2014 Fourth XI
Final League Position = 5th, 144 Points
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Pudsey Congs v Undercliffe
At Fulneck
Saturday July 12th, 2014
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
A humid and sultry day at Fulneck for the B Division encounter with our Cup Final opponents Undercliffe.
Stand in skipper Pete lost the toss and was invited to field. A great looking dry track, fast outfield yet long boundaries the order of the day. James and Josh opened up and the visitors were soon showing good technique in dulling the 4s attack. Although not going for many runs, the openers looked fairly comfortable at the crease. Gary was brought on to add some extra pace and claimed the first wicket as Iqbal skied one to Joe Goodchild. With Stuart on at the bottom end to replace Josh after a very good opening spell, he too got a wicket. The dangerous Asad Khan – star of Undercliffe’s Cup Semi Final win against Farsley – was holding things together and gradually playing himself in whilst wickets continued to fall. Pete held himself back and Ross came on and was in the wickets. The Undercliffe skipper bitterly disappointed at his dismissal. The tail did not wag and Khan’s 37 runs looked to be in a losing cause as the total only just crept over three figures and six overs surrendered into the bargain. James Galvin finishing with three catches.
Undercliffe 105 (38.1 overs)
Stuart Jolly 12/3/32/4, Ross Kettlewell 4.1/0/18/3, Gary Eckard 9/2/20/3
With a low total to get and a good batting line up things looked positive for the 4s. Joe Royce and Gary opening proceedings. If the visitors batting had been a little one dimensional the bowling was not. Hall and Khan bowled very well indeed first up. The openers back in the hutch with only 24 on the board. Joe Goodchild and Stuart managed to add another 23 runs before Stuart fell. A middle order collapse followed and only Joe Goodchild’s 40 runs kept the total within range. When he was out things looked bleak for the 4s. Step up Ross Kettlewell and Pete Huffinley. A fantastic nerve shredding last wicket stand, full of poor sportsmanship, poor officiating and true Yorkshire grit and determination! With the overs winding down the last wicket pair managed to grind out the last few runs needed. Pete hitting a four to win the game!
4s 107-9 (46 overs)
Joe Goodchild 40 and Pete Huffinley 16 NOT OUT
A great win and 17 invaluable points. A tough Cup Final awaits next weekend on the evidence of this game.
Pudsey Congs v Crompark
Cawthorne Cup Semi Final
At Fulneck
Sunday July 6th, 2014
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The Semi Final of the Cawthorne Cup was the 4s cricket for this weekend as the Tour de France meant no Saturday league game. A tough encounter was anticipated against Crompark, the C Division leaders and a side containing a number of experienced B Division players.
The visitors called correctly and opted to bat first on a good looking, dry wicket with a well cut outfield. James and Ahtsham opened the 4s attack and were soon causing the batters all sorts of problems with their excellent line, length and well directed pace. It was therefore somewhat of a surprise that the first wicket fell to a run out as Joe Goodchild picked up and threw in from the boundary. Asgar well short of his ground. James was not to be denied for his efforts and he took the next two wickets as Pete then Robin (back behind the stumps this week) took catches. The dangerous Winston Charles was next to go as Ahtsham struck. The normally robust Kash Malik was next in, though he did not look his best as he was suffering from flu. It showed as James re arranged his stumps without scoring to finish a brilliant eight over spell and leave the Crompark innings in disarray at 8-5. Pete and Stuart came on to bowl as Cooper and Hassan Malik attempted to revive the visitor’s innings, until Malik fell lbw to Pete. Saj Malik was then well caught in the deep off Stuart and the innings was pretty much done when the Cooper’s resistance was ended. Then occurred one of the more unusual happenings in cricket; the tenth batter, Vincent Joseph was next in and did not look to be appearing from the changing rooms. The two umpires conferred and started to time proceedings. When Joseph finally strode onto the field he was greeted by the raised finger of umpire White and told that he had been “timed out”!
LAW 31
“an incoming batsman must be in position to take guard or for his
partner to be ready to receive the next ball within three minutes of
the fall of the previous wicket.”
As the final Crompark player had still not arrived this meant the end of the innings.
