2010 Fourth XI
Pudsey Congs v Whitehall
At Fulneck
Saturday August 28th, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
After two thrilling wins, in two really close finishes, Whitehall at home threatened to be an anti-climax. Bottom of the table with just one win all season to their name, the boys were confident. Perhaps too confident as Whitehall started well, cleaning out the top order and reducing us to 70-7 after just 20 overs. Jamie Allen stepped in and supported by Mark Furgusson and Alex Goodchild hit a glorious 45 to give the Cong’s something to bowl at after tea, closing on 129 all out.
Jamie Allen 45
It was now the visitors brimming with confidence as the Congs again started slowly. Steve How and Mike Wood started brightly and were 50-0 of the opening 12 overs. Struggling into the now gale force wind, the Congs were again up against it but Jamie Allen then removed Mike Wood for 21. Pete Huffinley quickly followed with Steve How (25), both lads well caught by Kasim at mid-on with both high balls swirling in the wind. Simon Mace at 4 has been a thorn in my side for years and was guiding the visitors home slowly. Changing the bowlers frequently and with short blast the wickets came our way. A bizarre run out also went our way when the non striking batsman tripped on thin air halfway down the track, Danny Appleyard had a shy and missed. The batsman struggled to his knees and crawled quickly to make his ground. Diving face first towards the line he was still short when James returned the ball hitting middle stump! Dale Spink came on and claimed one more as Simon Mace continued on his way. At 108-7 Danny Appleyard came into the attack and made his mark straight away. He cleaned out the tail in two overs returning career best figures of 3-3 in 2 overs and make it three in a row for the Congs.
Danny Appleyard 3-3, Peter Huffinley 3-40
Another nail biter goes our way! Well Done fella’s
Pudsey St Lawrence “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Tofts Road
Saturday Aug 21st, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
A rare treat! The uproaders welcomed us not to Priesthorpe School but to Tofts Road and a performance not to forget. A slow start from the Congs, three dropped catches early and some quality batting from the home side saw the confident Saints stroll to 100-0 at drinks with youngster Josh Wilson setting the pace. What happened next was so bizarre it couldn’t be scripted! A change was needed, after consultation with trusted vice duo Danny and James and missing several players due to Leeds beating Millwall at home, that change would be Navin Bose, our wicket keeper!!! No volunteers to take over the gloves so I added another line to my career CV and took the responsibility myself. It was something completely left field but somehow it worked! Kasim Mahammad struck first removing Kevin McAvoy (45), and yes! Navin Bose removed Josh (54) soon after. The middle order showed no resistance as the next 4 scored less than 10 between them including a golden for skipper John Lodge all removed by Kasim as he recorded 5-44 in his 12 overs. The dangerous Ian Dobson restored some cheer to the “happy” spectators before James Galvin and Jamie Allen finished the job but Saints had recorded a respectable 220-9.
Kasim Mahammad 5-44, James Galvin 2-12 – Josh Wilson 54
The second innings got underway well with Navin Bose restored to form supported by Ali Goodchild. 43-0 after 10 overs became 89-2 with the dismissal of Nav (40) and myself (9) but Ali was motoring on nicely and was brilliantly supported by Simon Platts. Together they pushed the total onto 171-2 with just 10 overs left. With the Congs chasing hard and the “happy fans” getting nervous, the game got tasty. With every run vital for both sides Jamie Allen hit a big shot, about to be caught on the boundary the fielder palmed it over his head a certain and vital six? No, it was called four and the umpires, some distance away were forced to agree. It didn’t end there! a couple of quick wickets had again put the home side in front at 207-8 when another big shot “APPEARED” to clear the field indeed landing on the concrete path, not inside the boundary when they were batting was again called four by the spectators. Jamie was then dismissed with tension mounting Alex Goodchild strolled out to middle to join the legend Nelthorpe. Some fans infuriated me and my team by calling for Alex, 4ft nowt tall, and just 13yr old to be bounced out the game by the home sides quick bowler. Needing 4 to win with just 6 balls left the game was on a knife edge, Alex on strike! To his credit the bowler Hateam Jeewwajar bowled straight and full beating the bat twice as Alex got his eye in!!!! Once the star man got that eye in, he played a lovely late cut through backward point! A lovely four and a great win to silence the “tipsy” crowd at the bar and a fantastic, sweet feeling for the visitors, cue a small verse of “its all gone quiet over there!”
Ali Goodchild 89, Navin Bose 40, Jamie Allen 15, Alex Goodchild 4 NOT OUT!
