Dales Council 1st Team

Match Reports 2015

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Final League Position = 8th, 236 pts

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Pudsey Congs v Leeds Sikh

At Fulneck

Saturday August 8th, 2015

Match Report by Macauley Gaunt

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Congs went into a tough game against 3rd in the league, without nine 3rd team regulars. On brand new deck and a hot day M.Gaunt won the toss and choose to bowl with one eye on trying to gain as many bonus points as possible. This decision looked to be a good one, as L.Stanhope ran out the Leeds Sikh opener without a run on the scoreboard. This was quickly followed up by J.Chapman bowling H.Ryatt leaving the Sikhs 5-2. A partnership began to build and was looking dangerous until D.Shaw got the breakthrough. Stanners and I.Nazir came into the attack and dried up the runs. This pressure turned into wickets for the two bowlers. Three wickets between L.Stanhope and I.Nazir left Sikhs in precarious situation of 93-6. This brought Sikh skipper Raghu to the crease who played a superb captains knock. His 82 not out made sure that Leeds Sikh didn’t just bat out their overs, but also post a very competitive total of 220.

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J.Chapman 2-37, I.Nazir 2- 33

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The Congs reply got off to a disastrous start with skipper M.Gaunt playing a brainless shot early on to a wide delivery. B.Hamid came in and quickly was back to the changing room also. L.Stanhope continued his recent batting form, taking on some quick bowling from H.Ryatt. S.Bhatti was looking good early on, hitting some early boundaries. It was looking like Congs were going to build a good chase, however Seehra came into the attack and took the wickets of S.Bhatti and L.Stanhope (30). Redders came in and looked to counter attack until a good catch on the boundary edge. At 99-6 you’d think that the best Congs could hope for would be as many batting points as possible, however Congs were not giving up that easy. S.Jolly and D.Shaw kept the score ticking over, whilst hitting boundaries whenever possible. The pair got Congs to 150, then S.Jolly fell along with J.Chapman not long after.

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It was when Congs 4th team skipper D.Malpass came to the crease at 171-8 when the games momentum changed dramatically in Congs favour. With 5 overs left D.Malpass proceeded to cart the ball to all parts of Fulneck. At the other end D.Shaw went to a well grafted 50, which set up this late drama for Congs.

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It got to the final over and Congs needed 10 to win. The pair ran hard in the first 3 deliveries which meant 4 were required off 3. D.Shaw fell for 52 but the pair crossed which meant D.Malpass was on strike. 2 came off the penultimate ball, with 2 needed off 1 ball, the ball dropped to the next strip and as P.Huffinley and D.Malpass scampered through a wild throw at the bowlers end gave Congs a second in overthrows resulting in a Congs victory!!!

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D.Shaw 52, D.Malpass 33 NOT OUT

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Against one of the top sides in the league and with nine 3rd team regulars missing this certainly a victory against all odds, which will stay in all the players memories. This result has helped relegation fears, but a lot is still left to do. With a massive game next week against relegation and local rivals Pudsey St Lawrence, let’s hope the same will and character is on show then as well!

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Bradford Moor v Pudsey Congs

At Karmand Centre Ground

Saturday July 18th, 2015

Match Report by Macauley Gaunt

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Congs started off well with the ball as Dan Clifton got the Bradford Moor opener caught with a smart slower ball bouncer. However this was the only wicket for some time as Bradford’s skipper I.Saddiq dug in whilst N.Andrabi played some lovely drives on the front foot with some powerful punches on the back foot. S.Jolly was brought on and helped slow down the run rate as the pitch offered turn for the left arm spinner. This pressure at one end helped Congs get a second wicket through G.Eckard. However at 144-2, BM were on for a score of 250+ as N.Andrabi made a superb 100. Chippers came on and his off spin got Congs another wicket and soon after N.Andrabi was out to S.Jolly, a well deserved wicket. D.Clifton came back on and proceeded to rip through the BM batting order, taking another 4 wickets to give him a 5 wicket haul. M.Amin was the only BM batter to score at the end and in his typical fashion got his 48 in quick time. J.Chapman came back on and finished off the BM tail, leaving them on 236 all out

