Final League Position = 8th, 201 Points

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Pudsey Congs v Morley

At Strikes CS Britannia Ground

Saturday September 10th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Sam Miller

Match report by Ralph Middlebrook

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Congs concluded their season with an emphatic victory which resulted in us finishing eighth in the Premier League but also sent Morley into the second relegation position, although there is the issue of qualifying criteria to be unraveled.

 

On another blameless pitch and with the whole ground looking a picture, at 15 for 3 the scoreboard looked nothing like a picture as Lindley, Backhouse and Greaves swiftly departed. We need not have worried as Captain Geldart and the retiring Bairstow brilliantly combined in a superb partnership of 123. Andrew walked into league retirement with 46 runs made in own powerful style and running between the wickets with speed that defied his 41 years. Geldart quite simply gave a classic display in an innings that contained 13 fours and 6 maximums (that’s 88) out of 106 in 71 balls received and not an ugly nor a mistimed stroke among them. Truly memorable. Butt and Holroyd carried on the good work both hitting a couple of maximums as we posted a formidable score of 266.

 

The young pace attacked then got stuck into their task with Holling and Donnelly continuing to progress as they struck early. The introduction of debutant Jamie Allen hastened the proceedings by immediately yorking Naveed, then steadily worked his way through the order by bowling quickly and straight aided by support from the keeper and fielders. To the joy of Cricket Chairman Michael Hirst and all Congs supporters, Jamie finished with excellent figures of 6 for 55 very well done. Josh Wheatley again displayed his class with an accurate spell of off spin bowling.

 

Morley are a strong enough Club to bounce back and a good crowd, on a perfect sunny day, set about celebrating the end of the 2016 season. Thanks to everyone who helps in our endeavours.

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Watch this space!

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Pudsey Congs v Lightcliffe

At Strikes CS Britannia Ground

Saturday August 20th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Peter Marsh

Match report by Ralph Middlebrook

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By completing the double over visitors Lightclffe, Congs eased their relegation fears after pushing hard for victory with the constant threat of rain dictating their tactics.

 

A good toss to win the 3 pace bowlers kept a tight hold on another firm true pitch. A wicket each for the economical Harries and Donnelly but Holling tilted the game towards the home side bowling the dangerous Sueleman Khan in a spell of 2 for 15.

Captain Geldart decided to switch to an all spin attack in order to increase the over rate this was tough on the seamers but Geldart’s decision was fully vindicated as Lightcliffe crumbled against Lindley and Wheatley taking 6 wickets between them as the over rate rocketed. Debutant Kennedy was the top scorer with 24 as he displayed patience and timing in a neat innings of 24 in 70 balls, well played.

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The two spinners opened the batting with Lindley soon into his stride with some terrific shots to all parts of the ground. After losing Wheatley and Butt, Geldart showed his class in a rapid innings of 43 not out in 32 balls and Lindley played his part finishing 51 not out with 8 boundaries, perfectly judged and executed.

 

Since assuming the role of acting captain, Congs performances have improved dramatically under Callum Geldart with increased confidence and players displaying their undoubted talent.

 

A very good display by all eleven today.

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Pudsey St Lawrence v Pudsey Congs

At Tofts Rd

Saturday August 13th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor –

Match report

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Pudsey St Lawrence reduced Hanging Heaton’s lead to just five points with four games to go after beating Pudsey Congs by six wickets.

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Joe Greaves made a sparkling 104 for Congs, hitting six sixes and six fours, which helped his side post a total of 257-6. Callum Geldart gave him support with 48.

 

St Lawrence paced their reply well. Opener Adam Waite (72) and Barrie Frankland (70) provided a strong platform which enabled skipper James Smith to launch into the Congs bowling with an unbeaten 58 from 42 balls which enabled his side to win with 20 balls to spare and net a maximum 20 points.

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Pudsey Congs v Hanging Heaton

At Strikes CS Britannia Ground

Saturday August 6th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Collin & Louise Phillips

Match report by Ralph Middlebrook

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Oh the highs and lows of sport! Versus bottom club Scholes season low, versus league leaders Hanging Heaton season high–in successive weeks!

