2013 Juniors
Under 9’s ( Gordon Bowers Group 4)
Fixture List and Match Reports 2013
Manager Tom Brook and Coach Joe Royce
Final League Position Group 4 = 1st, 0 Points
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Idle v Pudsey Congs
Friday July 19th , 2013
Idle win by 53 runs
Pudsey Congs v Idle
Friday July 12th , 2013
Idle win by 1 run.
Farsley v Pudsey Congs
July, 2013
Pudsey win by 12 runs
Pudsey Congs v Farsley
Friday July 5th , 2013
Match report by Tom Brook
After being postponed the previous week due to rain, Farsley arrived at the Britannia ground in the baking heat of a (very rare) summer heat wave. For once, you couldn’t have asked for a better evening for cricket, and the Congs would spend it batting first.
Still buoyed from the successes of the previous week, the Congs dressing room was very upbeat before the game, and all players showed great intent and enthusiasm. There was one change to the Congs team, with Stephen Phillips replacing Zak Stolarski who was away fulfilling prior commitments.
Once more, Flinn and Niall got the innings off to the perfect start, scoring regularly and putting pressure on the fielders with some outstanding running between the wickets. Flinn continued his fine run of form, timing the ball well and hitting another couple of boundaries, meaning that the Congs were 222-0 after the first pair. Kirk and Stephen both batted well too, but were unfortunately both dismissed (the first Congs wickets in just over 22 overs!) However, the runs they had gathered meant that they had still raised the score further after their allocated four overs. Daniel and Joe once more continued their now solid partnership, picking up singles with regularity and forcing overthrows form the field! All of this set the platform for Beth and Sabir to launch in the final overs. Both delivered perfectly as planned, hitting 4 boundaries and propelling the Congs to 277 for the loss of only 3 wickets.
Flinn Woodward-Chapman 10* , Bethany Slater 12, Sabir Mahmood 13*
Having set a new seasonal record with the bat, confidence in the Congs dressing room was at an all-time high. However, despite this, Tom made it perfectly clear in the team talk that bowling and fielding would be as important as ever in deciding who would be victorious- the Congs team had come close in the previous game, and were desperate to go one step further here!
Once more, Sabir and Flinn got the innings off to the perfect start, taking 2 wickets apiece to cause Farsley an immediate setback. In truth, this was a setback from which they would never recover. Although the Congs were slightly wayward with their bowling (there were 38 extras in the innings), the fielding was exemplary. Flinn in particular led from the front, pulling off at least 3 full length diving stops! By the time Kirk and Beth finished the innings with 2 overs a piece, the game was won, with Farsley amassing 238-5 from their 16 overs.
Sabir Mahmood 2-1-2-2 , Flinn Woodward-Chapman 2-0-3-2, Niall Brook 2-0-12-1
Nobody could deny the Congs victory tonight as they outclassed a very young and inexperienced Farsley team. However, the score line was ultimately flattering and the game could have been much tighter due to some wayward Congs bowling. Nevertheless, we have now won our first game of the season and confidence is at an all-time high. Now, we have to use this confidence to propel us to new heights (and hopefully further victories).
My final message to everyone is simple: keep enjoying the game, keep having fun and hopefully we can keep winning. We have all come a very long way since February. If we keep improving at this rate then we can be a very strong team at the end of the season. Well done everyone!
Pudsey Congs v Karmand Centre
Thursday June 27th , 2013
Match report by Tom Brook
Only a week after the previous encounter, Karmand Centre travelled to the Britannia ground for the first home game of the season. Captain Flinn unfortunately lost the toss and as a result, the Congs batted first.
Fielding an unchanged team from the return fixture, the Congs were well aware of their mistakes from the previous game and were eager to make amends. After a brief warm up, Tom called the players in for a lengthy team talk- a reminder of the issues of the previous game and a suggestion of ways to improve. Overall, the aim was simple. The coach would be happy if the players lost 5 wickets or less (a reduction of 3 from the 8 they lost in the first game).
What followed superb display of batting that even the coach could not predict. It was clear that all involved had listened carefully and responded as a result. Niall and Flinn got the innings off to a superb start, with Flinn hitting 2 excellent boundaries in quick succession. From here, Zak and Kirk nudged and nurdled the ball perfectly, adding momentum to the innings with a number of singles after putting pressure on the fielders. Joe and Daniel followed in the same fashion, before Beth and Sabir added some hefty blows to nudge the Congs total to 262 from their 16 overs.
To put such a score into perspective is key, as 262 is a 63 run increase on the previous week! What is even more impressive than the score is the way in which it was constructed. Not only did the Congs manage to score 63 runs more than the previous week, they did so without losing a single wicket!
Well done to all, that was certainly one of the finest batting displays I have seen from any team at this level and is certainly the first time I have seen an under 9’s team not lose a single wicket in their innings!
Flinn Woodward-Chapman 9* & Bethany Slater 5*
Despite such an exceptional batting performance, the Congs were fully aware that they would have to bowl and field well in order to restrict a good Karmand batting outfit to below their total due to the small boundaries. In truth, the Congs could not have asked for a better start, with Sabir taking a wicket with only the third ball of the innings! From here, however, the innings of Karmand ignited as their batsman began to find the boundary with alarming regularity. Coming into the last pair, however, the game was delicately poised due to the wickets taken by Sabir, Zak and Flinn.
With two overs remaining, Karmand Centre led the Congs by 1 run. Kirk was picked to bowl the penultimate over, and he rose to the occasion by bowling some beautiful leg spin. With his first 5 deliveries, he beat young Kaif Malik all ends up and was EXTREMELY unlucky not to pick up at least one wicket. However, with his final delivery, Kaif connected and hit a well-executed pull shot for 4. All this meant that Karmand Centre only needed to see out the last over without losing a wicket for victory.
After setting up such a close game with early wickets Sabir was rewarded with the final over, and he soon sent the Congs fans into raptures by taking a wicket with his third delivery to tie up the game with three balls left! His next two balls were just as good, making the batsman play and miss with both. Such skilful bowling meant that coming into the last ball, both teams stood on 262 and the game was tied. Knowing they would run whatever the situation, all the fielders came in around the bat. Sabir bowled another perfect delivery, only missing the leg stump by a whisker! Unfortunately, however, Karmand were able to take a bye and thus won the game by a single run on the final delivery!
Sabir Mahmood 3-0-7-3, Flinn Woodward-Chapman 3-0-15-1, Kirk Eckard 3-0-8-0
All in all, despite the defeat, this was an exceptionally good Pudsey Congs performance, and all involved should be extremely proud of their efforts. Our congratulations go to Karmand Centre, they are an excellent team who played the game in the perfect spirit. We, however, must only take the positives from the game. The improvement was noticeable for all to see, and if we keep improving I am sure that we will win several games this season.
Karmand Centre v Pudsey Congs
Tuesday June 18th , 2013
Match report by Tom Brook
For the first game of the season, a young Pudsey Congs side made the short trip across Thornbury to face Karmand Centre CC. Due to the loss of Frankie to the under 11s, the first job for the coaches was to appoint a new captain for the 2013 season. It took very little debate to decide that Flinn Woodward-Chapman would be the ideal candidate, and we were delighted when he said ‘yes’ to the job. His first task was to win the toss. He did this, and the Congs decided to bowl first.
After a short practice session and a few ‘looseners’ the Congs took to the field. For 6 of the starting 8 this was their first game of competitive cricket and the smiles and enthusiasm were clear for all to see. Captain Flinn opened the bowling and immediately showed why he had been selected for the job as he bowled 3 overs for only 6 runs while also taking a wicket.
The standard of bowling from all in this game was very high. It was clear that all the hard work in training had paid off. As a coach, it is great to see this happen! Special mentions must go to the wicket takers. First, there was some fantastic leg spin from Kirk Eckard which resulted in one of the best wickets you will ever see at under 9s level! When a child of Kirk’s age picks up the ball, flights it superbly, pitches it on middle and hits the top of off stump then you have to applaud him: it was a very special delivery: well done Kirk! Such brilliant bowling was followed by great bowling from the other two wicket takers: Bethany Slater and Sabir Mahmood. Both of these bowled beautifully, troubling the batsman with almost every delivery. All four of the Congs wickets were celebrated enthusiastically- especially by Flinn who took a brilliant catch in the deep for one of them.
Although they didn’t take wickets in their spells, Daniel Benson, Zak Stolarski, Niall Brook and Joseph Puleikis all bowled a good line and length and extras were limited well throughout the innings. Such good bowling and fielding meant that a good Karmand Centre CC batting line up were limited to 234-4 after their 16 overs.
Flinn Woodward Chapman 3-1-6-1, Kirk Eckard 2-0-2-1, Sabir Mahmood 3-1-14-1
On a green wicket with an inexperienced batting line up, the Congs knew that chasing such a target would be difficult and that not losing wickets would be the key. Unfortunately, throughout the innings, the Congs were punished by some incredibly good Karmand Centre CC bowling. This resulted in them losing 8 wickets in their innings as they fell 35 runs short of their target.
Despite this, there were still numerous highlights during the innings. Zak, Kirk and Beth all hit some fantastic shots and scored boundaries, while Flinn, Sabir, Joseph, Niall and Daniel all defended their wicket admirably. As well as this, the calling between the batsmen was also fantastic, with Flinn and Joe especially running some excellent singles.
The end, two evenly matched teams were only separated by the number of wickets taken. Both teams scored and almost identical amount of runs and conceded the exact same number of extras. Unfortunately, the extra 4 Congs wickets made the difference as they finished 199-8.
Bethany Slater 9 and Sabir Mahmood 6*
Overall, despite the defeat, this was an excellent outing for the Congs and I am very proud of the performance that was given by all involved. I said before the match that the result wasn’t as important as having fun. Anyone in that changing room after the game would not have thought they were in a losing changing room, with all 8 players and the coach smiling from ear to ear. Hopefully next game we can lose fewer wickets and can celebrate a victory. Well done to all 16 players, it really was an enjoyable game of cricket.
Under 11’s (South Section)
Fixture List and Match Reports 2013
Managers: Tom Elliott & Richard Naylor, assisted by Liam Stanhope
Final League Position South Section = 2nd, 40 Points
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Season Review
As another season reaches its end there is much room for optimism surrounding this group of young cricketers. As the older age groups struggle for players the under 11’s have more than 20 players registered to the club. As we play 8 aside Gordon Bowers cricket, you can understand the impossible position I am placed in when selecting a team. However, I must thank the players and parents for not giving me too much grief throughout the season. I would love nothing more than to get everybody a game every week but at the same time I have a duty to put out a team which can challenge for league and cup honours (like I said impossible to keep everyone happy).
Ultimately we finished emptied handed this year but had it not been for an administration/selection error (not all our own fault) we would have finished joint-top of the league with Spen Victoria with an identical record of: Played 16, Won 12, Lost 4. Spen also knocked us out of the cup in the 1st round however we managed to take the game into the last over when defending a low score.
Without giving too much away… Peformance-wise Aqib Mahmood, Will Holmes and Harry Widdop have been prolific run scorers, whilst the same three plus Haroon Mahmood, Jay Turnbull and Fizaan Mohammed have all returned respectable bowling averages. The fielding has improved greatly throughout the season and all players are now getting the basics right and making us look like a ‘proper’ cricket team.
High points include scoring over 300 on 4 occasions, 3 players; Aqib Mahmood, Alex Naylor and Will Holmes representing the League in the Lords Taverners competition, the bulk of the team regularly playing for and being stand out performers in our u13’s and seeing 7 year old Kirk Eckard perform so competently at such a young age in a friendly vs Rodley C.C.
Low points, 2 losses vs our noisy neighbours!!
Overall though, a fantastic season and despite being hugely disappointed to finish as league runners-up I personally would have taken that at the start of the year. More important to me is the clear improvement and cricket development EVERYBODY has made since February at Crawshaw and long may it continue.
Liam Stanhope, August 20th, 2013
Spen Victoria v Pudsey Congs
at Spen
Sunday August 11th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs (256) beat Spen Victoria (243) by 13 runs.
Any chance of this being a title decider were blunted as the league were unwilling to overturn the decision to deduct the Congs four points due to administration errors which were not all our own fault. Therefore, Spen Victoria were awarded the league trophy before this game.