Crompark 43-9 all out (24.1 overs)
James Galvin 8/5/5/3 and Ahtsham Ahmed 7/1/9/1
With the Final now in sight, Joe Royce and Jacques Allen began the getting of 44 runs to win. Both batters negotiated the bowling reasonably well and even with the Crompark scorer making the numbers up, the boundary rope was soon being crossed. With less than ten needed Hassan Malik decided to play “party pooper” and take a couple of quick wickets. Nevertheless the target was achieved in less than 14 overs.
4s 44-2 (13.4 overs)
Joe Royce 15 NOT OUT
Even the Crompark skipper was at a loss as to why his side had underperformed on the day. Not for the 4s to worry, and the first appearance in a Cawthorne Cup Final since 2004 on Sunday 20th July at Cookridge’s Smithy Lane ground awaits against fellow B Division side Undercliffe.
Pudsey Congs v Drig/Whitehall
At Fulneck
Saturday June 28th, 2014
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The 4s hosted Drig/Whitehall’s A team to Fulneck knowing a good win was needed. The ground was wet but the outfield cut. The wicket in as good a condition as ever. After the recent dry spell it was unfortunate the rain’s came today.
Team news; Robin out injured after damaging his finger last week and Macauley Gaunt deputising as keeper. James and Stuart back too. Pete skippering the side. The visitors won the coin toss and elected to field. The game started on time then the drizzle came.
Joe Royce and Gary Eckard opened and proceeded to grind out an innings each. Nothing special in the bowling attack, but a wicket getting wetter and more spiteful as time elapsed. A determined partnership just shy of forty invaulable runs was made before Gary fell lbw for 16. A good start. Joe Royce anchoring the innings well. A slight wobble as Joe Goodchild and Stuart went. Joe Royce got reward for his doggedness at the crease as he recorded his first Congs fifty! In came Macca Gaunt and he carried on the run getting in some style as the fielders were pushed further and further back as he plundered twos and fours. The wet outfield negated by some big hits. The lower order supported Macca well and four batting points were achieved by the end of the innings… and another fifty in the innings as Macca too recorded his first Congs half century.
4s 158-8 (45 overs)
Macauley Gaunt 51 NOT OUT & Joe Royce 50
A good score on the wet wicket and wetter outfield.
The visitors opened with two of their bowlers, Waller and Dunne. Waller the better technically than his opening partner, who seemed to want to cut every ball. James and Ahtsham opened and bowled well without reward, though kept the scoring rate low. A frustrating 47 run partnership was ended by Gary’s extra pace accounting for Dunne. Jez Gamble at three is a dangerous batter at this level and was soon in the runs, however the introduction of Stuart’s slower left armers managed to account for Waller and that was the breakthrough needed. Keyworth did not get to launch any big hits as a good throw by Joe Goodchild from the outfield ran him out. Gamble was excellently caught in the deep by Joe Royce. The Drig middle order now exposed and some very good catches taken as 71-2 became 81-7 in no time as attempted big hits failed. Ross came on and, like Stuart, his slower and flighted deliveries were just what was needed on the wet wicket. Joe Royce (aka The Fielding Point) took another stunning catch and Pete got in on the act with a smart take at short fine leg. The overs now were getting very low, yet the batters were making no real inroads on the target. With only a couple of overs to go last man Wagstaff was deceived in the flight and bowled by Ross to end the innings.
Drig/Whitehall “A” 112 (44 overs)
Stuart Jolly 12/0/34/4 & Ross Kettlewell 4/0/13/3
Another great win and a tough game against one of the best batting sides in the Division. Joe and Macca’s knocks were backed up by the bowlers who stuck to their task well to defend the total. Some quite brilliant catches and fielding did not go amiss either!
No league game next weekend, however a Cawthorne Cup Semi Final on the Sunday awaits.
Cookridge “B” v Pudsey Congs
At Smithy Lane
Saturday June 21st, 2014
Match report by Alistair Goodchild
This afternoon’s game was held at Cookridge’s home ground of Smithy Lane. The hosts looked to have a number of their C Division players from last season in their line up. Robin elected to field first on a track that, although dry and quite hard, does not usually play as it looks!