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Congs lost the toss and we waited with trepidation as the formidable batting line up took strike on another top Graham Curtis pitch. Teenagers Donnelly and Harries started ok but were boosted when Donnelly struck, dismissing run machine Gary Fellows with the aid of a smart slip catch by acting Captain Callum Geldart. Batting became hard work as Congs, fighting hard with energy and effort, kept a tight hold on the scoring rate.

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The introduction of the left arm spin of Lindley and off spin of Geldart saw the balance of the game tip towards the Congs. The mixture of pressure of flight and turn took its toll on the batters with only Ismail Dawood having the skill and patience to cope, in compiling a score of 61 including 9 boundaries. The entire team backed up the two spinners and a score of 181 was certainly reward for Nick 5 for 44 and Callum 3 for 48 as tea was taken earlier than usual thanks to an excellent over rate.

Lindley and first team debutant Max Backhouse opened but Lindley was soon bowled by Stiff. Greaves battled hard but it was Backhouse who took the eye with a mature display of resolute defence and smart placement for singles that kept the board moving. The entrance of Geldart changed all that with a glorious display of strokeplay, being especially hard on left arm spinner Rameez. With the score on 142, Backhouse was out caught behind for a well constructed innings of 37, an excellent effort. Geldart then perished for 91 including boundaries and 4 maximums, a top quality innings.

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Bairstow and Ahmed soon followed before Donnelly again showed his composure and with the aid of the lively Holroyd, finished the match with a towering six.

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18 valuable points on a beautiful cricketing day, well played all eleven!

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Scholes v Pudsey Congs

At New Popplewell Lane

Saturday July 30th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor –

Match report by Ralph Middlebrook

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Words almost fail me. After the heroic performance v Woodlands last week

Congs descended to ineptitude suffering a serious defeat against fellow strugglers Scholes.

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We started out well with youngsters Harries and Donnelly then Holling reducing the home side to 50 for 4. Wheatley also started well despite feeling under the weather, thereafter it was downhill all the way, half trackers, half volleys abounded as Maroof set out to repair the early damage and built a substantial innings with care and skill. Keeper Holroyd had an excellent day behind the stumps but our fielding fell well below Premier League standard as Hill and Harding murdered our attack in a partnership of 45 including 5 maximums. Congs trudged off knowing that 257 was almost certainly a winning score.

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Worse was to come.

 

Unlike Maroof, our batters never settled and departed in quick succession in circumstances too sad to explain. Captain Phillips battled to 37 but it was left to the admirable Wheatley coupled with Holling and Holroyd to create some respectability to the score with partnerships which gave us a couple of bonus points which may well be vital in our current situation. We have a talented team, youngsters, quality, class and experience and we shall need these qualities to be shown in abundance if we are to sustain our Premier League status.

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I believe we can, but it’s going to be a tight squeak.

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Pudsey Congs v Woodlands

At Strikes CS Britannia Ground

Saturday July 23rd, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Gary Hill

Match report by Mick Hirst

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Pudsey Congs 203-8  Geldart 65

Woodlands 198-9   Frankland 58, Jackson 57, Greaves 4-35

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           Pudsey moved out of the relegation places with a breathtaking win over Priestley Cup finalists Woodlands at the Britannia ground on Saturday. Pudsey won the toss on a flat, dry wicket and elected to bat first, Geldart and Lindley opening the Congs innings. Both batsmen playing carefully in the opening overs against Sarfraz and Richardson, running well between the wicket and dispatching the bad ball to the boundary; 50-0 after 9 overs a good start. The introduction of Ahmed began to slow the rate and a double strike of Lindley out to Sarfraz and Phillips caught at slip of Ahmed. Greaves and Geldart progressed the innings taking the score to 131 before Geldart 65 drove to extra cover where Weston took the catch. Greaves 26, Bairstow 19 and Wheatley 20 tried to increase the tempo but with Brice and Ahmed in tandem, scoring became difficult. A late flourish by Holroyd 16 * took the total above 200 to gain another bonus point.