A thrilling win at any time and place, but an even greater win when its against them, at their place! and with every lad playing his part right down to number 11 and the last over, in fact last 2 balls!! Congs 221-9
WELL DONE BOYS
Pudsey Congs v Cookridge “C”
At Fulneck
Saturday August 14th, 2010
Match report by James Galvin
The heavy rain on Thursday, Friday and the early hours of Saturday morning meant that Fulneck was slightly damp to say the least. The conditions meant that it was definitely a toss to win. Unfortunately for Congs, stand in skipper James Galvin didn’t and was put in to bat. So enter Navin Bose and Ali Goodchild. The opening pair were looking good until disaster struck and Navin (3) was caught behind off his glove trying to pull a ball that seemed dig in and come up very slowly. Things went from bad to worse for the Congs with Ali (4), Abid (0) and Tom (0) departing for just 4 runs leaving Congs 11 for 4. Groundsman Graham Curtis came in at 5 and Galvin at 6. This pairing was vital to the innings and gave the total needed to give the bowlers something to defend. Curtis and Galvin were ticking the scoreboard over nicely then Ron Mackenzie took his 3rd wicket of the game dismissing Galvin (9) through the gate. The lower order showed resistance and stuck around with Curtis (54). Kasim (9), Pete Huffinley (8), Mark Ferguson (5), Jamie Allen (7) and Neil ‘staff’ Humpleby (0 not out) all played their part in Congs getting to 106.
G. Curtis 54, R. Mackenzie 4-34, P. Armitage 3-38
After tea, the Congs side looked hungry and determined not to let this superb fight back go to waste. Galvin decided that attack was the best form of defence. Opening the bowling from up the hill, Galvin going for 3 runs in his 1st four overs and Tom from the Football Pitch End going for 10 in his first spell against a pair that were clearly going to use up all their allotted overs to get this total. Kasim replaced Tom and Pete ‘Mr Economical’ Huffinley came on for Galvin. Cookridge were struggling to get the ball away and frustration kicked in when Ahmed (4) cut the ball straight to point from Pete. Four maiden overs followed from the 2 bowlers then opener Wheatley (8) was bowled off his pads by Kasim. Mark Ferguson came on to replace Kasim but had no luck which led to Jamie Allen coming on to bowl. Pete then dismissed Jack (9) caught expertly by Goodchild at deep square leg. Allen struck in his 1st over, Madanagopal (1) edging to Galvin at gully. Pete then took 2 in 2 overs bowling Thorpe (15) and Morgan (3) lbw. Cookridge were 58 for 6 at drinks, the match finely poised!! Galvin and Tom came back on after the break switching ends both again bowling at batsmen who weren’t interested in playing a shot. Galvin drew a loose shot though from a loose ball and Armitage (0) was gone caught at fly slip by Huffinly Jr. Cookridge 67 for 8 started to look nervous. Moss and Varley entered and Abid Bashir was brought on to break the partnership which he did with his last in his second and last over, Moss (25) edging to Bose (wkt) and caught after a little bit of juggling. Tom had bowled his 6 overs so Galvin came back on for a 3rd time and dismissed Varley (13) edging to Curtis at 2nd slip diving to his left a brilliant catch which led Cookridge skipper Mackenzie to enter the crease. Jamie Allen came back on and Blackburn hit two 4’s leaving Cookridge needing four to win. It was Captain versus Captain, both feeling the pressure not to let this ding dong battle slip away. It was Mackenzie who drew first blood scoring two off the first ball of the over. Cookridge need two to win and one to tie. The atmosphere was tense to say the least with both teams backing their respective captains. Galvin ran in and hit the ground hard getting the ball to rise, Mackenzie was slightly late on it and hit it high. Humpleby at short mid wicket, Allen at mid on and Galvin the bowler, looked at it for what seemed an age. Cookridge were running so if the ball goes down scores are tied. A loud call from Galvin and it’s caught. Congs triumph in what has to go down in one of the closest and well fought games in recent years. Credit has to go to both teams who never gave up this enthralling encounter.
R. Moss 25, P. Huffinley 4-15, J. Galvin 3-15
Well done to the lads coming back from a bad start with the bat to go out and play with the passion and belief that they did. Bring on the ‘Uproaders’ next week at Tofts Road.
