2009 Fourth XI
Baildon v Pudsey Congs
At Sandal School
Saturday September 12th, 2009
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
An nice hot Summers day at Baildon and another toss lost! There was a real end of term feeling as the Congs got their first innings underway. Joy was short lived as the Congs conceded 50 off 5 overs, two bad overs from opener Steven Robinson saw him retire hurt leaving the remaining 10 Congs to pick up the pieces. Pick it up we did. Seniors James Galvin and myself gave the score line some respectability, James claiming two great wickets and me conceding just ten runs in ten overs, before Kasim Mahammad claimed a third. It all went a little quiet again after that with Baildon putting on 205 for the loss of three.
205-3 became 205-8 when in just two overs Pete Huffingley arrested the slide. A FOUR wicket maiden (W.W.0.W.W.0) slapped the handcuffs on the charging Baildon bats. With three stumpings, Tom Brook was acting executioner with Pete judge and jury sending 6 in all back to the cells finishing with a double maidan (0.0.W.0.0.W), Baildon closed on 213-9 dec.
The legend Nelthorpe was once again inspirational in the field, several one handed stops running around the boundaries rolled back the years setting the standards, Jo Goodchild held onto a catch that had he not, Ali Goodchild’s chances of been a grandad would have rested with Alex. Tom and Wasim Bashir both deserved a wicket each and in all the ten Congs worked extreamly hard.
The party atmosphere returned, a partially reversed batting line up was the order of the day! Legend opened with Jo followed by Pete, Wasim and Tom Brook. Malcome Robinson showed he still knows how to use a bat before the tail end of Galvin and myself had some fun at the end. Congs closed on 103 all out, but with a smile the team heads into the winter with lots of positives.
Baildon 213 – 9
Congs 115 – 10
Pudsey Congs v Hyde Park
At Fulneck
Sunday September 6th, 2009
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
Another Saturday off with this weeks visit of champions Hyde Park being on the Sunday, and the champions won the toss electing to bat. It was an up hill task from the start as the opening batsmen played without caution taking a massive 16 off my first over despite all 6 deliveries been straight and full. This is the Hyde Park way and it was only a matter of time before they would miss one, in fact the opener departed in my second over. At the other end James Galvin was also bending his back and working hard but despite the early breakthrough neither James or myself could make any real inroads. The visitors did not have it all their own way though as the inform Nathan Dalton produced two top draw gems to claim two big wickets. The visitors then started to swing the bat hard with some huge hitting moved the score along quickly before the Legend that is Mr Nelthorpe took control. FOUR wickets from the senior pro, the first brilliantly stumped by Matty Humpleby behind the sticks, the next three clean bowled, left the young Congs wishing to see the most deserved and most celebrated 5 for in the clubs history. James Galvin’s second of the day deprived the Legend but none the less a great showing.
Hyde Park 189 all out
The second half was not quite so thrilling as the Congs kind of forgot to bat! A poor display that left little to write about other than an great effort from Nathan and another not out from that man Colin Nelthorpe, limped the team total onto 46 all out. Danny Cockin was on the field and there for claimed the fielding point!!
Whitehall v Pudsey Congs
At Drig
Saturday August 29th, 2009
Match report not available
Whitehall 255 – 5
Pudsey Congs 155 all out, LEGEND NELTHORPE 31 NOT OUT!!!!
Pudsey Congs v New Farnley “C”
At Fulneck
Saturday August 22nd, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Facing the New Farnley “C” team with a heavily weakened attack due to commitments, football matches, call ups to the other sides within the club, and so on, the 4ths batted first on what is traditionally a batters track. Appleyard and Naeer opened the batting, setting the pace. They reached 32 when Appleyard was bowled. Captain Stuart Hardcastle took guard and commenced a vital innings. Naeer shortly followed Appleyard, getting caught at mid on. The middle order had a miniature collapse to reduce Pudsey to 57/4. However, Captain and Vice captain James Galvin rescued the innings. Both looked in fine form and played some nice strokes, which eventually brought up Stuarts half century. However when Galvin got out, caught, little Alex Goodchild continued in the same spirit to assist Stuart to push on. Unfortunately, both fell in quick succession. But there was still a sting in the tail as Colin and Neil played a couple of big hits before the close of the innings.
