2014 First XI
Final League Position = 8th, 196 Points
Pudsey Congs v Farsley
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday September 6th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Eric Thompson
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Match abandoned after 24 overs, heavy rain. With Pudsey winning toss and batting on 150-1 after 24.2 overs, Nick Lindley on 72 not out and Gareth Phillips on 27 not out. Callum Geldart making 45.
Congs finishing season in 8th place
Pudsey Congs v Woodlands
Final
At Wagon Lane
Thursday August 28th, 2014
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Pudsey Congs 252-4
Woodlands 187-7
Pudsey won the Dysons Insulation 20/20 competition for the second time, with a 65 run victory over Woodlands in the final at Bingley on Thursday evening. Even the neutral supporters in the crowd, could only marvel at the way the young Congs side played on the night led by a quite brilliantly batting display by Callum Geldart and Adam Patel. The two openers hammered the Woodlands attack to all parts of Wagon Lane, compiling an opening stand of 198 runs before Patel was unluckily run out for a quite brilliant 77 off 43 balls. Geldart, in the form of his life, followed shortly after for 114. This was made off just 54 balls including 11 sixes and 6 fours, incredible. I doubt anyone will ever see a better innings for many many years, I for one will never. With both openers back in the pavilion, Woodlands were hoping to restrict Congs to 220. However Joe Greaves struck a wonderful innings 35 off 15 balls propelling the Congs total to 252-4 off their 20 overs.
The Woodland openers Snell and Frankland had the task of chasing down the formidable total. Pearson bowling a beautiful first over at Frankland, whilst Snell hit Roberts for two big boundaries. In the fifth over the breakthrough came, Frankland brilliantly caught by the diving Lindley at square leg. Phillips and Geldart joined the attack and the 7th over Mason was caught and bowled by Phillips. As the pressure mounted, Snell played across the line and was LBW to Geldart for 54. Congs picked up the vital wicket of Sarfraz 34 soon after caught by Greaves and Weston was then brilliantly stumped by Bairstow off Phillips. Woodlands finished on 187-7 with James Pearson 4-0-13-2, a quite brilliantly piece of bowling from the Aussie on certainly a batsmans night.
Top class from the Congs boys, fully deserved.
Pudsey Congs v Yeadon
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday August 23rd, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Swinnow Primary
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Congs continued their recent winning run with a 30 run victory over relegated Yeadon at the Britannia Ground. On a rain affected day, Congs batted first in a 25 over per side game. Geldart the first to fall before Lindley and Phillips batted well on the wet pitch. Lindley 22 and then Patel fell in succession before the aggressive Greaves joined Phillips in a highly entertaining partnership of 71 before Greaves 34 was caught on the boundary. Phillips continued past 50 before he succumbed for a splendid 73, a class innings from the captain. Pudsey totalled 179-7 after their 25 overs.
In reply Rafique quickly removed Todd before Herd and Stephenson accelerated the scoring rate. The introduction of Phillips then accounted for Herd caught by Greaves. Despite a flurry of late blows from Gormley, Yeadon finished on 149-5. Pudsey picking up 15 points from the game.
Pudsey Congs v Lightcliffe
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday August 16th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Ian Lindley
Match Report by Ralph Middlebrook
After The Lord Mayors Show last Saturday Congs stuttered, stumbled but persevered to claim victory over a weakened Lightcliffe side and indeed climb above them in the league table. On a damp pitch Geldart and Lindley started well, Geldart fluent, Lindley battling hard to find his true quality form. The introduction of Wheatley changed all the previous hard work with a succession of well flighted, turning, off spinning overs causing mayhem in the Congs middle order. Supported by the excellent Suleman Khan, only Geldart and to a lesser extent Butt, looked comfortable and at 90 for 6 it did not look promising but, not for the first time Muktabar struck the ball effortlessly, and for the first time in ages did Roberts both contributing maximums as Congs closed on 162 for 9. Wheatley finished a top spell with 6 for 48.