Baildon “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Sandal School
Saturday Aug 7th, 2010
Match report by Captain Stu Hardcastle
Its always cold, wet and windy when we travel to Sandal School to take on Baildon. It was a toss lost for a change that saw Baildon elect to bat and opened positively as Leon Risden (35) and Craig Robson (22) had the home side 50 without loss in the opening 10 overs. The tide turned quickly as Mark Ferguson, and Pete Huffinley started taking wickets. The breakthoughs were continued by Kasim Mahammad, and Danny Appleyard, before Steven Robinson came back to clean out the tail and close the innings on 125 all out.
Danny Appleyard 3-13, Steven Robinson 3-39, Kasim Mahammad 2-23
The Congs Achilles heal was again the batting. Navin Bose gave the slips some catching practise as he chased then guided a wide one to second slip, and with that rest followed. Only Ali Goodchild (19) found double figures with Danny Appleyard (8) the only batsman to score higher than 4! A sorry day that could and should have been so much better but crickets a funny old game, next week this same group of lads can and probably will bounce right back.
Baildon 125 all out – L. Risden (35), C. Robson (22), D. Appleyard (3 -13), S. Robinson (3-39)
Pudsey Congs 48 all out – A. Goodchild (19), D. Appleyard (8*), J. Cottle (5-18)
Savile Stars “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Sands Lane
Sunday July 25th, 2010
Match report by Captain Stu Hardcastle
Another tough day in the Congs fixture list as the other table topping side Saville Stars welcomed us to their patch. Again losing the toss this time been asked to bowl Saville were soon in trouble 53-4 with Kasim Mahammad and James Galvin opening up with determination and wickets each. Mark Fergusson, Pete Huffinley and Gurpit Singh worked hard with little reward as I. Pandor somehow scored a truly undeserved 90. Mathew Humpleby then stepped up to take two vital wickets, B. Patel brilliantly bowled by one that turned at right angles, arguable best ball of the day, and a second great catch from keeper Navin Bose saw the home side close on 222-9, a score made more impressive by the unpredictable nature of the track.
James Galvin 2-37, Matt Humpelby 2-42 – I Pandor 90
Matt Humpleby was forced to open with me as stand in cover at the top again as Nav recovered from a tough day behind the sticks. Matt looked impressive as cover drive followed cover drive but at the other end a dodgy bounce and a blow to the head left the skipper with a nasty cut to his head and his team rattled. Dismissed two balls later caught in the deep for just 2, the headache was made worse by the tumbling wickets. With Alex Goodchild waiting in the wings the wicket was getting worse. After consultation with Alex and his father, the option not to send in him was been considered and after Pete Huffinley returned with more than his fair share of bruises, Alex reluctantly asked to stand down. As the sun set and another long slow innings went beyond 7pm, a late fight back led by James Galvin (30) and Colin “Legend” Nelthorpe (15* not out) brought some well deserved batting bonus points to the hard working lads as we closed on 115 all out. Just in time to get to the restaurant for a well deserved team curry night in Cleckheaton.
Salville Stars 222 for 9 – I Pandor (90), J .Galvin (2-37), M.Humpleby (2-42)
Pudsey Congs 115 for 9 – J. Galvin (30), C. Nelthorpe (15*), M.Humpleby (15)
Tong Manor v Pudsey Congs
At Tong Manor CC
Saturday July 24th, 2010
Match report by Captain Stu Hardcastle
It was a confident Congs XI that arrived at the lovely Grayhound public house beer garden for a clash with a table topping Tong Manor side rarely beaten but given a huge fright just a few weeks earlier on the Brit.
Another toss lost saw us been put into bat and with Tom Huffinley absent, I was left to open the batting with Navin Bose. It was all going well for the skipper making his first appearance at the top of the order and despite losing Nav for 7 the visitors were steady at 102-4 after 30 overs. My 36 and a wonderful 34 from Jo Royce were crucial as the tail faltered in the face of some tight bowling leaving us on 127 all out with debutant Simon Platts the only other Congs bat hitting double figures with 15.
Stu Hardcastle 36, Jo Royce 34 – Gareth Kitchin 5-26
Despite an early wicket from Kasim Mahammad it was all one way traffic as the Tong no.3 Paul Hudson eased his way to 74 not out with Gareth Kitchin at 4 the only other man required by Tong taking a steady 28 overs to win, Gurpit Singh the other Congs wicket taker.
