Bingley are now joint third with Cleckheaton on 173 points, ten adrift of East Bierley and just one ahead of Congs

Bradford & Bingley 167-6 dec (Scott Etherington 48, Phil Slater 34, Amila Ranga 31no) (41 overs)

Pudsey Congs 171-3 (Mark Gill 90no, Andrew Bourke 48) (41 overs)

 

Pudsey Congs 15 pts beat Bradford & Bingley 3 pts by 7 wkts

 

 

Yeadon v Pudsey Congs

Second Round

At High Street

Sunday June 29th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Cliff Bales

Holders Pudsey Congs had all-rounder Glenn Roberts to thank for their 74-run win over Yeadon. Roberts made 40 as the Congs recovered from a poor start to make 169-9,  then he took three for 22 as Yeadon were dismissed for 95.

The Congs are now in the hat for Monday night’s Quarter-Final draw.

Pudsey Congs 169-9 (Glen Roberts 40, Andrew Robertson 4-42) (50 overs)

Yeadon 95 all out

Pudsey Congs won by 74 runs

 

Woodlands v Pudsey Congs

At Albert Terrace

Saturday June 28th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Fenton and Simpson

Chris Brice turned in match-winning figures of five for five from 7.2 overs despite suffering from a side strain as Woodlands comprehensively defeated Pudsey Congs by 126 runs on a testing wicket at Albert Terrace.But while recognising the accuracy, potency and stickability of their left-arm spinner, Woodlands’ league representative Phil Godfrey also praised the efforts of their opening batsmen and opening bowlers. Scott Richardson and Sam Frankland had only scored nine runs off the first ten overs after Woodlands had been put in but they hung around until the 24th over in putting on 73 for the champions’ first wicket. Richardson, playing a subdued role that was alien to him, made 27 and Frankland, who is having a fine season, went on to score 62 – easily the highest in the match. Both rode their luck, Richardson being dropped off a difficult chance by wicketkeeper Andy Bairstow when the score was four, and again at 25 when third man Richard Jubb spilled another tester. On other occasions, the ball did not quite go to hand for second-placed Congs, while the batsmen obviously decided that anything ‘in the slot’ would be given the treatment, Richardson hitting a six and Frankland two sixes. “That partnership was instrumental in us winning the game,” said Godfrey after they had totalled 175, Brice later punishing anything short in his 27 and Adam Goldthorpe hitting a cameo 28. “Not only did the rest of our batsmen fail to take heed of what our openers did but so did the Congs players. However, conditions must have been difficult because Scott Richardson (27 in 81 minutes) likes to get on with it.” Spinners Glenn Roberts (5-50) and Jeremy Batty (4-59) both bowled decent 15-over spells but things looked very different after the tea interval. Godfrey added: “Roberts and Brice bowled 30 overs between them for 109 runs, and bowled very well but that was only par for the course in the innings at just over three runs an over.” Adam Patel didn’t like his decision after being given out caught in the slips off Pieter Swanepoel, while Babar Butt was run out after a mix-up with Andrew Bourke, although Safraz Ahmed’s fielding in the gully was athletic and his off-balance throw accurate. Bourke was caught behind off a devilish delivery that lifted and left him, and Bairstow – who had his nose broken while stumping – was bowled by one which kept a tad low, although he could have been further forward. The procession continued, with Roberts caught in the slips, Matthew Doidge and Batty falling to sweeps square of the wicket, while Tom Glover was bowled. Young Jubb hung around for a while but matters ended with Congs 49 all out off 20 overs. Godfrey added: “Not only do we have the best pair of opening bowlers in the league, I think we have the best pair of opening bowlers in any league in this country. “And Brice’s figures were all the more remarkable because, although he has now got over his cruciate ligament injury, he has picked up a side strain.” Ahmed only conceded 14 runs off his 11 overs, while Swanepoel bagged three for 20 from ten. Richard Spittlehouse didn’t take a wicket but regularly beat Doidge outside his off stump, while Brice’s figures of 7.2-5-5-5 speak for themselves.

