2XI MATCH REPORTS 2024
Saturday May 18, 2024 v Jer Lane @ The Brit
On a picture perfect day at the Veezu Britannia Ground, Pudsey Congs 2nd XI looked to bounce back after a disappointing 1 run defeat to New Farnley the week before.
Skipper Paddy lost the toss for the 4th time this year and Jer Lane elected to bat on what looked like a perfect batting pitch. Adam Sykes opened the bowling at one end and with Josh Chapman at the other. Adam started well but the Jer Lane openers soon began to take the attack to him with a couple of lusty blows, as they raced along at around 6/7 an over. Chappers at the other end bowled great line and lengths with the Jer Lane openers struggling to lay a bat on him. A change of bowling with Adam P replacing Adam S saw the run rate drop and the batters starting to become frustrated and took a risky single to Zak at point which resulted in a Umar Dawood been ran out for 32 and the score was now 67-1. The persistent good line and length bowling from Chappers finally took its tole as Jer Lane’s number 3 walked down the pitch to try hit him back down the ground but mistimed it and hit it to Andre Stolarski who dived full length forward and managed to hold on, the visitors now 72-2, then 2 overs later 73-3 when Josh had the other opener caught behind for a very well deserved 2nd wicket.
At this stage Congs were well on top, Josh then had Haris Butt caught behind for 2, Jer Lane now 74-4
More tight bowling at Patricks end really put the pressure on the opposition and when Zak Stol replaced Chappers after a great 10 over spell, the run rate just kept falling. Another run out, this time by Ross had Jer Lane 116-5 and in trouble. Paddy finished his 15 over spell without any wickets but only conceding 28 runs. Sykes was asked to come back for his 2nd spell and bounced back superbly after the first, with Jer Lane struggling to play him. Josh came back on to bowl his last 5 overs and in that claiming a very well deserved 5fer. Adam picked up a wicket too and Jer finished on 164-8 a tremendous effort in the field from the lads after Jer lane been 60-0 after 8 overs.
Josh Chapman: 15 Overs – 1 Maiden – 5 Wickets – 41 runs
Adam Sykes: 15 overs – 1 Maiden – 1 Wicket – 69 Runs
Adam Patrick: 15 overs – 4 Maidens – 0 Wickets – 28 Runs
Zak Stolarski: 5 Overs – 0 wickets – 16 Runs
Congs came out to bat and as previous game suggest we like to do nothing easily.
Ross opened the batting with Zulfi who departed first trying to drive the ball through the covers, with Ross following a few balls later trying to pull a ball that just got up on him and was caught and bowled.
Babar Butt came to the crease at 9-2 to try steady some nerves, he was joined by Huzaifah, the pair ticked along nicely until Huzaifah was caught behind for 8, Congs 34-3 and struggling. Zak Stolarski joined Butt but could never really get going, the pair put on 26 including a huge 6 from Zak, but was then stumped for 13. Andre Stolarski was next in, he joined Butt for a brief time until Babar was adjudged LBW for 23. Congs were in need of some rebuilding at 63-5, Mark Ferguson came to the crease to Join Andre and rebuild is what they did. Perfectly taking singles (where singles probably shouldn’t of been taken) putting away the bad balls, Ferguson striking two sweetly timed 6’s, the pair put on 56 before Ferguson tried one big shot too many and was caught (somehow) one handed and long on.
Joe Stolarksi joined his dad, but wouldn’t be there for long after been run out (I won’t go into it, but just ask anyone that played for their thoughts on this decision)
The skipper came out with Congs needing 46 to win. Him and Andre kept on picking up singles with the odd boundary, slowly bringing the score down, Andre pulled a ball into the on side which caused a fumble from the fielder, Andre set off for a single which Adam turned down, resulting in a direct hit which ran Andre out. A great innings to get Congs back into contention. Adam Sykes joined the Captain, but after a 6 down the ground, Patrick was bowled the next over, with Congs still needing 18.