Pudsey Congs 127 all out – S. Hardcastle (36), J. Royce (34), G. Kitchen (5-26)
Tong Manor 129 for 2 – P. Hudson (74) and A. Allen (28)
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday July 17th, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
On a warm if very wet day the Cong’s would slip to a heartbreaking one wicket defeat to their neighbours from up the road. Losing the toss Cong’s were put into bat and got off to a shaky start as both Tom Huffinley and myself were caught behind both with faint nicks for 4 and 6 before James Galvin frustrated departed for 4 as well. On a difficult windy day the bowling was poor yet this seemed to work in the visitors favour as the Cong’s bats struggled to get to grips with erratic changes in line, length and pace brought about by the swirling wind. When Jo Royce departed edging a third catch to the keeper, Ricky Greenhall joined the in form opener Navin Bose and together started to steady the ship. The weather again came into play as a heavy down pour that the lads played through knocked Navin out of his stride, an inside edge on to his stumps saw him depart for another good 46. A collapse in the tail saw Ricky out for 20 and Danny Appleyard last man standing on 0 not out, a disappointing 108 all out for the home side.
James Galvin opened the second innings with Tom Huffinley and started brightly claiming two to Tom’s one as the visitors were pegged back to 21-3. A gamble bringing Pete Huffinley into the wind paid off as he claimed his first with his second delivery caught at backward square by Kasim and a second great catch by Alex Goodchild at gully kept the Cong’s in the hunt 67-7. The attack continued with relentless pressure from Kasim Mahammad as he clean bowled four great wickets returning season best figures of 4-21off 7 and reducing the up roaders to 91-9 still some 20 runs short of the target. Lady luck then came to the visitors rescue as a thick edge flew high over the slip cordon to the short 3rd man boundary followed by another two edges racing away in quick succession. The winning line was crawled over with another helping hand from lady luck as a misfield put Lawrence on the brink only for the winning runs to come from a inside edge sending the ball agonisingly close to the leg stump resulting in a scrambled single and Cong’s heartbreak. For the second week running so close, such a good effort and despite not really doing anything wrong, victory has alluded us.
A really disappointing day but when that disappointment gives way to honest reflection and analysis the positives will come out, and another tough challenge next week can be taken on with confidence.
Pudsey Congs v Tong Manor
At The Britannia Ground
Sunday July 11th, 2010
Match report by Captain Stu Hardcastle
Enjoying another days play on the Brit would be tough today as Tong are walking away with the division this season with some comprehensive results but with a great win yesterday all the talk was of the underdogs coming out on top! It was no great surprise on the Brit wicket that losing the toss would see us take the field but Tom Huffinley and Nathan Dalton opened up with yet another impressive spell, first Tom then Nathan and Tom again reduced the stunned visitors to 32-3 inside 6 overs! Replacing Nathan, James Galvin added a forth opening up with a wicket maiden before Pete Huffinley and Alex Goodchild took 5-20 between them, Pete’s 3-11 included a stunning take at slip from Tom Huffinley whilst Alex 2-9 saw the skipper receive and thankfully hold his first catch since his return from injury. Tong Manor 127 all out.
The chase was not a big ask and against a “normal” side we would have probably strolled home at a canter on such a lovely surface to bat on but this was a table topping side not use to defeat and there bowlers really did the job. Cong were all out for 90 but with the exception of a harsh LBW (or two) all the Cong’s lads were got out by some good bowling, credit where credit is due. Matt Humpleby had given the leaders a real fright when he opened up all guns blazing with quality cover drive left right and
centre on his way to 28, and James Galvin returned with a handy 25 but A.Keegan’s 7-43 had done the damage.
A spirited effort and real upset was on the cards but credit must go to Tong, with pride and praise in abundance for the young Cong’s. Good effort today, although disappointed at defeat there can be no shame in that one. A huge performance but piped at the post.
Mount “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Staincliffe CC
Saturday July 10th, 2010
Match report by Captain Stu Hardcastle
After Baildon last week, the tough games keep on coming and Mount away at the Staincliffe Cricket Club would be just another one in a long line of tough games. The wicket was as flat as a ploughed field so winning the toss and putting Mount into bat was a no brainer. Nathan Dalton’s pace caused problems with ball one caught James Galvin at point and with Tom Huffinley keeping his line disciplined at the other end, runs were already hard to find. 0-1 very quickly became 8-2 as Nathan struck again and 23-3 as Nathan bagged a third, his pace on an unpredictable track proving hard to handle. James Galvin added 2 more very quickly his height proving even harder to handle than Nathan’s pace and with the fielding outstanding, seven great catches helping the bowlers efforts. Cong’s were not having it all their own way though as a creditable 35 from the opener Ismail Seeat and a 24 run cameo from No.9 Soyeb Gora, had pushed the home side past the century mark before Tom Huffinley returned to take the last two wickets and close the innings on 120.
