2012 Fourth XI
Final League Position = 2nd, 234 Points
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PCCC 4th XI (Dales 2nd XI) Review of Season 2012
It was a wet Friday January 13th this year when Robin, Pete and Alastair sat down in the club to discuss what the 4th team might look like for the season ahead. Youth and experience as ever the aim, with a greater chance of a competitive edge. Little did they know how the weather would take its toll in the months ahead.
As it turned out, yes the weather had its say, although we only lost three games to waterlogged pitches. The general state of the wickets was poor, with only Fulneck or the Brit, the chance of a decent track to play on.
The team’s bowling attack was the highlight of the campaign. Three main wicket takers being Mark, Pete and Jacques. Mark Ferguson, in his first season as an opening bowler took 42 league wickets, including three five wicket hauls, at an average of less than ten. His final senior tally was boosted to 48 with an appearance for the 3rd XI on the last day of the season where he took 6-40. A great effort from the teenager. On the more mature side of the age spectrum; Pete Huffinly’s season of bowling his accurate, nagging seamers netted 38 league wickets at an average of just over ten. Always to be relied upon and never flinching the challenge, a superb season. Last but by no means least, the youngest of the trio; Jacques Allen. At only 14 he is fast becoming one to watch out for in terms of Cong’s young players. His wrist spin took 27 wickets in senior games, with more for the U15 and U17 junior teams. Not always having the best of conditions to bowl in, he often bamboozled batters of greater experience. Watch this space. Other twirlers of note were Dale Spink and James Galvin. Dale was often called upon to keep wicket too, and James did not play as many games as he would have liked. More to come from these two next season.
On the batting front, the horrible state of the wickets for the majority of the season pretty much nullified the hope that the players dropping down from the 3rds might be a force in the D Division. Robin did score his maiden hundred and Alastair managed three fifties but both would have been looking for a better batting average than 26 and 20 respectively. Dave Malpass, Joe Royce, Joe Goodchild, and belatedly Abid Bashir, all had spells of form that mattered in games. If only Joe Royce could play more games before his football commitments. In the field too many important catches went down although Mark, both Joe’s, Alex Goodchild and Dave Malpass were notable in the umpires eyes on more than a couple of occasions for fielding well.
Overall, the Division was won easily by Baildon B, who by playing their C team had a sixty point start on everyone else but were the best team. Even though we beat Cookridge C each time they still managed to come above us by a point! However by finishing a strong third, all expectations were exceeded. A record of 11 wins and 7 losses is the best for the 4th team in a number of seasons. With the emergence of Jacques & Alex, plus Josh Chapman & Ross Kettlewell from the juniors, we would hope to see more young players for the 2013 season in the team.
The Dales Council has lost three teams for next season so there will inevitably be changes to the divisional structure; please can we have only two games against each other and no two teams from the same club in the same division?!
My last line is to say thank you to all who helped make the 4th team possible – Graham Curtis for Fulneck’s wicket, John Malpass and others at the Britannia, Pete H. for his off field organisation, Josh C. & Ross K. for scoring, Mick Hirst and Ralph Middlebrook for believing in us, the parents of the junior cricketers for allowing their sons to have a taste of senior cricket and to my team mates – 28 turned out for us in 2012.
Thank you.
Wishing you a good winter and see you in 2013. Let’s do it all again, but even better next time!
AG
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday September 8th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The last game of the 4ths season, home to derby rivals PSL. Fulneck looked in great shape, the wicket dry and hard. Congs batted first and by the look of the PSL bowling, it was a correct call. After the loss of an early wicket the Congs line up cashed in on the weakest bowling seen for a while, and on a good wicket, with a fast outfield. All the Congs batters reached double figures, but it was the skipper who kept on batting, and batting and batting….. After reaching his 50, the runs did not stop and with the overs running out and nearing his ton, there were frantic calls to see if he would get to the magic three figures. Into the last over and still unsure, Robin was bowled off the last ball…but he had done it! Maiden hundred! Great support from Joe (26), Tom (12), Nav (32), Dave (27) and Abid (19). A large total of 267-7 awaited PSL to achieve.