Pudsey Congs 148 all out
Hardcastle 58, J. Galvin 23
In response, the spirit began upbeat. With tight opening spells from Stuart and James, the Congs appeared to be in a healthy position, creating chances. But, New Farnley continuously chipped away at the target when eventually James made a breakthough, trapping the opener LBW. Wasim, returning after a long absence, had a tidy spell without reward, but he most certainly deserved one. Naeer picked up a wicket, assisted with a catch from the skipper. But, although wickets were falling at regular intervals, the intervals were too wide and a couple of catches that were dropped could have made a difference. Galvin picked up two more wickets as the innings came to an end, but it wasn’t enough to stop New Farnley completing a convincing 6 wicket win.
New Farnley C 159/4
Galvin 3/37
Crompark v Pudsey Congs
At High Royds Field
Sunday August 16th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Danny Cockin and Matt Humpleby opened the batting for the 4ths away at Crompark. Both seemed to be settling when Matt was led into lofting a half volley to cover. Callum Murgatroyd and Tom Brook made brief cameos as the Congs were reduced to 16/3. Stuart Hardcastle, at number 5, appeared to steady the ship, but Cockin fell soon after. An injury, which required some basic maths, to Joe Goodchild meant he had to retire hurt, together with the loss of Stuart, meant that the confidence of the team began to sink. However, James Galvin took charge, and with Kasim, built a strong partnership. However, Kasim’s departure spelt the end of a glorious fight back as the tail failed to trouble the scorers.
Congs 109 all out
Galvin 36
Crompark started steadily and stubbornly as they seeked victory. However, there seemed to be an air of caution about them as they started the innings. Kasim secured the first, and second breakthrough to reduce the home side to 39/2. Pudsey seeked to capitalise on this minor collapse, but despite a string of 5 maidens from Nathan Dalton, and an aggressive spell from Kasim, Crompark chipped away at the deficit. But Callum picked up a well deserved wicket, caught by fellow wicket taker Kasim, as did Nathan shortly after, caught behind by Tom Brook. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough, with only a sympathy wicket coming with only 4 runs to win.
Crompark 110/5
Mahammed 2/10, N. Dalton 1/8
Pudsey Congs v Meanwood
At Fulneck
Saturday August 8th, 2009
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
Putting aside the problems surrounding the normally easy task of getting eleven players on the park, the 10 man Cong’s fourth team welcomed the title chasing Meanwood to a very sunny Fulneck.
Honesty been the best policy, pride was the order of the day and basically all the lads had to play for. The next task was picking the batting order! With Matt Humpleby and Danny Cockin in the thirds the batting would be different! Colin “Legend” Nelthorpe stepped up and volunteered to do the job with Tom Brook. In the face of a quality pace and swing attack the two dug in but Legend was dismissed early by a top draw catch at gully. With myself batting at three, the digging in continued as Tom and I saw off the openers. After all his hard work Tom was suckered into a loose shot by a rank long hop, the first bad ball he’d seen in 15 overs, he couldn’t resist and nailed it to cover. With pride still at stake the Cong’s batted with courage and determination from the skipper down the senior ranks into the juniors with Alex Goodchild on debut standing tall (well 4′ at least) in the face of the returning openers. The skipper put in a captains 40 in 25 overs with a 20 not out from Jo Royce and Alex not out 3 saw us post a respectable 113-8.
The Meanwood batting was never under pressure so setting ourselves some personal targets (20 overs 4 wickets) we set about keeping the spirit, the pride, and the tempo high. Neil Humpleby another willing volunteer kept wicket admirably as the bowlers, James Galvin, Kasim Mahammad, Nathan Dalton, Legend Nelthorpe, Jo and Alex Goodchild along with a cameo from Tom Brook and Jo Royce met the first target but with only 2 wickets down. A weakened Congs TEN! but you would not have known it as the team pulled together batting out the full 45 overs and fielding with pride and passion to the end. It was a display to be proud off. It would have been all too easy to chuck in the towel before the game had even started but the team were set on making the visitors work hard for the points – mission accomplished.