Pearson and Rafique started well with new ball but Lightcliffe kept their cool as they took their time with Suleman placing the ball into gaps despite the best efforts of the fielders and Captain Phillips, wickets fell at steady intervals and the self introduction of the Captain meant the capture of 2 quick wickets and a bad run out contributed to a erosion if the innings started with a sublime slip catch by Babar very low down to his left- wonderful. Pearson continued his aggressive approach and was rewarded with good figures of 5 for 41 the demise of Suleman for 51 to cool calm catch at long off by Roberts made our task simpler but Congs players and supporters could not breath easy until the last wicket fell.
Three matches left where will we finish?
Pudsey St Lawrence v Pudsey Congs
At Tofts Road
Saturday August 9th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – None
Match Report by Ralph Middlebrook
Continuing their good form and growing confidence, Congs, after their Heavy Woollen Cup triumph, impressively outplayed their top end rivals at Tofts Road. On a good pitch with pace and bounce, Pearson and Rafique set about the task in fine style. Facing them was the highly successful opening pair of Robertshaw and Waite. They played well but were always under pressure as Pearson’s aggressive tactics paid dividends as both were out to deliveries of high quality caught at first slip expertly by Babar. Rafique (remember he is only 16) bowled a relentless off stump line (perfect) with movement away from the bat and deserved better figures than 12 1 37 1.Top effort lad. Muktaber and Roberts also played their part well, and supported by brilliant all round fielding and keeping, Congs were satisfied with a score of 163 which owed much to a fine fighting 58 from Saints skipper James Smith. Pearson finished with good figures of 4 for 48, well bowled.
In reply Geldart started where he left off at Spen Victoria timing his drives well and pouncing on any short deliveries with a range of quality strokes. Patel again showed his true ability as he also hit the ball hard whenever the bowlers erred in either line or length. Geldart fell for 76 to young Jordan Moore but Joe Greaves battled well to accompany Patel (41 not out) to a very satisfying victory over our friends and rivals, a victory which should extinguish any thoughts of relegation.
A good team effort lead by Captain Gareth Phillips.
Pudsey Congs v Townville
Final
At Spen Victoria CC
Sunday August 3rd, 2014
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Townville 226-8
Pudsey Congs 227-5
Pudsey Congs have won the Heavy Woollen cup for the first time in their history by defeating Townville of the Central Yorkshire league by 5 wickets at Spen Victoria on Sunday. Townville won the toss and batted first on a good pitch against the Congs opening attack of Pearson and Rafique, the latter bowling three miserly overs including two maidens. However, it was Akhtar, who replaced Pearson who struck the first blow, Bremner LBW for 7. Tim Walton, the former county player, joined Booth both scoring freely before captain Phillips removed Booth for 42. 100-2 at drinks, Townville in a good position with Walton and Hughes secure. However on 102, Glenn Roberts struck, Walton LBW for 36, and then Hughes brilliantly caught on the deep cover boundary by Lindley for 18. With Phillips and Roberts bowling well in tandem, Congs continued to pick up vital wickets. Phillips figures 10-1-24-1 a magnificent spell by the skipper. Pearson returned to take two late wickets, Townville finishing on 226 with Roberts 10-1-37-4, a superb spell.
Geldart and Lindley started the Congs reply, Geldart hitting early boundaries off Woolsey, before Lindley edged to the keeper with the score on 19. Adam Patel joined Geldart hitting Woolsey for six, however with the score on 73, he was caught at mid on for 19. Joe Greaves joined the fluent Geldart confidently pulling Bresnan for six, then carefully building the Congs reply, – 109-2 at drinks , Congs in control. The 100 partnership came up before Greaves miscued and was caught for a superb 46. Phillips went for 11, before at 192-4
his third in the competition and 456 runs in total. A terrific performance from a batsman at the top of his game. Sadly, he departed in the same over, leaving two of the three wise old men, Bairstow 22* and Butt 10* to see the Congs home with 5 overs to spare.