Woodlands 175 all out (Sam Frankland 62, Glenn Roberts 5-50, Jeremy Batty 4-59) (49.5 overs)

Pudsey Congs 49 all out (Chris Brice 5-5) (35.3overs)


Woodlands 18pts bt Pudsey Congs 5pts by 126 runs

Saltaire v Pudsey Congs

At Roberts Park

Sunday June 22nd, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Nova Coin Automatic

They might have started the JCT600 Bradford League campaign slowly but Pudsey Congs are now running nicely into form. The Congs defeated Saltaire by 69 runs on Sunday to gather 19 points and move into second place in the Division One table – 13 points behind Woodlands, who they face at Albert Terrace on Saturday.

Champions Woodlands and Pudsey Congs are set for another crucial showdown at Albert Terrace on Saturday. Congs’ 69-run over Saltaire means that they are now Woodlands closest challengers having taken over second place from Bradford & Bingley who suffered their third defeat in four games at Pudsey St Lawrence by 43 runs. Congs head the chasing pack by one point from Bradford & Bingley who are one point ahead of Cleckheaton who hold a similar advantage over East Bierley.

Mark Gill (65) and Andrew Bairstow (61) helped Congs to a total of 218-6 before bowling out Saltaire for 149 with Tom Glover taking 4-42.

Pudsey Congs 218-6 (Mark Gill 65, Andrew Bairstow 61, Matthew Doidge 35no) (50 overs)

Saltaire 149 all out (Tom Glover 4-41) (48 overs)

 

Pudsey Congs 19pts bt Saltaire 4pts by 69 runs

 

Congs 2pts, Yeadon 2pts

Brighouse v Pudsey Congs

At Bradford Road

Sunday June 15th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Moira Carr

Pudsey Congs made it six wins on the trot and they are now fourth in the Bradford League.

Congs dismissed bottom team Brighouse for 47 as they cantered to a nine-wicket win. Mohammad Naved took four for 15 and Mark Bray (4-7) as brittle Brighouse crumbled. Congs eased to their victory target in 7.1 overs.

Brighouse 47all out (Mohammad Naved 4-15, Mark Bray 4-7) (18 overs)

 Pudsey Congs 48-1

 

 

Pudsey Congs 15pts bt Brighouse 0pts by 9 wkts

Pudsey Congs v Manningham Mills

At the Britannia

Saturday June 14th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Exeeco Limited

Pudsey Congs made it five wins on the trot with a convincing win over Manningham Mills by 98 runs. Openers Alexis Twigg (75) and Mark Gill (69) shared a first-wicket stand of 142 as they laid the foundations for a Congs score of 268-4. Andrew Bairstow (54no) and skipper Matthew Doidge (35no) also chipped in with valuable runs The target proved far to daunting for Mills who were restricted to 170-9 as former Yorkshire and Somerset off spinner Jeremy Batty took five for 42. Opener Adil Islam was the pick of the Mills batsmen with 51.

 

Pudsey Congs 268-4 (Alexis Twigg 75, Mark Gill 68, Andrew Bairstow 54, Matthew Doidge 35no)

Manningham Mills 170-9 (Adil Islam 51, Jeremy Batty 5-42)(47 overs)

Pudsey Congs 19pts bt Manningham Mills 4pts by 98 runs

Hanging Heaton v Pudsey Congs

At Bennett Lane

Saturday June 7th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Swinnow Primary School, Bill Taylor

Pudsey Congs continued their revival recording their fourth straight league win in addition to their recent Priestley Cup triumph. Veteran Babar Butt maintained his rich vein of form by hitting 64 as the Congs defeated Hanging Heaton by five wickets. Opener Mark Gill made 34 as Hanging Heaton’s woefully inadequate score of 115 was easily overhauled.

Former Yorkshire and Somerset spin bowler Jeremy Batty (4-31) and overseas paceman Mohammad Naved (4-15) were responsible for skittling out Hanging Heaton for 115. Opener Chris Schofield (44) was the only batsman to offer any resistance.

