2013 Second XI
Final League Position = 1st, 392 Points
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Pudsey Congs v New Farnley
At the Britannia Ground
Sunday June 30th, 2013
Match Report by Imran Ahmed
On the back of a brilliant win over PSL the previous day, Congs were full of confidence for a top of the table clash with New Farnley. Despite that, Skipper Ahmed managed to lose another toss and New Farnley elected to bat on what looked a beautiful batting track at the Home of Cricket.
New Farnley openers got off to a solid start until Liam Stanhope got the breakthrough. One brought two for Stanhope and both openers were back on the sidelines. J.Bedford batted patiently while C.Blackburn came to the crease and took the game to the Congs bowlers. Dispatching all bowlers for boundaries at will. Dropped on 8, C.Blackburn bludgeoned his way to 51 before one shot too many saw him fall to the bowling of Stanhope, assisted with a safe Slater catch. Introduction of Mr Congs, Chris Doey saw four quick wickets including New Farnleys no.3 J.Bedford who was deceived by a slower ball. No.8 D.Farrell was determined to not give his wicket and batted a long number of overs for a his 23*. He was assisted by no.11 N.Bullock who was 7* in the end. Congs failed to bowl out New Farnley but credit to the opposition who were determined not to give any overs as they slumped to 161-9. Way below par when C.Blackburn was looking set for a big score early in the game.
Congs haven’t got the best record chasing totals this season, and 161 was not a score to be taken lightly.
Congs were off to a fair start with Danny Clifton hitting regular boundaries and Khalid Rehman looking set to bat throughout. This was until a ridiculous run out leading K.Rehman making his way back to the changing rooms. D.Clifton followed shortly for a well made 32 after receiving a horror LBW decision. Inform Ash Slater looked good until he played a loose shot and was caught out, New Farnley recognized how big that wicket was and were overjoyed. A.Hussain and out of sorts with the bat Captain Ahmed, only managed to score 12 runs between them as they both followed the rest back into the hutch. Congs on 69-5 looked in danger but were still in the hands of the experienced Andre Stolarski. Matt Humpleby played some beautiful shots ably assisted DJ Stol until he got a good inswinging delivery trapping him LBW. The score now 116-6, Stol was now left to bat with the bowlers. Quick fire 12 from C.Doey and 9 from W.Bashir pushed the score along but still not over the line. Liam Stanhope, well known for “The best forward defence in the Bradford league” saw out the innings with Stol who finished on a match winning 40*. A very nervous win, but a massive win for the Congs!
At half way through the season, this win takes Congs to top of the table! This is an incredible turn around providing after just 4 games, Congs were 36 points behind top of the table when several had wrote off the chances of promotion this season. Brilliant team effort, but this must continue for the second half as a youthful Congs side continue to improve and push for promotion!
New Farnley 161-9 (50 overs) (C.Blackburn 51, L.Stanhope 3-56, C.Doey 4-20)
Pudsey Congs 163-8 (47 overs) (A.Stolarski 40*, D.Clifton 32, C.Blackburn 3-26)
Pudsey St Lawrence v Pudsey Congs
At Tofts Road
Saturday June 29th, 2013
Match Report by Sideline Reporter Tom Huffingley
On warm Saturday afternoon at Tofts road, It was the rival captain Priestley that won the toss and inevitably made the Congs X1 take to the crease.
On a green top with the odd cabbage to look out for, Lawrence opening bowler Thornton removed the dangerous Congs captain without scoring after a canny first over. With early momentum, the experienced K.Rehman (1) was next to fall, this time to J.Moore with a ball that nipped back through the gate. At 8-2 PCCC were on the brink of an embarrassing derby day. The changing room was quiet and the St Lawrence bowling was accurate and demanding. However when Mr Congs Andre Stolarski joined the in form Ashley Slater at the crease, the pair ticked along nicely pushing singles and punishing the bad ball with ease. On the back of a stunning 202* Slater – smartly cautious start – made his way to yet another 50 and again was looking in fine form. When Stolarski finally fell for a well made 37, Congs had amassed 136-3. From the sideline the consensus between the Congs faithful was that the boys were going well and needed to push on – Dan Clifton joined Slater at the crease to try and implement the plan. As Ashley went about his innings, it was not only the bowling but the surrounding houses that were punished! Seeing the ball like a beach ball, Slater laid siege on the Lawrence attack hitting several sixes into the surrounding residential areas. After a short but sweet stay, Clifton departed for 23 making way for what was to be a gem of an innings from 15 year old Hussain. Slater made his way to yet another eye catching century from just 135 balls. Unfortunately Ashley soon departed for a brilliant 107 with a thankful dressing room showing their appreciation for what was to be another match winning century. Aided by a sensible innings from Matty Humpleby (15) including a delightful cover drive, the youthful Hussain took apart the St Lawrence bowling from both ends. Maximum after maximum, Hussain showed outrageous endeavour and talent – sweetly timing the ball to all areas surrounding Tofts Road. Congs lower order seemingly demoralised the Lawrence X1, pushing Pudsey Congs (or is that Bramley Congs?) to 254-7 from their 50 overs.
Surely this total was too much for a team heavily dependant upon one man?