Cookridge v Pudsey Congs
At the Greyhound Public House, Tong
Saturday August 1st, 2009
Match report not available, match rained off
Mount v Pudsey Congs
At Hristlands Park
Sunday July 26th, 2009
Analysis by Stu Hardcastle
Pudsey Congs 4th XI v Mount – AWAY
2006 Away – Rained off
2007 Away (CUP) – Rained off
2007 Away – Played in RAIN
2008 Away – Played in RAIN
2009 Away – Rained off!!!!!!!!
Pudsey Congs v Undercliffe
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday July 19th, 2009
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
The forth XI this week had the privilege of welcoming Undercliffe to the Britannia ground as both the Bradford league sides had the day off. On arrival the groundsman advised “win the toss and field first”, so! I promptly lost the toss and got put into bat! Having put in such a poor performance in the return fixture and in last weeks game the pressure was on, but it wasn’t long before John’s advice was haunting. Despite making double figures the top 3 Cong’s wickets had fallen early due to the slow damp wicket as he predicted. Then with the inform Tom Brook run out by the normally quick Joe Royce the batting frailties were stating to show again. Joe (37) supported by the newly wed James Galvin (23) made the score look defendable by the end as Cong’s closed on 129 all out.
At tea I was confident our bowling attack was not only stronger than the visitors but strong enough to defend a below par Britannia score. Opening the attack with myself and Steven Robinson, the dressing room confidence was soon translated into wickets with both openers striking quick with two for me, one for Steven, followed by three for Galvin reducing Undercliffe to 35/6. The game started to slip away slightly as Undercliffe’s Colin Furness and R.Sutcliffe put together a steady 50 partnership and were looking defiant in the face of some quality bowling from Nathan Dalton, Nemo and Kasim Mahammad. Enter the pocket megaphone, believing the breaking of this partnership would secure the six points Dale Spink not only removed one but both senior batsmen in a blistering 4 over spell, but the drying wicket was making batting easier. At 118/9 Undercliffe required just 12 of 18 overs. Both Galvin and I returned to the attack and after I missed out on a caught and bowled chance that went to the boundary of my first ball back, Galvin took the winning catch at slip of my second!! Undercliffe 122 all out.
We bowled better and with Danny Cockin and Joe Royce in the field, we were far better in that department too but the real difference between the two sides was team spirit. All 11 Congs players pulled together and worked hard for each other winning by just 8 runs! Joe Royce with the FP after a catch at cover.
S.Hardcastle 3-22, J.Galvin 3-30, D.Spink 2-10, S.Robinson 1-14
After 36 hours of heavy rain leading up to this game, the team and I must give a massive amount of praise to John Malpass, Ralph Middlebrook and the team of ground staff who made this game happen in the first place,
THANK YOU GENTS!!
Pudsey St Lawrence v Pudsey Congs
At Priesthorpe High School
Saturday July 11th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard not Available
PSL 190-8
Pudsey Congs 61-10
New Farnley “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Farnley Park
Saturday July 4th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
What appeared to be a day for the bowlers, became increasingly difficult as New Farnley hammered home a mammoth target batting first. The opening spell from Stuart Hardcastle produced a wicket when he bowled the number two batsman. However, with a mixture of luck, and some fantastic shots, the run rate climbed to 10 an over. A chance came of Tom Huffinley’s bowling, almost caught at mid wicket. However, Stuart recovered well and destroyed the stumps at the bowlers end to run out the remaining opener. The number 3 batsman kept causing trouble for the bowlers, but Kasim removed two of his partners bowled, with Tom Brook and Danny Cockin removing two more with convincing run outs. The number three went on to record his century, a brilliant innings scoring all around the ground, but Dan Appleyard finally removed him on 124, bowled. In the closing stages Stuart and Steven Robinson cleaned out the tail to contain New Farnley at 265 all out, and it could have been so much more.