In Quentin Cleal, PSL have one of the more able batters in the Division – he scored over 700 runs last season. Although not familiar to such a good batting track he, and fellow opener Phillips, attacked from the start. In passing 50 Cleal had nearly all PSL’s runs! It took a catch behind off Dale to dismiss him for 71. Phew! A sigh of relief and the rest of PSL’s line up did not have the same quality. Mark and Dale picked up three wickets, Nav (2) and Jacques (1). It was left to Phillips on 62 and Gee on 20 to keep Congs out at the end. 185-9 after 45 overs.
A great win to almost banish the nightmare of Priesthope early in the season. A wonderful knock from the skipper. We must now wait on how the final round of games go next weekend to see where we finish in the table.
(Stay tuned for the end of season summary which will follow after next weekend)
Baildon “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Sandal School
Saturday September 1st, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Congs trekked to Sandal School, Baildon for the last away game of the season against Division D winners Baildon B.
The poor state of the outfield and muddy wicket that greeted the players decided the skippers mind for him – win toss, bat second! That he did. In K. Malik and A. Malik, Baildon have two very powerful batsmen. After the fall of the first wicket these two went on the attack and put on 78 quick runs. It was A. Malik who scored the most freely. Dropped three times, he made 53 before finally being caught out off Dale. At this point the Congs attack got a slight hold on the game, however the Baildon total kept getting slowly higher. A lack of bowling discipline (gifting 23 extras), dropped catches and a ninth wicket stand of 40, meant a challenging total of 178 was achieved. Pete and Mark picked up three wickets each.
Robin and Joe opened Congs reply and all looked good as the pair put on 51 before Joe was bowled by K. Malik for a hard hitting 33. After that the wheels fell off badly for Congs. No one managed to settle on a wicket that grew ever more heavily roughed up and muddy. When Robin was caught for 24, the score had not reached three figures. Malik’s slingy, unpredictable bowling style was suited to the wicket and Jolly at the other end also found his slow right arm deliveries taking wickets. A last stand from Jacques (17) boosted the score to 106, but that was it. All out in 35 overs.
A tale of a poor wicket, poor batting and another defeat at the hands of a Baildon XI (only one win out of a possible six against the two Baildon teams in the division), too often said this season. The sight of Jonny “ringer 130” Baines at the ground did much to rub salt into the wounds of defeat.
Must do better v PSL in the last game next week at Fulneck if we are to hold onto second place.
Pudsey Congs v Shipley Providence “B”
At The Britannia Ground
Saturday Aug 25th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
This week the 4ths had the welcome opportunity to play at the Britannia Ground due to the fact the 2nd XI were enjoying a bye week. A much stronger team than last week took to the field with the Congs needing maximum points to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Shipley won the toss and elected to bat first on a hard track. The Congs bowling attack, strengthened by the return of James Galvin, were on top from the start. His spell of 12/4/24/3 being just reward for a good line and length. The weather looked to be the major stumbling block to the Congs. Heavy rain forced the teams off for an early tea and after great efforts to mop up, the teams got back on. Pete with 12/5/24/4 and Jacques 4/0/10/3 finished Shipley off for 78 after 32 overs.
After checking the rain affected game rules, Congs had 28 overs to win/lose the game. With the ever present threat of rain, the skipper opted for a quick start and Tom & Mark went out to open. Both fell soon after and it was left to a resurgent Abid Bashir and Dave Malpass to blast their way to the target. Dave (40) and Abid (21) put on 60 for the third wicket and Congs reached their target in only 13.5 overs, ending up on 80-4 and so securing 19 points.
With the other games in the division being either rain affected or going in Congs’ favour, it turned out to be a really valuable win. Only two games remain for the 4ths, and with this our 10th win of the season, we are still in the frame for a second placed finish.