Cong’s main problem was a ridge just on a ;ength at one end that made the bounce hard to read. Our bowlers, backed up by some great fielding, had exploited it to the full, now we had to beat it. The team talk was simple, “Be brave, get forward, and maybe ware a few!” Tom Huffinley was brilliantly caught at slip for 3 so the frustrating of bowlers and collecting of bruises in support of the in form Navin came down to me at three. The 50 partnership was brought up in just 10 overs as Navin raced to his personal 50 with 8x fours and 4x sixes. The partnership was broken on 70 as I went for 26 leaving Navin Bose and Gurpit Singh to complete the win. Sadly with 3 to win, Nav was given LBW for 71 leaving Gurpit 10 not out and James Galvin not out 0 without facing a ball.
A great win on a hot sunny day in front of a good crowd from the Staincliffe club. The bowlers were outstanding, backed up by some great fielding followed by some brave batting that saw the Mount bowlers unable to utilise the ploughed field, although it has to be said, its far better venue than what they had last year. Also worth a mention is the teas. A lovely spread laid on by the home side.
Pudsey Congs v Savile Stars “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday June 26th, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
With Saville Stars arriving late to Fulneck, the toss was forfeited and Congs as normal elected to field first. Eventually the visitors were padded up and ready to open the innings. A steady start saw the opening pair of Dan Appleyard and Tom Huffinley consistently put the ball in the right areas and work the batsmen with a little swing and a little seam movement off the pitch. With the aid of a stunning catch at slip from Dale Spink, the breakthrough was made from the bowling of Dan, ironically this is where it all went very pear shaped! The Saville Stars smashed their way from 27-1 up to 150-1 with some huge hitting. Several hours spent in the bushes looking to retrieve balls not only pushed up the run rate but took the fight out of the youngsters as the innings dragged on into the evening. Four hours later and several balls given up as lost forever, at least one of them may still be rising far far away, Saville had blasted a mammoth 327-7 in there allotted 45 overs. Tom Huffinley claimed 3-97 in a spell that deserves credit not for the figures he returned but for the way he kept trying, kept working hard, kept doing the right thing in the face of such adversity. Dan Appleyard claimed 2-41 with Dale Spink and Pete Huffinley sharing one each with Jo Royce the fielding point. Should anyone find one of the lost balls in the gardens around Pudsey, if they could return them please as we have none left now!!
It is very much unlike the forth team to give up and the new scoring system offered a chance to get something out of the second innings. Navin Bose, the leading light with 55, a steady crafted innings of skill unfortunately the top order wilted around him somewhat. That said late cameos from Jo Royce (10), Kasim Mahammad (10) and Pete Huffinley (8) had shared useful partnerships that help build up 3 vital batting bonus points.
It was a tough day, four hours in the field, time spent searching for lost balls, really dragged the afternoon out. The heads did understandable drop for the first time in a season or two BUT it was pleasing to see the team pick its self up to claim the 3 batting bonus points.
Pudsey Congs v Whitehall
At Fulneck
Saturday June 19th, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
Lunch time showers quickly passed giving way to a nice sunny afternoon on the Fulneck hillside to welcome Whitehall. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first on another nice looking wicket. Unfortunately Whitehall hadn’t allowed for Congs having the luxury of Sam Mason in the attack, surplus to requirements in the thirds, he opened the attack with pace and accuracy delighting to watch. Not to be out done Tom Huffinley opened up the hill and matched Sam’s efforts every step of the way working extremely hard into a gusty wind. Six overs in and the wickets started to fall, Sam striking first, bowling the Whitehall captain, Tom’s caught Jo Royce followed by another wicket each brought about the first change. Dale Spink and Dan Applecart kept turning the screw with Spink claiming a wicket followed by Wasim Bashire spinning the ball at right angles to take two for himself. In the mean time Jo Royce added two run outs and a second catch to his personal tally to leave Whitehall reeling on 61 all out, with the fielding point claimed by Wasim Bashir for his days work at point.
As always the job at this stage is only half done but the Congs were quietly confident at tea. Moving the batting order around a little to allow those that hadn’t bowled time to have a bat. Jo Royce took to the middle with Navin Bose and was sadly soon heading back bowled by a beauty. With myself back at three, the runs came quickly as both Congs bats found the boundary. When I chased a wide one, getting nothing more that an edge to the keeper, the chase was taken up by Pete Huffinley but the boundaries continued coming. Pete would be replaced by Kasim Mohammad and in turn followed by Wasim Bashir. Navin and Wasim brought home the points with 50 overs still left on the board to record a very good victory.