Hanging Heaton 115 all out – Mohammad Naved 4-16, Jeremy Batty 4-31 (46.1 overs)

Pudsey Congs 120-5 (Babar Butt 64, Mark Gill 34, Imran Arif 4-20) (35.1 overs)

Pudsey Congs 15pts bt Hanging Heaton 2pts by 5 wkts

Baildon v Pudsey Congs

At Jenny Lane

Saturday May 31st, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Fallon & Sayers

Pudsey Congs once again showed that they can be title challengers with their third win in a row as they continued their revival by beating third-placed Baildon by 74 runs. Left arm spinner Glenn Roberts took five for 37 as Baildon collapsed from 105-2 to 127 all out. Paceman Mohammad Naveed also impressed with three for 19. Matthew Duce top scored with 35.

Congs had set up their third successive win by making 201-5 when they batted first. Andrew Bairstow top scored with 43 before retiring hurt with a side injury. Skipper Matthew Doidge (40) was the other main contributor. The victory lifts Congs to sixth place.

 Pudsey Congs 201-5 (Andrew Bairstow 43 ret hurt, Matthew Doidge 40, Babar Butt 32) (50overs)

Baildon 127 all out (Matthew Duce 35, Ahsan Butt 31, Glenn Roberts 5-37) (41 overs)


Pudsey Congs 19pts bt Baildon 3pts by 74 runs

Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence

At Britannia Ground

Monday May 26th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Tony Booth

A close-fought Pudsey derby was won by Congs by nine runs. They recovered from 110-6 to make 212 all out thanks to the efforts of Jeremy Batty (45) and Matthew Doidge (42). Pudsey Congs, who also lost three of their first four matches, are now showing the sort of form that earned them five titles in a rows between 2000 and 2004. Could they also challenge the leading group later in the season with their experienced side?

St Lawrence , who hoped to avenge their recent Sovereign Health Care Priestley Cup defeat against their arch rivals, made 203-9 in reply. Gareth Clough (70), Alex Stead (49) and James Smith (44) all made valuable contributions but no other batsman made double figures. Left arm spinner Glenn Roberts was key to Congs’ second win of the weekend, taking four for 34 in 15 overs.

Pudsey Congs 212 all out – Jeremy Batty 45, Matthew Doidge 41, Andrew Bourke 31 (49 overs)

 Pudsey St Lawrence 203-9 – Gareth Clough 70, Alex Stead 49, James Smith 44 (50overs)

 

Pudsey Congs 18pts bt Pudsey St Lawrence 9pts by 9 runs

      

  

Pudsey Congs v East Bierley

At Britannia Ground

Saturday May 24th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Neil Dibb

East Bierley lost the leadership and their unbeaten record when they suffered a six-wicket defeat at Pudsey Congs. Babar Butt made a sparkling 88 not out as Congs timed their run chase to perfection in pursuit of East Bierley’s total of 250-7. Andrew Bairstow (46) and Alexis Twigg (36) also made valuable contributions as Congs secured their second win of the season with eight balls to spare.

East Bierley’s in form batsmen Greg Wood (86) and Andrew Rennison (59) shared a third-wicket stand of 120 which provided the main substance to their innings.

East Bierley 250-7 (Greg Wood 86, Andrew Rennison 59, Glenn Roberts 3-67) (50 overs)

Pudsey Congs 251-4 (Babar Butt 88no, Andrew Bairstow 46, Alexis Twigg 36) (48.4 overs)

Pudsey Congs 18pts bt East Bierley 7pts by 6wkts

Bradford & Bingley v Pudsey Congs

At Wagon Lane

Saturday May 17th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Derrick Reason

Bradford & Bingley showed they have quality in their batting to go with an already-proven ability with the ball in a five-wicket win at home to Pudsey Congs.