The newly crowned D Division Champions, Baildon B are now the penultimate game for Congs at Sandal School ground next Saturday.
Pudsey Congs v Baildon “C”
At Fulneck
Saturday Aug 18th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Congs went into today’s game decimated by holidays and call ups to other teams. Only 10 were able to take the field – a bizarre occurrence this season, as to date the organization of this team has been first class. Suffice to say, what should have been two wins from three against a second bottom of the table team, ended in a hideous loss. A severe dent to our promotion prospects.
All I can say is many thanks to messrs Middlebrook (senior), Richard Dalton and Abid Bashir for turning out for Congs in our hour of need. Coming out of retirement??
Pudsey St Lawrence “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Priesthorpe High School
Saturday August 11th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The short trip to Priesthorpe School for the second away derby game v PSL was todays game for the 4ths. From a distance the grass looked very long in the outfield. On closer inspection it was very long! Dread consumed stand in skipper Goodchild, reviving memories of this season’s first encounter on the same ground.
After last week conceding their game due to lack of players, PSL were looking to get a win to consolidate their lofty position in the table. Congs, with players missing/unavailable this week, were hoping for a good all round performance to get the points needed to continue their own promotion ambitions. At nearly half past one, with no umpire in sight, both skippers decided to consult the league rule book and get on with the game with umpires from each side nominated. PSL won the toss and elected to field first – no surprises there.
Alastair and Joe Goodchild opened the innings. After Harry Cullingord pulled up with a side strain, the introduction of Cullingord senior’s slow right arm allowed Joe to attack, pulling two sixes and a four over the short boundary. The score quickly moved to 41 before Alastair knicked one to the keeper. Joe followed soon after for an aggressive 25. Dale and Alex rebuilt the innings and put on a useful 36 together. When Dale went for a well compiled 32, it was left to the rest of the order to get us to a good total. They did with useful contributions from Dave (12), James (15) and Mark (16). Congs 142-8 from 45 overs.
At tea it was generally thought a good score had been got and that the wicket had not played badly, although the poor outfield had meant little would be gained by playing proper cricket shots along the ground! Going for a pace attack, the skipper opened with Mark and James. They bowled exceptionally well in keeping the PSL batters quiet. James’s spell of 7/3/9/0 was a great effort. Even the usually dangerous Cleal was sent back early. With only McEvoy senior holding the innings together, Congs sniffed a big chance. Dale was brought on to utilise the low bounce and duly picked up three wickets. Only Sam Mcevoy and Jack Gaunt offered and attacking resistance. Pete joined in and picked up three wickets too. With Dale having bowled his spell, Mark came back to finish proceedings, ending up with 4-25 off 11.2 overs. PSL 76 all out!!
A performance reminiscent of the away game at Shipley earlier in the season and a great all round performance by the team who cajoled the stand in skipper very well indeed into action in the field. Many thanks also to Colin for being our standing umpire for all of our innings.
Wibsey Park Chapel v Pudsey Congs
At Haycliff Lane
Saturday August 4th, 2012
Match report
Unfortunately our intrepid match reporter Mr Alastair Goodchild did not make the trek to Haycliffe Lane last Saturday, but he can report that the news is all good for the Dales Council Second XI. Wibsey Park Chapel were all out for a below par 64 and the Congs rolled easily to the victory with a 65-0 batting performance. A comprehensive display that brought victory by 10 wickets and 20 points to boot!
Normal service will resume this weekend.
Pudsey Congs v Cookridge “C”
At Fulneck
Saturday July 28th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
After a week of dry weather, the Fulneck ground that greeted the two teams was a welcome sight – dry! a cut outfield!
Robin wasted no time deciding to bat first on what looked to be the best wicket of the season so far. He and Goodchild senior to open. The two built steadily and amassed a 75 run partnership after Goodchild lost patience with K. Mahmood’s little swingers and was bowled. Joe Goodchild’s run of bad luck continued as the umpire adjudged he had got bat on ball and not his pad. Alex Goodchild stayed with Robin to rebuild. However when it came the turn of the rest of the middle order, we at last were able to see Congs batters on form. With the skipper departing for 42, it fell to Joe Royce to make a season high score of 40. Useful contributions from Spink and Malpass brought the score to 183-9 after 45 overs. Really good to see a decent target set for the bowlers.