Whitehall 61 all out
Pudsey Congs 62-4
WELL DONE BOYS
Navin Bose 23 (Not Out), Stu Hardcastle 13, Pete Huffinley 10
Pudsey Congs v Mount “B”
At the Britannia Ground
Sunday May 30th, 2010
Match report by Dan Appleyard
Losing the toss and bowling first, Pudsey Congs started brightly. Under the sun, on the main ground, opening bowlers Tom Huffinley and Nathan Dalton sought to put pressure on Mount from the word go. Both bowled well, with Nathan making the most of the swing, getting the batsmen in all sorts of trouble. Tom made the first breakthrough bowling the number 1 followed shortly by the number 3 batsman which Nathan had caught by Danny Cockin. Despite some good bowling spells and tight fielding Mount went from 22/2 to 93/3. There were chances and the batsmen at times seemed nervous, but it was Pete Huffinley who broke the partnership with some precise swing bowling. Over the next 70 runs, wickets from Pete, Tom, James Galvin and Nathan meant that Mount were limited to just 159 on a batters track. Of those wickets there was a catch each from Pete and Alex, both fantastic efforts, but special emphasis on Alex’s as he had been off due to an injured hand only a few overs before.
Mount 159 all out
N. Dalton 3/30, P. Huffinley 3/31, J. Galvin 2/ 28, T. Huffinley 2/31
Needing only 3 an over to win, the Congs openers, Danny Cockin and Tom Huffinley started steadily. Battling against some decent swing bowling they pushed the ball around and got the Congs going in a positive manner. In an innings of 29, Cockin hit the ball well and showed what potential he could deliver this season. However, one particular swinging delivery got the better of him, shaking the bails from their pillars. In a healthy position at 48/1, Abid Bashir came in and guided the team home with Tom, hitting a steady and well deserved 72. Pushing singles around, Abid grew with confidence and when finally settled in he hit two large sixes onto the neighbouring bowling green. Tom batted well and deserved much more than his modest 37, having survived the entire innings. However, his reward came in the form of hitting the winning runs, a beautiful cover drive that raced away for 4.
Pudsey Congs 160/1
A. Bashir 72* , T. Huffinley 37*, D. Cockin 29
In front of the home crowd, this was a fantastic bounce back from the week before. Everyone composed themselves and played fantastically. Nathan’s bowling spell is the best the 4ths has had, or even faced, so far this season. The young lads always do the captain proud.
Pudsey Congs (19 points) BEAT Mount (4 points) by 9 wickets
Pudsey Congs v New Farnley “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday May 15th, 2010
Match report by Dan Appleyard
It appears that the 4th team never make things easy for themselves. Putting the opposition in to bat, making the most of one of the best bowling sides in the division, the Congs started brightly. An early run out by Tom Huffinley and a catch each from Saif Shahdi and Ricky Greenhall (wickets for Tom and Kasim) reduced the visiting side to 34 for 3. However, some positive batting put New Farnley on top. But fantastic spells from Wasim Bashir and Colin ‘Legend’ Nelthorpe, and a motivational talk from 12th man Neil Humpleby at the drinks break, put Pudsey back on top with Matt Humpleby and Colin both taking crucial catches. Wasim’s spell was the outstanding performance from all the bowlers with a well deserved 5-for which caused all sorts of problems for the batsmen.
N. Feeney 41, W Bashir 5/26, C. Nelthorpe 2/13, T. Huffinley 1/29
At lunch it were the Congs who were marginally on top. With a young and inexperienced side struggling for runs so far this campaign something special was required. Tom Huffinley made a brilliant effort opening the batting, setting the pace with a well deserved 15 and could have gone on to make much more. But a batting collapse and an in-form Wasim retired hurt saw the Congs reduced to 37/7, it was beginning to look embarrassing. Stuart went out at number 9 to salvage the innings and ensure the side didn’t set a record for the wrong reasons. With a damaged thumb, later finding it’s not only dislocated but broken also, supported by Alex Goodchild, he tore into bowling attack. Hitting two big 6’s and a string of 4’s he brought the side within spitting distance. Alex did a magnificent job holding his own, steadying the innings and supporting Stuart, but unfortunately he got caught with 45 still needed for the win. Dan Appleyard and Stuart made the most of the field on the boundary, which was set to prevent Stuart from hitting big, but by this point the run rate required was less than a run an over. Stuart was given out caught behind still someway short of victory. But honestly stating it was his bat on the floor and that he didn’t touch the ball, the umpire and opposition allowed Stu to carry on. He went on to make a 50, and when Dan was given LBW, Colin and Wasim were there to support him and hit the Congs to an intense 1 wicket win.