Ahtsham started off well with the new ball and his probong line and length soon had Kennard clean bowled for a duck. Josh also looked to be bowling with pace and vigour, if a little off line at times. The batters were already finding the going hard and the introduction of the extra pace and bounce of Gary Eckard, making his 4s debut, paid off immediately. Kerfoot’s driving skills floundering as he was caught for 16. The second wicket partnership broken and Gary ran through the middle order to end up with a deserved five wicket haul as the rest of the host’s batters fell cheaply. Mark (2) and Pete (1) chipped in and Ahtsham finished proceedings by having Rollett caught by sub keeper Joe Goodchild for 15. An excellently efficient bowling and fielding display, soured only by the skipper’s digit injury whilst ‘keeping.
Cookridge B 67 (30.3 overs)
Gary Eckard 9/2/12/5, Ahtsham Ahmed 6.3/2/13/2, Mark Ferguson 7/2/8/2
Pete Huffinley 3/1/5/1, Josh Chapman 5/1/12/0
With Robin slipping down the order due to injury, it was Joe Royce to open with Mark. Needing to keep at least 9 wickets in hand for the full points, it was unfortunate that Mark was bowled early doors. Gary Eckard replaced him and soon he and Joe were dispatching the variety of Cookridge bowlers brought on. A 56 run partnership was broken with four runs needed, as Gary departed for 25. Joe Goodchild easily knocked off the required runs for victory and all was done with only 12 overs gone. A good red inker for Joe royce too.
4’s 68-2 (12 overs)
Joe Royce 27 NOT OUT and Gary Eckard 25
An easy win against a less than challenging opposition, nevertheless the points are much needed.
Drig/Whitehall at Fulneck next up.
Pudsey Congs v Shipley Providence “B”
At Fulneck
Saturday June 14th, 2014
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
A humid, sultry afternoon saw Shipley Providence B visit Fulneck. The visitors also finding life in the B Division a little tough at present.
With the outfield cut, yes cut, for a change, Robin decided to bat on winning the toss. Even better a decision as by the time play got under way only 8 of the Shipley team had arrived. Robin and the returning Mark Ferguson opened for the 4s and proceeded to make hay in the middle as the weak Shipley attack was put to the sword. The missing Shipley players turned up 40 minutes late and took the field, plugging the gaps. The Congs openers though were in no mood to cease their assault and Mark soon brought up his 50. Just as it looked as though the partnership would reach three figures, Mark was caught at slip. Joe entered the fray at continued where Mark had left off. Robin also garnering runs until he was adjudged lbw for 42. The score by now was looking good. Joe Goodchild (23), Joe Royce (13) and Tom Huffinley (19) all chipped in. With maximum batting points achieved it was left to Josh to bring up the 200 with a sweetly struck six.
4s 205-7 (45 overs)
Mark Ferguson – 58 and Robin Kettlewell – 42
More strange Shipley goings on at tea as one of their number at first looked to have packed his bags and was ready to depart, only for him next to be seen out in the middle opening the batting! No matter. With a good score on the board and the whiff of full points, the Congs attack roared into action. Ahtsham opening from the top end for a change took to his task excellently, bowling full and straight. In quick time Shipley were three down. In came Kazmi and immediately found the short boundary twice for six. Robin turned to his son for the slower pace to outfox the big hitter and it paid off with Mark taking the expected catch at long on. A brief cameo then of 6,6,6,4,4 from Kazmi ended! That was about it from the visitors. Ross bowled some well flighted deliveries to take a couple more wickets and Ahtsham did the rest to finish with a well deserved 5 wicket haul. Two smart run outs completed the misery for Shipley, shot out without registering a batting point in an under an hour and a half.
Shipley Providence B 72 (18.2 overs)
Ahtsham Ahmed 8/1/35/5 and Ross Kettlewell 5/1/18/3
A resounding victory, with some good batting and bowling on show for Congs. Cookridge B away next and another twenty points needed if the table is to be climbed.
Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence “B”
Cawthorne Cup 1/4 Final
At Fulneck
Sunday June 8th, 2014
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
The 4’s welcomed the Pudsey St Lawrence 4th team to Fulneck for Round 2 of the Cup knowing a win would put them in the Semi Final.