This was a magnificent performance from the team considering their early league form, but they saved their best for this cup and were worthy winners. Pudsey Congs 17th trophy in 14 years.
A special thanks to the Spen Victoria club who hosted the final magnificently. Top class.
Undercliffe v Pudsey Congs
Semi Final
At Intake Road
Thurs July 21st, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – None
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Congs 220-3
Undercliffe 196-8
Congs reached the final of the Dysons Insulation cup with a 24 run win over Undercliffe in the semi final at Intake road. In a brilliant game of cricket the result was still in doubt up to the 20th over with Undercliffe never giving up the chase.
The highlight of the Congs innings was the opening partnership between Adam Patel and Callum Geldart who hammered the Undercliffe attack taking 95 off the first 8 overs before Geldart was bowled by Kelsey for 43. However Patel, who has had an indifferent season with the bat, continued in style completing his century in the 17th over before being caught for 106. A brilliant knock and fully appreciated by a good crowd.
In reply the home side started well blasting 27 from the first 2 overs before Pearson picked up the first wicket, caught by Nick Lindley, the first of his four catches at mid off. Crowther batted well for his 43 but Congs just survived. Woodlands in the final at Bingley under floodlights on Thursday 14 August.
Cleckheaton v Pudsey Congs
At Chain Bar, Moorend
Saturday July 12th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – None
Match Report by Ralph Middlebrook
A quality team effort caused an upset as Congs defeated League leaders lifting us to 9th place. Batting first on a pitch of variable bounce, Adam Patel and Babar Butt set about a rescue mission after the early dismissal of our openers. Patel fell to the leg spinner, however Butt delivered a master class in how to play spin. One particular shot, a sweep to the square leg boundary was sublime and with the careful addition of well placed singles and swift disposal of any errors of line or length it was a treat for a decent crowd. Aided by Joe Greaves and Captain Phillips, the score mounted but the introduction of Mubtada rocketed the score to 252 with an innings of 47 not out from 34 balls, terrific entertainment and Butt ended on 95 not out, easily Congs best show this campaign.
With absence of our regular keeper and after his long innings, Butt ventured forth with the pads and gloves to give a very creditable performance behind the stumps as our bowlers toiled for a breakthrough. Mubtada supplied that and with Gareth shrewdly rotating his bowlers and cracking catches by Mustapha and Callum we were in with a decent chance. Roberts again was the destroyer with 5 wickets but a run out, 2 further wickets for Mubtada created a late flurry of wickets as Congs romped to a victory which should give the team confidence for the remainder of the season.
Man of the Match Butt? Mubtada? Roberts? You choose I cannot. Very well played every man.
Pudsey Congs v Kirkburton
Semi Final
At Britannia Ground
Sunday July 6th, 2014
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Pudsey Congs 352 – 8
Kirkburton 145 all out
Congs progressed to their first ever Heavy Woollen Cup Final after a breathtaking performance against Kirkburton at the Britannia ground on Sunday. A clear blue sky and a good crowd welcomed the teams, Congs winning the toss and batting.
Openers Geldart and Lindley wasting no time, a collection of poor bowling and fine shot selection, Congs racing to 88-0 after just ten overs. The onslaught continued until on 168 the partnership ended, Lindley 71 run out going for a third run, another terrific innings from the young left-hander. Patel joined Geldart, and continued to keep the scoreboard ticking whilst Geldart completed a brilliant century. He departed shortly afterwards for 110, taking his four innings total in this years competition to 339. Timely contributions from Patel 48, Bairstow 33 and Akhtar 35 taking Congs to a formidable 352-8
In reply, Kirkburton started poorly, Smith bowled by Rafique in the second over. This brought together the experience of Khan and Latif, both batting comfortably before Khan played on unluckly to Rafique. Despite a good 45 from Butterfield and 44 from Latif, Kirkburton crumbled to 145 all out. 16 year old Mustafa Rafique taking 5-48 off his 10 overs, a terrific performance from the young bowler, fully justifying his selection over the weekend. A great team performance, four wins out of four now, however with 110 runs, 3-33 and two outstanding catches, Callum Geldart a worthy man of the match.