Walking round the outfield at the interval, you got the sense that the Lawrence supporting opinion was divided. Normally greeted by a word or two upon arrival at Tofts Road, the Congs travelling support confidently made their way round the allotment like outfield anticipating the second half of what was soon to be a ‘classic derby’.
Archie Scott and Duncan Buttler made their way to the crease to open the batting for PSL as the sun emerged over the boys from Bramley. I MEAN PUDSEY! The usual pair of Liam Stanhope and Shaun Howe opened the bowling for Congs who were looking to make amends for their earlier season defeat to the ‘up roaders’. The Lawrence openers settled in straight away, timing the ball sweetly and and picking up a boundary an over. After a brisk start, captain Ahmed wasn’t shy in making a double bowling change – Stanhope and Howe replaced by the spin pairing of Bashir and Rehman. The pair thwarted and tied up the Lawrence pair, subsequently reducing the current run rate. “Good move by Immy” claimed Abid Bashir on the sideline regarding the double change. Soon after bringing up 50 for the opening partnership, Archie Scott was undone by beauty from K.Rehman, 51-1. After losing his opening partner, Buttler kept the scoreboard ticking punishing the odd short, wide delivery off Bashir. Number three Josh Smith was playing fluently however his partner and opening batter was brilliantly caught one handed by Bashir off his own bowling – leaving the Lawrence 83-2 and the game finely balanced. Anticipating the arrival of one Mr. Priestley, the Congs faithful and players were joined by W.Sharp at the crease who in turn came and went for a lacklustre duck to the delight and bowling of the passionate K.Rehman. Finally Iain Priestley decided to stand up and enter the fray – perhaps because he was quickly running out of juniors to hide behind. The scoreboard reached 105-4 when Humpleby expertly snaffled Smith caught behind for a well made 22, three-for for Khalid Rehman. Opening bowler Jordan Moore joined the experienced Priestley at the crease as Bashir and Rehman continued to plug away, aided by a thorough fielding display from the boys from Intake Lane, Pudsey! After 30 overs of spin, captain Ahmed was forced into a double change – quick bowlers Stanhope and Doey given the task to dislodge Priestley. In familiar style, Stanhope bowled a consistent line and length in contrast to Doey who struggled to find his best. The view from the sideline was ‘remove Priestley, game over’. Despite struggling and Priestley taking a liking to his bowling (including a lusty blow out of the ground!), Doey showed character to remove J.Moore, caught a mid-on through a well taken catch by Hussain. Priestley was joined by Beck at the crease and in no time moved on to 50 – showing why the team depend on him as much as they do. Priestley was now beginning to look dangerous, finding the boundary with ease and supported well by Beck. The Congs following was calling for a change and Captain Ahmed took the role of ‘death bowling’ on himself. With the score 218/6 and a partnership blossoming, Ahmed hit the right line and length causing Beck to edge behind, giving Humpleby a comfortable catch. Sharkey didn’t last long either, clean bowled (230/7) becoming Ahmed’s second wicket – Ahmed making up with the ball after falling short with the bat. The game was finely poised with 25 needed off the last 2 overs. Needing 19 off the last over, it was Stanhope vs Priestley. Priestley won the battle ploughing the ever accurate Stanhope for 6 first ball of the last over, however… Stanhope and Congs won the war. Needing 13 off 5, Stanhope found Priestley’s edge which in turn found Chris Doey who took a pressure catch at backward point. Priestley departed for a well built innings of 78 and that was the game. The overjoyed Congs following basked in not only the joy of beating Lawrence on their on turf/allotment but in the sheer disappointment that surrounded Tofts Road.
A brilliant day for the Congs 2nd X1 and special mention for Slater and Hussain who batted with maturity and experience well above their age. The boys now move on to another top of the table clash with New Farnley at the cabbage free, home of cricket.
Pudsey Congs v Windhill
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday June 22nd, 2013
Match Report by Imran Ahmed
Looking to get back to winning ways, Congs were determined to get a win with max points. Skipper Ahmed lost the toss but wasn’t too disappointed when sent in to bat first on a rock hard batting track!
Windhill had their tails up in swinging conditions as Skipper Ahmed was removed in the third over without troubling the scorers. A.Slater replaced Ahmed at the crease. K.Rehman fell straight after as he was trapped LBW and A.Hussain joined Slater in the middle. Both batsmen were scoring effortlessly with some lovely cricket strokes around the ground. Text book drives were on show as the ball hit the middle of both batsmens bats. Despite looking set, A.Hussain was bowled and experienced A.Stolarski joined Slater in the middle. A.Slater got to fifty and shifted gears from there. He raced to his first 100 of the season in double quick time which was one of the best displays of batting on the Brit this season. Ashley was faultless in his 100 hitting boundaries at will with some glorious strokes assisted with some excellent running between the wicket. Despite reaching this century, Slats didn’t remove the helmet but just raised his bat as he still felt there was work to be done. A.Stolarski saw Slater through to his century but was dismissed with a horror decision. Slater was composed and cool throughout the innings with an experienced head beyond his years. He continued to bat despite wickets tumbling at the opposite end. He reached 150 effortlessly in quick time with more beautiful cricketing strokes as he saw Congs past 225. With only 8 overs remaining he switched gears again to boost the score and demoralize Windhill even more! Ashley turned 1’s into 2’s, and 2’s into 3’s as he ran brilliantly between the wicket as well and striking boundaries all around the ground. Slater was faultless throughout his innings until he was dropped on 186 and left the fielder having to collect his hand and the ball from over the boundary rope as it still went for 6! Slater was in striking distance of a double century and he took it down to the final over! It went down to the final ball needing 4 runs to get his double ton, and he stepped in line and struck it for a 6 to reach an incredible 202*! A magnificent innings oozing in pure class! This time Ashley removed his helmet with a huge grin, raising his bat to the players and spectators who all witnessed one of the best batting displays ever on the Brit. Slater scored 202* from 162 balls, striking 35 fours and just 2 sixes. Thanks to Slater, Congs finished up on 304-8 off their 50 overs. A special innings that will never be forgotten by all who were there to witness. A brilliant first half and last weeks cup defeat was forgotten! Despite such a brilliant first half, Congs needed a good second half to match in pursuit of maximum 20 points.