A weakened side due to summer holidays and the rest gave a number of the Congs younger players a chance to come in and stake a claim for next season. Captain Will Holmes won the toss and elected to bat with Holmes and Masab Khan adding 17 in the opening pair. Spen turned the screw in the middle overs making scoring hard, with Jonathon Dissanyaka (13) the only Congs batsmen making any impact. 230 after 12 overs required something special from the final pair to take Congs to a defendable target. Two quiet overs from Daniel Clough and Huzaifa Massadique kept Spen in the driving seat before Aqib Mahmood blasted four identical shots through cover point off the bowling of the usually impressive Iqra Hussain to give the Congs a little more confidence and something to bowl at. However, much credit must go to Mahmood’s partner Liam Holgate who showed great maturity and a smart cricket brain to nudge the ball around the field to rotate the strike and allow his big-hitting partner to up the run-rate. Congs 256-4.
Aqib Mahmood – 24, Jonathon Dissanyaka – 13.
Spen’s reply was rather slow as an Aqib Mahmood maiden, 2 wickets from Will Holmes and a wicket maiden from Masab Khan plunged Spen to a negative score. Once again, despite no bowlers bowling badly the Spen batters managed to edge ever closer to their target (in a run chase which almost mirrored our game vs Undercliffe the previous week). 9 were runs required off the final over with the talented Iqra Hussain on strike. Hussain blasted a Will Holmes full toss for four first ball as the crowd went wild, but Holmes struck back immediately with a perfect length delivery leaving Hussain not knowing whether play off the front or back foot as she was cleaned bowled. With 9 still needed Holmes bowled Wahab Mohammed to take the game away from Spen. Before a run out off the last ball from George Longbottom made the victory slight more emphatic than it was.
Will Holmes 3-0-8-3, Masab Khan 2-0-5-1
A great team performance and great end to the season as the Congs finished the with an identical record to league winners Spen Victoria.
Pudsey Congs v Undercliffe
at the Britannia
Sunday August 4th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs (254) beat Undercliffe (247) by 7 runs.
Undercliffe were the visitors as Congs searched for a win to keep any league aspirations alive.
Will Holmes and Harry Widdop added 15 before Widdop was bowled by Musman Akhtar. Atif Latif struck immediately after dismissing Will Holmes, however a couple a powerful strokes from Widdoptook the Congs to 221 from four overs. Mohammed Aniq and Mohammed Anas took control of the game for Undercliffe winning their battle against Haroon Mahmood and Masab Khan in the second pair. Yet, Jay Turnbull (9), Aqib Mahmood (9), and Frankie Gibson (8) fought hard to help Congs reach a below par, but defendable 254-6.
Will Holmes – 13.
The Congs started the defence well as UCC found scoring particularly difficult in the first half of their innings. Masab Khan clean bowled opener Kian Binns and Harry Widdop got the better of Mohammed Aniq on two occasions to leave Undercliffe requiring more than 5 an over to win. Musman Akhtar, M. Ali Akhtar and Hamza Butt expertly chipped away at their target score despite no Congs bowlers appearing to leak runs of any note. With 8 to win from the last over Captain Holmes threw the ball to Masab Khan. 4 runs were scored from 5 balls and a boundary from the final ball would see Undercliffe home in a magnificent run chase. However, Khan had other ideas and held his nerve to uproot the stumps of M. Ali Akhtar. Congs win by 7 runs.
Harry Widdop 2-0-3-2, Masab Khan 2-0-9-2, Aqib Mahmood 3-0-11-1, Will Holmes 3-0-12-1
A fantastic game of cricket to be involved in, where neither team deserved to lose. Credit to Undercliffe for fighting back to give themselves a chance of winning the and credit to the Congs bowlers at the end who backed their own talent where others may have faltered.
On to a potential league decider vs top of the league Spen Victoria next week.
East Bierley v Pudsey Congs
at East Bierley
Sunday July 28th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: East Bierley concede
Unfortunately East Bierley forfeited this fixture as they were unable to raise a team.
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence
at the Britannia
Sunday July 21st, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: PSL (287) beat Pudsey Congs (263) by 14 runs.
The young Congs welcomed their neighbours from up the road to the Britannia in a top of the table clash which could well influence the final standings by the come the middle of August.
Batting first, PSL were off to powerful start as Henry Scott played superbly for an unbeaten 26. Scott’s innings put a huge dent in the confidence of this Congs side and they struggled to pull it back thereafter. Compliments to Masab Khan, Jay Turnbull and Haroon Mahmood who bowled well to return respectable figures in the middle overs. However, PSL’s flying start was well supported by Mohammed Al-Hayat (15), Ellie Casper (14) and Josh Priestley (19) as they posted 287-3 with Will Holmes taking 2 wickets in successive balls at the back end of the innings.
Will Holmes 3-0-28-2, Haroon Mahmood 2-0-8-1.
In reply, the Congs changed the batting order from coach Stanhope’s usual rigid line-up. Alex Naylor (15) and Masab Khan (9) opened the innings and set up the run chase putting on 20 from the first four overs. Harry Widdop and Jay Turnbull found scoring difficult before Aqib Mahmood and Frankie Gibson looked to up the run rate scoring 19 and 11 respectively. 26 from the final pair was always going to take some getting and ultimately some effective bowling from Josh Priestley and Henry Scott saw Congs lose 3 further wickets to finish 24 short of their required target.
Aqib Mahmood – 19, Alex Naylor – 15, Frankie Gibson – 11.
Once again our neighbours were the victors in this local derby and despite scoring enough runs to tie the game, the Congs youngster lost too many wickets as accurate bowling paid dividends for the strong PSL side. A fourth loss of the season leaves the Congs title hopes in the hands of others.
Karmand Centre v Pudsey Congs
at KCCC
Sunday July 14th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs (299) beat KCCC (285) by 14 runs.
Pudsey Congs under 11’s looked to maintain the pressure on league leaders Spen Victoria with a commanding display vs Karmand Centre. Yet, the Congs youngsters were forced to work hard for their victory throughout, as Karmand fought bravely until the very last ball.
With opening batters Alexander Naylor and Will Holmes on Lord’s Taverners duty, Harry Widdop and Frankie Gibson filled in at the top of the order and got the Congs off to a fantastic start scoring 16 and 13 respectively. Liam Holgate continued well making 12, whilst Lewis Gunner struck a couple of boundaries on his way to 15. Aqib Mahmood (16) and Masab Khan (12) finished the innings off as Congs totalled 299-7.
Harry Widdop – 16, Aqib Mahmood – 16, Lewis Gunner – 15, Frankie Gibson – 13,
Liam Holgate – 12, Masab Khan 12
Karmand’s run chase began slowly as they were reduced to a negative score three times in the first four over due to a wicket apiece from the Mahmood’s and not forgetting a brilliant run-out from the impressive Frankie Gibson. KCCC battled back to 240 before Lewis Gunner dismissed Usman Passwala, then Daniel Qazi and Haseeb Lodhi gave it their all to get Karmand close to their target. Ultimately however, they fell 14 short in what was a spirited display of batting in response to the Congs huge score.
Haroon Mahmood 2-0-6-1, Lewis Gunner 2-0-9-1, Aqib Mahmood 3-0-19-1.
A couple of sloppy shots perhaps tarnished the Congs performance as the Congs slipped back into old habits to lose a lot of wickets. Yet still a rather convincing win against a dangerous Karmand Centre side.
Pudsey Congs v Lightcliffe
At Britannia Ground
Sunday July 7th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs (305) beat Lightcliffe (223) by 82 runs.
A mouth-watering clash ensued as 2nd placed Congs hosted 3rd placed Lightcliffe with just one win separating the two teams in the league table.
Congs Captain Will Holmes won the toss and opted to bat, yet Lightcliffe struck the first blow immediately when Holmes was bowled by Josh Booth. Holmes fought back however, as he went on to score boundaries around all parts of the Britannia on his way to an elegant 21. Haroon Mahmood and Jay Turnbull added 2 quick singles before Turnbull was run-out due to some effective work by Declan Raistrick at mid-wicket. Haroon played positively for a well crafted 15 before cousin Aqib continued in the same way to add 12. Final pair Frankie Gibson (13) and Harry Widdop (9) batted smartly punishing anything over pitched as they looked to bat Lightcliffe out of the game as Congs made their 2nd 300+ score of the season. Congs 305-2.
Will Holmes – 21, Haroon Mahmood – 15, Frankie Gibson – 13, Aqib Mahmood – 12.
Lightcliffe began steadily as they looked to chase down their huge target, with openers Ben Whitely and Reece Smith adding 17 without loss in their allotted overs. Masab Khan got Congs on the board with a delightful in-swinger to clean bowl left hander Anthony Elwood. Haroon Mahmood then effectively ended the game as a contest delivering a fantastic double wicket maiden (the second wicket of which was an absolutely peach of a leg cutter; pitching on middle it nibbled away to clip off stump to leave the batsmen bamboozled playing down the ‘right’ line). 11 an over was now the required run rate, and this was upped even further following restrictive spells from Frankie Gibson and Jay Turnbull. Aqib Mahmood returned to grab himself a wicket, before Harry Widdop showed excellent agility to retrieve a would-be leg bye and throw down the stumps at the non-strikers end. Then skipper Holmes claimed a double wicket maiden for himself as Lightcliffe came up well short on the day. Lightcliffe 223-7.
Haroon Mahmood 2-1-8-2, Will Holmes 3-1-14-2, Masab Khan 2-1-3-1, Aqib Mahmood 3-0-9-1.
One of the best performances during my time as coach of the U11’s and a great pleasure to see some fantastic cricket being played by all of our boys, especially against the side nearest us in the table. Another couple of big games coming up as this young Congs side go looking for silverware.
Farsley v Pudsey Congs
at Red Lane
Sunday June 30th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs 263 beat Farsley 199 by 64 runs.
After a week off, Congs were back in league action as they made the short trip across Pudsey to Red Lane to take on local rivals Farsley.
Congs were stuck in by Farsley skipper Zain Khaliq and got off to flying start as Will Holmes delivered masterclass in cutting, pulling and driving to score an unbeaten 24. Pair 2 Jay Turnbull and Bethany Slater (a debutant against the hard ball) batted patiently and ran well between the wickets to put Congs on 241-2 at the halfway mark. Alex Taylor and Lewis Gunner scored 8 runs apiece, nudging the ball around whilst also claiming a boundary each. Before the accurate bowling of Zain Khaliq twice got the better of Frankie Gibson, as he uncharacteristically looked to play to leg. Congs finishing on 263-5.
Will Holmes – 24.
In defence of their total, the Congs reaped the rewards of bowling straight, thus giving little away there were economic returns all around. With the score on 204, skipper Will Holmes cleaned bowled his opposite number with a ripper of a delivery which pitched way outside off stump, only to flatten middle. After this, Jay Turnbull and Frankie Gibson produced almost perfect spells of bowling, conceded no runs from the 4 overs they bowled and claiming three wickets between them. Alex Taylor was soon in on the maiden over act and Alex Naylor snaffled a skier off the bowling of Lewis Gunner. The return of Will Holmes saw the Farsley total nose-dive back below 200, before he claimed his 4th wicket (all bowled) from the first ball of the final over. Farsley 199.
Will Holmes 3-1-5-4, Jay Turnbull 2-2-0-2, Frankie Gibson 2-2-0-1, Lewis Gunner 2-0-8-1.
Star man Will Holmes showed why he is involved with the Bradford League Lord Taverner’s team with an exceptional allround display of batting and bowling. Many thanks to u11’s debutant Beth Slater for stepping in at the last minute and playing so well in her first outing with the hard-ball. And massive credit to Farsley who showed much improvement from our first meeting at the beginning of the season. Another great win, keeps us in the hunt for the league. Well done all!
Pudsey Congs v Thackley
At Britannia Ground
Sunday June 16th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Thackley 261 beat Pudsey Congs 248 by 13 runs
Thackley were the visitors to the Britannia for the reverse of last weeks fixture seeking revenge for their 17 run defeat 7 days prior.