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In reply Frankland and Jackson, the Woodlands captain, looked in total control for the first half of their innings, the Congs bowling looking for the vital breakthrough. With Lindley joining Wheatley, Congs struck on 107, Frankland out for 58 followed by Atkinson caught at slip off Wheatley.  Woodlands however still well on target. The wicket of Jackson, stumped by Holroyd off Lindley proved vital, as the overs slipped by. Laban and Weston struggling to score, 53 needed off 10, Wheatley finishing 15-3-34-2 another wonderful spell from the off spinner. Greaves and Holling had the job of bowling the last ten and with the crowd now fully engrossed in the match situation, the two bowlers were magnificent. Weston bowled by Greaves before the dangerous Sarfraz, having struck two big sixes was brilliantly caught by Greaves off Holling for 22. 178-6.

 

Finn and Brice both out to Greaves before Ahmed clean bowled off the last ball by the same bowler 4-35 his final figures, a brilliant match for Joe. Hollings final five overs for 19 runs and the wicket of Sarfraz magnificent. Congs winning by 5 runs, a tremendous performance and a real boost for the remaining matches.

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Farsley v Pudsey Congs

At Red Lane

Saturday July 16th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor –

Match report by Mick Hirst

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Pudsey Congs 99 all out – Greaves 64

Farsley 103-3

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Congs plunged further into a relegation battle after a seven wicket hammering by Farsley at Red Lane on Saturday. Batting first, Congs got the worst possible start Geldart bowled by Wainman the first ball of the innings. Joe Greaves was promoted to number three to help Lindley build the innings. They took the score to 21 before Lindley was caught in the covers off the bowling of Laidlaw. Although short of runs this season, Greaves after a tricky start, began to play with freedom, however wickets continued to tumble at the other end with Phillips and Wheatley caught behind the wicket off Wainman, quickly followed by Imran; 49-5. When Donnelly joined Greaves, Congs gained a little bit of control, the young batsman playing solidly and sensibly and Greaves playing the aggressor, going to a fine 50 in the process. However with the score on 89 Greaves at 64 drove hard at spinner Ahmed  and Wainman took the catch at extra cover to end the partnership. The rest of the batting collapsed with Donnelly not out at the end, Congs incredibly 99 all out.

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Price and Wainman opened the batting, both taking boundaries off Holling and Greaves. The introduction of spin accounted for Price 30, caught at mid on off Lindley. Wheatley removed Hodgson caught behind by Holroyd and Cooper caught at point. However powerful blows by Pickles put the Congs followers out of their misery, Farsley winning by 7 wickets in just 15.4 overs.

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Nothing more to add!!!

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New Farnley v Pudsey Congs

At Barry Jackson Ground Lane

Saturday July 9th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor –

Match report by Mick Hirst

 

Pudsey Congs 137-4  Phillips 53*, Geldart 37

New Farnley 141-4  Lindley 4-36

 

Congs slipped into the relegation places after a second successive defeat at Lawns Lane on Saturday. Batting first after a delayed start due to heavy showers Congs started well 59-0  with ten overs on the board. Geldart and Lindley playing well in the wet and overcast conditions. Without  warning the wheels suddenly fell off the Congs batting, four wickets falling in the next sixteen balls , Lindley bowled by a beauty from Middlebrook ,but the other three to poor shots. Wheatley joined the captain at the crease, both batsmen having to rebuild, not easy when the rain began to fall again. 76-4 another rain delay. After a short break the players returned both batsman battling bravely, Phillips hitting two huge sixes and five fours in a spirited innings of 53 and Wheatley in support 23. Congs finishing 137 for 4 in their alloted 25 overs.

 

         Harris and Josh Holling opening the attack for the Congs with Lambert and James Middlebrook leading the Farnley reply. Harris bowling his usual accurate three overs for just ten runs. Phillips and Wheatley joined the attack and Middlebrook got to work on the chase, hitting ten off Phillips and then two huge sixes off Wheatley, the fifty up in the seventh over. Middlebrook completed a fine fifty and the score progressed to 82 before Lindley struck, Lambert caught by Geldart on the long on boundary for 25. Lawson and Goddard departed quickly, both caught by Bairstow off the left arm spin of Lindley 100-3. Walker and Middlebrook took the score to 136 before Lindley picked up his fourth wicket but Farnley eased home with Middlebrook 71* off 57 balls.