S.Howe struck early removing opening batsmen R.Holdsworth for a duck, caught behind. Excellent bowling from openers C.Doey and S.Howe saw Windhill wickets continue to fall. Opening batsmen J.Iqbal top scored with 31, and only one other batsmen got to double figures. C.Doey kept up his bowling form picking up 6-24. W.Bashir was brought into the attack and picked up a wicket from his only over and Windhill were bowled out for 76 in just 20 overs. A very professional performance from the Congs bowlers with some tight fielding to support.
An excellent win for Congs as they picked up 20 points, brilliant team performance but much was owed to the magnificent innings of 202* from A.Slater who came to the scene at a difficult time and turned the first half of the game around. Congs now look forward to a massive double header next weekend against New Farnley and St.Lawrence.
Pudsey Congs 304-8 (50 overs) (A.Slater 202*, C.Spivey 3-60)
Windhill 76 all out (20 0vers ) (J.Iqbal 31, S.Howe 3-38, C.Doey 6-24)
Baildon v Pudsey Congs
Sovereign Healthcare Priestley Shield Third Round
At Jenny Lane
Sunday June 16th, 2013
Match report by Imran Ahmed
Baildon won the toss and elected to bat.
Congs got off to a good start at opening batsmen C.Reynolds was caught out by I.Ahmed off the bowling of S.Howe. S.Syed who also opened the batting was dropped on 8 and Congs hoped this didn’t prove to be costly. Tight bowling kept Baildon scoring low but sloppy fielding, a total of 33 extras boosted Baildon’s total. S.Syed who was dropped on 8, batted patiently for the majority of the innings top scoring with 76 before he was ran out. Baildon were bowled out in 48.5 overs posting a total of 173 for Congs. Despite at the interval thinking Baildon had got 20 more than the Skipper would of liked, it was a total Congs backed themselves to chase.
Baildon struck early removing D.Clifton. A.Slater was looking solid until a mix up with opener K.Rehman resulted in a Slater run out. Young A.Hussain joined K.Rehman at the crease as they put on a good partnership. The game looked like it was drifting away from Baildon until K.Rehman was caught out. A.Hussain batted brilliantly to get to his maiden Bradford League fifty, but continued to see wickets fall at the other end as I.Ahmed and A.Stolarski departed cheaply. The game was still in Congs favour with A.Hussain at the crease, but a wild swing as he danced down the crease saw the end of him and Congs shield run. Congs were dismissed for 154 disappointingly.
A disappointing batting performance from most but great credit to A.Hussain who batted brilliantly in difficult conditions. Congs had a good cup run and must quickly forget this loss and concentrate on the league from now.
Baildon 173 all out (48.5 overs) (S.Syed 76, K.Rehman 3-30)
Pudsey Congs 154 all out (43.4 overs) (A.Hussain 54, J.Abbott 4-21)
Bankfoot v Pudsey Congs
At Cleckheaton Road
Saturday June 15th, 2013
Match Report by Imran Ahmed
Congs turned up to a wet and sodden Bankfoot ground which appeared to be the only cricket ground in the Bradford League to have rain affect play. With help of a patient experienced umpire, a game was played which seemed impossible at 1pm. The game was reduced to 30overs per innings. Despite the wicket being very wet and soft, and chances of more rain in the air, Skipper Ahmed won the toss and elected to bat to pursuit maximum points.
Ahmed opened the batting with K.Rehman and made intentions clear from the off. Ahmed blasted the ball to the boundary at will with other supporting at the opposite end. Quick fire 17 from K.Rehman before he was dismissed to a brilliant C&B. Also A.Slater with 18 until he mis-timed one to mid off kept the scoring flowing. Maximum batting points looked within reach while Ahmed was at the crease until he skied a pull shot falling for 93 off 54 balls with 12 overs still left. M.Shah came to the crease and scored an effortless 37 but wickets continued to fall. Congs batted their overs and posted 207-9. Falling short of maximum batting points but a brilliant effort in difficult conditions and limited overs supporting the Skippers decision to bat.