Batting first, Thackley’s opening pair Jacob Slater and Tom Nicholson got their innings off to a fine start scoring 13 and 9 respectively without loss. Cong’s struck almost immediately against the second pair when Masab Khan intercepted a square cut and returned the ball accurately to stumper Harry Widdop to run out Jack Luxton by a couple of yards. The introduction of Haroon Mahmood paid dividends as he began with a superb wicket maiden. Tight bowling from Lewis Gunner and Jay Turnbull slowed down the scoring rate before final pair Will Luxton and Ethan McLelland added 23 in the last four overs. Luxton top scoring with 15 as Thackley finished on 261-3.
Haroon Mahmood 2-1-8-1.
Harry Widdop and Alex Naylor added a run apiece before the Congs plunged to a negative score for the first time this season when Widdop was run-out trying to steal a run which perhaps was not there. 9 was added from the second over before the usually dependable was clean bowled by Jack Luxton whilst looking to increase the run rate. Haroon Mahmood and Masab Khan batted solidly, finding gaps in the field to score 1’s and 2’s to leave Congs on 228-2 at the halfway mark. Lewis Gunner and Jay Turnbull combined again to add a further 5 to the total. However, Alex Pyrah took the game away from the Congs youngsters by dismissing Gunner twice in 3 balls, as the exuberant batter tried to get the Congs nearer to their target. Requiring 39 to win Aqib Mahmood and Frankie Gibson fought courageously to the last ball but for all their efforts Congs fell 13 runs short.
Alex Naylor – 11, Aqib Mahmood – 11.
A third defeat for title chasing Congs side, but fair play to Thackley for keeping their wickets intact and producing a commendable bowling and fielding performance to restrict the Congs aggresors from scoring freely.
Thackley v Pudsey Congs
at Thackley
Sunday June 9th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs 281 beat Thackley 264 by 15 runs
The u11’s visited Thackley as they looked to extend a fine weekend for the Congs, as the 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams all achieving maximum point victories the previous day.
Batting first, Harry Widdop got Congs off to the perfect start bludgeoning 12 from the first over. The scoreboard continued to tick over until Lewis Gunner was superbly caught and bowled by Alex Pyrah with the score on 229. Haroon Mahmood responded immediately, glancing a boundary down to 3rd man. Gunner wasn’t to be outdone however, as he first hit powerfully over the top and then clipped a one-handed four to backward square leg. Masab Khan played positively to make 13. Whilst final pair Aqib Mahmood and Frankie Gibson rotated the strike in expert fashion to make 13 and 10 respectively, as the Congs finished on 281-2.
Harry Widdop – 16, Masab Khan – 13, Aqib Mahmood – 13.
Thackley’s reply started brightly, then Will Luxton really took the sword to the Congs bowlers smashing 26 which including some breathtaking attacking cricket shots. In spite of Thackley’s clear intent to score quickly, Haroon Mahmood stuck to his task by bowling full and straight to demolish the stumps of his Luxton’s partner. 245-1 at the halfway stage. Lewis Gunner struck second ball, getting Uzair Rehman caught at midwicket by Aqib Mahmmod. Then Frankie Gibson uprooted the stumps of Joe Dawson to leave Thackley requiring 8 an over from the final pair. Excellent bowling from Aqib Mahmood only increased the run rate further as he returned figures of 3-0-5-0, before Alex Naylor capped off a brilliant all round display from the young Congs by clean bowling Jacob Slater to ultimately see Congs over the finish line. Thackley 264-4.
Lewis Gunner 2-0-6-1, Frankie Gibson 2-0-6-1 .
Finally the boys seemed to realise the less wickets we lose, the more chance we have of winning. A fantastic effort by all involved against a strong Thackley side who will definitely be challenging for honours come August.
Pudsey Congs v Spen Victoria
At Britannia Ground
Monday June 2nd, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Spen Victoria 240 beat Pudsey Congs 236 by 4 runs.
Spen Victoria were the visitors to Britannia as the Congs looked to remain in contention near the top of the table.
Spen captain Daniel Clough won the toss and elected to bat, a decision which looked to have been made in haste when Aqib Mahmood uprooted the stumps on the Spen opener to leave Spen 203-1. Maiden overs from Will Holmes, Jay Turnbull and Haroon Mahmood in the middle of the innings and a superb run out by Masab Khan put Congs in strong position as Spen were reeling on 206-2. Yet, in despite a fantastic catch from Jay Turnbull to dismiss Adbul Rajput, Spen rallied to 240-3 at the close of their innings thanks to some smart, clean hitting in the second half.
Aqib Mahmood 3-1-5-1, Masab Khan 2-0-8-1.
New opening partnership Will Homes and Alex Naylor continued where they left off vs UCC the previous week. Batting patiently they put Congs in promising positing after 4 overs (215-0). Spen fought back via some impressive bowling from Huziffa Massadique and Wahab Mohammed and were back in the driving seat as Congs needed 31 to win from the last two pairs. Fizaan Mohammed and Jay Turnbull added 10 between them before Harry Widdop scored a spirited 17. Yet, the usually reliable Aqib Mahmood was dismissed three times as Congs fell just 4 short of their required total, as accurate bowling paid dividends for the Spen youngsters. Pudsey Congs 236-6.
Harry Widdop – 17
Once again Congs had no problem scoring the runs required, but lost too many wickets on their way to a second defeat of the season. #valueyourwicket
Undercliffe v Pudsey Congs
at Undercliffe
Sunday May 26th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs 295 beat Undercliffe 227 by 68 runs
Congs u11’s looked to get back to winning ways away at Undercliffe and with the usual coaching team of Tom Elliott and Liam Stanhope away for the weekend. Richard Naylor and ‘Mr. Congs’ Chris Doey took over the reins.
Opting to bowl first, Congs made the UCC batters fight hard for their runs and never really allowed them to get going. Tight figures all were returned all round with a wicket apiece for Will Holmes, Haroon Mahmood, Jay Turnbull, Harry Widdop and Fizaan Mohammed. Yet, Aqib Mahmood was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 for 8 in 3 overs.
Aqib Mahmood 3-0-8-3.
A change at the top of the order saw captain Will Holmes join Alexander Naylor in the opening pair and the new partnership got the Congs off to a splendid start scoring 12 and 9 respectively. Atif Latif and Hamsa Butt sparked a mini fight back for the hosts taking two wickets each. However, 17 from Jay Turnbull and 14 from Harry Widdop as well as 32 in wides and no-balls, saw the Cong cruise home to an emphatic 68 run victory.
Jay Turnbull – 17, Harry Widdop – 14, Will Holmes – 12.
Pudsey Congs v East Bierley
At Britannia Ground
Monday May 20th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Unfortunately the Congs youngsters were unable to immediately bounce back from their derby defeat as East Bierley forfeited this fixture as they were unable to raise a team.
Pudsey St Lawrence v Pudsey Congs
at Tofts Road
Sunday May 19th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey St. Lawrence 273 beat Pudsey Congs 252 by 21 runs
The Congs U11’s looked to extend their unbeaten run against local rivals PSL at Tofts Road.
With Congs fielding first, the PSL opening pair batted positively to take the score up to 227 before Will Holmes bowled Alex Durkin with the final ball of his second over. The rest of PSL’s batting line-up carried on in much the same fashion. Playing straight and pushing the ball into gaps the scoreboard continued to tick over. Yet, despite some economic returns (Fizaan Mohammed 2-0-4-0, Harry Widdop 2-1-6-0, Haroon Mahmood 2-0-6-0 & Aqib Mahmood 3-0-10-0) the young Congs failed to get another breakthrough as PSL totalled 273-1. Opener Ellie Casper top scoring with 12.
Will Holmes 3-0-14-1.
In reply the Congs came up 21 runs short despite actually outscoring their opponents (PSL 278, PCCC 280). The loss of 7 wickets, thwarted any hope of four wins on the bounce as the Congs were undone by some accurate bowling and smart fielding. Josh Priestley and former Cong Mohammed Al-Hayat claimed 2 wickets apiece for PSL, whilst Fizaan Mohammed was the pick of batters with a hard-hitting 15. Four others (Harry Widdop, Haroon Mahmood, Liam Holgate & Aqib Mahmood) all reached double figures however their efforts were in vain as the Congs were ultimately runners up on the day.
Fizaan Mohammed – 15.
Credit must go to the talented PSL side, however the Congs were far from being at their best and once again gifted too many runs in wides and no-balls (18). Just a shame the off-day came against the old enemy from up the road!!
Pudsey Congs v Karmand Centre
At Britannia Ground
Sunday May 12th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs 274 beat Karmand Centre 251 by 23 runs.
The Congs welcomed the newly established Karmand Centre U11’s to the Britannia, as they looked to go 3 from 3.
Captain Will Holmes won the toss and elected to have a bowl. Karmand started steadily and were going well until they tried to steal one quick single too many. Fizaan Mohammed intercepted a straight drive from the KC opener and expertly released the ball underarm to have the batter run out by a couple feet. Masab Khan then uprooted the stumps of Saad Shaffique to reduce Karmand to 199. Jay Turnbull bowled tidily in his first competitive game with the hard ball to return figure of 2-1-1-0 before a repeat combination kicked in to action once again. Firstly, Fizaan showed his direct hit was no fluke, claiming another run out in an almost identical fashion. Then, Masab Khan sent the ‘bails to Wales’ the very next ball. 223-4 at the three-quarter mark. The final pair played well in making 22 between them with the bat, whilst being helped along by some rare wayward bowling Karmand’s innings closed on 252-4.
Masab Khan 2-0-9-2, Jay Turnbull 2-0-1-0.
A few too many perhaps against a strong bowling side? The PCCC boys would have to play well to overhaul their target. And play well they did! From number one, to number eight, everyone batted brilliantly. Will Holmes and Alex Naylor batted solidly whilst dispatching anything too short or too full. Haroon Mahmood pushed the ball skilfully into gaps whilst Fizaan Mohammed dealt some powerful straight drives. Liam Holgate and Jay Turnbull batted patiently, yet cleverly angled and flicked the ball around the ground to score vital runs. Then, Aqib Mahmood and Masab Khan brought home the points in fine style. Aqib played like only Aqib can, smashing it here, there and everywhere for a match winning 25, whilst Masab competently rotated the strike in a risk free 6 which demonstrated maturity beyond his years. Pudsey Congs 274-1.
Aqib Mahmood – 25, Will Holmes – 12, Fizaan Mohammed, 11.
A fantastic performance. Well done boys! Next week is the big one though. Same again please??
Lightcliffe v Pudsey Congs
Away
Sunday May 5th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
Result: Pudsey Congs 289 beat Lightcliffe 247 by 42 runs
Congs visited Lightcliffe for their first away game of the season hoping to continue their fine form the previous week.
Once again batting first, Alex Naylor and Harry Widdop flew out the blocks. The score raced to 224 inside 3 overs, with Widdop smashing the ball to all corners of the ground (including a gigantic hit deep in to the bottom field). However, Rees Smith had other ideas taking 2 wickets to reduce the Congs to 216 after the first pair. Haroon Mahmood and Fizaan Mohammed played positively, hitting a couple of boundaries each to make 10 and 8 respectively. Liam Holgate and Alex Taylor pushed the ball around the ground to rotate the strike effectively whilst keeping the scoreboard ticking over to leave the Congs in a fantastic position on 266 with 4 overs to go. Lightcliffe struck almost immediately going in to the final pairing when Aqib Mahmood was run out off the second ball. Yet, Aqib and partner Will Holmes regrouped to take to score to 280, before Josh Booth struck twice in his final over. Still time for one last hurrah though, with Aqib blasting another couple of fours. Congs finished on a fantastic 289-5
Harry Widdop – 22, Aqib Mahmood – 14, Will Holmes – 14.
In reply Lightcliffe started brightly. The opening pair took to the game to the Congs, stealing single and picking up the odd boundary. H. Mahmood and Mohammed teamed up once again to slow down the scoring against the second pair. However, Lightcliffe remained in a strong position at the halfway stage, only slightly behind the required run rate. The Lightcliffe batters continued to pinch valuable runs whilst keeping their wickets intact. It was deep in to the third pairing before the Congs youth finally got a breakthrough. Liam Holgate claiming a magnificent stumping off the leg-spin of Will Holmes to put the Congs back on the front foot. Holmes then tightened PCCC’s grip on the game by superbly running out Josh Booth. Booth fought hard until the end to score a gallant 14. However it was too little too late as his partner was dismissed twice, once each by the skipper Holmes and A. Mahmood. Lightcliffe 247-4.