 

       Farsley away next Saturday for the Congs, another tough game but plenty of points to play for yet and the table reads a very close and exciting finish to the season in prospect.

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Pudsey Congs v Cleckheaton

At Strikes CS Britannia Ground

Saturday June 18th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Tracy Hirst

Match report by Ralph Middlebrook

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After a dismal week, the sun shone a little for two underperforming teams, well at least for Pudsey Congs who unleashed a batting display that was full of determination, patience, class and power.

 

On a pitch that was dry thanks to the heroic hard work by groundsman Graham Curtis, Josh Wheatley dragged one on to the stumps from the lively Curtis Free. Captain Phillips and Lindley slowly but surely put the innings onto a solid platform, whilst never missing the opportunity to punish the bad delivery. Phillips eventually timing the ball beautifully fell for an important 46 whilst Lindley fell for an equally valuable 47 which, surprisingly contained 7 boundaries and 2 maximums. Geldart then played an innings which underlined his value and with an in form Bairstow, took the game away from Cleckheaton. Bairstow in the best form of his long career, matched Geldart for speed between the wickets until he perished for 42 in 44 balls, whilst Callum continued to an excellent knock of 65. However the best was yet to come as Donnelly oozed quality as he played several authentic shots flying to 47 in 32 balls with 3 boundaries and 3 maximums, brilliant!

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Closing on 272, this was a top team batting performance but we were not going to achieve maximum points without a fight. Veteran John Wood set about the Congs bowling in his usual aggressive style being severe on Donnelly and Harries. Although Donnelly picked up an early wicket, it was Josh Holling who bowled Wood during an excellent spell of 9 overs – 4 maidens, 2 for 9. Holling swung the ball a long way, despite the runs scored, it really was good conditions for bowling. Michael and Ian Nicholson then dug in to thwart the Congs, playing doggedly to jointly score 51 runs in 103 balls, proper cricket. Captain Phillips surprisingly brought Geldart into the attack after Wheatley claimed a Nicolson and then Bairstow sprinted to his left at long on and caught Free at full pelt at above head height, marvellous, to give Callum the first of his three victims.

 

Twenty valuable points in what was a commanding team performance, more please!

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Lightcliffe v Pudsey Congs

At Wakefield Road

Saturday June 4th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor –

Match report by Mick Hirst (bowling) and Ralph Middlebrook (batting)

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Lightcliffe 189-9 Wheatley 5-39, Lindley 3-44

Pudsey Congs 192-2 Wheatley 62* Bairstow 61*

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Congs moved out of the relegation places with an emphatic 8 wicket victory over Lightcliffe at Wakefield Road on Saturday. The home team batting first, Stead and Jowett up against the young left arm opening pair of Holling and Harris. 34-0 after 10 overs, Harris in particular impressive form, with a controlled spell of seam bowling, beating the bat on more than one occasion – his spell 7-1-23-0. After 16 overs, 72-0 the home side looked well set for a large total, when Wheatley struck, a sharp catch by Phillips at slip to remove Stead 42. Quickly followed Philliskirk and Jowett both caught in the slips by Phillips and Geldart, Congs back in the game 74-3. With Wheatley and Lindley now in tandem, the prize wicket came, Suleman Khan caught by Phillips off Wheatley . The two spinners continued in fine style, squeezing the Lightcliffe middle order to singles, picking up the wickets at the right times. A few good hits from Whiteoak at the end took their total to 189-9, Wheatley 15-5-39-5, a magnificent spell of off spin bowling, superbly backed by Lindley 15-0-44-3.

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When Congs batted it was immediately a blitz on the bowlers, Geldart and Wheatley played a dazzling array of shots of high quality. All bowlers were subject to this onslaught which ended when Callum chipped a catch after a rocket like 50. Josh Wheatley enjoying his return to Lightclffe, sensibly settled down to ensure we odd not suffer a collapse. Phillips mistimed a pull but Andrew Bairstow played a brutal, powerful and stylish innings of 62 to end the game with 23 overs remaining. Josh continued calmly ending on 61 not out. Have we ever played a better game, not for a long time.

