1XI MATCH REPORTS 2023
Saturday April 22, 2023 v Woodlands @ Albert Terrace
At last a return to where we feel we should be, in the top division of the Gordon Rigg Bradford Cricket League.
In the field, we looked the part with some excellent ground fielding although catches were dropped disappointingly at a vital period of the Woodlands onslaught. However, Jamie Allen started with an excellent maiden over in a good spell and after Heptinstall and Wisniewski kept up the good work keeping control of the game, Tom Clee and Liam Collins created havoc in a rapid stand of 98. Heptinstall was the pick of the bowlers 14 overs 3 for 35.
When we batted, the task was achievable but the Woodlands varied attack was parsimonious to a fault and runs were hard to find. Josh Bennett played a sound innings of 46 and deserved better support with only captain Jubb occupying the crease for any length of time.
As I mentioned earlier, we looked the part against the current Premier League Champions and it was a treat to watch some excellent cricket in good company.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday April 29, 2023 v Ossett @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
On a very busy day at the Amber Cars Britannia Ground, the Congs edged cautiously to a first win in the Premier Division.
Allen followed his good work at Woodlands with a hostile accurate spell of 10 overs 3 for 29 and was well backed up by new opening bowler Oliver 2 for 26. Ossett certainly put bat to ball but only Race prospered for 38 before he was well caught off Wisneiwski. The left armer finished up with 4 for 30 and as a unit our catching and fielding were vastly improved.
With plenty of time and overs, Sabir and Oliver were careful on a pitch which suited the bowler and enjoyed the opportunity for a long innings, Sabir 79 balls, Oliver 21 careful and important runs. Ossett opening bowler Junaid Khan the former Test and Lancashire cricketer bowled a lengthy spell of quick bowling which demanded patience and our openers supplied it. Hassan Butt also enjoyed a lengthy period at the crease making 14 and with Wisniewski a sprightly 11not out, we were home and dry.
A task well done.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday May 13, 2023 v Bankfoot @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
After a lot of hard work by our ground staff supporting our groundsman, the playing area looked pretty good in spite of the amount of rainfall recently.
Bankfoot is a side for us to target if we are to prosper in the Premiership and sadly we were found wanting in a tight game on a slow turning pitch which provided a problem that was never really solved. Because the League website is down, I have no details to present but in a replay of the Woodlands fixture, a late avalanche of runs turned the game and we were always behind the clock. We were loosing wickets at regular intervals and eventually the last pair could not find the boundary we so needed.
Very, very disappointing.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday May 27, 2023 v Hanging Heaton @ Amber Cars Britannia Ground
With our beautiful ground looking at its very best, our first eleven rose to the challenge and produced a performance of high quality in every department which resulted in a full 20 points victory.
Jamie Allen and Adam Pearson started our attack with a wicket apiece and our spin twins continued to torment the batters, resulting in Sam Wisniewski 6 for 64 and Ryan Heptinstall 2 for 44, terrific, backed up by our fielding and wicket keeping which was both sharp and secure. Only Callum Geldart resisted with his usual brilliance last out for 84 including eleven boundaries, well played.
The score of 167 on the board looked gettable although the early departures of Oliver and Jubb did little for our supporters nerves. We need not have worried as 17 year old Sabir Mahmood matched the quality of Geldart in compiling a magnificent innings of 72 not out and he also scored eleven boundaries. He did have the calm support of Yohan Mendis, 58 not out and despite seven bowlers being used, they could not separate the assured approach of the pair. After Mendis was clean bowled by former Congs Max Chappell, Josh Bennett came in for a short Cameo and we cruised to a seven wicket victory in comfort. Our teams tactics were sound and field placing was spot on.
Very well played and their efforts were much appreciated by a larger crowd than usual.
Excellent.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club