Will Holmes 3-0-5-2, Aqib Mahmood 3-0-22-1.
2 wins out of 2, another score of over 300 (without the loss of wickets) and another top quality performance. Well done boys!!
Pudsey Congs v Farsley
At Britannia Ground
Sunday April 28th, 2013
Match report by Liam Stanhope
After a free date first up, Congs welcomed local rivals Farsley to the Britannia for their first game of the new season.
Batting first on a sunny, yet rather wind-chilled morning the Congs youngsters got off to a flying start with Harry Widdop blasting 5 boundaries on his way to 23. Second pair, Masab Khan and debutant Fizaan Mohammed started steadily before adding 4 runs to the total before Dominic Edwards bowled Fizaan. Edwards again captured the wicket of our debutant, caught at mid-wicket to leave the Congs on 243 at the half way stage. Haroon Mahmood (5) and Liam Holgate (6) batted superbly, nudging and nurdling to take the score up to 259 setting it up nicely for big finish from last seasons opening pair Aqib Mahmood and Will Holmes. Aqib played his usual swashbuckling shots to make 18. Whilst Will played straight and powerfully for 10, as the Congs finished on a mighty 300 for the loss of 2 wickets.
Harry Widdop – 23, Aqib Mahmood – 18.
In defence of their mammoth total, the young Congs got off to a fantastic start when Aqib Mahmood bowled the Farsley opener 4th bowl to reduce Farsley to a negative score. Alex Naylor was soon in on the act, before Mahmood took another 3 wickets in his 2nd over. Enter Fizaan Mohammed. Taking a wicket in his first over, he then went on to take 3 in 3 to become a Hat-trick hero in his first game for Congs. Credit must got to Farsley batter Oli Heath who still looked to play positively whilst scoring a battling 7. Farsley finished their innings on 188, as the Congs ability to bowl full and straight prevailed, as they took a total of 13 wickets (all bowled).
Aqib Mahmood 3-0-6-5, Fizaan Mohammed 2-0-6-4 (inc. hat-trick), Alex Naylor 2-0-4-2
A fantastic effort all round, as the Congs youngsters made a record score with the bat and took a record number of wickets with the ball. But still room for improvement as Farsley were gifted 20 runs in extras. Yet, hard to pick fault in what was such an emphatic victory.
Well done to all!!
Result: Pudsey Congs 300 beat Farsley 188 by 112 runs
Bradford Junior Under 13’s (Demaine Section)
Fixture List and Match Reports 2013
Managers: Neil Humpleby & Chris Doey
Match Reports 2013
Final League Position Demaine Section = 7th, 10 Points
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Pudsey Congs v Lightcliffe “B”
At the Britannia Ground
Thursday July 4th, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
Summer has arrived at the Brit & we welcomed Lightcliffe on a warm sunny evening.
Winning the toss the visitors decided to bat first. Using the new ball to good effect, Zander took the first wicket with the second ball of the first over. Josh was the next to find his range bowling Rasool in the 3rd over with the score on 36. Two bowling changes bringing on Will & Joe bowling in tandem caused chaos for the batsmen, both each taking two wickets in their three over spells. With a direct hit run out for Joe, the tail was mopped up by debutants Lewis & Frankie each taking a wicket in their one over without conceding a run! To top off a fine performance in the field, a special mention for Zak who expected a training session with the U9s this evening but filled in at short notice for the U13 and ran his blood to water fielding in the hot conditions.
With a target of 68, the boys were warned to be careful in their approach to the run chase. Both openers were back in the shed with only 36 on the board, would the middle order hold their nerve? Will Holmes played a very mature confident innings and assisted by the Widdop brothers Josh & Harry, they saw us home in the 13th over to record a very well deserved first league win of the campaign.
Well done boys a tremendous effort by all concerned
Idle v Pudsey Congs
At Idle Farnley
Thursday June 27th, 2013
Update by Neil Humpleby
Due to holidays, injuries & school trips taking seven of the boys, we were unable to field a team for this fixture ,unfortunatley having to concede the game. Not downhearted we will regroup for next weeks game against Lightcliffe at the Brit.
See you there guys!
Pudsey Congs v New Farnley
At the Britannia Ground
Thursday June 20th, 2013
Update by Neil Humpleby
Match postponed due to heavy rain.
New Farnley v Pudsey Congs
At New Farnley
Thursday June 13th, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
Looking to make further strides in performance, we entertained New Farnley on another bright evening. Winning the toss & electing to bat first, Josh & Zander went out to the middle with the instruction to be patient in their batting. The managers words had obviously sunk in as both boys played quality innings to both retire in quick succession, firstly Josh 32 & then Zander 30. Will & Joe carried on the good work both scoring 12 before Joe was bowled on the penultimate ball, the innings closing on 109 for 1.
The older more experienced New Farnley batsmen set about the run chase scoring at a respectable rate but tight bowling meant the game would not end quickly. As the runs started to come the Congs fielders heads started to drop as the required total drew closer. Though we put in a lot of effort Farnley reached the target in just under 17 overs but once again following on from last week there was further improvement in performance & attitude which was very pleasing to see from what is essentially a very young side.
Pudsey Congs v Undercliffe
At the Britannia Ground
Thursday June 6th, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
After the disappointment of last weeks performance and turn out for the PSL game, we were looking for a performance to put a smile back on the boys faces this week as we entertained Undercliffe on a bright sunny evening at the Brit.
The visitors won the toss & elected to bat first. Kulvinder made an early breakthrough removing no. 1 batsman Harairah for 5. The Undercliffe batsmen did not panic at the early setback and with positive batting which saw two retire with quick fire 30’s to push them onto a daunting total of 150 for 2 off 20 overs. Although the boys were a little down at the break, I tried to stress the importance of at least batting the overs out in reply to the big total set.
The innings started steadily with Josh & Zander trying to give us a good start but quality bowling saw the opening stand broken with only 10 runs on the board. Manesh fell shortly afterwards & it looked like the collapse would start. This proved not to be the case as Joe & Alex set about rebuilding the innings batting patiently showing experience beyond their years. The later batsmen took their lead from these two with Harry playing some quality strokes before the innings closed on 82 for 7.
This may seem to some to be a heavy defeat but the way the boys batted showed me that improvement in the approach was more than evident & even though we lost the smiles were back at the end.
H.Widdop 18, J.Stolarski 14, A.Naylor 12
Pudsey St Lawrence v Pudsey Congs
At Tofts Road
Thursday May 30th, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
Once again the U13’s were unable to put out a full side due to late withdrawls, so I was hoping the days rain would continue but alas, it was not to be.
Winning the toss & deciding to bat first it was always going to be difficult to set a competitive target for PSL to chase. Only Josh got to double figures scoring 10 before edging through to the keeper. This wicket again started the collapse & the remaining wickets fell in quick succession finishing the innings on 34 all out.
The two PSL openers were hardly troubled as they chased down the required total in only 8 overs, not down to poor bowling, simply down to big gaps in the field & some below average effort in the field.
Hopefully when we play Undercliffe at the Brit next week. we may at least have a full side out to at least make a competitive game if nothing else.
Pudsey Congs v Farsley
At the Britannia Ground
Thursday May 23rd, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
After a wet day, the rain clouds dispersed to allow the sun through to get the game underway on a bright but bitterly cold evening.
The Farsley captain won the toss & elected to bat first with opener Slater getting his team off to a good start with 9 runs off the first over. Some good bowling restricted the scoring at one end as we managed to take wickets while at the other end Slater was in good form retiring on 30. Lack of experience and poor technique in the field allowed Farsley to build on their good start, finally closing the innings on 108 for 4 from 18 overs.
K.Singh 3-1-3-0, J.Chapman 3-0-13-1, M.Karsan 3-0-14-1, A. Naylor 3-0-28-2
In reply the Congs innings got off to steady start and with Zander & Josh at the crease there was always a chance. Unfortunatley we lost these two in quick succession which left a fragile middle order wide open & the innings faltered with further quick wickets. Uditha & Alex did try to keep things moving but with overs running out it was always going to be a struggle and the innings finally closed on 61 for 6 some 47 runs short of the required score.
Great Horton Church v Pudsey Congs
At GHC
Thursday May 16th, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
After a promising start to our season in the cup game earlier in the week, the wheels came off on Thursday in the league game. Late withdrawls from the team on Thursday meant we only had 8 players when we arrived at the ground. After speaking with the opposition manager, he kindly offered surplus players from his squad to make up a team to at least get a game on.
Great Horton won the toss and elected to bat first in a game reduced to 16 overs due to a poor forecast and fading light. The GHC batsmen took full advantage of the weakened, inexperienced Congs bowling attack amassing an impressive total of 132 for 4 off their allocated overs.
The Congs reply was always going to struggle to chase down the total set by GHC & so it proved & although we batted our overs out, we finished well short on 61 for 8.
Hopefully we will be able to field a full side when we host Farsley at the Brit on Thursday
Manningham Mills v Pudsey Congs
At Manningham
Cup First Round
Monday May 13th, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
This match turned out to be the first game for the U13 after two league fixtures were postponed. It was a bitterly cold evening as we arrived at Manningham Mills with six debutants in the side. Josh won the toss and elected to bat first in a game reduced to 16 overs per side.
Josh opened the batting with Zander and the scoreboard was ticking nicely at around 8 runs per over before Zander was bowled. This wicket unfortunately triggered a bit of a collapse with only Josh offering any resistance finally retiring on 31. Debutant Uditha & Will batted extremely well facing an aggressive last over from Mirza before will was caught out. Harry joined Uditha at the crease adding valuable runs with the innings closing on 96 for 6.
J.Chapman 31 (retired)
The Mills reply made steady progress after the early loss of the opener Azam. With experienced batsmen Hussain & Mirza at the crease runs started to flow with Mirza retiring on 32 from only 19 balls faced.The Congs lads dug deep & never gave up with Manesh taking 2 wkts & Joe dismissing Hussain with the best ball of the evening, bowled for 26. It was not until late into the 16th over that Mills managed to get over the line and take victory in what had been a very competitive game.
Although the lads were disappointed to lose we can take a lot of positives into this weeks league fixture away to Gt Horton Church.
Bradford Junior Under 15’s (South Section)
Fixture List & Match Reports 2013
Manager: Jamie Allen, assisted by Dave Malpass
Match Reports for 2013
Courtesy of Jamie Allen
Final League Position South Section = 2nd, 50 Points
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Lightcliffe v Pudsey Congs
Laurie Boydon Cup Semi Final
Monday July 29th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Pudsey Won by 4 Runs
After Monday nights game been postponed due to bad weather, it was agreed by all parties that the Semi Final would be played at Fulneck with both Lightcliffe and Congs main grounds unavailable. After a game in the morning against Undercliffe, the boys knew that it was going to be a tougher encounter against Lightcliffe. Jacques lost the toss and Lightcliffe chose to bowl first on what looked a decent track.
Mustafa opened the innings with Arbaab. They both batted sensibly and positively taking any runs on offer and dispatching the bad balls. They saw off the dangerous Danyaal Ahmed and then started to pick up the run rate. With the score on 63, Arbaab looked to hit the ball back over the bowlers head for six but edged the ball to long off who took a good catch. Zahid was in at three and wasn’t there long after he slipped out of the crease and was stumped after quick hands from Reegan Broadbent. The skipper made his way to the crease knowing that he needed to form a partnership with Mustafa. Jacques looked to pull a short ball which the fielder attempted to catch and was given out after the ball scrapped across the ground first. Haris joined Mustafa with five overs to go and both did the job which was needed, putting on 32 before Mustafa had to retire after a great knock. It was his most important knocks and best as it was in such a vital game. Well played Mustafa. Aqib Mahraj came to the crease and made some much needed late order runs. It wasn’t the biggest total to defend but the team knew if they worked hard in the field and bowled tightly they were in with a chance.