S. Hardcastle 59 not out, T. Huffinley 15, D. Appleyard 11, S. Mann 4/36
Congratulations to all the boys on both sides for a thrilling match which saw some fantastic cricket and some fantastic sportsmanship. Let’s hope both teams have a campaign with more exciting matches like this.
New Farnley “B” – 120 all out – Wasim Bashir 5-26
Pudsey Congs 123 for 9 – Stu Hardcastle 59 not out
Congs win by one wicket
Pudsey St Lawrence “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Priesthorpe High School
Saturday May 1st, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
Another week and another man steps up to ease the pain of defeat. This weeks star performance came with the bat in the second innings from Kasim Mahammad, his 46 ensured at least a couple of batting bonus points for the Congs who had battled hard.
Circumstances beyond our control had meant the Congs arrived up the road with only 10 men and most of the inform lads from previous weeks were on duty in the 2nd’s and 3rd’s. The show must go on and with that Baljadh Lally and Tom Huffingley went about finding some wickets, the hard work produced 1-36 from the opening spells. With only 10 men the postage stamp size field and the weather all against us, the lads gave all they had but Saints were able to post 164. Maximum bowling points were ensured again with Pete Huffingley 3-32, Kameron Khan 2-12 and a wicket each for Tom Huffingley, Kasim Mahammad, Colin Nelthorpe, and Saif Shahidi.
The rain had made the chase tricky, the 10 men made it difficult, and the very experienced Ian Dobson took 3-9 making the case near impossible but over the years this team has learnt never to give up. Tom Huffingley filled in at the top of the order and did a great job as wickets fell around him, batting 6 and supported by Kamron Khan the 7th wicket added 50 partnership and yet again Colin Nelthorpe found himself not out as Congs closed on 103-9.
Pudsey Congs v Mount “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday April 24th, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
Cricket can be such a frustrating game! Winning the toss Cong’s asked Mount to bat first, and would open with in form Nathan Dalton and Danny Appleyard. Mount’s openers got underway with a thick down to third man but soon found the middle of their meaty bats hitting the boundary at will as the pace of Nathan and the winter rust of Danny failed to trouble our opponents. After just 10 overs the visitors were cruising on 65-1 so a turn to spin was in order and on came 13yr old Wasim Bashire. Mount set about testing the young lads resolve straight away as Salim Hafeze smashed the first ball for six but he didn’t last long enough to do it again, as Wasim had the last word, clean bowled the result. This started a mammoth 12 over spell that saw Wasim claim 3 big wickets in the battle of wits between hard hitting senior batsmen and the talented young Cong’s bowler. Runs flowed freely on the hard flat Fulneck track but the Mount batsmen were also losing wickets at regular intervals, debutant Baljahd Lally claimed 2 along with Nathan and Kasim also removing 2, and Alex Goodchild made sure the maximum bowling points were Cong’s claiming his first senior wicket. The innings closed with Mount all out for a big 254, but that didn’t do the bowlers justice as they worked hard and were sadly not backed up in the field. Too many dropped catches and missed chances throughout the team, let the visitors of the hook, and Wasim inparticular felt the brunt of the bad luck, his 3 could easily have been 8 wickets had the chances been taken.
Abid Bashire and Navin Bose got the chase underway, a classy coverdrive four getting Nav of the mark followed by Abid finding the fast outfield to his liking. When Nav fell to a catch at square leg the chase continued with some welcome runs coming my way but the star of the day would again be Wasim. His father Abid’s dismissal saw the youngster at the crease in the 14th over, he stuck around whilst I was caught low at third man for 30. Debutant Saif Shahidi, another 15yr old! coming through, followed me and was unlucky as some nice shots found fielders before a mix up had him run out. Highlight of the innings was Wasim and Alex Goodchild both standing tall despite there small stature and young age frustrating the visitors with a 10 over stand moved the Cong’s total on from 74-7 onto 102-8 when Alex sadly departed, Wasim finally dismissed for 38 caught and bowled chasing a senior half century in the last few overs. Colin “Legend” Nelthorpe stood not out as the Mount secured the bonus points with just 2 overs left.
Overall a good effort with plenty of positive signs for future weeks. Mount were just more powerful in the batting although it was one of those days when half chances went in spaces and not only the harder chances went down but unfortunately some easier chances too.
Whitehall v Pudsey Congs
At The Britannia Ground!!