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D.Clifton 5-50

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L.Stanhope and skipper M.Gaunt opened up and got Congs to a perfect start. L.Stanhope continued his good recent form with the bat, as he played glorious drives through the offside, whilst M.Gaunt supported him at the other end with a solid knock. An opening stand of 50 was soon followed by a first 3rd team 50 for L.Stanhope, but just as BM were getting worried at the Congs opening stand, L.Stanhope was run out and M.Gaunt soon followed him back to the pavilion. D.Clifton and T.Huffinley rebuilt, however T.Huffinley fell to a dodgy looking LBW decision and S.Bhatti fell next ball. Once D.Clifton fell for 20, the chase was pretty much gone, however Congs did reach to 150 thanks to debutant L.Gaunt’s “cheeky 4” A.K.A inside edge down to fine leg boundary.  

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L.Stanhope 51

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This was a spirited effort by the lads against a very strong Bradford Moor side, and the 9 batting/bowling points will be vital come the end of the season.

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Pudsey Congs v Tong Park Esholt

At Fulneck

Saturday July 4th, 2015

Match Report by Macauley Gaunt

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After an appalling performance against Farnley Hill, Congs found themselves at the bottom of table needing a win desperately. M.Gaunt lost the toss and was put into bat on a good looking pitch despite the night’s rain.

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Congs openers J.Jamshed and A.Ahmed got off to a solid start playing patiently whilst putting away the bad balls. However the partnership was broken after an uncharacteristic shot across the line from Jamshed was spooned into the air. B.Hamid came to the crease and was positive from the start, taking a particular liking to the young Tong Park Esholt spinners. Hamid was looking set for a big score but fell for 40 going for one big shot too many. Congs then lost 2 more wickets, D.Clifton hit a couple of boundaries then was bowled and A.Ahmed was undone for 39 by smart work from spinner S.Amar.

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At 138-5, Congs were in danger of wasting a good start, M.Amin however had other ideas. Mani played a brilliant counter attacking innings which included five 6s, including three off one over. He was supported by L.Stanhope who played delicately through the off side whilst packing a punch through the leg side. These two ensured Congs got to a competitive 233. Stannerz fell near the end for 40 and M.Amin batted till the end for an unbeaten 52, well played.

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M.Amin 53 NOT OUT, L.Stanhope 40, B.Hamid 40

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In reply to the Congs total, Tong Park Esholt got off to an uncomfortable start as their top order struggled to cope with D.Clifton’s blistering pace. At one point the field included 2 slips, a gully, a fly gully, 2 3rd mans and a silly point. However it was L.Stanhope who got the break through as Chippers caught smartly at gully. D.Clifton got the next wicket, with a smart slower ball which found silly points hands. Somehow D.Clifton’s 12 overs only brought about 1 wicket, as the Tong Park Esholt batters clearly struggled with him.

J.Druce and T.Buxton steadied the ship for Tong Park Esholt as they made sure through the middle overs they kept with the rate. This partnership was broken by some impressive keeping from B.Hamid, who took a great catch stood up to pace bowler A.Ahmed.  I.Nazir came into the attack and 2 wickets fell. First the wicket of T.Buxton for 47 and his second came from more great keeping from B.Hamid, stumping S.Kirkley. At 137-5 the game was there for Congs to take, however credit to Tong Park Esholt as they fought on and the partnership of A.Hodgson and R.Morton looked like they were going to get Tong an unlikely victory. The game however took another twist as B.Hamid was at it again, stumping R.Morton off pace bowler L.Stanhope.

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With 30 needed off 24 bowls it was down to under 15 bowlers J.Chapman and I.Nazir to hold their nerve and see Congs home. Only one boundary came from the next 3 overs which meant that Tong required 7 off the last over. I.Nazir smartly darted in those last 6 balls in and Tong failed to score the 7 required which meant Cong won by 2 runs!!!

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This was a massive win for Congs, to bounce back from 80 all out the week before to score 233 shows great character from the team. The future also looks bright for Congs, the three under 15s in the side B.Hamid, J.Chapman and I.Nazir were vital in defending that total, showing superb skill and nerve.