In came Josh Chapman and him and Sykes batted superbly, waiting for the bad ball, running singles when they could, and with 2 balls to spare Sykes drilled the bowler back over his head for 4.
A great win, very well deserved after the unfortunate loss last week.
B.Butt – 23
A. Stolarski – 28
M. Ferguson - 31
Saturday May 25, 2024 v Farsley @ Red Lane
Pudsey Congs 2nd XI arrived at Red Lane on a high of a great win the previous Saturday. Paddy lost the toss (again) and were stuck into bat on a okay looking batting pitch.
Ross opened the batting with his 5th partner of the year already in Babar Butt. But this pairing wouldn’t be there for long as Ross was run out for 0. This brought to the crease Bilal to join his Dad. After another mix up, it was Babar who sacrificed himself and was run out and congs were in trouble at 15-2. Ash Slater joined Bilal and these two set on their way of rebuilding the Congs innings, lusty blows from both batters ticked the scoreboard along nicely, the pair brought up their 50 run partnership just before Slater played onto his own stumps and was dismissed for a well made 28. Zak Stol was in next, but his stay was brief as he pulled the ball to mid wicket and was well caught.
Mark Ferguson joined Butt and didn’t waste any time, hitting a run a ball 22 until he was well caught at mid off, Congs 116-5. Andre Joined Bilal who at the point had switched gear and was using his feet really well to the spinner hitting him back over his head for multiple 6’s. Andre couldn’t really get going and was bowled for 15 with 12 overs left. Bilal welcomed the skipper to the crease with Congs 151-6. Patrick got into the swing of things straight away playing like he does, hitting multiple boundaries and Bilal edged closer to 3 figures. Bilal brought up his 100 (137) after a superb chanceless innings. He was stumped 2 balls later. Joe Stol came out to face the last ball which he smashed over mid on for 4. Patrick finishing 49* as he misread the scoreboard..
Congs finished 235-7.
Bilal Butt 103
Adam Patrick 49*
Mark Ferguson 22
Congs came out to field high in spirit and it showed Syko and Chappers both started well bowling great line and lengths. Off the back of his 5fer last week, Chappers got the break through as he bowled Price for 6, Farlsey 6-1. Two overs later Chappers was at it again, this time bowling Franklin for a duck. At 10-2 Congs had their tails up, both Sykes and Chappers both sticking to their tasks and the 3rd wicket came as Syko bowled Hoyland after it came off his shoulder and rolled onto the stumps. 28-3 was soon 38-5 with Chappers bowling both Blackburn (1) and Mukdas Mohammed (4) in the same over.
Farsley then seemed to turn into test match mode and blocked everything for the next 15 overs before Syko bowled McPhee (23) and in the following over Zak had Rehan caught by Slater as Farsley slumped to 89-7. The win was wrapped up for Congs at this point, but Farsley continued to block and block for the next 12 overs before Chappers came back on to pick up his 2nd 5fer in two weeks as he bowled Hamid (36). Patrick picked up a wicket but Congs couldn’t get that final point.
Farsley finishing 151-9.
Josh Chapman 5 for 33
Pudsey Congs win by 84 runs picking up 19 points.
Saturday June 1, 2024 v Hanging Heaton @ Bennett Lane
On the back of two straight wins, Congs were on a high going into the game against Hanging Heaton at Bennett Lane.
Paddy, lost the toss again and Hanging Heaton elected to bat. Congs couldn’t of got off to a better start having HH 2-2, a wicket each for Chappers and T. This brought to the crease Shahzaib Sayeed and from ball one there was no hanging about, playing a few mistimed strokes, which lets be honest could of gone anywhere, he then got on top of the Congs bowlers as he and Craig Russell settled in. Congs began to become frustrated, resulting in mis-fields and easy runs been given. The pair put on 103 before the introduction of Zak Stol, resulting in Sayeed been stumped for 70. A couple of overs later Russell was bowled by Zak, but the damage by the pair seemed to have been done. Partnerships were built and Congs didn’t take regular enough wickets.