Cookridge C are an unpredictable batting side and have big hitters on their day (they have reached the Cawthorne Cup final this season, no mean achievement for a D Division side). After Jacques bowled Ellahi early on, the resolute Ahmed accumulated runs for Cookridge. After a fielding injury and sub fielder on, Congs started to get the breakthroughs. Ferguson had Ahmed caught and the dangerous Ejaz (a hundred last week), lofted one up to Malpass off Pete Huffinley. These two wickets proved vital. Pete now began to weave his magic and the visitors batting crumbled. Pete’s return of 6-26 off 10.2 overs a just reward. Cookridge 116 all out after 34.2 overs.
Twenty points in the bag!
Congs now have two away games at Wibsey and PSL. Not easy, however must win games at this stage of the season.
Come on lads!
Drighlington Whitehall “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Station Road
Saturday July 21st, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Congs travelled the short distance to Station Road in Drighlinton to face Drighlington/Whitehall “B” knowing that maximum points were needed if the promotion ambitions were to remain on track.
Drig elected to field first on a damp track. Goodchild senior and Kettlewell opened and negotiated the opening overs without alarm. When Robin was given out leg before after getting well forward the wheels started to wobble. Two quick wickets and then Goodchild run out really put the squeeze on the innings. Malpass and Huffinley put on 33 and Alex Goodchild and Colin a further 16 to achieve one batting point. Congs 90 all out after 36 overs. On paper a low score.
A rallying cry from the skipper ringing in Congs players ears, the team looked to make inroads to the home team’s batting. When Robinson went lbw in the first over things looked good. A couple of missed catches and balls landing in the gaps frustrated the Congs effort. With such a low total to defend the skipper had to adjust bowling and fielding strategy. James Galvin’s introduction to the attack brought three wickets. Congs fought hard and three further wickets fell, however the Drig batters had just enough to get home. 91-6 after 20 overs.
A setback for Congs and another poor batting display. Even though the wickets have been poor so far this season, we must give our bowlers bigger totals to bowl to.
Home game next. A dry week and a better track to bat on? Let’s hope so.
Pudsey Congs v Baildon “C”
At Fulneck
Saturday July 14th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Today Congs played the same opposition to last week – due to the weather re arrangements. Yet again a different looking Baildon side took the field. No sign of the 2nd XI batter that played for them last Sunday!! The Congs had three changes.
Congs fielded first and aimed to stem the runs from the start. After twenty overs that aim had been achieved as the wicket played very slow and low with little bounce. Jaques Allen bowled a tight spell. Joe Goodchid’s slow right arm also kept the batters quiet. Baildon really needed to push the score on and started to play loose shots. Mark, Pete and Bal each took wickets with very few runs conceded. Good fielding and catching helped too. Baildon crawled to 77 all out off 41 overs.
Keeping the score to less than three figures meant that Congs needed to bat sensibly to negotiate the low score. After losing two early wickets, Joe and Joe (Royce and Goodchild) batted cautiously and well to get Congs on their way. It was left to a second unbroken partnership from Mark (21) and Robin (16) to seal the win.
Weather permitting, Congs need to string a number of wins to move up the table. Drig/Whitehall away next week.
Baildon “C” v Pudsey Congs
At Sandal School
Sunday July 8th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Baildon “C” 202-8 in 45 overs
Congs reply 5-0 after 1 over
Then – thunder, heavy rain, match abandoned.
Pudsey Congs v Baildon “B”
At Britannia Ground
Sunday July 1st, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
A game at the Brit, for the Dales teams is always a keenly anticipated event. A number of people helped with ensuring the match could go ahead after the previous day’s rain. Thank you.