Robin won the toss and elected to bowl first against a young looking PSL side. James and Ahtsham opened the bowling. After only a handful of overs, four catches had been spilled. The tone was set for the innings… With the run rate barely touching two and the “elephant grass” outfield meaning boundaries at a premium, Robin opted for the slower bowlers. Catches started to be taken. Joe Royce in imperious fielding form – three catches and a run out all told! The spin twins of Stuart and Ross picked up a couple of wickets each and the young PSL batters struggled to get the ball away. Only extras seemed to be scoring. The wides tally mounted alarmingly as too often the bowlers line strayed leg side. Pete, Ahtsham and James took a wicket each as PSL ended their 40 overs nine short of three figures.
PSL “B” – 91 for 9
Stuart Jolly – 8/1/19/2
The Congs batters knew a less than three figure score should be straightforward with the anticipated opposition bowlers. The PSL bowling proved to be just that; slow, low, slow. Robin and Ahtsham put on 32 for the first wicket before Robin was adjudged lbw on the sweep. Ahtsham quickly followed. A slight wobble was avoided as Joe G. and Stuart began to get their range. Stuart hit a maximum to get off the mark and Joe had to keep running two’s as the ball constantly plugged close to the boundary. A partnership of 54 closed out the game in only 18.1 overs.
Pudsey Congs 4’s – 92 for 2
Joe Goodchild – 31 NOT OUT
Stuart Jolly – 20 NOT OUT
Not the best from the 4ths this afternoon but a win and a Cawthorne Cup Semi Final berth to look forward to on 6th July. A tougher game than today is expected though.
Pudsey Congs v Thornbury “B”
Cawthorne Cup First Round
At Britannia Ground
Sunday June 1st, 2014
Match report by Alastair Goodchild
After yesterday’s mauling at the hands of Bradford Moor, the 4s were in belated Cawthorne Cup Round 1 action against Thornbury “B” at The Brit. The two sides have had good games against each other in recent seasons. The 4s had only two changes from yesterday’s game.
The visitors won the toss and batted first on the expected good looking batting surface. James and Ahtsham took the new ball. The opening batters were soon striking the ball well, if a little cross batted, and had built a good partnership of 45 before the introduction of Josh brought the breakthrough. On the large outfield of the Britannia Ground, the runs were not difficult to find. On turning to his slower bowlers, Robin hoped to take the pace off the ball and slow the scoring. Stuart a& Ross were soon in the action and Stuart went onto record three wickets while Ross had two. Good control and flight being used by Ross in the main. Sohail Naveed held the visitors’ innings together and made 40 before Joe Royce took a fine high catch off Ahtsham’s bowling. He went on to get three wickets. Hassan Khan’s 38 not out towards the end of the innings pushed the score over 150 before James took the last wicket.
Thornbury “B” 158 (38.5 overs)
Ahtsham Ahmed 7/1/27/3
Stuart Jolly 8/1/31/3
Due to an injury whilst fielding, Joe Goodchild was forced to bat lower down the order. Robin and Ahtsham opened the 4s reply and were soon finding the boundary ropes, punishing the bad ball well. Both looked well set and had put on 50 for the first wicket when the introduction of the slower bowler accounted for Ahtsham for 20. Robin pushed on and made 28, Stu (22) and Joe Royce also looked to get the 4s towards the target. Joe started to get his range and along with Joe Goodchild looked to be at the crease at the end. A six from Joe Royce settled the nerves. He fell for a good 40 just as the target was in sight. It was left to Joe Goodchild (23 not out) to finish the game with two fours and take the side into the next round.
Pudsey Congs 4s – 159-5 (37.2 overs)
Joe Royce 40
A win at last. Relief all round. A big thank you to the Congs groundstaff, bar and catering, and supporters; plus MG for his Superman efforts..
PSL “B” in the Quarter Final next Sunday at Fulneck awaits.