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New Wortley v Pudsey Congs

At Roundhay Park Oval

Saturday June 20th, 2015

Match Report by Macauley Gaunt

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With rain in the air, Captain Gaunt won the toss and put New Wortley into bat. This decision did not pay off as New Wortley made a solid start of 80-2. Some clever bowling from Dan Clifton swung the game back in Congs favour as New Wortley lost 2 wickets in 1 over, leaving them 87-4. However throughout New Wortley’s innings, everyone down the order chipped in with 20s and 30s. With the potential of 200 plus runs, Congs needed to reply once more. The reply came in the form of under 15 left arm bowler J.Chapman, who playing in his first 3rd team game this year bowled one of the best latter over spells skipper M.Gaunt had seen. With accurate full bowling and smart use of off cutters, J.Chapman finished with figures of 6-45, bowling New Wortley out for 198.

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J.Chapman 6-45

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Congs got off to a disastrous start losing M.Gaunt in the 2nd over. I.Nazir came to the crease and helped steady the ship, hitting three 4s in one over. However bowler M.Sanauallah continued his demolition job on the top order as he removed A.Ahmed, D.Clifton and M.Amin all for single figures and I.Nazir soon after for 22. This brought Chippers and S.Bhatti to the crease, who batted superbly. Chippers especially was driving effortlessly for 4 on numerous occasions. S.Bhatti was finding the gaps on both off and leg side with ease. However with a 50 insight Chippers unfortunately fell for 38 and he was quickly followed back to the pavilion by J.Royce and J.Galvin, leaving Congs 109-8. S.Bhatti continued on his way as he and J.Chapman gave Congs hope with a partnership of 51, which saw S.Bhatti make a superb 50, well played indeed. Once J.Chapman fell, it was too much for S.Bhatti to do and we finished all out for 160.

 

S.Bhatti 58, Chippers 38

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Positives can be taken away from the game. Josh Chapmans performance was impressive and it was pleasing to see both S.Bhatti and Chippers return to form with the bat. However wins are needed and the next 3 games are massive.

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Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence

At Fulneck

Saturday May 30th, 2015

Match Report by Macauley Gaunt

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M.Gaunt won the toss again and chose to bat on good looking pitch. Congs got off to a disastrous start as both openers M.Gaunt and B.Hamid fell with only 5 runs scored.  Z.Mahmood and Chippers went about rebuilding the innings as they put a partnership of 40 runs together. However after this pairing there wasn’t much to talk about partnership wise. Z.Mahmood on the back of his 50 last week against Leeds Sikh continued his good form as he batted through again as he made back to back 50’s. Some late hitting from J.Galvin saw Congs managed a well under par 132.

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Z.Mahmood 53

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Congs got off to a perfect start as opening bowlers J.Galvin and L.Stanhope terrorised the PSL batters. The opening pair left PSL reeling at 38-4, J.Galvin taking 3 wickets and L.Stanhope claiming one. J.Galvin first spell in particular will be as good as any this year, 10 overs 4 maidens 10 runs and 3 wickets. Victory was there for the taking but an injury to J.Lorryman saw M.Gaunt have to turn to spin at both ends on a pitch which favoured pace bowlers. Some gritty batting from S.McAvoy and M.Beckett combined with poor catching from Congs, brought the game back in PSL’s favour. I.Nazir did get a breakthrough but P.Wilson came to the crease in a hurry as he smashed a quickfire 46 NOT OUT to win the game

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Congs will be disappointed to lose the game after having them 38-4, however we will need to improve our catching and apply ourselves for longer periods at the crease if we are to win more games and climb the table

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 Pudsey Congs v Thonbury

At Fulneck

Saturday May 16th, 2015

Match Report by Macauley Gaunt

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Five games into the new season and Congs found themselves out of the PPM cup and without a win in the league, so we welcomed Thornbury to Fulneck hoping to get our season up and running.