Baildon turned up with only half of the team that Congs played earlier in the season. The others being an unknown quantity…anyway, Robin won the toss and decided to field. The wet weather ensuring a track not to be relied upon as good as normal at the Brit.
After an early catch was spilled, the attacking Baildon batters got into their stride. Runs came quite freely, yet Congs managed to stem the flow at regular intervals. Catches were taken – including another good high one on the boundary from Joe Goodchild. Pete, Nav and Arbaarb bowled good spells. Mark Fergusen the pick with 5 wickets from his 12 overs. Baildon 147 after 45 overs. Not a big score, but one to be got.
The interval tea was very nice; baked potatoes!
Congs did not turn up for the second half. A weak, ineffective and dire display saw them bowled out for 58 in less than 25 overs. Only Arbaarb’s 23 stood out. A couple of poor umpiring decisions did not help Congs cause, yet to be fair Baildon bowled well and were the better team on the day.
The unbeaten run at an end, Congs need to regroup quickly as yet another double weekend looms – both away this time.
Pudsey Congs v Drighlington Whitehall “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday June 30th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Another wet Saturday welcomed Driglington to Fulneck, just as a school match was ending and Graham Curtis, mower to the fore, getting the wicket ready for play.
The weather looked to be closing in so Robin decided to bat first to get the better chance of a score. He and Goodchild senior opened and put on 54 for the first wicket. The Drig bowlers stuck to their task and the rest of the Congs line up could not push the score on as they would have liked. Goodchild’s 61 runs and Peter Huffinley’s 23 were the main contributors to a final tally of 135 off 38 overs. Interruptions for rain and an early tea meant it was hard to get any momentum, however a score to defend.
In the field, Congs looked to attack from the start and try and get the win needed. Tight bowling from Huffinley and Ferguson meant that Drig had to rely on Barker to get the runs needed. When he fell for 18, brilliantly caught in the deep by Joe Goodchild, Congs sensed a win was indeed theirs. More rain and a stubborn Simon Mace at the crease hampered this. When the umpire’s waterproofing and patience finally wore out, Drig were 81-7 and had faced the same number of overs as Congs.
After franticly checking the league handbook, it was found that “Rule 24f” applied and the Congs has won the game as both sides had faced the same number of overs. Great credit to umpire Wilkes and both teams for getting the game played and to a close, fair result.
Four wins from four and Baildon “B” at the Brit tomorrow.
Cookridge “C” v Pudsey Congs
At Smithy Lane Ground
Saturday June 9th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The second away game on the bounce brought the Congs to Cookridge’s Smithy Lane ground. When plenty of games around the area fell victim to the showery weather, this game went ahead. On looking at the cared for yet muddy wicket, Robin elected to field.
A sound choice. It was Ferguson who made the early breakthrough this week. A neat run out by Royce got rid of last season’s century maker and the 10 men of Cookridge were in trouble. Wickets continued to tumble and Ferguson duly got his “five for”, ending with figures of 7/3/11/5. The innings ended on 31 after 18 overs.
Congs knew it would be no easier for them…it was not. A bright start was quickly and five wickets were lost before 20 runs were on the board. Spink and the skipper steadied things but when they fell, nerves were jangling. Bal decided aggression was the key and managed to get us home. 34-7. A win. Phew!!!!
The poor weather is certainly not providing much good cricket wickets or play so far this season but we will take every positive and keep climbing the table.
Shipley Providence “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Salts Cricket Ground
Saturday June 2nd, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Congs travelled for their first real away game of the season to the amiable Salts Cricket Ground to take on the much fancied Shipley Providence “B”. After last weekend’s good win the Congs were optimistic to say the least.
On winning the toss Robin decided to bat, knowing the opposition would have done the same, and hoping to give them some running about to do in the field. After losing two early wickets it was the skipper himself who steadied the ship and managed to see off most of the opening bowler’s overs. Even with the wicket playing untrue at times all the Congs order chipped in with runs, singles taken as well as pushing the fielders into making mistakes. Kettlewell (33), Gaunt (26), Royce (24), Spink (32 not out) being the main contributors too get us to maximum batting points on 189-9 after 45 overs. An excellent first half.