HH finishing 218 all out
Adam Sykes 3 for 48
Adam Patrick 3 for 59
Zak Stol 2 for 44
Congs never really got going in their reply as Ross opened the batting and watched 8 wickets fall at the other end.
Congs 104 all out
Bad day at the office, but a chance for redemption the following day as it was the return fixture but in the Crowther Cup.
Sunday June 2, 2024 v Hanging Heaton @ The Veezu Britannia Ground
Congs welcomed Hanging Heaton to the Veezu Britannia Ground for the first time this year for the 2nd round of the Crowther Cup.
After the previous days heavy defeat, Congs came out looking for redemption.
Adam won the toss and elected to bat on a good Congs pitch. Macca and Ross opened the batting and started well until Macca fell to a slower ball which hit him in front of all 3. Just like the day before Congs really never got going with a few players getting starts but making nothing of it. Congs lost regular wickets, but luckily for them the tail wagged a little bit and Chappers, Syko and Dalts got Congs to 144 all out.
Congs came out in the second half well up for this, and it showed as Hanging Heaton were quickly 19/2. They knew after the day before that if they got Sayeed and Russell, the game would be completely different. Sayeed fell for 11, and after that Congs never took their foot off the gas. Zak Stol bowled superbly picking off the Hanging Heaton batters one by one finishing with 6 wickets.
A great fielding and bowling performance got Congs out of a deep hole and they bowled HH out for 88.
Zak Stol – 7 overs, 1 maiden, 20 runs, 6 wickets
Adam S – 6 overs, 1 maiden, 20 runs, 2 wickets
Adam P – 6.5 overs, 22 runs, 2 wickets
Congs will play Kirkburton in the ¼ finals on Sunday June 23rd at Home
Saturday June 8, 2024 v Methley @ The Veezu Britannia Ground
Congs welcomed Methley on a warm day at the Brit. On the back of the cup win last week, Congs looked to kick on.
Adam lost the toss for the 7th time this season and Methley opted to bat on a fine looking Congs pitch.
Congs got off to a flyer and had Methley 11-2, first Childs was trapped infront of all three by Chappers and in the next over he bowled Ellis for 2. Things didn’t quite go as smoothly after that as Vinnie Banks and Charlie Winter played well and the runs began to flow. These two piled on a 107 run partnership before it was broken by Chappers who bowled probably his worst ball of the day, a full toss that was hit to Ross and well caught. Banks departed for 41. Chappers then picked up his 4th wicket bowling Winter for a well made 84. Jack Sykes came to the crease and tee’d off from ball one, taking a liking to Patrick, who eventually won the battle as Sykes was bowled for 28. Patrick claimed his second when Dave Winter was well caught by Azam at mid off. Methley 175-6. Chapman then got his 5th and 6th in quick succession, another fantastic spell of Bowling from Josh. Paddy and Sabir cleaned up the tail and Methley were all out for 204.
Chapman: 15 overs, 4 maidens, 6 wickets, 51 runs
Patrick: 10 overs, 3 wickets, 66 runs
Mahmood: 9.4 overs, 1 wicket, 36 runs
Ross opened the batting with what I think is his 7th different opening partner this year in Imran Ahmed. The pair got off to a stead start before Imran got one that kept a little low and was adjudged to be LBW. Sabir came to the crease with the score 18-1 and he and Ross ticked the scoreboard over nicely. The Methley team were adamant they had Ross caught behind but the umpire didn’t move. From there the game seemed to swing in Congs favour as I don’t think the Methley team ever really got over it. Ross and Sabir played lovely before Sabir was out LBW for 33. Dan Metcalfe who had come up from the 3s went in at four but only added 1 before he was also out LBW. Zak hit a couple of lusty blows before departing for 10, and with Ross falling a couple of balls later for a well made 37, Congs slumped to 95-5. Needing some rebuilding Huzaifah Joined Mark and these two rebuilt the Congs innings well with a 30 run partnership before Azam was caught behind for 16, Congs 127-6. Captain Patrick joined Ferguson at the crease still needing 78 to win. Ferguson played well, taking the attack to the Methley bowlers, the score slowly ticked down from 70, to 60, to 50, and in no time Congs needed 30.