 

The Wagon Lane side’s attack have hit the headlines so far this season, having taken 30 wickets for just 147 runs in winning their first three league games. But this time it was the run-makers who proved to be the match-winners that maintained their 100 per cent record and condemned Congs to an eyebrow-raising third defeat in four games. Defending their total of 141 for seven in a rain-reduced 28 over-game, the visitors looked to be turning the screw when Bingley were reduced to 75 for five in the 17th over. However, an unbroken partnership of 72 in just under ten overs between Mark Beckett and Chris Thompson saw the hosts home with ease in the end. Beckett made an unbeaten 59, reaching his half-century off 41 balls and hitting three sixes – the most memorable being a hook shot over the backward square leg boundary off Mohammed Naveed. The Pakistani paceman, probably feeling the drop in temperature more than most, had been brought back into the attack to get the vital breakthrough at 103 for five with eight overs left. Instead, he was expensive and, with Thompson proving to be just as dazzling as his partner in making 38 not out in no time, Bingley were soon home and dry. Skipper Phil Slater said: “We’re quite fortunate in that we bat all the way down. Even though we were in a bit of a situation at 75 for five, I still thought we had a good chance if we batted properly. “Mark and Chris are both talented cricketers. What you saw is what they love doing and that’s how good they are.” Yet it could all have been different had Scott Cunningham not missed a chance at mid-on which would have seen Beckett depart much earlier with the score on 62 for four. It also denied Jeremy Batty the chance of a hat-trick ball, the former Yorkshire spinner having snaffled Amila Ranga in the deep the previous delivery. Congs skipper Matthew Doidge admitted the significance of the chance but said: “You can’t put your finger on that and say it’s the only thing that’s changed the game. “We just haven’t been good enough in all departments really. We were 15 or 20 runs short, we haven’t fielded well enough and towards the end we haven’t bowled well enough. It’s as simple as that.” Congs had laid the platform for a score perhaps in excess of 150 with ten overs left and wickets in the tent at 80 for two. But Cunningham (28), Alexis Twigg (40) and Andrew Bourke (32) all failed to kick on and the latter order could not provide major impetus as the hosts, with Richard McCarthy to the fore, did a good containing job. Bingley dropped to third despite their victory but it is a marked contrast to last season’s struggles which saw them contemplating relegation at one stage. Slater said: “Last year we under-performed and everybody knew that. This year everyone has been determined right from winter netting to get it right and show people how good they are. “We’re not getting carried away. There’s a long way to go and the lads realise that.” Meanwhile, Congs’ bid to regain their title for the first time since 2004 is in danger of being over before it even began. “It’s a tough ask when you’ve lost three out of your first four games,” admitted Doidge – especially considering holders Woodlands have not lost in 32 league matches.

 

Pudsey Congs V Pudsey St Lawrence

Opening Round

At Britannia Ground

Sunday May 11th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Neil Dibb

More misery was heaped on Pudsey St Lawrence as they suffered an eight-wicket defeat against holders Pudsey Congs – their fourth successive defeat of the campaign. Once again St Lawrence failed to make enough runs. Nottinghamshire all-rounder Gareth Clough (46) and skipper James Smith (35) briefly threatened to take command after Congs’ new overseas player Mohammad Naved had reduced the Saints to 18-3, but once they departed the rest of the brittle batting line up crumbled predictably. Naved was the pick of the bowlers with three for 42.

St Lawrence gained an early bonus in the Congs innings when Smith trapped Scott Cunningham lbw for five, but it proved to be just a temporary setback for the home side. Opener Alexis Twigg and Andrew Bourke fashioned out a second-wicket stand of 91 before Bourke was caught at slip by Iain Priestley in Alex Stead’s first over for 38. Twigg was growing in confidence and took charge as he and Andrew Bairstow (36no) saw Congs home without further loss for an eight wicket win. They put on 78 with Twigg finishing unbeaten on 97 – a superb innings which secured an away tie against Yeadon in round two.