In pursuit for 19 points now, Congs knew they needed a good second half and to bowl Bankfoot out. In form C.Doey joined S.Howe opening the bowling in the absence of L.Stanhope and didn’t disappoint. S.Howe got Congs off to a good start courtesy of a smart low catch at gully from D.Clifton (The second best fielder in the team). S.Howe picked up the second wicket which was also caught by D.Clifton at gully again. Wickets fell but Bankfoot continued to try and hit their way to the total. K.Siddique and M.Robinson joint top scored with 28 as Bankfoot were bowled out for 111. C.Doey bowled a brilliant 10 over spell picking up 4 wickets which were all bowled! M.Shah claiming four wickets also.
A great team effort picking up a vital 19 points in pursuit for promotion. Congs are in good form going into tomorrows shield fixture with Div.1 side Baildon.
Pudsey Congs 207-9 (30 overs) (I.Ahmed 93, M.Shah 37, A.Younis 3-49, G.Baulk 3-56)
Bankfoot 111 all out (25.3 overs) (C.Doey 4-31, M.Shah 4-33)
Pudsey Congs v Brighouse
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday June 8th, 2013
Match Report by Imran Ahmed
On another hot day, the pitch again looking in superb conditions for batsmen. Congs were looking to keep the winning run going and hungry for another 20 points! To the delight of the Skipper who won the toss this week, Congs elected to bat first.
JLD on his final game for Congs before he departs to Canada opened the batting with K.Rehman. He blasted 3 boundaries in the first over as Congs were off to a flier. K.Rehman fell for just 2 as he struck a full toss off the spinner straight to the only fielder on the leg side who didn’t have to move. A.Slater joined JLD at the crease as runs continued to flow from both batsmen at a quick rate. JLD was caught for 36 to Brighouse’s delight as he was looking very dangerous! A.Hussain entered and scored an effortless 22 before mistiming a shot and was caught by the fielder who lost his watch and turned up 40 minutes late. Out of form with the bat Skipper Ahmed joined A.Slater at the crease. Ahmed scored boundaries at will enjoying the seam bowling of Brighouse and looked set for a big score. A.Slater also did before he was trapped LBW to the spin of J.Mistry scoring 36. Skipper I.Ahmed disappointingly fell shortly after scoring 33 when his eyes lit up from the spin bowling of J.Mistry and was fooled by a googly. Congs were scoring quickly but loosing wickets as batsmen were set. M.Humpleby scored a effortless and composed maiden half century but was caught out straight after. He saw Congs past 225 and helped push on to get as many runs as possible. Loose Cannon W.Bashir was sent in to quick runs and he didn’t let down as he scored 25 including a beautiful straight six into the tree. Congs were bowled out for 270 in 47.1 overs. A good score but not even close to what it should’ve been due to batsmen getting in, and getting themselves out. J.Mistry the pick of the bowlers from bottom of the table Brighouse who had a lot to say in the field.
In reply L.Stanhope picked up the first wicket, bowling opening batsmen C.Dunkerly for a duck who didn’t have as much to say as he headed back to the changing rooms. Wickets continued to tumble and L.Stanhope and S.Howe raced to 4 wickets a piece. L.Stanhope won the race to 5 wickets in his 14 over spell. Great Horton number 10 and 11 made Congs fight and wait for victory as they put on the biggest and longest partnership for Brighouse. C.Inman top scoring with 32 who was supported by M.Mistry who was in his forward defence before the bowlers started running in. C.Doey eventually picked up the final wicket bowling C.Inman as the innings was wrapped up in 38.4overs.
Another win, and another 20 points for the Congs. Congs are in good form going into next weekends match against Bankfoot on Saturday, and Shield game against Baildon on Sunday.
Pudsey Congs 270 all out (47.1 overs) (JLD 36, A.Slater 36, I.Ahmed 33, M.Humpleby 51, J.Mistry 3-49, J.Akhtar 3-65)
Brighouse 127 all out (38.4 overs) (C.Inman 32, S.Howe 4-62, L.Stanhope 5-34)
Pudsey Congs v Great Horton
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday June 1st, 2013
Match Report by Imran Ahmed
After a 40 point weekend Congs were looking to keep the wins and 20 point run going. On one of the hottest days in the year, a beautiful hard batting track which could only be described as a batters paradise, Skipper Ahmed lost the toss and Great Horton chose to bat… oops…
Congs opening bowlers L.Stanhope and S.Howe bowled great areas and were backed up by some tight fielding. S.Howe got the breakthrough bowling opener M.Hanif for 5 and L.Stanhope followed it up trapping the new batsmen LBW. Spin Twins W.Bashir and K.Rehman were introduced and wickets began to tumble. Congs reject Irslaan Ahmed fell LBW to W.Bashir making 12 runs in roughly 22 overs. Great Horton’s batsmen continued to fall to the spinners and slumped to a total of 91 all out from just 35.4overs.
Congs looking for a professional and ruthless win sent in form D.Clifton to open with K.Rehman. Both batsmen scored quickly and hit boundaries regularly. Great Horton’s total of 91 was knocked off in just 13.1 overs.
As Congs pick up just 15 points for a ruthless victory, yet again suffer to the leagues horrendous point system. A professional performance and another win for the 2’s.