Mark should of probably put the lottery on that day as he was dropped three times in the exact same position by the exact same fielder. With the score on 186, Patrick departed for 25, but by that time it seemed the damage had been done, he and Ferguson putting on 59. Ferguson got to 50 in the next over and with Andre, they saw the game home.
Congs win by 3 wickets (20 points)
Ross – 37
Sabir – 29
Fergy – 59
Paddy - 25
Sunday June 23, 2024 v Kirkburton CC @ The Veezu Britannia Ground
With the sun beaming down on the Veezu Britannia Ground, Congs hosted Kirkburton in the Crowther Cup ¼ finals.
Skipper Paddy won the toss and elected to bat on a very good batting pitch. The innings couldn’t have got off to a worse start with Imran falling caught behind with the first ball of the game. This brought Babar to the crease, a little earlier than he would of liked. Babar came out full of intent and got off going at a run a ball for his first 20 runs. He and Ross ticked the scoreboard along nicely putting on 65 for the 2nd wicket before Babar was caught and bowled for a well made 37. Andy Ball was in at four and looked elegant in his stroke play. He and Ross adding a further 28 runs before Ross fell out of his crease and was stumped for 25. Andy fell two overs later in the same manor for 17, Congs 97-4.
Enter the crease Huzaifah, having the words of his captain ringing in his ear, as earlier that morning he told him that he had a dream the night before that he got 50….. Huz set on his way nicely timing the ball well, unfortunately at the other end Zak came and went for 5 and Fergy the same for 9, Congs were 131-6. The skipper entered with 12 overs left knowing that from the game before anything below 200 was way below par. Him and Huzaifah ticked the scoreboard on nicely with Huzaifah picking up the odd boundary. Patrick played his usual way and hit the 42nd over for 21 runs.
skipper Patrick strokes a 6 in a quick fire 30...
Then with two leg byes and a four the next over, was bowled trying to whack it out of Pudsey. Congs 183-7, the tail wagged and Huzaifah kept batting with them, picking up well deserved 50 on the way. He was finally out for 61 and Congs finished on 219 all out.
Congs set out to protect 219 opening the bowling with Daltrey and Syko. Daltrey's nagging line and length got the better of the Kirkburton top order as he took two wickets in two balls in the 3rd over. Kirkburton reeling at 3-2 after 3 overs. Syko toiled away and was rewarded with the wicket of Qayyum caught behind by Macca, Kirkburton were 35-3 then soon after when Daltrey picked up his 3rd superbly caught by Syko at mid off after cannoning of Daltrey’s hands.
In most Congs players heads this probably seemed like game over, but how wrong they were. Kirkburton’s opener batted very aggressively hitting balls all around, and putting on important partnerships. Jamie was caught and bowled by Zak for 18, but had put on 50 with Bhatoa who was still going well. Then with pressure building for Congs, Bhatoa tried to go for a two which was never really there, Ross chased the ball towards 3rd man and spun and threw it perfectly to Macca and he did the rest.
the turning point as Bhatoa departs on 75.....
Kirkburton 129-6 then 130-7, surely this was game over, still needing 89 to win. Newsome and Coulthard had other ideas, the pair batted sensibly and gave nothing to Congs picking up 4/5/6 an over at ease. They put on 84 before getting to the last over needing 7 to win. Who else but Babar Butt to come to Congs rescue, he bowled that last over like he’d played the game before?? Picking up 3 wickets and restricting Kirkburton to 3 runs – 215 all out.
Great effort from the lads to hold their nerve, onto the Semis!