 

Pudsey Congs 186-2 (Alexis Twigg 97no, Andrew Bourke 38) (45 overs)

Pudsey St Lawrence 182 all out (James Smith 35, Gareth Clough 45, Mohammad Naved ) (49.1 overs)

 

Pudsey Congs beat Pudsey St Lawrence by 8wkts

Bowling Old Lane v Pudsey Congs

At Birch Lane

Saturday May 10th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Exeeco LTD

The sun shone for the first time this season and the batsmen came to the fore with some sparkling performances on a day of absorbing cricket in the JCT 600 Bradford League. Pudsey Congs are finally off the mark. Their first win was a comfortable five-wicket success against Bowling Old Lane. Paceman Tom Glover took four for 13 and left arm spinner Glenn Roberts (3-28) as Old Lane crumbled to 122 all out.

Despite suffering a couple of setbacks, Congs eased home with opener Alexis Twigg making 45.

*Bowling Old Lane 122 all out (48.5overs) v Pudsey Congs 126-5 (44.4 overs)

Bowling Old Lane batting: Tariq Alam 26
Pudsey Congs bowling: Tom Glover 4-13
Pudsey Congs Batting: Alexis Twigg 45

Pudsey Congs (16pts) beat Bowling Old Lane (2pts) by 5 wkts

 

Pudsey Congs V Esholt

At Britannia Ground

Saturday May 3rd, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Nova Coin Automatic

Newly promoted Esholt produced the biggest shock of new season when they defeated Pudsey Congs by seven wickets to record their first ever JCT 600 Bradford League Division One win. The result crowned a remarkable change of fortunes for Esholt. On the opening day of the season they were dismissed for just 55 as they suffered a crushing 141-run defeat at Hanging Heaton. But they responded in the best possible way as they inflicted a second successive home defeat on a Pudsey Congs side which has been tipped to be title contenders this season. Esholt played with great determination and discipline. Their bowlers made the most of a damp pitch to restrict Pudsey Congs to a score of 155-8. It was a bigger total than seemed likely when Congs slipped to 81-6. Babar Butt (49) and Andrew Bairstow (34) were the main contributors while left arm spinner Ben Platt (3-43) was the pick of the Esholt bowlers. The Cummins brothers gave Esholt a solid start to their reply with a stand of 49. Former Idle player Paul made 40 and his younger brother Mark (23). Their good work was built on by overseas player Shahzaib Khan (37) and Gulsheraz Ahmed (30) as Esholt eased home with nine balls to spare.

Pudsey Congs 155-8 (50 overs) v Esholt 168-3 (48.3 overs)

Pudsey Congs batting: Babar Butt 49, Andrew Bairstow 34
Esholt bowling: Ben Platt 3-43
Esholt batting: Paul Cummins 40, Shahzaib Khan 37

Esholt (16pts) beat Pudsey Congs (3pts) by 7 wkts

Pudsey Congs V Woodlands

At Britannia Ground

Saturday April 26th, 2008

Match Ball Sponsor – Jonathon L Smith

2007 Bradford League Champions Woodlands won the game of the day against Pudsey Congs by three wickets. Their skipper Tim Orrell produced the match-winning performance with a timely knock of 40 which enabled his side to pass Pudsey Congs’ score of 165 for seven with nine balls to spare. Tom Baker (31) shared a crucial fifth-wicket stand with Orrell as Woodlands eased home despite some fine spin bowling from former Yorkshire player Jeremy Batty (2-35).

Pudsey Congs had found run scoring hard on a damp wicket and slow outfield when they were asked to bat first.  Their skipper Matthew Doidge (35) top scored but nobody was able to break free from the shackles imposed by the Woodlands seam attack in which Safraz Ahmed (3-26) was again the outstanding performer

 

Pudsey Congs 165-7 (50 overs) v Woodlands 166-7 (48.3overs)


Pudsey Congs batting: Matthew Doidge 35
Woodlands bowling: Safraz Ahmed 3-26
Woodlands batting: Tim Orrell 40, Tosh Baker 31


Woodlands (15pts) beat Pudsey Congs (5pts) by 3 wkts

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