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Team news saw the inclusion of I. Ahmed who brought with him priceless all round experience to the team. M.Gaunt won the toss and decided to bat on a good looking batting deck. Needless to say opening pair of M.Gaunt himself and A.Ahmed justified this decision with a mammoth 160 run opening stand. A.Ahmed played his trademark cut and punches down the ground off the pace bowlers. M.Gaunt on the other hand played the spinners with ease, sweeping them out of the attack. Just after drinks, M.Gaunt and A.Ahmed made their first 50s of the season. The opening stand was broken as A.Ahmed fell for 70 after hitting a full toss straight to the fielder on the boundary. M.Gaunt continued to work the ball for singles as M.Amin came in and scored a quick 29. Unfortunately M.Gaunt missed out on his maiden 100 by just 1 run as in the last over he hit a full toss straight into the air, none the less skipper M.Gaunt was mighty pleased with his team’s 230-3

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M.Gaunt 99, A.Ahmed 70

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I.Ahmed opened the bowling and got an early breakthrough. However Thornbury’s batters knew they needed to keep scoring as K.Ali and Y.Abbas went on their merry way.  They did not last long as I.Nazir was brought into the attack and removed them both as they made 20s. Other than that only H.Tariq offered some resistance as he made a well worked 54 NO. Their middle order fell apart through the combination of suicidal running (3 run outs) and Z.Mahmood who picked up 2 wickets. Proceedings came to an end as I.Ahmed took the last wicket, as Congs bowled them out for 158

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I.Nazir 3-32, I.Ahmed 2-34, Z.Mahmood 2-54

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This was an emphatic win as Congs gained a full 20 points. Let’s hope Congs can continue this good form throughout the rest of the season.

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Savile Stars v Pudsey Congs

At Sands Lane

Saturday May 9th, 2015

Match Report by Macauley Gaunt

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Congs welcomed back Danny Clifton as the 3rds travelled to Savile Stars on a miserable looking day. M.Gaunt won the toss and opted to bowl on a very green wicket.

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The Savile openers got off to a solid start with both A.Ahmed and L.Stanhope failing to get the breakthrough after solid opening spells. Captain Gaunt turned to spinner Z.Mahmood who got the first wicket and continued his wicket taking form as he finished with 4-46. On his return to the side Dan Clifton bowled with venomous pace and troubled the Savile batters, finishing with 2-25. I.Nazir came in at the back end of the innings to clean up the tail, as Congs bowled Savile out for 125. Savile had opener S.Khan to thank as he batted 40 overs to score 43 precious runs on a wicket which definitely suited the bowlers.

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Z.Mahmood 4-46

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Congs batters did not take note of S.Khans patient batting. Instead the Congs top order collapsed as M.Israr ripped through the batters, leaving Congs on 21-6. M.Gaunt, L.Stanhope and I.Nazir offered some resistance as each of them made double figures to add some respectability to the total as we finished 67 all out.

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Batting is becoming a serious concern early on in the season and it will need to improve sooner rather than later or we could end up being dragged into a relegation scrap

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Tong Park Esholt v Pudsey Congs (Season Opener)

At Tong Village

Saturday April 18th, 2015

Match Report by Macca Gaunt

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Congs travelled to Tong Park Esholt for their first game of the new season. With M.Gaunt as their new captain, a talented team and few new faces, Congs went into the season with confidence.

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M.Gaunt won the toss and chose to bowl. However this decision didn’t look a good one as Tong Park Esholt’s opening batters put on a partnership of 84. Opening bowlers L.Stanhope and J.Lorryman worked hard and were unlucky to not get a wicket. A big score looked to be on the cards, but young spinners I.Nazir and Z.Mahmood had other ideas. I.Nazir took 4 great wickets, including opener A.Barker (46). M.Cuthertson made 50 and finished up on 63 after being superbly bowled by Z.Mahmood who finished with 5 wickets to his name.  Tong Park Esholt were all out for 165 after a superb performance by the two young Congs spinners, which was backed up by a great team fielding effort.

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Z.Mahmood 5-26, I.Nazir 4-36

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Though Congs were pleased with their performance in the first half of the game, the same can’t be said about their second half. Congs batters struggled with smart bowling from Tong Park Esholt. Only S.Jolly (24) and A.Ahmed (22) made scores of note and they were both frustratingly run out. Congs did get a batting point but slumped to 88 all out due to very poor early season batting.

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Positives can be taken from Congs bowling and fielding, however more responsibility is needed with the bat if we are looking to be challenging at the top end of the table. Another away game follows and hopefully we can put things right at Cookridge.

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