New Farnley B 265 all out, Sharnocks 124
Hardcastle 2/29, S. Robinson 2/37, K. Mahammed 2/47
Having successfully chased down 200+ against the same opposition earlier in the season, hopes were high as Danny Cockin and Matt Humpleby started well, keeping above the rate needing 269 from 50 overs. Unfortunately, Matt fell early in his innings but Stuart and Danny shared a quick-fire partnership before Stuart succumbed chasing one too many. A mid order collapse reduced the visitors to 70/4. But an aggressive and entertaining innings from Steven Robinson showed that the Congs were at least going to go down fighting. But when he was caught, followed soon after by Danny, it was left to the tail enders to attempt to see out 30 overs for a draw. But Kasim and Colin Nelthorpe had other ideas. They brought the attack to the opposition, playing some textbook shots, and some not so textbook shots, which frustrated the home team. Despite the remarkable last chance saloon confrontation with the bowlers, Kasim, 16, was bowled by a brilliant delivery, closing the innings on 154 and leaving Colin with 17 not out.
Pudsey Congs 154 all out
Robinson 30, D. Cockin 28
A day with a less than average fielding performance from the Congs and an absolutely fantastic innings from the junior batsman R.Sharnocks, who grasped opportunities with devastating effect, were just a couple of things that damaged their chances of victory. Having said that, team spirit, although patchy at times, was much improved from previous weeks and they ensured that if they were going down, Pudsey Congs B were going to do it fighting.
Pudsey Congs v Whibsey Park Chapel
At Fulneck
Saturday June 27th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Opening bowlers Stuart Hardcastle and Steven Robinson set the pace by reducing Wibsey Park Chapel to a mere 25/4, taking two a piece which included 2 catches from Daniel Cockin and 1 from Dan Appleyard. A valuable spell from Dale Spink had them at 43/5 with a catch from Stuart, with the young Congs side eying the 6 points up. A good effort from Kasim and another wicket from Spink, caught behind by Tom Brook, had 9-man Wibsey on the brink. Appleyard took the last wicket to contain them to 85 all out.
Wibsey Park Chapel 85 all out
Hardcastle 2/5, S. Robinson 2/20, D. Spink 2/21
In reply, Congs made life hard for themselves as they were too reduced to 25/4. However, a match saving innings from Tom Brook, with the assistance of Tom Huffinley and Joe Royce, helped put Congs in the driving seat. However with 3 runs to win, Tom succumbed to a good ball. With tensions running high, Spink went in to save the day and wasted no time in completing the task at hand.
Pudsey Congs 86/6
Brook 30
A grand effort all around secured a great win. Despite not taking every opportunity, the team spirit flowed through every member of the team and made sure that it was they who walked away with the full 6 points.
Pudsey Congs v New Farnley “C”
Cawthorne Cup, Round Two
At Fulneck
Sunday June 31st, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Quarter final of the Cawthorne Cup is as far as the Congs have got for the past 3 years, a notable meeting being verses Mount at Fulneck with a last gasp knock from Ash Slater, but falling just short of what was required. Bowling first on a track, Pudsey had chased down 150 the day before, they knew the task at hand and what was required. Steven Robinson and James Galvin started well, with a wicket from Steven, bowled. Dale Spink created chances early doors, but was finally secured his reward when Kasim Mahmood took a great catch in the slips on the last ball of his first over. However, one obviously wasn’t enough for the promising young talent when he struck again first ball of the next over. Tom Huffinley secured a wicket for the cause with a catch from Dan Appleyard. Kasim had a brilliant spell, taking 4 wickets which included catches from Abid Bashir, Danny Cockin and Peter Huffinley. James and Stuart Hardcastle finished off the innings with tight spells, and James took a wicket.
New Farnley C 151/9
Mahmood 4/19, D. Spink 2/15
Congs had a slow start, but a match saving innings from Abid and Steven put the Congs back into contention. But as the overs dwindled and the rate creeping up, only Wasim Bashir and Matt Humpleby showed resistance as the Congs slid to defeat.
Pudsey Congs C 117 all out
Bashir 31, S. Robinson 29, W. Bashir 16
Pudsey Congs v Mount
At Fulneck
Saturday June 20th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Facing a much changed Mount side, Congs believed they could take control of the match from the off. Opening pair of Stuart Hardcastle and Steven Robinson made a fantastic start as they kept the run rate down and created chances early doors. Stuart took the first wicket in his second over, bowling the number two. Dan Appleyard came on first change and struck first ball to remove the number three. However, Mount kept accumulating runs but the spirit within the side stayed strong and with perseverance, it paid off. Danny Cockin made a breakthrough in his second over assisted with a catch from Joe Goodchild, and twice more later in his spell with catches from Appleyard and Colin Nelthorpe. Colin made his debut with the ball this season with great effect keeping the rate down and in his final over getting the number 5 batsman caught by Keegan Moodley. A closing spell from Stuart saw another wicket fall, bowled.