Knowing that Shipley’s batters were likely to attack from the start, the skipper opened up with spin from one end. It soon paid dividends. Unable to stop themselves from trying to hit Jacques out of the ground, Shipley were soon bamboozled by the young spinner. Yet again his return of 12/4/22/6, including twice being on a hat trick, was exceptional. Although chances were spilled, some really good ones were taken, including a fielding point winning diving effort by Joe Royce. Ferguson’s 9.2/2/15/3 spell also of note. Dale Spink an energetic debut behind the stumps too. Shipley all out for 92. A crunching win.
Well now, stop the presses, back to back wins, some really positive batting and all round team effort. Keep going lads!
Pudsey Congs v Cookridge “C”
At Fulneck
Sunday May 27th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Day two at Fulneck was as good as the previous day weatherwise and Robin had no hesitation in batting first. The Congs openers did not disappoint their skipper, putting on 100 until Arbaab fell for 49. A pity as he had batted well. The Congs continued to plunder runs, and with Cookridge a man short, there were plenty of singles to be had. When Goodchild went for 50, the next pair of McAuley Gaunt and Joe Goodchild continued to advance the score. They took the total to 215-2 after 45 overs. An unbroken 92 run partnership with 37 and 43 runs each, just what was needed.
After tea, Congs took the field hoping to break the winless streak. Only the resistance of Ahmed (36) really stood in their way. After the opening bowlers had softened them up it was, yet again, the telling spin of Jacques Allen that ripped through Cookridge’s batters. His excellent figures of 9/4/9/5 were apt reward. The visitors innings ended at 83.
A really well deserved win for the Congs who battled well in every aspect. Two away games await, looking forward to more wins.
Pudsey Congs v Baildon “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday May 26th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The first game of the double header was Baildon “B” at Fulneck. On a glorious sunny day Baildon did not hesitate to bat first. The Congs pace attack struggled to make meaningful inroads on a good track. The fifth wicket partnership proved the toughest to break and yielded 88 runs. W Charles with 62 and G. Orrell with 41 being the main contributors to a total of 161. The “spin twins” of Allen and Mahmood with two each and Pete Huffinley’s late four wicket burst.
The Congs reply started well with Goodchild and Mahmood putting on 50 for the first wicket. Unfortunately the following batters could not stay in and accumulate runs. When Goodchild fell for a patient 76 and Kettlewell a bright 20, there was too much to do. An dubious lbw ended proceedings with Congs on 152.
The Baildon fielding effort had not been good and they were justifiably muted in victory.
Pudsey Congs v Driglington Whitehall “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday May 19th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
Another wet wicket awaited Congs for their second home league game against Drighlington Whitehall B. In the Drig line up was ex Congs opener Malcolm Robinson. Robin had no hesitation on inserting Drig after winning the toss. Fulneck School had already played on the wicket and it looked a vital toss to win. The Drig openers batted very slowly and patiently, frustrating the Congs attack. The first boundary did not happen until twenty overs were up!, however they were still there. The first wicket fell after a 71 opening stand, although Mark (7/2/7/0) and Pete (12/4/21/0) had contained well. The slower Congs bowlers – Allen and Malpass took two wickets each and two run outs made up the wickets to fall. After the full 45 overs, Drig had made 113-6, a decent score indeed.
Due to higher team call ups, Joe Royce opened with Goodchild senior. A positive opening stand of 35 was ended when Joe misjudged an attacking shot and was caught. Both Drig’s young opening bowlers were not really making inroads so they turned to the evergreen Simon Mace with his miserly accurate slow medium bowling. His 10 overs went for 9 runs and he took 3 wickets. Malpass and Kettlewell fell cheaply and even though Jaques Allen and Colin Nelthorpe steered us to 75 we could not score any more. Colin being run out backing up to end the innings!