Great Horton 91 all out (35.4 overs) (M.Bashir 5-27, K.Rehman 3-23)
Pudsey Congs 93-0 (13.1 overs) (D.Clifton 43, K.Rehman 37)
Manningham Mills v Pudsey Congs
At Scotchman Road
Monday May 27th, 2013
Match Report by Imran Ahmed
Following up the previous win against Undercliffe, Congs were out for another 20 points as the 2’s push for promotion. It was a good start as Skipper Ahmed won another toss and chose to bat.
Congs got off to a flier scoring quickly with M.Akhtar striking the ball to the boundary until he was adjudged caught on 40 with his second horrific decision in consecutive games. K.Rehman kept the scoring flowing with A.Slater as they put on a good partnership. A.Slater fell short of another half century when he was bowled by young leg spinner K.Khan for 46. K.Rehman went on to score 84 before he was caught off the bowling of K.Khan. D.Clifton and JLD at the crease were having a hit off to boost the Congs total. D.Clifton scoring another half century in quick time and JLD a quick fire 24. Skipper Ahmed attempted to help the runs flow in the last 3 overs but was caught for just 1 as he fails again with the bat while T.Elliot determined not the get out blocked his way to 0*. Introduction of M.Humpleby saw him strike 17 runs off the last over as Congs put on a total of 286-6 off their 50 overs.
In form opening bowler S.Howe’s absence saw L.Stanhope and I.Ahmed share the new ball. It was evident to see after just several balls that Manningham Mills intentions were to have a good time. Opening batsmen A.Khan raced to 21 as he had a good time, but a short lived innings as he was bowled by L.Stanhope. This was the theme for the Mills innings all players who entered the scene greeted the bowlers with a big swing of the blade aiming to the legside. Spin twins W.Bashir and K.Rehman saw the ball fly out of the ground several times as the Mills supporters celebrated each boundary but saw their batsmen fall just several balls later attempting the same results. “They’re here for a good time, not a long time”. Opening batsmen H.Rehman who was dropped off the bowling of I.Ahmed on 19 batted brilliantly to make 62 with some classy shots throughout. He anchored the Mills reply as they went on to score 200 all out.
Another great result for the 2’s as they picked up another 20 points in push for promotion.
Pudsey Congs 286-6 (50 overs) (K.Rehman 84, M.Akhtar 40, A.Slater 46, D.Clifton 53, H.Khan 3-91)
Manningham Mills 200 all out (46 overs) (H.Rehman 62, K.Khan 31, W.Bashir 4-42, K.Rehman 4-63)
Pudsey Congs v Undercliffe
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday May 25th, 2013
Match report by Ralph Middlebrook
After the missive from the CE of the League concerning the number of second teams who turned out a man short, it was good to see a full complement last Saturday at the Britannia when we entertained Undercliffe.
From the start it was clear that both teams were keen to force victory with lively bowling and hard working fielding. Noise was made in a constructive way, encouraging an Undercliffe team with a mixture of youngsters and experienced players. A brutal but calm innings by Danny Clifton stretched the fielders but they never gave up and when he was bowled, the bowler went straight to Danny and shook his hand and as Danny left the field, most fielders applauded.
Undercliffe started well against probing bowling but the introduction of Chris Doey and Wasim Bashir saw the the end of the resistance.
Ok it was a good and much needed win for the Congs, but on the showing, the League can be sure that at least these two clubs regard second team cricket as an important part of our overall commitment.
Well done Imran and the Undercliffe captain.
Bradford & Bingley v Pudsey Congs
Sovereign Healthcare Priestley Shield Second Round
At Wagon Lane
Sunday May 19th, 2013
Match report by Imran Ahmed
After the previous day of cricket being rained off, this allowed captain Ahmed to recover from what could only be described as a “severe writers cramp”.
Into the second round of the Priestley Shield, it was a tough game ahead against another Div 1 side. Ahmed won the toss and threw B&B in to bat on what looked a strange wicket, ½ solid and ½ wet. S.Howe and I.Ahmed bowled well to keep B&B scoring at a small rate, scoring 28 in the first 10 overs with the help of some tight fielding. B&B Skipper R.Dunn played and missed the first three deliveries of Ahmed’s sixth over before having his middle stump uprooted by his opposite number. The last ball of the same over, Ahmed had S.Dunn caught behind from a seaming delivery. Two quick wickets left B&B on 28-2. Both opening bowlers with their tails up enforced a longer spell of tight bowling, and Ahmed greeting new batsmen B.Crispin with a sharp bouncer into the helmet! Congs old boy W.Allitt was forced into a false stroke as pressure built, but was dropped off the bowling of S.Howe. Luckily this didn’t prove to be too costly as first change C.Doey forced him into another false shot as he skied one to mid-on, but was caught this time by the safe hands of M.Humpleby. Liam Stanhope and Chris Doey bowled tightly through to drinks and B&B were on 67-3. Straight after drinks, spin twins W.Bashir and K.Rehman were introduced the attack and both bowled out their 10 over allocation as B&B batsmen failed to move the scoring on despite messages being sent out from the sidelines. Twenty overs of spin saw just 40 runs conceded off the bat but picked up six wickets, two of those wickets fell to incredible catches from Chris Doey and Matt Humpley. Doey picked up the last wicket as B.Davis fended one off to a close fielder and the innings was wrapped up on 131 all out off 46 overs. K.Rehman finished with impressive figures of 4-16 off his 10 overs, five runs of that from wides! Despite being being struck on the helmet at the start of his innings, B.Crispin battled on to top score with 38. Despite Congs bowling B&B out for 131 on a difficult batting wicket, the leg side wides took its toll on the extras column as the Congs attack collectively racked up a total of 18 wides and 3 no balls, which was third top scorer for Bradford & Bingley…
In reply, Congs got off to the worst possible start as Tom Elliot was bowled second ball of the innings by R.Slater. In form Ash Slater entered the scene and saw 3 wickets fall in quick succession, two of which were LBW decisions after some persistent appealing from a B&B side who smelt blood. Skipper Ahmed joined Slats at the crease, and saw him race to 23 after hitting Bradford League Legend R.McCarthy for 3 consecutive boundaries. Despite being hit for 3 boundaries, McCarthy had the last laugh as he seamed a delivery away catching the edge of A.Slater. Congs were at this point 33-5 off after 10 overs. Out of sorts, Ahmed got to 27 until he was bowled by a Yorker from the bowling of R.Slater. Skipper I.Ahmed was Slater’s fifth victim as he bowled his allocated 10 overs straight through with figures of 5-25. The captain left the crease with Congs in real danger with the score at 70-6. B&B were in the driving seat and could see the finish line as it looked like Congs were going to fail to chase down the small total of 131. That was until the Congs tail wagged, and it didn’t stop as Congs managed to somehow knock off the total with nine down! Late order resistance from C.Doey scoring 18, L.Stanhope 9*, S.Howe 6, and W.Bashir 11* saw Congs over the finishing line!