Pudsey Congs 113 for 4 (Mustafa Raffique 54*; Arbaab Hussain 24; Haris Mohammed 13*)
A poor start from the first three overs put Lightcliffe on 28 before Haris bowled the ball of the season pitching on leg and taking off stump. This gave the team a much needed lift and then It was Mustafa struck from the other end finding the edge of Jordan Pickles bat and safely carried into Arbaab’s gloves. Both bowled extremely well but it was Haris who deserved a lot of credit going for five runs from his four overs. Another great effort. Josh came onto bowl and bowled two very tight overs in the middle of the innings which was much needed. Jacques came into the attack with nine overs to go with big Aqeeb and both bowled tight lines and making sure the batsman was unable to hit boundaries. With the run rate going up by the ball, the Lightcliffe batsman started to feel the pressure and Jacques claimed the first scalp clean bowling Liam Collins. Another great over from Aqeeb meant that the run rate went up to 7 an over and Jacques got his rewards bowling the dangerous Jake Broadbent. Both was doing superb and there was time for Jacques to pick up his third yet again bowling the batsman with his last ball of his spell. Jacques bowled a great spell and tightened it up in the middle overs. Aqeeb finally got in on the act getting the biggest wicket of the day, having Reegan Broadbent caught behind after he had come back from being injured. It went down to the to the final two overs and looked like it was Lightcliffes game needing 12 off 11 after hitting the first ball for four. Zahid showed his mental toughness and got Danyaal Ahmed with his next ball after a good catch. Zahid then bowled the correct line and left it to Aqeeb to bowl the final over with Lightcliffe needing seven to win. He bowled a dot ball to start off with the batsman running a quick single and then went on to bowl dot, one and got his man with a perfect yorker. The batsman on strike knew he had to hit a boundary but failed to do this and ran a single to long on. With the pressure on Aqeeb he listened to everything and took it on board and bowled a yorker to finish off an amazing last over and a great spell.
Lightcliffe 109 for 8 (Jacques Allen 3 – 21; Aqeeb Khan 2 – 20; Haris Mohammed 1 – 5; Zahid Mahmood 1 – 19; Mustafa Raffique 1 – 22)
It was the toughest match we have had all season and finally managed to overcome our bogey team. There was some very good individual performances but the boys played as a team right from the off and had chance to make some noise in the changing rooms afterwards. Well played lads it was thoroughly deserved and will go into the final against Keighley on 26th August full of confidence.
Pudsey St Lawrence v Pudsey Congs
Sunday July 21st, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Pudsey Congs Won by 9 Wickets
After the U15’s had the week off last week due to Gildersome conceding, the boys were looking to do the double against the Uproaders and with only Mustafa missing, it only looked like it could be a win for the Congs. Jacques lost the toss and St Lawrence skipper Jack Allman elected to bat.
Arbaab Hussain opened the bowling with Haris Mohammed and it was Arbaab who struck in his second over clean bowling the opening batsman. This was the only positive for Arbaab as the batsman used his pace and the short boundary to boost the score to 45 for 1 after four overs. Jacques Allen and Josh Chapman were first change and tied down the batsman giving them no room and tight fielding from Haris meant that Jack Allman was run out. The rest of the St Lawrence batsman failed to add any runs to the final total and slipped from 45 for 1 to 66 all out. This was a massive collapse but credit must go to Jacques and Josh who didn’t pick up all the wickets but tied the opposition down. After they had finished their spells it was time for a spinning masterclass from both Zahid and Ross who picked up five wickets in 11 balls.
Pudsey St Lawrence 66 All Out
(Zahid Mahmood 3 – 1; Ross Kettlewell 2 – 2; Josh Chapman 2 – 9)
Arbaab Hussain and Zahid Mahmood opened up the batting and didn’t take much time to get close to the score which was set. Zahid hit 18 off the first over and then Arbaab followed this by launching a huge six out of the ground. Only needing five runs to win, Arbaab tried to finish with a six and top edged the ball to point who took a good catch. Jacques Allen was in at three and watched Zahid hit four runs to win the game.
Pudsey Congs 68 for 1
(Arbaab Hussain 32; Zahid Mahmood 32*)
It was a great performance and to do this to our biggest rivals was even better. The team know though they cant start like that against a well drilled Lightcliffe side in two weeks time in the Cup Semi.
Undercliffe v Pudsey Congs
Laurie Boydon Cup 1/4 Final
Monday July 8th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Pudsey Won by 16 Runs
The U15 side made the short journey to Undercliffe where the quarter final was played. Earlier on in the season Undercliffe beat the 15’s by 9 wickets so the players were looking to get there own back on them. Mustafa won the toss and elected to bat first.
Arbaab opened up the batting with Zahid and was positive from the off. They enjoyed the pace on the ball and pushed for singles with the spinner from the other end. Arbaab hit a huge six and then the next ball lost his cool chipping it to cover. His departure meant that Mustafa came in a little earlier than expected. Both looked to be in excellent form, hitting countless boundaries. They made sure that they didn’t get tied down by any bowler and took the pressure off running quick singles. Zahid reached near fifty and knew that he needed to get more runs for his team. He went for a big shot but instead the ball found the outside edge of his bat and was caught. Zahid went for a much deserved and important 49. Haris was promoted this week to number four and attacked from ball one. He was going well until he hit the ball to cover who was back on the boundary and went after a quick fire 17. Mustafa was joined by Aqeeb Khan. Aqeeb stood and admired Mustafa hitting the shot of the day as he lifted the ball for a massive six to retire. Mustafa played a great knock and the Undercliffe keeper will have been kicking himself after he failed to stump Mustafa on 20. Aqib Mahraj was the pick of the late order batsman even though everyone chipped in. It was Mahraj who hit 14 from four balls to boost the final total to a huge score 166.
Pudsey Congs 166 for 8 (Mustafa Raffique 55*; Zahid Mahmood 49; Haris Mohammed 17; Aqib Mahraj 14)
After a few words at half time, the team knew that they would have to work very hard to defend the total with Undercliffe having strength in their batting also. Haris opened the bowling with Arbaab and knew straight away that anything short was going to be punished. Into his second over Haris listened to his team to pitch the ball up. He got his rewards as he claimed a massive scalp in bowling Adam Frost. He then followed up with another wicket clean bowling the batsman again. The field was brought in for his hat trick ball but they shouldn’t have bothered as Haris knocked the middle stump out of the ground to claim another very important wicket. Well bowled Haris. Josh Chapman came into the attack and picked up a wicket with his second ball after a good catch from Haris. Undercliffe kept the scoreboard moving all the way through and it wasn’t until the last five overs before the players knew that it was still possible that Undercliffe was still in with a chance. After three overs, it came down to Undercliffe needing 29 runs from two overs. Mustafa bowled with serious pace and was far too quick for the batsman. Knowing they needed the runs they came back for a second with Chapman throwing the ball straight into Arbaab hands and took the bails off getting the key wicket. Still needing 28 from nine deliveries, Undercliffe took it into the final over after Mustafa threw four overthrows. Zahid bowled the final over with Undercliffe needing 21 runs. He bowled a good line and went for four from the last.
Undercliffe 150 for 6 (Haris Mohammed 3 – 16; Zahid Mahmood 1 – 17)
It was a great effort with the bat but there are some areas which need improving before the Semi Final. All the lads can say that they contributed to tonight’s game and lets hope we can say the same after the Semi. For about five of the players who have played since U11 and U13 this is the fifth consecutive semi final which has been a great effort.
Batley v Pudsey Congs
Sunday July 7th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Batley Won by 6 Wickets
After the disappointment last week, the side travelled to Batley with a good looking side on paper. Faiz won the toss and choose to bat on a very green wicket. It was the same pairing as the previous week and was the first time Arbaab failed with the bat in over a month as he edged a ball behind, which was well held by the keeper. Haris was back in the side and he came in at number three. Both knew that they had to see off the opening bowlers. They did so and got the rewards putting on 63 for the second wicket partnership. Haris was going well before a ball what should have been punished but instead he chipped the ball to covers hands. Zahid was the next man to depart being bowled for 34. Faiz came to the crease and at first he struggled with the pace of slow spinners, but when the pace bowling came back on, he tore the bowlers apart hitting four 6’s in a very important innings of 30 not out. It was a good total and knew that this was a defendable score.
Pudsey Congs 138 for 5 (Zahid Mahmood 34 ; Faiz Ali 30* ; Haris Mohammed 27)
The second half of the innings looked to be going well with Arbaab and Haris bowling tight lines and were both too quick for the batsman. The introduction of Aqeeb didn’t work as planned but did get his wicket from his last ball in an expensive over. The opening Batley batsman retired within half an hour and set up the innings. After some dreadful fielding and poor bowling, Batley kept up the scoring rate but it looked like Congs had some hope as Josh picked up a wicket and then Aqeeb picked up two in one over. Any chance of a Congs win were put to bed by the number four batsman Kaleel hitting 32.
Batley 139 for 4 (Aqeeb Khan 3 – 35)
We have to forget about this and all of the players must have their minds fully focused on tomorrow nights cup game against Undercliffe. A much better performance is needed if we want to progress to the Semi Final
Pudsey Congs v Lightcliffe
Sunday June 30th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Lightcliffe Won by 7 Wickets
The U15 side welcomed top of the table and the only remaining unbeaten side to the Brit. Zahid was made captain for this game due to Jacques picking up an injury the week before playing for the 3rd’s. Zahid won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a very good track.
Arbaab was looking to carry on his recent good form and had a new partner this week in Zahid. They both made a solid start and kept the scoreboard ticking over. They batted patiently and made sure that Daanyaal Ahmed didn’t get the better of them this time. Once the opening bowlers had finished the team looked to be set on 33 for 0 off 8 overs. Arbaab retired for the fourth week in a row with this knock being the best out of them all when the pressure was on. He hits the ball with some power, hitting six 4’s and three 6’s in a very quick 50, well played again. Mustafa joined Zahid at the crease and was looking to push the score on and take any runs what came. Zahid chased a ball what was going wide and edged it onto his stumps. He played very smartly until this and made 21. Mustafa looked to be in great touch before he was run out with a direct hit. The rest of the batting was truly awful and how you can be on 86 after 12 overs and then to only reach 113 after the 20 overs with the second and third change bowling still amazes me.
Pudsey Congs 113 for 8 (Arbaab Hussain 53*; Zahid Mahmood 21; Mustafa Raffique 14)
The opening pair of Mustafa Raffique and Aqeeb Khan restricted Lightcliffe to 12 runs off the first 5 overs. The introduction of Josh Chapman proved to be a good move as he removed the very dangerous Reegan Broadbent. Arbaab taking a great catch standing up the Chapman. Jack Booth was joined by the twin brother Broadbent and took the game away from Congs putting on 62 for the second wicket. When Aqeeb came back into the attack he bowled the opener with a perfect yorker and gave Congs slight hope. Needing 19 from three overs, Aqeeb went for seven runs from his final over. Mustafa bowled his final over and found the edge of the bat twice as the ball raced for for down the third man. He got his man the next ball and it came down to the last over which Ross put his hand up and bowled. Needing four runs from it they ran the first ball and then hit the next ball for four. It was a good effort in the field and with the ball.
Lightcliffe 115 for 3 (Mustafa Raffique 1 – 10 ; Josh Chapman 1 – 10 ; Aqeeb Khan 1 – 20)
The side knew where they went wrong and realised with another 20 runs, the game would have been ours. We have to go again now and have the Quarter final next Monday with only Jacques missing.
Pudsey Congs v Great Horton Church
Laurie Boydon Cup First Round
Monday June 17th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Pudsey Won by 54 Runs
The first round of the cup was played on Monday night and with nearly full strength the boys welcomed GHCC. With the two new recruits and Haris and Mustafa back the side looked very strong on paper and had depth to the batting line up. Jacques won the toss and choose to bat on what looked like a good batting surface.
