2XI MATCH REPORTS 2025
Saturday July 5, 2025 v Methley at The Brit
Pudsey Congs 2nd XI vs Methley 2nd XI – Round 11
Venue: Veezu Britannia Ground
Date: 5th July 2025
Pudsey Congs 2nd XI were in need of a strong response after consecutive defeats, and they delivered just that against Methley 2nd XI in Round 11, keeping their title hopes alive. As the League reached its halfway mark, Congs sat in 5th place, with a game in hand but trailing league leaders New Farnley by 40 points.
Skipper Ross Kettlewell won the toss on an overcast afternoon and elected to bowl first. With regular opening bowler Archie sidelined by a back injury, Jacques Allen stepped up to partner Faisal with the new ball. The duo bowled tightly from the outset, and it paid off in the 6th over when Faisal had Alistair Ward caught by Allen at mid-off for 10.
Methley’s number 3, Charles Dissanayaka, came in with positive intent and found early success against Jacques, striking multiple boundaries. However, with the score on 60, Congs executed a short-ball plan to perfection — Dissanayaka mistimed a pull shot off Allen straight to Josh Simpson at deep square leg, departing for a brisk 28 off 19.
Then came an unfortunate and bizarre incident: Methley’s number 4, Jack Sykes, dislocated his knee while playing a shot down the ground. Play was halted as emergency services were called, but with a lengthy delay of nearly two hours, both teams took an early tea. Play eventually resumed at 15:05, with the match reduced to 42 overs per side.
Following the interruption, Congs seized control. Tom Marshall replaced Faisal and bowled with superb rhythm. In the 20th over, he removed opener Oscar Childs, who chipped one to Kettlewell at cover — Methley now 87/3. Marshall struck again shortly after, clean bowling Finlay Rook for a duck.
The introduction of Harry Jackson and Adam Patrick tightened the screws further. Both bowled in tandem and offered nothing easy. Jackson claimed his first wicket as Marshall held on to a catch at midwicket to dismiss Matty Bridge. Patrick then removed Andrew Childs, caught by Allen at cover, leaving Methley reeling at 109/6.
The final three wickets fell quickly for just 20 more runs. Patrick picked up his second when Brad Walker was smartly caught by Richard Jubb. Jackson then closed out the innings, dismissing skipper Clegg (caught by Kettlewell) and bowling Jacob Schofield in successive overs. Methley were bowled out for 129 — a disciplined and dominant bowling and fielding performance by the Congs.
With tea already taken during the delay, there was a swift turnaround. Openers Josh Simpson and Richard Jubb began the chase cautiously. Simpson was the first to fall for 7, caught at point after an attempted repeat of a six from the previous over. At 15/1, Macca Gaunt joined Jubb, and the pair batted patiently, rotating the strike and building a crucial 58-run partnership before Gaunt was bowled by Schofield for 21.
Jubb, now well set, accelerated alongside Ross Kettlewell. He brought up a well-deserved half-century, reaching 50 from 78 balls with seven boundaries. However, just as Congs looked comfortable, Jubb was caught in the gully for 51 with the score at 91, still 41 runs shy of the target with 9.5 overs remaining.
Tom Marshall joined Kettlewell at the crease and wasted no time taking the attack to Methley. With regular boundaries and positive intent, the pair saw the side home with two overs to spare. Kettlewell finished unbeaten on 17, while Marshall struck an impressive 34 not out.
Final Result: Pudsey Congs 2nd XI win by 7 wickets
A strong all-round team performance gave Congs a much-needed win and momentum heading into a tougher challenge next week away at Jer Lane.
Saturday June 14, 2025 v Woodlands at Albert Terrace
Woodlands 2nd XI vs Pudsey Congs 2nd XI – Round 8
Venue: Albert Terrace
Date: 14th June 2025
With rain and thunderstorms looming in the forecast, Ross Kettlewell’s Pudsey Congs side travelled to Albert Terrace to face Woodlands. The Congs were back at full strength with the return of both Mark Ferguson and Jacques Allen to the lineup.