Well done, Townville next up in the final but first Cleckheaton on Saturday more important.
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Also, double celebration:
Many congratulations to Robin and the Dales guys for reaching the Cawthorne Cup final with their impressive win over Crompark.
Pudsey Congs v Morley
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday July 5th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Alan Glover
Match Report by Ralph Middlebrook
Congs squeaked another vital victory in a tense finish against Morley on a day which was perfect for cricket. The match swung too and fro throughout and for an important fixture appeared to played in a good spirit by both teams. Nick Lindley played his best knock of the season with elegant strokes well placed on a good pitch and fast outfield. He displayed his qualities when he admitted that he had played well but he should have got a century. He was correct but that is the spirit needed if we are to climb from the bottom of the table. Most batters made a start but could not convert promise into a big score but altogether they showed more ‘stickability’ than recently. Billy Ahktar propelled us to maximum batting points with 4 boundaries and 2 maximums to score 36 in 20 balls hitting the ball huge distances with authentic batting, a joy to watch. 231 a par score? Yes.
Mustafa Rafique put Congs on top with 3 early wickets. He bowled quick and straight with movement away from the bat, his too was his best display of 2014. Morley hit back and a super run out after a mix up got Congs back in the game, but never in charge. James Pearson sent a stump cartwheeling. Babar Butt swooped (yes swooped) low and left to cling onto a sharp chance and Glenn Roberts took a stinger to his right to to catch and bowl Richard Jubb who had impressed upon his return to the Britannia. The last over was in the capable hands of Roberts who did not let us down as Morley failed by 4 runs to claim the points.
Skipper Gareth Phillips kept his head initially with a controlled innings holding the latter half of our innings together again with his best knock of the campaign, and also under pressure throughout the fielding with encouragement and the wherewithal to calculate that Roberts would bowl the last over. Well done.
Only just, but a fighting gritty display brought us the victory. Exactly the qualities needed.
Well played all eleven men.
Farsley v Pudsey Congs
At Red Lane
Saturday June 21st, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Sam Miller
Match Report by Ralph Middlebrook
A very disappointing day at Red Lane for the Congs on a beautiful day with a pitch and outfield in particular looking very good. Batting first we never got to grips with some lively bowling but a score of 91 was obviously inadequate and despite some fast determined bowling Farsley we always in control.
However other results went our way and at the turn of the season it is vital the everyone get behind the Management and players in reversing our current position, we have the talent have we got the grit ?
I believe we have!!!!!
Undercliffe v Pudsey Congs
At Intake Rd
Sunday June 15th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – None
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Undercliffe 187 all out
Pudsey Congs 117 all out
Pudsey took the short journey to Intake Road for their quarter final on a damp, miserable June afternoon. Undercliffe batted first on a green, damp wicket. Pearson and Akhtar opening the bowling for Pudsey looking to continue the good work and Hamid Khan became Pearson’s first victim at 11-1. Raja then joined Hussain, both careful and watchful but punishing any poor delivery that came along. Akram and Rafique were introduced in to the attack with initial success, Akram bowling Hussain at 68-2. This brought Sardar and Raja together, who took the score to 128 before Sardar was stumped by Bairstow off the bowling of Phillips. With Roberts 10-0-25-2 bowling in tandem with Phillips 10-0-28-2 Congs at last had some control on the game and with Pearson 4-34, an all out total of 187 was a good effort from the visitors.
In reply Congs started terribly 15-3 afer Sardar removed Geldart and Butt with Qasim getting Patel caught behind. Lindley followed shortly after for 16 leaving Congs 39-4. Akram 32 played well before being bowled by the accurate Kelsey and Bairstow 20 * batted well in a desperate situation.