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Pudsey Congs v Pudsey St Lawrence

At Strikes CS Britannia Ground

Monday May 30th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Peter Marsh

Match report by Mick Hirst

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Pudsey St Lawrence 247-3 A Waite 128*

Congs 229-8 Phillips 48, Geldart 46

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Congs slipped into the bottom two of the Bradford League Premier Division after a 18 run defeat to their local rivals in a top quality match at the Strikes CS Britannia Ground on Monday afternoon.

 

The visitors batting first in front of a decent Bank Holiday crowd posted 247 for 3 in their 50 overs, Adam Waite with a superb unbeaten 128. Josh Wheatley bowling his 15 over spell taking 1-54. The three young seamers Holling, Harris and Donnelly all performing admirably against the strong, experienced St Lawrence batting line up.

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In reply, Geldart and Lindley batting steadily against Parker and Lamb adding 55 before Lindley (19) caught at slip off Marsden. Captain Phillips joined Callum and pushed on to 90 before Geldart missed a straight one from Hudson, bowled for 46. More steady batting from Wheatley and Phillips ending with Phillips adjudged LBW for 48 off Watts, Congs now at 149-3. Wheatley (35), Donnelly and Bairstow (18) pushed the home side close, unfortunately finishing 18 runs short of their target.

 

Overall a much improved performance from the young team and plenty of positives to take into the next challenge at Lightcliffe on Saturday.

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New Farnley v Pudsey Congs

Round One

At Barry Jackson Ground

Tuesday May 17th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor –

Match report

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A early season run of four defeats has seen Pudsey Congs, winners for the past two years, have been knocked out of this season’s competition at the first round stage. The team that reached the last four of the ECB National T20 last year, suffered a 27-run defeat at the hands of their Premier League rivals New Farnley.

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One of the men who played a big part in ending their run of success was their former player James Middlebrook. He top scored with 48 as New Farnley made 184-8. The second key figure was Dave McCallum. He made 35 and followed up by taking 3-19 with his off spin as Congs were dismissed for 157. Luke Holroyd (40) and Josh Wheatley (39) were their top scorers.

 

 

Pudsey Congs v Hanging Heaton

Priestley Cup First Round

At Strikes CS Britannia Ground

Sunday May 15th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Ian Lindley

Match report by Mick Hirst

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Pudsey Congs 254-9 – A.Bairstow 86, J.Greaves 40, L.Holroyd 30

Hanging Heaton 256-3 (44 overs ) – G.Fellows 124 *, R.Foster 50

 

 The Congs went out of the 2016 Priestley Cup with a seven wicket hammering by Hanging Heaton at the Strikes Britannia ground on Sunday. On a flat, dry surface, the Congs innings started indifferently. Lindley and Geldart both back in the pavilion with just 25 on the board. Wheatley and Phillips played sensibly until disaster struck, a mix up for the second time in two matches and Phillips was run out, quickly followed by Wheatley, stumped by Dawood off Fellows -66-4. Greaves and Bairstow began the repair with a solid partnership of 85 before Greaves was stumped for 40. Further contributions from Donnelly 13, and a fine 30 from Holroyd pushed the Congs total on. Bairstow playing another wonderful innings, timing the ball beautifully before he was caught behind off Stiff for a superb 86. The Congs finishing on 254-9 off their 50 overs.

 

Having suffered watching at Woodlands the day before, the home fans were hoping for an improvement in the Congs bowling performance. Sadly, there was not any. Wrong lines, length and direction, the visitors 42-0 after 4 overs. Donnelly taking the wicket of Connolly in a good opening spell from the young seamer, and Wheatley chipped in with 10-0-37-0. Phillips 7-0-30-0 bowling steadily in the middle overs, but Foster 50 and the classy Fellows 124* who looked like he was just having a net practice, eased the visitors to victory with 6 overs remaining.

 

Lots of hard work ahead for the Congs.