Bradford Moor v Pudsey Congs
At Karmand Centre
Saturday May 31st, 2014
Match report by Alistair Goodchild
The 4’s today visited Bradford Moor for the second of three league games. A tough game was expected against a side containing at least five of the ex Apperley Bridge “A” Division side of two years ago, before they were expelled from the League. On winning the toss they predictably batted first.
James and Josh opened up and a slip catch was nearly held in the first over. James starting off very well and soon claiming the first wicket. Josh also began well and got the second. BM were seemingly finding the wicket a little tricky against some tight bowling. Their typical response was to throw the bat at everything, targeting any boundary! Wickets still tumbled – mainly to steepling catches (Joe G, Joe Royce and Ahtsham holding on to very good efforts). The BM middle order’s swiping at every ball kept the score going upwards. The enforced introduction of the slow bowlers was much more to the BM batters’ liking at some meaty slogs and long hits meant 66 runs off seven overs. A maiden 4s wicket for the talented Ishmail (very much one to look out for in the future…) the only positive. A last wicket stand was eventually broken by Josh to get a deserved maiden senior five wicket haul. There were even eleven unused overs but a testing score had been posted.
Bradford Moor 165 (33.2 overs)
Josh Chapman 7.2 /0/24/5
Ahtsham Ahmed 3 catches and Fielding Point.
After a poor effort of a tea, the 4s began their reply, expecting a tight BM bowling attack. The BM bowlers duly obliged and it was not long before the wickets began to tumble. Only Robin seemed able to occupy the crease and fend off some hostile bowling. With the top order blown away and then Robin gone for a dogged 13, Joe Royce had a go but went for 12. The 4s looked unlikely to make fifty runs. Another brutal delivery accounted for Macca and then Alastair (17). Thankfully the two youngest team members managed to blunt the rampant BM bowlers long enough for the score to pass the one bonus point mark. All out in less than 36 overs…
Pudsey Congs 4s – 93 (35.5. overs)
Ishmail Nazir 14
Josh Chapman 10 not out
A thoroughly unpleasant game if truth be told, however the 4s need to toughen up if they are to record their first league win in Division “B”. All areas need to be improved upon. Hopefully some net sessions will help.
Thornbury “A” v Pudsey Congs
At Daleside Road
Saturday May 17th, 2014
Match report by Alistair Goodchild
A beautiful sunny day welcomed the 4’s to Thornbury for a bottom of the table clash with both teams wanting to register their first win of the campaign.
The hosts won the coin toss and elected to have a bat. The very short leg side boundaries high in their skipper’s mind no doubt. Ahtsham and Josh opened the 4s attack and got into their rhythm quickly. Josh was unlucky to have a chance spilled in his first over but clean bowled Khan soon after. Pete and Hammad replaced the openers and both got wickets, however the hosts were finding the boundary far too frequently and the skipper had a lot more to think about than keep wicket! Field placings were tinkered with and bowlers spelled. Pete’s usual accuracy and guile hampered by fatigue – after he removed the opener, Ali for 23. The Thornbury middle order continued to smote away and Tariq clubbed 43 before padding up to Ahtsham. Ross chipped in with a wicket but the score by now was heading towards 200. A last wicket partnership of 25, a wicket off a no ball and a dropped catch did not help the 4s cause. Hussain Khan’s 32 not with much skill but plenty of muscle!. Josh took the last wicket in the penultimate over.
Thornbury “A” 210 (44 overs)
Ahtsham 3 wickets
Josh Chapman 9/0/21/2
Pete Huffinley 9/1/28/2
Fielding point Hammad Khan
A score of over 200 is always a daunting one to chase, however with the short boundaries and a fast outfield, gettable. Robin and Ahtsham began the 4s reply and the runs were soon flowing. Robin soon set about some wayward bowling and it was the host’s turn to try and defend the boundaries. Looking at ease and with 42 on the board Robin was undone by the flight of Shabir and was caught in the gully for 30. Ahtsham and Ross followed soon after. Alastair and Josh initially sat back to play the bad ball to negate Shabir. A 28 run partnership was ended in poor fashion after Alastair was given out lbw off his bat…Josh and Hammad took up the cause and batted extremely well. A fifty partnership followed in cracking style by the two junior players. Hammad (21) and Josh (37) took the score to near the 125 mark. A ninth wicket partnership between Pete and Irfan took the score past 150 at the close.