Sunday April 18th, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
Playing Whitehall away on our Britannia Ground, I won the toss and put the visiting home side into bat, bring on the Nathan Dalton show day two. This time the 15 yr old was supported by Steven Robinson (another 15 yr old) and between the two of them shared 7-29 in the opening 12 overs. Nathan opened up with a wicket maiden, Steven struck his first in the forth over with the score on 14. A mini revival saw Whitehall move onto 24! and there they stayed as Nath put in a double wicket maiden followed by a maiden from Ste that was then followed up with Nathan coming back for his forth wicket, his 9th this weekend!! Steven ended his six over maximum spell with another wicket maiden, his 3rd of the day and 5th of the weekend! The supporting cast couldn’t live up to the fireworks of the quick kids up top and that allowed Whitehall to move from 7-29 up to 8-71. Colin “Legend” Nelthorpe breaking the partnership followed by Kasim Mahammad taking the 9th. Nathan was warming up to have a crack at another 5 for after his ECB mandatory rest period, when a silly single to Mr FP, aka Danny Cockin, produced a run out, the only wicket not to be clean bowled. Whitehall all out for 76.
Full of confidence at tea, it was easy to forget the job was only half done but with the wicket producing 500 runs for the firsts yesterday, the boys were expecting a easy canter to 77 – if only it was that easy. An early LBW for new boy Navin, claiming he edged it, was followed by two more LBW’s for Danny Cockin and Matty Humpleby. Steven, Kasim and myself all foolishly missed straight ones with the inevitable long walk back to the pavillion. Star man Nathan was brilliantly caught at cover low down, the diving effort leaving the Congs on 62-7 but Pete Huffingley teamed up with Abid Bashir to bring the points home after just 15 overs. We lost rather more wickets than we probably should have but the bowling attack of Nath and Steven, backed up by some very committed fielding, deserved a win on the board.
GOOD JOB WELL DONE!
Cookridge “C” v Pudsey Congs
At Greyhound Public House Ground, Tong
Saturday April 17th, 2010
Match report by Stu Hardcastle
Despite the sunshine peering through the volcanic ash at Cookridge’s Smithy Lane Main Ground, it was a cold start to the season. Starting 2010 like I ended 2009, lost the toss and Cookridge elected to bat. Masood Akhir, normally playing in a higher league, found the young Congs bowlers Nathan Dalton and Tom Huffingley an admirable challenge, tight spells from the under 15’s brought figures of 1-10 from both. Tom had taken Akhir’s edge early but the ball didn’t carry to Matty who took it on the half volley with a tremendous diving effort. It fell to Wasim Bashir to end Akhir’s dominance with an absolute peach spinning back from the off to take leg stump. Masood Akhir’s innings had single handed guided the home side to 65-4, Akhir scoring 58! Pete Huffingley, Kasim Mahammad, and myself toiled with little reward, the star of the middle been Wasim’s spell. With that the openers returned with Tom Huffingley adding to his earlier tally before Nathan completed his return with his maiden senior 5 for and well deserved too. I can only apologise to Alex Goodchild, having made the mistake of bringing the 13yr old into the wind, he had the dangerous Khalid in all kinds of trouble. After I misjudged the first catch of Alex’s first ball, it drifted over my head, I banished myself into the distant deep mid wicket boundary where in his very next over I shelled a “dolly” – sorry Alex!
Cookridge finished on 151 all out
The second innings also started badly for me, as I and the rest of my top order departed in single figures, but we remained up with run rate. Wasim Bash and Tom Huffingley started the fight back but as they got going in some style, the wickets again began to fall with Congs dismissed for 86.
Another disappointing start to a season means my sorry record of never winning that opening fixture continues and with my successor already signed up for 2011, the hoo-do jinx will remain with me forever more. It has to be said though the lads were magnificent, Tom, Nath and Wasim returned great figures and new boy Navin was impressive behind the sticks. Richard Dalton was on hand to witness his sons’ 5 for. The ever reliable Malcome, Pete, Matty, Kaz and Alex. In fact the only lad having a bad day at the office was me! Hopefully that can be put rite on the Brit tomorrow!!
Bowling stats – Nathan Dalton 9-4-5-17, Tom Huffingley 9-3-2-32, Stu Hardcastle 4-2-1-2, Wasim Bashir 6-0-1-19, Pete Huffingley 9-3-1-34
Batting Stats – Wasim Bashir 25, Nathan Dalton 16, Tom Huffingley 11
Fielding – Matty Humpelby/Richard Dalton.