Mount 155/7
Cockin 3/14, S. Hardcastle 2/38
Hunting down 156 for the win and another 6 points for the campaign, the Congs started in dramatic fashion, getting reduced to 27/3. However, an extraordinary batting performance by Moodley, supported by Joe Goodchild and Jo Royce, secured him a well deserved half century and placed Pudsey in a commanding position. With just 8 required, Keegan succumbed and was caught in the deep. But Royce kept his nerve and hammered home the winning runs.
Pudsey Congs 157/5
Moodley 55, J. Royce 18*
Pudsey Congs v Baildon
At Fulneck
Saturday June 13th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Choosing to bat first on a sunny day against an experienced Baildon side, the Congs got off to a stuttery start and never really recovered. Significant contributions from Stuart Hardcastle, Callum Murgatroyd and Matt Humpleby ensured they had something halfway defendable.
Congs 88 all out
Hardcastle 26, C. Murgatroyd 17
Having been in such positions before and with an ever improving bowling attack, the Congs started confidently. However, defending a mere 88 and no immediate breakthrough the spirit plummeted and although Dale Spink’s magnificent spell did produce a wicket, it is the only inroad the predominantly bowling side could produce despite a terrific catch from Joe Royce at midwicket which was quickly judged a no-ball.
Baildon 90/1
Spink 1/12
Pudsey Congs v New Farnley “B”
At Fulneck
Sunday June 7th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
The Congs hosted a very young New Farnley B at the Britannia ground, and after losing to the C team a few weeks prior, the mood in the dressing room was to cause an upset. Fielding first the Congs bowled well but couldn’t find an immediate breakthrough. New Farnley relished the use of a track notorious for favouring batsmen. However, James Galvin found the right spot and removed the number 2 and 3 in quick succession with the assistance of Danny Cockin taking a catch at cover. Kasim removed the remaining opener in his spell. New Farnley however pushed the score along and despite wickets at regular intervals especially with the ball seemingly hitting the wicket on two occasions and the bails staying firmly in their place. Dale Spink earned 2 fantastic wickets and Stuart Hardcastle had a magnificent over to start his second spell with three wickets, including a catch from Abid Bashir. A wicket from Peter Huffinley had Farnley on the brink, but with a final stand from the tailend, New Farnley pushed past 200 before succumbing in the final over of their innings attempting to pile even more pressure on.
New Farnley “B” 206 all out
Hardcastle 3/34, D. Spink 2/20, J. Galvin 2/48
Knowing the scale of the task ahead of them Cockin and Matt Humpleby played with determination and style from the word go. Boundaries and singles flowed steadily to keep the Congs on top of the rate required. Together they put on 75 for the first wicket with the partnership being broken as Cockin was given LBW and then Matt being caught soon after. However, the in-form Tom Brook kept the score going and with the assistance from Dale and Stuart. Dale played some magnificent shots, playing the bowler back over his head on more than one occasion. However, Tom and Stuart really made sure they kept the Congs on track with quick running between the sticks. This earned Tom his first half-century this season. With the quick loss of Tom and Stuart, nerves were tense as the lower order steered the Congs home. Splendid performances from Peter Huffinley and Kasim ensured victory as Kasim punished a loose ball in the penultimate over which went racing to the cover boundary for 4.
Pudsey Congs 210/8
Brook 53, M. Humpleby 38, D. Cockin 34
Another great effort from the boys means that 3 victories have come from the last 4 games. The 4XI, a predominantly bowling side, have bowled themselves to victory in the previous two wins, but today batted themselves to an emphatic win.
Hyde Park v Pudsey Congs
At Bedquilts
Saturday June 6th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
On a damp wicket, in damp weather, against the very hard hitting Hyde park, Congs won the toss and decided to bat! Bowled out for 68, Congs took 3 wickets in defense. Some highlights however include a steady batting partnership between Tom Brook and Abid Bashir, followed by 2 wickets from James Galvin both caught at slip. A special mention of sportsmanship as the Congs rushed to the Hyde Park batsman who was unlucky enough to end up on the floor.