117 all out, not that bad a wicket, just poor application and something that must improve immediately.
Pudsey Congs v Bradford & Bingley
At the Britannia Ground
Saturday June 14th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – None
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Pudsey Congs 268-7
Bradford and Bingley 180 all out
Congs recorded their first league win of the season with a 88 run victory over Bradford and Bingley at the Britannia Ground on Saturday. A win that closes the gap on the teams above but still leaves Pudsey at the bottom of the league.
Pudsey batted first with Geldart and Lindley taking the total to 42 before Geldart departed top edging Simpson for 21. All the Congs batsmen looked comfortable against the Bingley attack on a beautiful batting surface, every one making a telling contribution in the total of 268-7. Joe Greaves making 64, his first fifty for the Congs since his arrival from Farsley.
In reply, the visitors lost Best early caught behind off the bowling of Pearson. Cooper and Slater batted well before Roberts deceived Slater trapping him Leg before. The Congs slowly took control with the introduction of Phillips who had the dangerous Cooper 44 superbly caught by Butt at first slip. It was left to Pearson to wrap up the tail, the Aussie taking 6-53 his best figures for the Congs. Bradford & Bingley finished on 180 all out, Congs picking up a valuable 20 points, a good all round performance to take to Undercliffe for the Cup quarter final on Sunday.
Pudsey St Lawrence v Pudsey Congs
Second Round
At Tofts Road
Sunday June 8th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – None
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Pudsey Congs 157-9
Pudsey St. Lawrence 101-9
Congs continued their impressive form in cup competitions this season with a thrilling and outstanding win over Pudsey St Lawrence in the Dyson 20/20 2nd round at Tofts Road. The winning margin was reduced due to a rain delay, but that didn’t take anything away from the best team performance of the season.
The home side won the toss and put Congs into bat. The next 11 overs belonged to Geldart 48 and Patel 48, both playing wonderfully well, before both departing to Hudson . After a quiet middle period, it was left to man of the match Mubtada Akhtar 34, to lift the Congs total to a respectable 157 for 9 with a fine array of straight hitting. The surprise opening attack of off spin from Geldart proved a master stroke, when he removed the dangerous Waite thanks to a brilliant catch from Lindley on the boundary. Akhtar followed up by removing Duce and Marsden in the next over, leaving PSL at 1-3.This soon became 10 for 4 when Robertshaw was well caught by Ahmed off Akhtar 2-0-8-3.
After a rain delay the teams returned with PSL requiring 47 off 4 overs with 4 wickets remaining. Despite some late hitting from Hudson and Ashford, the Congs held on to win by 4 runs. A brilliant performance, batting, bowling and fielding top class, a big thanks to all the guys who came into the side today, superb.
Now lets take this into the league matches!!!!
Lightcliffe v Pudsey Congs
At Wakefield Road
Saturday May 31st, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Wood Mitchell
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Lightcliffe – 183 all out
Pudsey Congs – 172 all out
Congs continued their dreadful start to the season with another defeat at Wakefield Road. Lightcliffe batting first started very slowly and watchful against the Congs opening bowlers Pearson and Akhtar, only reaching 56-2 at the drinks interval. With the Left arm spin of Roberts in control at one end, Lightcliffe needed their overseas player S.Khan to respond. He did so in style blasting 58 in just 35 balls, pushing the total above 150 before he was well caught by Phillips off Pearsons bowling. A flurry of wickets in the last five overs reduced Lightcliffe to 183 all out, Congs picking up full bowling bonus points.
In reply the Congs started in comical fashion, Akram run out and Butt and Patel departing leaving the Congs 24-3 yet again. The all spin attack of Lightcliffe kept a tight grip on Geldart and Phillips before another loose stroke from Geldart left Congs on 41-4. Phillips departed for a watchful 32 before Greaves and Bairstow battled well to set up a target of 70 from the last 10 overs. Despite a hard hitting 35 from Akhtar the lower order fell away to leave Congs 172 all out.