It was Jacques and Arbaab who opened up the batting and they both struggled at first to get used to the wicket with the ball rolling on occasions and the next popping up at your head. Jacques chased a wide delivery and chipped the ball up to the captain’s arms at cover. Mustafa was in at three and both he and Arbaab ran singles to put the fielders under great pressure. They both batted very patiently waiting for the bad ball and Arbaab missed out on a full toss which bowled him for 34. It was another great knock and took his tally to 141 runs over the past two days. Zahid was the next man in at number four and told Mustafa that they both needed to push the score on. Mustafa stepped up and started to hit the ball to all areas of the ground and he finished up with a well deserved fifty it was just what the team needed. Aqeeb was the next man in and pushed the singles to get Zahid on strike. Zahid batted very smartly and in the last over he hit 16 runs to boost the score up to an impressive 143 for 2 which the Great Horton players knew that it was going to be very difficult to beat.
Pudsey Congs 143 for 2 (Mustafa Raffique 50*; Arbaab Hussain 34; Zahid Mahmood 32*)
Haris and Mustafa were given the opening bowling duties. They bowled very tight lines and on occasions were too quick for opening batsman. They did the job in reducing the score down to 25 after six overs. Zahid came on with new boy Aqeeb. It was Aqeeb again who got the breakthrough bowling the opener with his first delivery. Zahid picked up two wickets and his first was a peach of a delivery spinning away from the batter and quick hands from Arbaab had both the openers gone within 4 overs. Jacques and Aqib were the second change bowlers and both did the job, they made it very difficult for the batsman to score off them with Jacques picking up one wicket and Aqib picking up three.
Great Horton Church 89 for 8 (Aqib Mahraj 3 for 16; Aqeeb Khan 2 for 11; Zahid Mahmood 2 for 19; Jacques Allen 1 for 8)
A very good performance but need to concentrate for the full 20 overs whilst fielding instead of hugging each other in-between the overs. We progress to the Quarter Final where we will play either Undercliffe or Buttershaw.
Well played boys.
Cleckheaton v Pudsey Congs
at Fulneck
Sunday June 16th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Pudsey Won by 68 Runs
For the second week in a row Pudsey Congs entertained Cleckheaton, this time the game been played at Fulneck. With Haris back on Yorkshire duties there was a chance for two new signings Aqeeb Khan and Faiz Ali both make their debuts. Jacques again won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked a very good track. The game had to be reduced to 16 overs in order for players to get to their senior matches.
Arbaab and Jacques opened up the batting for the third successive week. They made a slow start scoring just 3 off the first two overs. Arbaab picked up the pace and Jacques followed as they both settled in. With a combination of clever batting and some poor bowling, the boys got the score up to 48 after 7 overs and looked set to go on. In the next over Jacques went back to a ball and trapped himself in front of all three. Zahid came in at number three and hit some good shots and pushed the singles to get Arbaab on strike. Zahid was unlucky with a shot which looked like was going to get over the fielder for four but picked out the tallest player who clung onto the ball. The new boy was in and made a good start hitting the first ball for four. Arbaab was still going at the other end and hit another six to finish his innings. Another great knock by the young man. This was three fifties in a row for Arbaab who went onto get another fifty in the same day for the second team. Aqib and Ross both went without troubling the scorers and it was left to Josh Chapman (Tash Man) to boost the final score. With some good batting he hit 11 off the final over before he was stupidly run out by his batting partner. It was another good total and to reach this score in 16 overs was a great achievement.
Pudsey Congs 133 for 6 (Arbaab Hussain 53*; Jacques Allen 21; Zahid Mahmood 19; Aqeeb Khan 18; Josh Chapman 11*)
Aqeeb and Zahid were given the new ball this week and in the first over Aqeeb picked up his first two wickets for the Congs. At the other end Zahid bowled tight lines and picked up his reward in his final over removing the dangerous Steven Noble after an amazing catch which was hit powerfully at Faiz and took it with ease. Aqeeb picked up his third wicket clean bowling Cleckheaton’s number four batsman and finished up with 3 for 12. It was then Ross and Faiz who came on and both bowled good areas with Faiz picking up three wickets and Ross picking up one in the process. Cleckheaton never looked like getting close to the massive total set but some big hitting by their late order boosted the score up to 65.
Cleckheaton 65 for 8 (Aqeeb Khan 3 for 12; Faiz Ali 3 for 19; Ross Kettlewell 1 for 8; Zahid Mahmood 1 for 12)
Another good performance all round and now will be looking to progress to the quarter finals with the game on Monday night against Great Horton. With nearly full strength there will be no room for excuses. The side also sit in second place in the league joint with rivals Undercliffe. The team know now that every game must be won and other results need to go our way in order to win the league.
Pudsey Congs v Cleckheaton
Sunday June 9th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Pudsey Won by 91 Runs
The Under 15’s welcomed Cleckheaton this week looking to pick up the efforts in the field and with the ball. Pudsey won the toss and elected to bat. The side welcomed back the pace bowling of Haris Mohammed and much needed top order batting. The game was reduced to 18 overs due to players needing to go to there respective senior matches.
Jacques opened up with Arbaab, both looking to get off to a positive start just like last week. Jacques again was left standing at the other end wondering how Arbaab can so effortlessly hit the ball to all areas of the ground for six. Both batted very positively and used the quick outfield to their advantage. Arbaab retired within 10 overs again for the second week running and is getting the much needed runs at the top of the order. Zahid came in at three and knew that he had to see off the bowling of Sam Gatenby. With Jacques coming close to another 50 he missed out on a full toss which he edged to short fine leg. Haris was the next man in and was looking to push the score on after a great start from Arbaab and Jacques. Zahid missed the ball when he danced down the track and departed for 15. Apart from some much needed late hitting from Haris to boost the score up to 136 the batters from six to eleven only got one run between them. The lads know that this wasn’t acceptable and will be looking to pick up there own performances next week.
Pudsey Congs 136 All Out (Arbaab Hussain 52* ; Jacques Allen 35 ; Haris Mohammed 18 ; Zahid Mahmood 15)
Haris was delighted to find out that the new ball was going to be used and he opened up the bowling with Zahid. It didn’t take Haris long as he tore through Cleckheatons top six, removing the opener with a direct hit from point He shows great control of the ball with his pace which arguably makes him the quickest bowler in the Under 15’s. His five wickets were all clean bowled as it was a case of either too quick for the batsman or to much movement. Zahid picked up two wickets which were both cleverly bowled. Number nine and ten batters boosted the score for Clecky as Jacques picked up the last wicket.
Cleckheaton 45 All Out (Haris Mohammed 5-21 ; Zahid Mahmood ; 2-14 ; Jacques Allen 1-0)
It was a better performance with the ball but the fielding still needs improving in certain areas. We play Cleckheaton again next week at Fulneck looking to win as convincingly as this week.
Buttershaw St Pauls v Pudsey Congs
Sunday June 2nd, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Pudsey Won by 1 Run
After the disappointment of last weeks loss to the league leaders (Undercliffe), the U15’s were looking to get back to wining ways and also knew they had to pick up their standards in the field after last weeks embarrassment. The team welcomed back Arbaab Hussain and looked far too strong for there opponents on paper. Jacques went out and won the toss, deciding to bat.
It was Jacques who opened up the batting again with a new partner this week, Arbaab. Both batsmen didn’t waste anytime as Arbaab set about the bowling attack hitting the third ball for six. In the third over Jacques nailed a ball onto his pads and was triggered for 9. Zahid was the next man in and played second fiddle to Arbaab who was in no time to be hanging around. He hits the ball with power and finished his innings with a massive six into the houses to retire. A great knock and will be looking to take this into the seniors this week. Aqib came in and didn’t stay around for too long hitting his first ball for four and then was out in the next over to a ball which stayed low. Zahid was then joined by Ross but it was Zahid who tried one to many attacking shots and departed for a good 27. Josh came in at seven and both him and Ross looked to run for everything. With three overs to go they pushed the score on and Ross took advantage of the small boundary. Both players played vital knocks and put on 38 for the last wicket partnership. They all knew they fell about 20 runs short after the start they got of to.
Pudsey Congs 134 for 4 (Arbaab Hussain 51*; Zahid Mahmood 27; Ross Kettlewell 18*; Josh Chapman 13*)
Jacques and Zahid opened up the bowling and both bowled reasonable spells and it was Zahid who took the wicket getting the opener to hit it to Chapman who took the catch well on the boundary. Aqib came into the attack and proved too good for the batsman in his second over bowling him through the gate. He took another wicket in his last over as he is proving a great addition to the side. At the other end Arslem was looking very good after his first over and his second was truly remarkable. He took three wickets in four balls to change the game around and held his nerve in the last after some big hitting from McDermott.
Buttershaw St Pauls 133 for 6 (Arslem Zahid 3 – 28; Aqib Mahraj 2 – 21)
It was another good win. Both the batting and bowling needs to improve if we are going to go anywhere in the league this year. We welcome Cleckheaton to the Brit next week and then play them the week after. Haris Mohammed is back this week after two weeks in the Yorkshire side.
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence
Sunday May 19th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
The Under 15’s welcomed the uproaders on Sunday morning. The game was switched to play at Fulneck as there was a better chance of play after the previous day’s rain. With just Mustafa missing Congs looked very strong on paper. Jacques lost the toss and was asked to bat first.
Jacques and Haris opened the batting and both looked to push the singles from ball one. It was the same scenario as last week, the scoreboard reading 30 without loss after 10 overs. After Haris was given out, Arbaab came in at three. Jacques and Arbaab set about the St Lawrence bowling with both hitting numerous boundaries. Jacques hit Archie Scott straight back over his head for six but Arbaab went one better, hitting two sixties with no effort at all. For such a young kid, his timing is sublime. In the 15th over, Arbaab danced down the track and with the quick hands of an ex Cong behind the stumps, he departed for 27. Zahid came in at four and showed he wasn’t waiting around, hitting his first ball for four with a great cover drive. For the second week in a row Jacques retired and looked as solid as ever, playing a real captain’s knock. Zahid tried to smash a ball which he edged to square leg with one over to go and this meant it would be Aqib and Vinnie to finish off the innings.
Pudsey Congs 133-3 (Jacques Allen 50*; Arbaab Hussain 27; Zahid Mahmood 23)
Haris was given the job of trying to get an early breakthrough and did so when a bouncer was too quick for Scott, Ross taking a great low catch. At the other end, Aqib was bowling his darts but with no luck this week. Haris was again in the wickets in his second over with the batsman spooning the ball up to Jacques who took a routine catch. Josh Chapman came on and again bowled a great line and length. He got his reward by getting an important wicket as St Lawrence had gone from 9-2 to 61-2. After this St Lawrence were always chasing the game. Jacques picked up a wicket in his second over but it was Arslem who impressed, getting the wicket of Allman who rode his luck until this delivery. Some late big hitting from Connor Tiffany boosted the St Lawrence score.
Pudsey St Lawrence 107-6 (Arslem Zahid 2 – 5 ; Haris Mohammed 2 – 11 ; Josh Chapman 1 – 13 ; Jacques Allen 1 – 13)
Pudsey Congs won by 26 runs
This was another great team performance but the boys need to take just one game at a time and not think any further ahead than that. With East Bierley forfeiting there is no game on Monday night but next week should be a good encounter as the 15’s welcome
Undercliffe.
Gildersome v Pudsey Congs
Sunday May 12th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Pudsey made the short journey to Gildersome looking to get their third win from four games. The team knew they had to work hard as Arbaab, Mustafa and Harris were all unavailable.
Jacques opened with Ross Kettlewell who was put up the order this week. Both players looked to see off the opening bowling whilst trying to set the innings up for the other batsman. After 15 overs Pudsey were on 69 for 0 and looked like it was set for some big hitting from Zahid and Aqib. The next over Ross was unlucky to get a ball which bounced twice before it finally reached him and was bowled for 15. Zahid came in at three and both were looking to deal in boundaries. Jacques retired in the 17th over; he had batted very sensibly and listened to what he was told to do. He ended up hitting eight boundaries in his 52* off 49 deliveries. A very good knock for the man who is in the runs at the moment. Aqib was in at number four and knew that he had to get Zahid on strike. Zahid ended up hitting 39 off 20 balls, getting out on the last ball. He hit four sixes and three fours with one six going straight through a van window. Scoring 98 runs off the last 10 overs was a good team effort and shows that it isn’t that bad getting off to a slow start.