Pudsey Congs 68 all out
Hyde Park 69/3 – J.Galvin 2/16
Pudsey Congs v Shipley Providence
Cawthorne Cup, Round One
At Fulneck
Sunday May 31st, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Hosting the team we beat by one run that went down to the last ball in the second round of the 2007 Cawthorne Cup, Shipley Providence B, we again decided to set the target and make them chase. Matt Humpleby and Danny Cockin started well and both reached double figures. However, as the Congs reached 40/3 a wobble hit the ranks and a below par score seemed inevitable. However, James Galvin played some well timed shots driving the ball and placing it in the gaps. Tom Huffinley too came to the aid of the Congs, and with Galvin and later Dan Appleyard, pushed the score along, both making personal bests, and gave the Congs a decent score to defend.
Pudsey Congs 149 all out
Huffinley 42, J. Galvin 31
In reply the Congs reduced Shipley to 4/3, with wickets from Galvin and Stuart Hardcastle. Appleyard, Huffinley and Kasim Mahammed all contributed to the effort to take apart the middle order with a catch from Colin Nelthorpe, which earned him the fielding point. However, the 7th wicket partnership proved difficult to break and as they edged away at the total, the Congs got quieter. Dale Spink’s spell, economical and productive yet again, had the Congs supporters at the edge of their seats. But Kasim was the one to break the partnership, with a catch from Stuart; and with a wicket from Wasim Bashir the volume and spirit was immediately lifted within the camp. Shipley at 97/8 looked on the edge and with some tight bowling from Galvin and Kasim, the final two wickets were taken, with Galvin securing the winning wicket for the second time in two days.
Shipley Providence 119 all out
Galvin 3/25, K. Mahammed 2/2, T. Huffinley 2/9
Pudsey Congs B progress through the 2nd round of the Cawthorne Cup with a thrilling win over Shipley Providence B. This weekend has seen confidence levels raised with a renewed belief in ourselves and each other. Another fantastic effort by every single member of the team! Congratulations boys, you deserve it thoroughly.
Pudsey Congs v Whitehall
At Fulneck
Saturday May 30th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
With the sun shining and a flat track there was only one option: bat first. Stuart Hardcastle won the toss and stuck Whitehall in the field. Opening batsman Danny Cockin had fantastic partnerships with Stuart and Tom Brook, with the latter pair making 64 for the 3rd wicket. Cockin and Brook played well putting the ball into the gaps and with some well timed drives to the boundary. Dale Spink came to the middle after Danny was dismissed and he and Tom made another contribution of 25. At 123/3 it looked like the Congs could go on and make a big score. However, the lower order and tail end struggled to make the scorer work with only James Galvin making a major contribution to push the Congs past 150.
Congs 153 all out
Brook 48, D. Cockin 44
Set a target of 154 for the win, and 48 overs to do it in, Stuart struck in the first over. A few overs later he struck again with a fantastic caught and bowled effort. With the sun beating down, Stuart turned to his bowlers for some support. Tom Huffinley bowled a tidy spell with Matt Humpleby taking a great catch for him. Kasim had a great spell and made an amazing catch on a possible caught and bowled, but declared a no ball. Peter Huffinley, making his debut with the ball, and Dan Appleyard dismissed the middle and lower order in their spells with catches from Stuart and Galvin. However, their tail proved to be stubborn, and with two wickets left a magnificent spell from Dale Spink had the spectators on the edge of their seats as he had the batsmen in all sorts of trouble. With overs running out and Whitehall edging closer to the target, the openers came back on. Galvin had success in dismissing the left hander and in the penultimate over bowled the number 11 to hand Congs their first win of the season.
Whitehall 146 all out
Appleyard 4/23, J. Galvin 2/19, S. Hardcastle 2/26
Another great team effort from the boys. After 7 previous attempts and some very close games, Pudsey Congs B showed their true potential and all 11 players did their bit. Congratulations boys, you deserved it!