This effort was massively supported by Congs top scorer, with the help of B&B – Extras 29. 24 of which were bowling extras.
A total of 57 extras from both teams was top scorer, and ironically the game was finished with B&B bowling a wide delivery! Congs got a lucky escape and owe much to the late orders composure, and the ill-disciplined bowling of B&B. Despite that, Congs happily take the win and progress onto the quarter finals of the Shield!
Bradford and Bingley 131 all out (46 overs) (W.Allitt 31, B.Crispin 38, K.Rehman 4-16)
Pudsey Congs 132-9 (35.1 overs) (I.Ahmed 27, R.Slater 5-25, M.Keeton 3-15)
Saltaire v Pudsey Congs
At Roberts Park
Saturday May 11th, 2013
Match report by Dom Allen
Tom Elliott struck an unbeaten 55 as Pudsey Congs cruised to a nine-wicket win at Saltaire. The Roberts Park club laboured to 115-8 in 42 overs with Nick Hindle (38) top scoring. Shaun Howe (3-22) and Liam Stanhope (3-24) bowled well for Congs.
Sadly, the result led to skipper Imran Ahmed going down with severe writer’s cramp, having agonised for several days over some of the magnificent sledges aimed at the Saltaire batsmen.
Morley v Pudsey Congs
Sovereign Healthcare Priestley Shield First Round
At Scatchard Lane
Sunday May 5th, 2013
Match report by Imran Ahmed
With W.Bashir pulling out in the morning for a knee injury, C.Doey missing all weekend for injury and J.Purser not available, Congs bowling line up was looking worryingly weak against a team who are undefeated so far this season and Div 1 league leaders.
Congs lost the toss and were sent in to bat.
Congs got off to a bad start when D.Clifton was caught playing through a shot too early which seemed to stick in the wicket. The wicket played slow and low throughout the day making it very difficult to score runs off the bowling of Morley. Both openers fell cheap and left A.Slater, who was in good form from the previous day, and newly promoted JLD at the crease. They batted patiently and for a long period of the game putting on the highest partnership of the game. A.Slater got through to his consecutive half century in 65 balls, as JLD ably and patiently supported at the other end. JLD was given LBW for 29, and Ash fell just after LBW to the bowling of R.Winn after making a mature 86* which included six 6’s. With 14 overs left, Captain Ahmed, A.Stolarski and T.Elliot tried to push on the innings, but was very difficult to score heavily on such a slow wicket. Congs batted the full 50 overs and ended on 205-7, and owed much of it to the patient partnership of A.Slater and JLD.
Short of bowlers, Captain I.Ahmed joined paceman S.Howe to open the bowling. Shaun got the early breakthrough trapping A.Sykes LBW for a duck with a ball that veered in towards to the batsmen and just hit the seam and moved away. Ahmed followed up the standards set by opening partner S.Howe and trapped G.Robson who didn’t look like he wanted to hang around after scoring a quick fire 12. R.Winn entered the scene with possibly the slowest walk to the wicket in cricket history as keeper JLD let him know about it, possibly thinking about his match winning century the previous day. He was quickly sent back to the pavilion for a duck after being bowled by I.Ahmed second ball. S.Howe then picked up a vital wicket of opening batsmen N.Siddique after bowling him with a Yorker. Morley were 4 down in quick time but still seemed to be trying to score at a fast rate. M.Davies, who top scored with a quickfire 22, didn’t want to hang around either and was sent off by Skipper Ahmed after trapping him LBW. K.Rehman, who didn’t stop warming up in the slips, wanting to have a bowl was not required as S.Howe and I.Ahmed cleaned up the innings in just 16.5 overs bowling Morley were all out for 72.