A loss that should have been a win. A hundred runs is proving to be a good score on most grounds so far this season. Net practice and some dry weather needed, please!!!!
Two league games next weekend so deep breaths and more application at the crease needed.
Pudsey Congs v Undercliffe
Cawthorne Cup First Round
At Britannia Ground
Sunday May 13th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The second game of the weekend was a chance to banish the mud of Priesthorpe and play at the Brit as Undercliffe were the visitors in the Cawthorne Cup 1st Round. As last season’s D Division Champions and now C Division side, a stern test of the 4th’s was anticipated.
Robin won the toss and elected to bat on a fair looking track. Goodchild & Bose opened and quickly took the score to double figures, however both were out too early. It was left to the rest of the team to respond, and they did. Robin and Dave scored 32 and 24 respectively and Umar a swashbuckling cameo of 23 not out. The main run getter though was Mark Ferguson; a nice innings of 43. A total of 180-7 after the allotted 40 overs was viewed a defendable score.
After the tea interval the Congs were looking to restrict Undercliffe’s batsmen from the start, however it was Holden batting at number two who looked to get after Congs opening bowlers. His 64 runs were not chanceless but very effective. Three dropped catches not aiding Congs cause. The skipper decided to swap pace for spin and brought on Jacques Allen. A good eight over spell of 3 for 26, however even with the slower bowlers on and another great run out (by Ferguson this time), there was no stopping the Undercliffe batsmen. Aftab’s 45 not out ensured his team progressed to round two with seven overs left, at 181-4.
Two defeats on the bounce, however some useful batting contributions and good team spirit should ensure that going into three home league games the 4ths can get back to winning ways sooner rather than later.
Pudsey St Lawrence “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Priesthorpe
Saturday May 12th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The derby game against Pudsey St Lawrence was the second match in the league this year for the Dales Second team. It turned out to be one to forget as a very wet wicket ruined any chance of a good game. Robin lost the toss and the PSL skipper duly asked Congs to bat first. What followed was pretty much a disaster. A mixture of “pea rollers” and impatient batting saw eight bowled and two caught. Only Nav Bose with 11 offered any resistance. The inning was over in less than an hour with only 26 runs scored. Young Sam McEvoy with 5/14 and his opening partner Hatim 4/5 were the destroyers, although the shameful state of the wicket was more to blame.
Congs bowled well enough in reply with Mark Ferguson continuing his fine form from last week in taking the only two wickets to fall. The Congs were not down in the field, but just had too few runs to defend. Alex Goodchild picked up the fielding point.
Game over at three fifteen, sarnies packed and back in car . Ah, the hope of some sunshine and better playing surfaces as the season goes on? The PSL skipper agreed that perhaps the second game between these two teams should be played at Tofts Road if at all possible.
Pudsey Congs v Wibsey Park Chapel
At Fulneck
Saturday May 5th, 2012
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The 4th XI opened their Dales Council Division D campaign at home to Wibsey Park Chapel. A cold and damp scene awaited both teams. After winning the toss and inserting the visitors, Robin Kettlewell the new skipper, gave a rousing team talk. What followed backed up his words to the hilt. The opening pair of Mark Ferguson and Pete Huffinley proceeded to knock over the WPC batters at will. Youth and experience, pace and guile. Both bowlers, backed up well in the field, tore apart the visitors. Mark finishing with 5-13 and Pete 3-14. It has to be said that Dale Spink’s run out of the dangerous Shah for 12 was the key to WPC ending up with only 32 after 17 overs.
A swift turnaround and it was Congs to try their luck on a tricky batting surface. Goodchild and Bose opened and after Bose was out lbw, Galvin was caught & bowled. The home side were nearly there and it was left to the captain to hit the winning runs. A short and sweet match was won after just 17 overs.
A great start for the 4ths and the promise of more to come, although Pudsey St Lawrence at Priesthorpe next week will prove a sterner test perhaps.