New Farnley “C” v Pudsey Congs
At Farnley Park
Saturday May 23rd, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Losing the toss and sent into bat first, the Congs had a shaky start and never seemed to get going. A partnership between Tom Brook and Peter Huffinley and then resistance from the lower order, ensured that Pudsey passed the 100 mark.
Congs 105 all out
Brook 28, P. Huffinley 13
Defending a modest total, Stuart and Galvin set about ensuring they worked hard for the win. Wickets from Stuart, Kasim and Tom Huffinley, which included catches from Stuart and Peter, saw Farnley reduced to 64/5. Once again the win was in sight, and with some tight bowling from the supporting cast made them limp to victory with only more breakthrough coming from Sabir.
New Farnley ‘C’ 106/6
Hardcastle 2/6, K. Mahmood 2/13
Wibsey Park Chapel v Pudsey Congs
At Haycliff Lane
Saturday May 16th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Just like the weather, the game couldn’t decide which way it wanted to lean. A close game with a great team spirit saw Wibsey Park Chapel edge by Pudsey Congs B, quite literally. Batting first on a damp track, the opening partnership of Tom and DC were the only partnership to get going. It was certainly a day for running rather than boundaries and thus frustration got the better of us and were skittled for just 50.
Pudsey Congs 50 all out
Brook 13, A. Bashir 12
Crumbling to just 8 runs with 4 wickets down, it looked like Congs could steal the 6 points after it looked like our batting performance seemed inadequate. However, Wibsey Park Chapel were too struggling on a wicket that was beginning to shred. Stuart and Galvin both found swing and seam movement and with a strict bowling discipline managed to devastate their batting line up. However, a few swipes of the bat and luck playing a part they edged closer and closer. A bowling change saw them restricted a little again, and with one run to win everyone was in the circle. A last gasp wicket from Sabir, which reduced them to 50/7, gave Congs hope that this wasn’t over. But an edge over Tom and the slips gave Wibsey 6 points.
Wibsey Park Chapel 51/7
Hardcastle 4/4, J Galvin 2/18
Meanwood v Pudsey Congs
At Parkside Road
Saturday May 9th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Fielding first the Congs got off to a good start. Opening pair of Galvin and Stuart kept the pressure on big hitting Meanwood. However, no breakthrough was made. Munir, the first change bowler, struck in his first spell trapping the number 2 LBW. Mini-bash had a fantastic economical 8 over spell with his spin. Although no reward today, he most certainly deserved it and was always creating chances. With a change of tactics, switching the ends of Sab and Was, Stuart had a brief 3 over spell which removed the rest of the top order. Runs were still flowing through though and with another spell from Sab and Wasim at opposite ends saw a restriction of the flow. Sab struck again bowling the number 5. Closing spells from Galvin and Stuart contained the aggressive batsmen with Stuart taking a further 3 wickets with a catch from Brian Wardle, which meant he finished with a 5-for.
Meanwood 220/7
Hardcastle 5/44, S. Munir 2/42
Set a challenging total on a small ground, debuant Brian Wardle and Tom started steady. When Tom succumbed to a full pitched ball, Stuart and Brian began to build a partnership. Together they put on a partnership of 65 when Brian was bowled on 29. Stuart rode his luck when he hit one straight up and landed in the middle of 3 fielders. With further assistance from Galvin and Abid he went on to make 54, battling through a few injuries. Abid, with the assistance of Sab helped ease the Congs past the 165 mark, ensuring 2 points as long as Pudsey could remain in. However, after Sab fell LBW the lower order couldn’t manage to see out the death.
Pudsey Congs 168 all out
Hardcastle 54, A. Bashir 32, B. Wardle 29
The Congs showed again they are improving as the season progresses and fought until the very last ball. However, on this occasion they went away empty handed despite such a fantastic spirit and determination.
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence
At Britannia Ground
Sunday May 3rd, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Performing at the main ground, Stuart sent them into bat first on a damp wicket. The opening bowlers, Hardcastle and Galvin, had the batsmen in trouble from the off. After a few missed chances, through perseverance they chipped away at the batting line up. Tight spells from the supporting bowlers and catches from Kasim, Galvin and Munir kept the away side under 200 on a fast outfield. Mr F.P aka Danny Cockin earned the field point for another fantastic effort.