PCCC 4s 158-9 (45 overs)
Josh Chapman 37
Robin Kettlewell 30
Hammad Khan 21
Another defeat, albeit with another below strength eleven taking the field. Whilst the effort and willingness is beyond reproach – especially from all the young Congs who have played so far this season (and one or two of the more senior ones) – this is the B Division and there is a large difference in what is needed to win games than last season in the C Division. Hopefully with one or two more players back in the team the side can go on to register some wins soon. Starting with a double weekend of Shipley Prov. “B” in the League and Thornbury “B” in the Cawthorne Cup, both home fixtures next weekend.
Pudsey Congs v Bradford Moor
At Fulneck
Saturday May 10th, 2014
Match report by a) Ralph & b) Alistair
With play impossible at the Britannia ground, I guessed the better draining pitch at Fulneck might be playable, it was. Thanks to the care and devotion of Graham Curtis, over the years, the pitch, although wet through, did not misbehave and new groundsman David Malpass had wisely prepared a pitch at the very far end of the square to minimise damage. Congs fourths or Dales seconds (whichever one prefers) batted with great determination the last man being out to the final ball of the innings for a hard won point – 75 all out. All applied themselves to the difficulties, a quality Bradford Moor attack who rarely bowled a bad delivery, fielding which was sharp, combined with accurate fast returns to the keeper which would put many teams to shame. The School are cutting the outfield twice each week until the end of May but with being so wet boundaries were a rarity. Joe Goodchild, however made light of the conditions with a beautifully timed clip well beyond the mid wicket boundary 6! Heavy rain halted play for a while but acting Captain Peter Huffinley in vintage Dales Council tradition said ‘Come on guys, it’s stopped raining let get on with it’. To the umpires credit they did (they did not give a doubtful decision all afternoon) and play recommenced immediately. Quite right too. Needing 3 for a bonus point with classic pairing of Josh Chapman,13 and Colin Nelthorpe, sixty??? The runs were squeezed out. A top effort by our team and as the rain started again, I left for hearth and home as the two teams tucked into the delicious looking sandwiches.
The result, I don’t know, but I enjoyed every aspect of a good afternoons cricket.
That is what everyone hard work is about, isn’t it?
_________
Congs second home game of the season against top of the table Bradford Moor did get under way thanks to a good team effort, led by Pete, to get things ready. Two umpires scanned the wet scene. Bradford Moor naturally wanted to play and on winning the toss inserted Congs. Game reduced to 42 over per side. Macca and Alastair went quickly, followed by an innings rescuing partnership from Ahtsham (23) and Joe (27). Both played well against tight bowling and an awful wicket and wet outfield. A middle order collapse was halted by Josh (12 not out), and he and Samraj secured one batting point.
Congs 75-9 (42 overs)
After tea the heavy rain returned with a vengeance! With a little diplomacy, common sense prevailed and the game was abandoned at 4.07pm.
Congs 5 points, Bradford Moor 8 points.
Next weekend, Thornbury A in the League
Farsley v Pudsey Congs
At Clariant Sports Ground
Saturday April 19th, 2014
Match report by Robin Kettlewell
The 4th XI travelled to near neighbours Farsley for their first game in the Dales ‘B’ division. Congs won the toss and elected to field first. Some excellent bowling from the team had Farsley struggling on 55 for 7 but a 69 run eighth wicket partnership gave Farsley a decent score of 129 all out on a slow wicket and outfield. Great contributions from Pete with 4 for 32 and two wickets a piece for Ahtsham and Josh with Galv and Ross picking up a wicket a piece. Latecomer Arslan also bowled a good spell.
Congs lost skipper Robin early on but debutant opener Macca scored a breezy 26 alongside Ross to leave Congs at 39 -2. Wickets steadily tumbled down the order as Congs were bowled out for 101. Some good contributions with the bat from Macca, Abid, Graham and youngster Josh gives hope for the future.
Graham won the fielding point but was pushed very close by Colin. So a defeat in the first game of the season but no disgrace with a number of young and inexperienced youngsters in the team.