Worrying times, Congs bottom 15 points adrift of safety already, with a visit to Yeadon on Saturday
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence
At the Britannia Ground
Monday May 26th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Peter Marsh
Match Report by Ralph Middlebrook
After the terrible rainstorms of the last few days, play was only possible because of the skill and hard work of loyal members lead by the groundsman, that it was possible to make a prompt start. Robertshaw and Waite batted with their usual craft, running well between the wickets, excellent shot selection but surviving two regulation catches which put the Congs on the back foot. The fielding was, by and large slipshod, Greaves, Geldart and Doey being notable exceptions, but the bowlers stuck to their task and kept the scoring rate down on a pitch that was damp but true. Muktaber was quick, Phillips was the pick of the attack claiming 2 for 44 in 14 miserly overs, Pearson was rewarded for his unstinting effort with late wickets. Smith spearheaded the acceleration as the innings ran on and other supported him well and at 216 it was a good performance but the score could matched if?
Congs early batting was undone by some good catches and lively bowling but Akram stood firm showing his true qualities in an innings of substance and patience. Butt showed his skill in dealing with spin as the Saints rotated their bowlers to dislodge the batters and at 77 for 4 it looked bad from the Congs viewpoint but Bairstow played a beautiful knock as he and Akram added 38 before the umpires decided that the falling rain was too heavy to allow play to continue with 17 overs left, the question posed could the score be matched if, could not be answered but the Congs could take heart from an improved performance.
They will have to field better, bat for longer periods and take more wickets as Yeadon’s victory means we are bottom of the League. But we have a talented team who can overturn this position and put together a run of winning results.
Pudsey Congs v Keighley
At the Britannia Ground
Sunday May 18th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – None
Pudsey were back in cup action on Sunday, a tough looking second round match against the Div 2 leaders Keighley at the Britannia Ground. On another hot day, Keighley batted first with openers Beckett and Pearson taking the score to 52 before Beckett was deceived by Butt with Roberts taking the catch at mid on. Butt continued to tie down the Keighley batsmen picking up three wickets in his ten over spell including the important wicket of Robinson. All the Congs bowlers bowled tightly with Phillips 10-0-40-4 being the most successful in keeping the Keighley total to 174 in their 50 overs.
The Pudsey reply started off in dramatic fashion with Akram being given out LBW in the second over. Patel joined Geldart both playing aggressively against the Keighley attack before Geldart 37 missed a straight one. Patel 27 and Phillips 12 were then both dismissed by Stead which left the Congs on 86-4. Any possibility of an upset was stopped by an unbroken partnership of 90 between Butt 48 not out and Bairstow 43 not out, both showing their years of experience to take the Congs to 176 – 4 and into the Priestley Cup quarter final.
A good team effort.
Woodlands v Pudsey Congs
At Albert Terrace
Saturday May 17th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Mick Hirst
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Pudsey Congs remain second from bottom of Division 1 after their latest defeat at Albert Terrace on Saturday. Having won the toss captain Gareth Phillips elected to bat on a beautiful, warm day. However within eight overs the Congs were reduced to 24-3 with Geldart, Akram and Patel all departed to the opening spells of Swaneopol and Sarfraz. The recovery was started by the skipper Phillips 35 and Butt 26 before both fell to the left arm spin of Brice with Congs struggling on 84-5. Joe Greaves played well for his 23 but when Brice removed Pearson, Congs were 137-9 with 7 overs remaining. Enter young Mustafa with Bairstow compiling a beautiful, sensible partnership of 38, taking Congs to 175-9 after 50 overs, with Andrew Bairstow on 42 not out.