Pudsey St. Lawrence 190/9 – S. Hardcastle 6/53
Having failed to get passed 100 on the previous three occasions, the Congs batsmen set about reaching the seemingly goliath target of 191. Lengthy partnerships from Stuart and Galvin, and Tom and Wasim kept the score going, however became increasingly aware they were going to fall short. Resistance from the lower order, supporting Tom, ensured the Congs went down fighting and earned a 2 point draw.
Pudsey Congs 145/8 – S. Hardcastle 34, T. Brook 33, W. Bashir 25
Fantastic team spirit ensured the Congs of 2 points. A special mention for Wasim Bashir, the smallest team member on the pitch, but always the loudest. Again, he showed he has huge potential. He always gives more than is expected of him and today he proved his worth with the bat. Going in when all chances of victory and even a draw were fading he pulled the momentum back for the Congs and single handedly raised the mood in the camp and helped in securing 2 points for the Congs.
Pudsey Congs v Crompark
At Fulneck
Saturday May 2nd, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Winning the toss, Congs stuck Crompark into bat. Opening spells from Stuart and Galvin restricted them to just 22/4 from the first 14 overs. However, again the number 5 batsman, Haliday, set about rescuing their innings. Danny Cockin took 2 catches and Sabir Munir took 3 economical wickets at the death.
Crompark 126/9 – S. Hardcastle 3/7, S. Munir 3/13
The Congs batting showed some resistance in Galvin and Stuart with help from the supporting cast, however, it still wasn’t enough with the Congs still yet to make 100 this term.
Congs 98 all out – J. Galvin 34, S. Hardcastle 27
Pudsey Congs v Cookridge (Home Opener)
At Fulneck
Saturday April 25th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Bowling first, Congs opened with Stuart and Galvin. A great opening spell from the pair kept the batting side contained at 40/3 after 12 overs. First and second chance bowlers had some success with Steven and Appleyard taking a wicket a piece. However, Mahmood and Shepherd had begun to settle with the bat and it was they who set the pace. A gallant effort from skipper and Galvin closed the innings with lengthy spells between them. However, it was only enough to restrict them to 188 all out but they could have amassed a larger total if it weren’t for the opening and closing star bowlers. Tom Brook had a magnificent game with the gloves taking four behind the sticks, 2 for Stuarts 3/34 and 1 in Galvin’s 4/54. Wasim earned the fielding point with a fantastic run out.
Cookridge 188 all out
Mahmood 69, A Shepherd 37
Galvin 15 – 4 – 54 – 4, S. Hardcastle 14 – 2 – 34 – 3
Abid Bashir and Tom Brook opened the batting for the Congs. Abid soon fell in the 4th over and Tom (28) and Stuart (22) set about building an innings. With quick singles and some boundaries they pushed the score along nicely. Tom was joined by Peter Huffinley (28) who made a fantastic effort in rescuing the Congs. However, on the day the lower order only managed to stick around for 7 overs and even a point was out of reach.
Congs 98 all out
Brook 28, P. Huffinley 28
Shepherd 5 – 1 – 11 – 4, K. Mahmood 9 – 0 – 17 – 3
A well fought battle by the Congs. However, it’s agonisingly clear that the supporting cast needs to step up and put in the performances they know, and which are expected, they can deliver.
Undercliffe v Pudsey Congs (Season Opener)
At Intake Road, Bradford
Saturday April 18th, 2009
Match report by Dan Appleyard
First game of the season, and the rusty joints were painfully obvious. The Congs were stuck into bat first on a wicket that was remarkably lively after being dormant for 3 years, and were dismissed within 20 overs for 61. Resistance came from Galvin (17) and Dalton (7). The innings extras top scored with 24.
Chasing 62 for the win, Undercliffe found the wicket tricky against some good bowling by Stuart and Galvin. Wickets fell every over for the first 4, reducing them to 9/4. However, Cookland got his eye in early and set about recovering the innings. Despite the loss, the team showed a fantastic spirit and fought until the last ball. There were also some very promising signs for the upcoming season in Nathan Dalton who impressed with the bat, ball and in the field, earning himself the fielding point.
Pudsey Congs 61 all out. Undercliffe 62 for 5