4 LBW’s and 6 bowled. Interesting stats…
I.Ahmed 6-32 & S.Howe 4-36
A great reply from Congs who were bitterly disappointed after the consecutive defeats, and must continue with these standards in the league to push for promotion!
Pudsey Congs 205-7 (50 overs) (A.Slater 86)
Morley 72 all out (16.5 overs) (I.Ahmed 6-32, S.Howe 4-36)
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday May 4th, 2013
Match report by Imran Ahmed
Congs won the toss and chose to bat first.
Congs openers got off to a good start before D.Clifton was bowled by J.Moore. K.Rehman who scored 29 put on a good partnership with A.Slater until he was ran out by a direct hit from J.Moore. A mistimed cut again was the downfall for Ahmed who fell cheaply but was replaced by A.Hussain who supported A.Slater well scoring 23. Some tight bowling in the middle from the spinners of PSL made scoring difficult as Congs slumped to a below par 180 all out in 49.4over. Only A.Slater managed to occupy the crease and score well to get to 61 before he was caught and bowled off the spinner J.Smith.
Aware 180 was a below par score, Congs had to take early wickets to test a young batting line up. S.Howe provided that early breakthrough of A.Scott with a fast short ball that cramped the batsmen for room and was gloved down the leg side, only for the return of JLD behind the stumps to take a sublime one handed diving take! Opener D.Butler top scored with 47 before he was bowled by W.Bashir. Spinners K.Rehman and W.Bashir put on the brakes and got regular breakthroughs but PSL were still scoring at a good rate. A spectacular running in from the boundary, and diving catch from J.Purser saw J.Moore fall cheaply and left PSL in a spot of bother 5 down until skipper I.Priestley entered the scene. Sometimes a wicket fall can be good, in this case it didn’t quite work out. I.Priestley came in and put on what was a match winning innings and partnership with M.Beckett. Skipper Priestley working the ball around with ease and scoring boundaries at the right times for PSL including shot of the day, a effortless cover drive off through an overloaded offside field, and still beat the man on the boundary. M.Beckett fell for 40 at the bowling of K.Rehman but the damage was done, and the winning runs was hit by R.Thornton. Skipper I.Priestley finishing on 32*.
As thought at half way, a below par score but Congs made it competitive with some good bowling. A disappointing successive loss in the league for the 2’s but must bounce back tomorrow against Div 1 league leaders Morley.
Pudsey Congs 180 all out (49.4 overs) (A.Slater 61, J.Moore 4-36, A.Scott 3-31)
PSL 181-6 (46.3 overs) (D.Buttler 47, M.Beckett 40, I.Priestley 32*, K.Rehman 3-42)
Pudsey Congs v Cleckheaton
At the Britannia Ground
Sunday April 28th, 2013
Match report by Imran Ahmed
Congs won the toss and chose to bat with the help of D.Clifton who filled in for Skipper I.Ahmed who went AWOL in search for the match ball.
On what looked a batters paradise, Congs openers got off to a good start putting on 54 before D.Clifton was bowled by S.Bailey. K.Rehman fell shortly after for what was a dubious LBW decision leaving T.Elliot at the crease with captain I.Ahmed. A good partnership was formed scoring 55 off 47 bowls before T.Elliot departed caught off the bowling of S.Bailey. Congs veteran A.Stolarski joined the captain in the middle who put on a partnership of 124 runs from 95 balls. This partnership saw the captain I.Ahmed go on to get a century, who fell shortly after for 105 after being bowled by a delighted S.Rehman. J.Goodchild joined A.Stolarski to see Andre through to his half-century during a quick fire 39 runs from 28 ball partnership. Captain Ahmed declared the innings on 279-4 off 45overs with possibility of rain affecting play. Andre Stolarski finishing the innings on 58*.
In reply Cleckheaton got off to a good start until rain stopped play after just 4 overs. The rain fall wasn’t as effective to the game as Congs captain Ahmed anticipated and play resumed 15 minutes later. Cleckheaton continued to score at a good rate with some strong hitting from J.Bowman and some classy shots from captain C.Dobson. Bowman rode his luck as he raced to 80 before he was caught on the boundary by A.Stolarski off the bowling of K.Rehman. E.Hallas fell shortly after as did Captain C.Dobson scoring 65 until he was bowled by L.Stanhope. Cleckheaton had scored at a constant run rate of 5 runs an over due to a strong foundation set by the openers. Congs bowlers tried to claw their way back into the game, but some below average fielding, dropped catches and ordinary bowling assisted Cleckheaton in their constant high scoring. C.Blackburn hit a quick fire 44 before he was caught behind, but S.Rehman saw out the innings scoring 56* as he hit the winnings off runs 53overs in what was a high scoring game. Congs struggled to stop the flow of runs throughout what was an incredible run chase by Cleckheaton who finished 282-4.
Pudsey Congs 279 dec (45 overs) (I.Ahmed 105, A.Stolarski 58*, S.Bailey 2-47)
Cleckheaton 282-4 (53 overs) (C.Dobson 65, J.Bowman 80, S.Rehman 56*, K.Rehman 2-53)
Cleckheaton 17 pts beat Pudsey Congs 7 pts by 6 wickets
Spen Victoria v Pudsey Congs
At Spen Lane
Saturday April 27th, 2013
Match report by Imran Ahmed
Spen Victoria won the toss and elected to bat on what looked a very green uncut pitch.