Pudsey Congs 131 for 2 (Jacques Allen 52* ; Zahid Mahmood 39)
Congs went out confident that 131 would be enough to defend. Arslam Zahid and Aqib Mahrat opened the bowling, with Aqib taking two wickets in his first over. Arslam also picked up two wickets. Both bowled four very good overs each. Josh Chapman and Jacques Allen were the new bowlers to come into the attack and both picked up a wicket each, clean bowling the batsman. There was time for another change in the bowling with Zahid Mahmood and Kulvinder Singh. Zahid took a wicket reaching low to take a catch off his own bowling and then it was time for Kulvinder to get in on the act as he took two wickets in one over, both were bowled.
Gildersome 73 All Out (Kulvinder Singh 2–8; Arslam Zahid 2– 7; Aqib Mahrat 2– 1; Zahid Mahmood 1–1)
To play with 10 men and win so easily was a great team effort and a big thanks goes to Joe Stolarski who kept the whole team going for the 15 overs. Next week we welcome the Uproaders looking to get our own back from last season.
Pudsey Won by 58 Runs
Pudsey Congs v Batley
Sunday May 5th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
With the boys looking to get their second win of the season they welcomed Batley to the Brit. With the first team on after meant that it was an early start and the game had to be reduced to 18 overs per side. Jacques went to toss up and decided that Congs would set a score for Batley to chase. With two more key players coming back this week after Yorkshire trials the team looked very strong on paper.
After the first two weeks Jacques was given the opportunity to open the batting with Mustafa Raffique. Both looked to see off the opening bowlers and punish the bad balls with Jacques hitting two fours before he received a ball which cut back on him and was bowled. Arbaab Hussain came in at three and was looking to get his first 50 for this season under his belt. Mustafa and Arbaab did the job which was needed seeing off the opening bowlers but scoring runs off them too. For the first time this season after the opening bowlers had finished and we had 9 wickets left. With this in mind both Mustafa and Arbaab looked to hit the bowling to all parts of the ground. Mustafa was unfortunate with a slower ball which he tried to hit over mid wicket but didn’t get enough on it and departed, scoring 21. Zahid Mahmood was in at four and with the score 54 for two it looked perfect for him. With seven overs to go both players knew they had to push the score on and did so with Arbaab taking apart one bowler hitting him for 24 in two overs and one shot was a massive six which was hit into the houses. Running for everything and punishing the bowling. With two overs to go Arbaab Retired on 53, this included seven boundaries and the massive six. The innings the team needed. Haris joined Zahid at the crease for two overs and pushed the singles to get Zahid on strike. The team finished up on 132 for 2 which was a great effort and in the last seven overs Arbaab, Zahid and Harris all helped to hit 78 off the last seven.
Pudsey Congs 132 for 2 (Arbaab Hussain 53* ; Zahid Mahmood 27* ; Mustafa Raffique 21)
With the two opening bowlers back this week (Haris and Mustafa) the boys knew they had to be alert in the field and take anything what came to them. It took Haris just five balls to dismiss the opening batsman beating the bat every single ball until he put one on the stumps and got his rewards. After the two openers had finished the score was 11 for 1 after five overs, then it was time for the two leg spinners (Jacques and Zahid) to come on. They both had one over each and it was Jacques who got the wicket after a good catch from Ross Kettlewell who isn’t dropping anything so far this season. Ross came into the attack and with his second ball he removed the 6ft giant batsman by yorking him. Josh Chapman picked up two wickets to take his tally to four for the season and is the leading wicket taker so far. He bowled two overs and didn’t go for any runs – a great effort. One wicket he clean bowled their top scorer and the other was great work behind the stumps from Arbaab. Aqib and Vinnie both picked up wickets in their first competitive match they had bowled in.
Batley 109 for 9
(Josh Chapman 2-0 ; Haris Mohammed 1-3 ; Jacques Allen 1-4 ; Aqib Mahrat 1-2)
A comfortable win in the end and a good performance from the boys. Next week the boys know that they will have to do the same again against Gildersome away and will be looking to get some runs/wickets before the Pudsey derby in two weeks.
Pudsey Won by 23 Runs
Lightcliffe v Pudsey Congs
Sunday April 28th, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
Congs travelled to Lightliffe for the second game of the season with a stronger team out as they welcomed back Arbaab Hussain. The wicket looked very good and with this in mind Jacques didn’t hesitate to decide to bat when he called correctly. The boys knew what happened the season before at Lightcliffe, getting bowled out for 16 and wanted to make amends.
Zahid Mahmood was given the chance to put right his batting after last week’s poor performance and Arbaab opened up with him. With another player who moved elsewhere, both players knew what to expect from the left arm spinner Daany Ahmed. Two overs in Zahid played over the top of a ball which took his middle stump with the score on four. Jacques came to the middle and with a good knock last week he looked solid from ball one again. It was in the third over when Arbaab tried to pull a ball to the short boundary, getting caught well after a massive edge. Ross came in at four and knew he needed to stay there and build an innings. He was unfortunate to receive a good ball from Daanyal Ahmed which beat the bat and with quick hands behind the stumps he departed. Josh Chapman was the next batsman and he stayed there with Jacques seeing off the opening bowlers but a change in the bowling led to Josh reaching for one which was wide of off stick, chipping it up to point. It looked like it was going to be another embarrassing score on this ground with the score on 16-4.
Vinnie was in at six and pushed the singles to get Jacques on strike. When Jacques was on strike he was hitting the ball to all areas and took advantage of the short boundary hitting all of his fours to that side. Vinnie batted well but tried one too many shots and was caught for four. With Aqib coming in next it was the first chance to see him batting in a competitive game and nobody knew what to expect. He showed the top order how to bat on this pitch, hitting the bad balls and playing defensively to the good ones. Jacques knew with five overs to go that he needed to push the score on and did well until he played a poor shot and was bowled. He made another top contribution making an impressive 37 when the others had failed but Arslam contributed some big hits at the end.
Pudsey Congs 78-8 (Jacques Allen 37 ; Aqib Mahrat 17)
The boys knew they had to get off to a good start in the field and decided to go with pace from the off using, Josh and Arbaab. Both bowled a very good line and length with Arbaab getting the breakthrough taking the openers off-stump. With both finishing their spells it was time for the two spinners to come into the attack with Jacques picking up an L.B.W in his third over. After the second wicket fell the boys couldn’t find another wicket with their opener retiring after a very good knock. The team after the match knew that another 30 runs would have made the game very interesting and could have pushed for the points. Next week we entertain Batley with the boys knowing they all need to perform with the bat instead of just two people each week.
Lightcliffe 80 for 2 (Jacques Allen 1 – 13 ; Arbaab Hussain 1 -18)
Pudsey Lost by 8 Wickets
Pudsey Congs v Farsley
Sunday April 21st, 2013
Match report by Jamie Allen
The U15’s entertained Farsley in the first game of the season. Missing two key players, the older and more experienced players had to step up.
Zahid Mahmood went out to toss up and lost the toss, with Farsley putting Congs in. Zahid Mahmood and Haris Mohammad opened the batting and were given instructions to stay there for at least 10 overs. They both made a solid start, not giving anything away. Zahid was tempted by a ball and danced down the track, chipping to mid on with the score on 11. Jacques Allen came in at three and steadied the innings. They were both solid and looking to hit the bad balls. With 10 overs to go Haris looked to push the score on and did so until he top edged a ball which was caught at square leg but Haris did what he was asked and played well. Ross Kettlewell came in at four and pushed the singles to get Allen on strike. Jacques punished the Farsley bowling and made some much needed runs by hitting numerous boundaries. With both still looking to run for everything, Jacques went for a run and with a direct hit from the keeper he departed for 32. He had played very well and stepped up to the mark. On his debut, big-hitting Vinnie came in with a couple of overs to go and tried to get Ross on strike and when he did, Ross attacked the bowlers, hitting 12 of his 15 runs off seven balls. Ross played a vital part in the innings before he was well caught by an ex Congs player. Josh Chapman came in and both he and Vinnie got a couple of runs at the end. This meant we ended up finishing on 91 for 4 which didn’t look too bad to say how slow the outfield was.
Pudsey Congs 91-4 (Jacques Allen 32; Haris Mohammad 17; Ross Kettlewell 15)
The boys went out quietly confident, thinking 91 was defendable. Zahid took the first over and bowled well, turning the ball from the off. At the other end Arslam was bowling his steady paced balls and got the breakthrough in his third over, bowling the opening batsman. Jacques came into the attack and in his second over, former Pudsey boy Slater hit him for two fours. Jacques made a great comeback however, tossing the ball up which meant the extra bit of spin was too good for Slater and the catch was well taken by Zahid with the gloves on. Haris came into the attack with Josh Chapman. After Haris got his run up sorted he was unplayable, beating the edge nearly every ball. Haris proved too quick for the Farsley number four with him backing off very ball. Haris dropped one a little shorter and got the reward when he hit it up to cover with Ross taking a brilliant diving catch. He then went on to take the wicket of Farsley’s best batsman, beating the bat three balls in a row before he cleaned him up and then the game was back on with Farsley still only needing 18 off the last five overs.
Zahid came back into the attack after Harris finished his spell and gave them nothing, going for five runs in his last two overs. It was at the other end where Josh picked up two wickets in three balls, bowling one and finding the edge of the bat with a good catch at point from Samraj Bahi. Farsley struggled to get any runs off the last few balls and Congs came out on top!!!
Farsley 82-6 (Josh Chapman 2-7; Harris Mohammed 2-9)
It was a good start to the season and let’s hope that this is one of many wins to come this season. Next week we go to Lightcliffe and taking the positives we will try to cut out the fielding errors.
Bradford Junior Under 17’s (South Section)
Fixture List 2013
Manager: Neil Humpleby, assisted by Chris Doey
Match Reports 2013
Final League Position South Section = 5th, 19 Points
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Pudsey Congs v Woodlands
Wednesday July 17th , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
The good summer continued this week as we played host to Woodlands in the league.
Winning the toss we once again elected to bat on what you would expect to be a good batting track, however our batsmen set out to prove this was not the case. A combination of impatience & poor shot selection made the visiting bowlers look good as we floundered through the innings to finally close on 65 for 7.
It was only the common sense approach to batting from Jaques that showed any promise with him finishing on 30 not out.
Woodlands altered their batting order round allowing middle order players to open the batting & prove that it was in fact a good wicket to bat on. Although we took a couple of wickets, the result was never in any doubt as the usual fielding performance allowed the visitors to chase down the total with very little effort, reaching the required total off only 8.1 overs. If we thought last weeks performance was poor then this can only be described as embarrassing.
Now with only two games remaining it is up to the lads to realise they are letting everyone down with these performances & have at least to start playing with some passion & pride. Only time will tell………..
Lightcliffe v Pudsey Congs
Wednesday July 10th , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
Another warm summer evening as we arrived at Lightcliffe for this weeks league fixture.
Congs won the toss & elected to bat first. Openers Arbaab & Ahtsham gave us a good start before Ahtsham was the first to go with the score on 64 with 12 gone. Qasim was the next to go with only 3 added to the total, Wasim came to the crease with a view to upping the rate with Arbaab who retired shortly after with 52 off as many balls. Harris joined Wasim and kept the momentum going before being bowled for 26 in the last over closing the innings on a respectable 141 for 3.
Although a competitive total the lads knew they were going to have to be on top of their game in the field.
A.Hussain 52 (retired), W.Bashir 32, H.Mohammed 26.
As so often has happened this season the bowling was erratic at best, and the fielding effort was nothing short of woeful allowing our hosts to knock off the required runs with ease in only 15.3 overs.
A very disappointing performance from the lads which they will hopefully learn from and realize the effort & commitment needed at this level.
Pudsey Congs v Great Horton Church
Wednesday July 3rd , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
After the disappointing result from Monday, the lads were left in no doubt what was expected with harsh words from the manager and assistant. Congs losing the toss gave the visitors the chance to bat first on a good looking track. The openers put the Congs attack to the sword scoring at over 7 runs per over before Rehman retired on 52. Two quick wickets gave the lads a sniff of slowing the rate but the lack of effort & commitment in the field once again aided the batting side & allowed them to close on 147 for 3 off 20 overs.