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Woodlands v Pudsey Congs

At Albert Terrace

Saturday May 14th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Marilyn & Frank Bull

Match report by Glen Duffield

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Woodlands put their recent sticky run behind them as they posted a score of 313 for 6 on their way to a convincing 183-run win over their old foes, Pudsey Congs.

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The man who secured their success was former Congs off spinner Kez Ahmed. He took 5-24 as the last seven Congs wickets fell for 29 as the Congs were all out for 130. Skipper Gareth Phillips (46) and Joe Greaves (31) were the only batsmen to threaten the dominance of the home bowlers.

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Woodlands’ new skipper Tim Jackson (97) led from the front as his side made their highest total of the season. An opening stand of 96 with Sam Frankland (36) was followed by a second-wicket partnership of 124 with Cumberland batsman Alex Atkinson (65). The best of the bowlers for Congs was Muhammad Saeed (4-72).

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Congs will look to rebound tomorrow as Gary Fellows and Hanging Heaton visit the Strikes CS Britannia Ground in the opening round of the 2016 Priestley Cup.

 

 

Pudsey Congs v Farsley

At Strikes CS Britannia Ground

Saturday May 7th, 2016

Matchball Sponsor – Chris & Eric Towle

Match report by Ralph Middlebrook

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Pudsey Congs 247-7, Farsley 251-5

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At last some cricket weather!!!! With the ground, surrounds and gleaming fresh paint, our Strikes CS Britannia cricket ground looked terrific. The pitch looked good for a high scoring match with friendly local rivals Farsley.

 

A good toss to win but Laidlaw and Henry extracted considerable movement with the new ball which was too much for Geldart, Lindley and Budge. Captain Phillips stood firm and with Andrew Bairstow set about creating a big score. This was hampered by some tight spin bowling by Harrison and Ahmed and after partnership of 77, Phillips was spectacularly caught at long off by Chris Henry, well played though Captain. Then Bairstow took charge, playing his finest innings on his home ground. Batting responsibly, running well and judging a perfect climax to the innings with a super 109 not out with 7 boundaries and 7 huge maximums. A delight to watch.  247 looked good but at the time I felt that a score of 260-270 was needed in the good batting conditions.

 

So it proved as James Pickles and Price looked at ease facing an attack which on the day found the middle of the bat on a regular basis against all our bowlers although Phillips broke the stand with a good delivery. As I left for Leeds Town Hall(Rachmaninov), I wondered when our talented quick left arm bowler Harries was going to join the attack?

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Bradford & Bingley v Pudsey Congs

At Wagon Lane

Saturday April 23rd, 2016

Matchball Sponsor –

Match report by Mick Hirst

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Pudsey Congs – 306-6, Geldart 149, Budge 89*

Bradford and Bingley –  171 all out, Wheatley 5-42

 

Pudsey Congs started the new All rounder Bradford premier league in fine style with a comprehensive 135 run victory over Bradford & Bingley at Wagon Lane. With four new faces in the line up: Saeed, Budge, Wheatley and Donnelly, Captain Phillips lost the toss and the hosts elected to field. The form of the Congs openers last season was exceptional and today was no different.  Geldart and Lindley batting beautifully, a century stand before Lindley edged behind to wicketkeeper Best for 35. Phillips fell soon after and new boy Budge joined Geldart. A splendid partnership prospored, the stylish and elegant Budge, and the power of Geldart, who completed his century. With the score on 232, Geldart was run out for 149, 125 balls 24 fours and 3 sixes to end a wonderful partnership of 118 with Budge. Greaves and Bairstow sacrificed their wickets in the quest for quick runs but Budge stayed to the end, a terrific innings on debut of 89* in 85 balls. 306-6 the final score.

 

    Holling and Saeed shared the new ball, Holling trapping Etherington LBW in the first over. Best and Edgar batted carefully to restore the Bingley innings, Best completing a fine 50 before Donnelly removed him, his first Bradford league wicket. The young seamers spell 7-1-17-1. As the clouds rolled in Phillips went to his three spinners, Wheatley, Geldart and Lindley. The former Lightcliffe off spinner did not let his captain down, picking up 5-42 in his 10 over spell. Bingley all out 171, 20 points for the Congs is excellent but the way the team played, makes the victory even more enjoyable.

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