With Roberts unavailable and Akram injured, defending 175 was always a problem but Pearson gave Congs a huge boost by removing Snell in his opening spell. However with Richardson batting solidly and Mason and Weston playing shots, Woodlands passed the Congs total with two wickets down and seven overs left. Still no league win for Pudsey but everybody still working together to get things right for the coming weekends clashes with Hanging Heaton and the Richie Lamb inspired Pudsey St Lawrence.
Pudsey Congs v Mirfield Parish Cavaliers
Second Round
At Britannia Ground
Sunday May 11th, 2014
Match Report by Mick Hirst
After Saturdays league fixture v New Farnley was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of heavy rain, Congs looked to the sky in hope of the weather co-operating for the Cup fixture on Sunday.
Congs pipped the Central Yorkshire team Mirfield by 6 runs at the Britannia ground on Sunday. Having worked tirelessly for 4 hours to get the ground fit for play, with excellent support from two top umpires, play started at 4.00pm. Pudsey batted first in their 20 overs scoring 133-6. Captain Gareth Phillips 32 and Adam Patel 25 leading the way. A spirited reply by the visitors left them 6 runs short on 127-3. Congs now progress to the quarter final stages.
Many thanks to everyone who helped to get the match played today in difficult circumstances and good luck to the Mirfield Parish team for the rest of the season.
Congs 133-6 20 overs, Mirfield Parish 127-3
East Bierley v Pudsey Congs
At South View Road
Saturday May 3rd, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – none
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Congs poor start to the 2014 cricket season continued on Saturday with a third straight defeat, this time by 5 wickets to East Bierley. This result leaves Pudsey on 17 points with only Yeadon below them in the division.
Batting first Congs got away to the usual good start, Geldart in particular at his fluent best. Lindley was the first to go, LBW to Jarvis, soon followed by Patel and then the main wicket of Geldart 43, bowled by the evergreen Neil Gill. The middle order slump continued before an excellent innings from captain Phillips 52 took the Congs total to 195 on the last ball of their 50 overs.
In reply the experienced Mark Gill and Bhatti made a steady start to their innings, Pearson bowling tightly from one end. The introduction of Greaves then gave Congs hope removing Gill and Walsh in two deliveries, but with Bhatti now holding the innings together and a quick fire 28 from Shuffe, Bierley reached their total with 3 overs remaining.
A big improvement in all skills is required from the team hopefully with a double header weekend at home to New Farnley and Mirfield in the Heavy Woollen Cup.
Pudsey Congs v Wrenthorpe
First Round
At Britannia Ground
Sunday April 20th, 2014
Match Report by Mick Hirst
A 10 wicket victory for the Congs over the visiting Central Yorkshire team from Wrenthorpe. A welcome return to action for Mubtada Akhtar, after a shoulder operation, resulted in a four wicket haul for the young bowler. Sixteen year old Mustafa Rafique also bowling his 10 overs for 28 runs and 2 wickets. Wrenthorpe 192 all out in the 45th over. The next hour and a half of cricket belonged to Geldart and Lindley, both in great touch after the previous day, they took apart the Wrenthorpe attack, passing the target score with 24 overs remaining.
Congs will now await the draw for the second round of the Challenge Cup.
Pudsey Congs v Cleckheaton
At Britannia Ground
Saturday April 19th, 2014
Match Ball Sponsor – Joan Marsh
Match Report by Mick Hirst
Congs began their 2014 season with a 6 wicket defeat to last years champions Cleckheaton.
Batting first openers Geldart and Lindley started impressively, both batting beautifully compiling an opening stand of 159 before Geldart 75 was out caught and bowled Altaf. The dismissal of Lindley on 59 prompted a collapse of the middle order batting before Doey and Rafique, making his Congs debut, took the score to 243 after their 50 overs.
Pearson opened the bowling for Congs and was successful in removing Gorrod with a fine yorker. However Wood and Nicholson then put together a stand of 163 to take the game away from the home side. Congs will welcome back spinner Glenn Roberts for next weekends fixture at Morley and hopefully a fit Akram will be available to bowl.