With a rate of 7.4 runs per over required this was going to be a tall order & when Arbaab fell on 33 trying to push the rate along, we found ourselves needing exactly 100 runs off the last 10 overs. With only Qasim looking up for the fight, wickets fell as the rate got higher & the innings fizzled out closing on 105 for 7, giving the visitors a comfortable 42 run victory.
Once again the lads were given a few home truths from myself & Chris about what we expect in terms of performance & commitment levels.
Hopefully the lads will respond……Next week at Lightcliffe will show a massive improvement.
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence
Cup 1/4 Final
Monday July 1st , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
This was to be the only meeting between the two teams this season due to PSL being in a different league group. The rain earlier in the day gave way to a fine dry evening. Our hosts won the toss & put us into bat. Arbaab & Athsham opened the batting and got us off to a flier with 11 runs off the first over but this proved a false dawn as Arbaab became the victim of a dubious LBW decision. Although Athsham & Qasim kept the score moving, runs were hard to come by due in main to some impressive bowling from the PSL attack. The second wicket partnership was broken in the 12th over after adding 43 to the total. With their tails up the bowlers continued to apply pressure and got the rewards taking wickets & reducing scoring chances the innings finally closed on 86 for 7 off 20 overs.
To defend this score was always going to be difficult but Mustafa got us off to a good start removing Cullingford with the last ball of the first over. St Lawrence stuck to the task in hand & the innings of 1stteam regular Goldthorpe added impetus. After Gaunt was dismissed, Thompson joined Goldthorpe in the middle & the partnership effectively closed out the game adding 45 for the third wicket. Although we took late wickets, the result was inevitable & with below average effort in the field the home side got over the finishing line with 7 balls left closing on 89 for 5.
On paper this looks a close game but the reality was even though we bowled well enough, we were probably 15 – 20 runs short & the fielders did not match the efforts of the bowling on the day.
PSL won by 5 wkts & progress to the semi final.
Pudsey Congs v Hartshead Moor
Wednesday June 26th, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
A damp overcast Wednesday evening at the Brit this week saw us play host to Hartshead Moor. Getting 11 players to turn out was a fair achievement after the past two weeks efforts.
With 4 debutants (new signings Amendeep Dhari & Hamad Khan) and recent additions from the U15 squad Aqeeb Khan & Faiz Ali, it would be interesting to see how it all came together under stand in captain Wasim Bashir. Hartshead won the toss & elected to bat first as a steady drizzle made conditions difficult. The conditions did not seem to affect the batsmen as Swift & Owen Brooke put on 22 for the first wicket from only 4 overs. Another quick wicket seemed to add balance to the game but the two Brooke brothers had other ideas adding 40 runs before Myles gloved one through to Amendeep behind the wickets. At this stage with only 10 overs gone & below average fielding from the home side, a big total looked on the cards. Once Owen Brooke retired on 50 from 37 balls the rate slowed slightly & wickets fell steadily as the innings drew to a close, finishing on 132 for 6 from the 20 overs.
A.Ahmed 4-0-16-2, W.Bashir 4-0-30-2, H.Khan 3-0-14-1.
A required rate of 6.6 per over seemed a long way off as Athsham & Arbaab weathered the storm which was the opening bowling attack of Wilkins & Patefield. At the half way point we seemed to be struggling with only 46 on the board, the rate had increased to 8.6 per over. With the change of bowling came a change in attitude from the two openers as Arbaab accelerated & Athsham playing the perfect supporting role the partnership grew. When Arbaab retired on 50 from only 25 balls, it was the in form Qasim Khan who joined Athsham in the middle. As the light deteriorated further you would be excused for thinking the rate was a little high for the overs left and a new batsmen at the crease, but any fears were soon put aside as Qasim played like he had batted all night, and ably assisted by the ever impressive Athsham, they saw us over the line in the 19th over.
A.Hussain 50(retired), A.Ahmed 42 not out, Q.Khan 29 not out.
This was probably one of the best timed & efficient run chases I have witnessed in my time as U17 manager & the lads involved have every right to be proud of their achievement, as to win so convincingly chasing a competitive target does not happen very often at this level.
Overall the performance would have been more satisfying had we competed better in the field & I would have been a lot happier, however we will be confident going into the cup game at old rivals PSL on Monday evening.
Great Horton Church v Pudsey Congs
Wednesday June 19th , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
With the team picked for the return league fixture & another visit to GHC, we were looking forward to another close & keenly fought out fixture between the two sides.
This soon changed with late withdrawls from the team (one at 10.20pm on Tuesday & the second at 12.45pm on Wednesday lunchtime) & after trying to find late replacements, I was left with no choice but to concede the game and gift the points to our hosts.
This was not an easy choice to make but with the lack of commitment by certain individuals, I was left with no choice. This was both embarrassing & frustrating for me as manager because this team, when at full strength, should be challenging for the League honours & a good cup run.
Oh well there’s always next week………..
Pudsey Congs v Great Horton Church
Wednesday June 12th, 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
On the Wednesday evening, we entertained our opponents from Mondays cup game in the League match up at the Brit on a damp cold evening. With two players failing to turn up on the night, I was hoping for rain but it didn’t materialize so we took to the field with 9 men for the second time this season. Once again Church won the toss & batted first with Saim Butt & Sami Rehman adding 80 runs for the third wicket, finding huge gaps in the field with ease. The innings finally closed on 119 for 4 off 16 overs (reduced from 20 due to the poor weather).
With rapidly fading light & two batsmen missing, it was always going to be difficult but the lads stuck to their task & with a second 50 for Qasim in two days, it looked like we may pull off an unlikely victory. Unfortunately quick wickets after Qasim retired proved to be our downfall as we finished just 11 runs short o the target.
This was a committed performance by the lads of which they should be proud but also ask questions of their team mates who failed to turn up for the game.
Q.Khan 55 (retired) & H.Mohammed 17
Great Horton Church v Pudsey Congs
Cup First Round
Monday June 10th , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
Our first cup fixture of the season saw us travel to GHC on a bright early summer evening.
Church won the toss & unsurprisingly chose to bat first on a dry wicket. The openers got off to a good start before 2 quick wickets saw them both back in the shed. Congs made further inroads before a 56 run partnership between Qureshi & Shah helped to post a final innings score of 131 for 6 from 20 overs. Pick of the Congs attack were Qasim with 2 for 28 & Harris with 2 for 32.
Requiring a run rate of 6.6 per over, openers Arbaab & Ahtsham got us off to a good start with a partnership of 40 before Ahtsham became the first victim caught by Rehman. Arbaab followed 15 runs later leaving two new batsmen at the crease with plenty of work to do. Qasim & Harris set about the job in hand in a confident manner taking ones or twos & punishing anything loose with regular boundaries. Qasim retired on 50 & Harris was run out for 24. The game was still in the balance right up to the last ball with Jaques run out and the scores level. A quick read of the rule book saw the Congs through to the next round by virtue of losing fewer wickets, losing 4 to GHC’s 6.
Q.Khan 50 (retired), A.Hussain 38, H.Mohammed 24
Hartshead Moor v Pudsey Congs
Wednesday June 5th , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
A full team of 11 players & dry evening, something we had not had since the first game of the season was nice change as we faced Hartshead Moor in the league away from home.
Hartshead won the toss & elected to bat first on a dry wicket. A mixture of medium pace & spin bowling from Athsham & Wasim gave us the perfect start reducing our hosts to 5 for 3 off the first three overs. As a bit of complacency set in to the fielding ranks, the Hartshead no 3 & no 5 set about rebuilding the innings before smart work from Jacques had Owen Brooke run out with a direct hit after hesitation between the two batsmen. This obviously unsettled his namesake Myles Brooke who chipped a simple chance to Alex at mid off to reduce the batting side to 51 for 5.Once again we took our foot off the gas and some average quality bowling allowed partnerships to develop in the latter overs. A smart one handed catch from Athsham and another direct hit from Harris finally, saw the end of any resistance & the innings closed with our hosts all out for 93 from 19.2 overs.
A.Ahmed 4-1-11-2, W.Bashir 3-1-14-1, H.Mohammed 3-1-5-1, Z.Mahmood 2.2-0-11-2.
The Hartshead bowlers bowled tight lines early & although unable to take wickets made scoring difficult up to the tenth over when we lost Arbaab with only 35 runs on the board. With the run rate getting up towards 7 per over the bowlers stuck to their task well. Opener Athsham & no 3 Mustafa played with maturity and patience picking off the bad balls to keep us in the game. Then two big overs turned the game in our favour. With 13 runs off the fifteenth & 11 off the eighteenth bringing the target in sight, the last 6 runs required coming in the first two balls of the nineteenth over bringing a nine wicket win for the boys.
A.Ahmed 38 not out, M.Raffique 27 not out, A.Hussain 21
A deserved win but one made a little more difficult with lapses in our fielding display as we go into the cup game on Monday with confidence, but room for improvement.
Well done lads for the effort this evening.
Woodlands v Pudsey Congs
Wednesday May 22nd , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
After the disappointment of losing last weeks fixture to the weather, the boys were back in league action this week away to Woodlands.
Just like the U13’s last week, late withdrawls left us only being able to take to the field with 9 players.Winning the toss & electing to bat first, we got off to the worst possible start losing opener Arbaab & no.3 batsman Qasim in the first over without scoring, closely followed in the second over by Jaques with the score on 1 for 3 an early finish looked inevitable. When Wasim fell in the third over with the score on 4 it was difficult to see where runs would come from to post a competitive score. Captain Harris joined Athsham in the middle & the pair set about rebuilding the innings. As the partnership grew both batsmen grew in confidence and took the attack to the home sides bowlers. The partnership was finally broken in the 18th over when a mix up led to Harris being run out for 46. Athsham retired on 51 shortly afterwards leaving youngsters Josh & Aqib to see out the overs adding valuable runs to close the innings on 113 for 5 off 20 overs
A.Ahmed 51 (retired), H.Mohammed 46
Good spells of bowling from all the Congs bowlers were to keep the match going as a contest right through to the last over before our opponents were able to overtake our total closing on 114 for 2.
With only seven fielders it was always going to be difficult to plug the gaps but, the boys did give it their all to try & sneak an unlikely victory however that does little to ease my frustration brought about by not being able to field a full side.
We will hope for better next week when we entertain Cleckheaton at the Britannia.
Pudsey Congs v Bowling Old Lane
Wednesday May 1st , 2013
Match report by Neil Humpleby
After the success of the 2012 season for the U17 team, here we were starting a new season with a new team, with 8 of last years squad now too old for junior cricket & one moving on to pastures new.
On a bright sunny spring evening at the Brittania ground we hosted BOL for the first of this years league fixtures. Captain for this evening Harris Mohammed went to the middle with his opposite number for the toss which BOL won & elected to bat first making use of the good light. The match was reduced to 18 overs to give both sides a chance of batting in reasonable light conditions.
The visitors got off to a steady start scoring at around 4 runs per over but the Congs bowlers stuck to their task taking wickets to prevent any partnerships developing. A good performance from the bowlers backed up by some good keen fielding restricted BOL to a final total of 88 for 5.
H.Malik 19, I.Corsa 17 not out
M.Raffique 4-0-7-2, W.Bashir 3-0-10-1, H.Mahmood 3-0-11-1, J.Allen 2-0-8-1.
With the light starting to fade it was important for Congs to get off to a good start but the opening bowlers put a stranglehold on proceedings with runs difficult to come by. After losing two early wickets Abaab joined Ahtsham in the middle adding impetus to the innings, it was going to go down to the wire.With his confidence growing Abaab began to play his shots, one resulting in a broken windscreen with a huge six over midwicket into the new houses.When Abaab fell after playing on to his wicket, many thought the advantage swung back to the visitors but Wasim was in no mood to let them back into the game and with some sensible batting & strong stroke play, he saw us home in almost pitch black conditions.
PCCC 89 for 6 off 17.2 overs
W.Bashir 37 not out, A.Hussain 21, A.Ahmed 15
A satisfying first win for the lads but plenty to work on to improve and become stronger as the season progresses. Our next league game is now the 15th May due to the withdrawl of East Bierley from the league.