Congs opening bowlers ripped into the Spen batting line up with some unplayable hooping deliveries from C.Doey, and at the other end S.Howe who sent the opening batsmen O.Webster’s off-stump cartwheeling to the keeper. C.Doey bowled a superb opening spell of 8 overs – 8 runs – 1 wicket which kept Spen on the backfoot from the start. L.Manton top scored for Spen as he batted 40 overs for 41 before falling to the bowling of K.Rehman. W.Bashir bowled a top spell of 15 overs – 17 runs – 2 wickets as Spen were bowled out for 103 off 48.3 overs.
Congs got off to a flier as new boy D.Naughton raced to 20 before getting caught. A.Slater entered the scene and departed for a quick fire 9. Skipper I.Ahmed joined opener K.Rehman at the crease and made strides towards to small total posted until K.Rehman was given LBW after scoring 10 runs. A mistimed cut shot was the downfall of I.Ahmed who top scored with 26, leaving Congs 90-4. Following this, wickets continued to tumble leaving Congs 95-7 as Spen bowlers continued to keep the pressure on Congs! Congs eventually knocked off the total from a classy cover drive from C.Doey off the spinner. A reckless and nervous finish, but a win in the end!
Congs made hard work of knocking off a low total, but look forward to the game tomorrow at home against Cleckheaton.
Spen Vic 103 all out (48.3 overs) (L.Manton 41, S.Howe 4-36)
Pudsey Congs 104 for 7 (33.2 overs) (T.Sharp 3-16)
Pudsey Congs 15 pts beat Spen Victoria 3 pts by 3 wickets
Woodlands v Pudsey Congs
Crowther Cup First Round
At Albert Terrace
Sunday April 21st, 2013
Match report by Imran Ahmed
Woodlands 200-8 (P Walker 33, C Jackson 31, C Garner 30)
Pudsey Congs 136 (I Ahmed 38, R Mecalf 3-8, T Clee 3-31)
Woodlands won by 64 runs
Woodlands won the toss and decided to bat.
Woodlands openers got off to a flier scoring boundaries at will off some pretty ordinary bowling taking them their total to 64-0 off 10 overs. The first wicket fell of C.Garner (30) caught by D.Clifton off the bowling of C.Doey. A good bowling partnership of L.Stanhope and D.Clifton brought 3 wickets in quick succession before P.Walker top scored for Woodlands with 33 in a good partnership with C.Jackson who scored 31. Spin twins W.Bashir and K.Rehman claimed their wickets. Some late order hitting from R.Medcalf took Woodlands to 200-8 from 50 overs. After such a promising start for Woodlands, the Congs bowlers did well to keep Woodlands total down to 200.
Congs got off to a quick start as D.Clifton dispatched C.Jackson for a 6 out of the ground, but the innings came to a holt as opener K.Rehman was caught out and T.Elliot failed to trouble the scorers in quick succession. Captain I.Ahmed came to the crease with D.Clifton with the score at 24-2. Other opener D.Clifton fell quickly after the arrival of I.Ahmed who put on a good partnership with M.Humpleby till the skipper was caught on the boundary after an mistimed pull-shot. Congs innings continued to crumble despite a late order partnership between J.Goodchild and C.Doey who finished not out as Congs were bowled out for 136 off 42.4overs.
Congs bow out of the Crowther cup at the first hurdle, but look on to next weeks double weekend of games against Spen Victoria and Cleckheaton in pursuit of league promotion.
Pudsey Congs v Gomersal
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday April 20th, 2013
Match report by Imran Ahmed
Gomersal 155-5 (50 overs) (P Huddlestone 40, T Blain 45)
Pudsey Congs 159-0 (D Clifton 110 not out)
Pudsey Congs 17 pts beat Gomersal 2 pts by 10 wickets
First game of the season for the 2’s saw them face relegated side Gomersal at home. Also the return of Nathan Dalton, a former Congs player who came through the junior ranks. It started well with Captain Ahmed winning the toss and electing to bowl.
Batting first on a soft slow popping pitch, Gomersal openers T. Blain and P. Huddlestone showed some grit and experience by putting on their best partnership of the innings. A patient 86 from 198 balls. Some good bowling and tight fielding kept Gomersals scoring down. It took just over 2 hours of play for the first wicket to fall. P. Huddlestone lbw to the bowling of D. Clifton. Next to fall was T. Blaine who top scored for Gomersal with 45 from 119 balls, caught and bowled off the bowling of D. Clifton who bowled his first ever 15 over spell. Also W. Bashir bowled an impressive 15 over spell as Gomersal tried to get their innings going. Gomersal finished 155-5 off their 50 overs.
In reply, D. Clifton took a liking to the Gomersal bowling attack from the off. He pumped them to the surroundings throughout a devastating innings of 110* from 70 balls. An innings of destruction with a total of 9 sixes and 11 fours. Danny was ably supported by Congs newly recruited K. Rehman who scored 29*. It took just 23 overs for wicketless Congs to chase down Gomersal’s total.
A great start to the season for the 2’s who face Woodlands in the Crowther Cup tomorrow.