After losing the toss, Congs were put in to bat—an early advantage for Woodlands given the conditions. Openers Jubb and Simpson walked to the crease but were quickly under pressure. Jubb was bowled by Sam Wilson, and new batter Om Behera suffered the same fate the very next ball, giving Wilson a chance at a hat-trick. Kettlewell arrived at the crease aiming to steady the innings, but Wilson struck again two overs later, bowling Simpson and leaving Congs in trouble. Kettlewell was then trapped LBW by Joel Beaumont, before Jacques Allen edged behind off the same bowler for just 1. At 29 for 5, Congs were in serious strife. Mark Ferguson offered some resistance with a composed 15, but was also bowled by the rampant Wilson. Moiz Naveed and Dan Clifton then dug in to halt the collapse, though Clifton—hampered by a calf injury—was unable to rotate the strike effectively. Moiz top-scored with a gritty 31 before edging behind. Patrick came and went quickly, bowled by Ibrahim for a duck. Faisal followed suit, also bowled by Ibrahim for 0. With wickets tumbling, Clifton was forced to play aggressively and managed a few boundaries before being bowled for 15. Congs were all out for exactly 100.
Despite the low total, the Congs started the second innings brightly, reducing Woodlands to 21 for 3. Faisal got the first breakthrough, clean bowling Ayan Zafar for 1. Then a mix-up led to Ibrahim being run out by a sharp bit of fielding from Om Behera. The third wicket came courtesy of Archie Shippin, who had Jack Bleazard caught brilliantly in the deep by Simpson. At 21 for 3, the game was back in the balance. However, Harry and Rob Medcalf steadied things for Woodlands with a partnership built on sensible running and the odd boundary. Harry eventually fell for 20, caught by Kettlewell off Jacques Allen’s bowling, with the score at 50 for 4. Skipper Steven Pearson joined Rob Medcalf, and the pair added 28 before Pearson edged behind off Allen, who claimed his second wicket. Beaumont entered next but lasted just 10 balls before being sharply stumped down the leg side by Moiz off the bowling of Patrick. Despite a valiant effort in the field, Congs couldn’t defend the modest total. Woodlands reached 103 for 6 to seal the win.
A disappointing result for Congs—ending a five-match unbeaten streak—but there were positives to take, especially from the bowling performance. They'll look to bounce back strongly next week away at Yeadon.
Saturday June 7, 2025 v Morley at the Brit
Pudsey Congs 2nd XI vs Morley 2nd XI – Round 7
Venue: Veezu Britannia Ground, Pudsey
Date: 7th June 2025
For the first time this season, the Saturday weather forecast looked grim, with persistent rain expected throughout the day in Pudsey. Both teams arrived prepared for frequent interruptions, but the weather gods smiled on Pudsey Congs. After the rain eased around 12:45 PM, play got underway at 1:29 PM, with both sides losing eight overs in a reduced 42-over match.
Congs skipper Ross Kettlewell won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Archie and Faisal took the new ball for Congs. On a damp pitch with sawdust unavailable, Archie initially struggled to find his rhythm, and Morley opener Ben White capitalised, dispatching several early boundaries. Faisal, by contrast, maintained a disciplined line and length and came close to removing White on 11, only to see a the chance spilled by Patrick at first slip.
The breakthrough finally came in the 13th over when Faisal bowled Ryan Dowse for 15, leaving Morley 53/1. Archie was then replaced by Adam Patrick who struck early. White, looking to make the most of his earlier reprieve, pushed on to 43 before edging to the slips, where Kettlewell pulled off a brilliant one-handed diving catch. Two balls later, Patrick struck again, removing Seb Carter for 2, well caught in the covers by Macauley Gaunt — Morley now wobbling at 62/3.
Congs tightened the screws from there. Harry Jackson replaced Faisal after a strong opening spell and struck in the 26th over, removing Morley captain Michael Darby with a superbly judged catch at deep square leg by Josh Simpson — 94/4.
Wickets continued to tumble as Jackson picked up his second, Ben Richardson miscuing to Om Behera at mid-on. Om then took over from Patrick and made an immediate impact in the 34th over. First, he had Zach Nuthall stumped by Moiz, and just two balls later, dismissed Hendry for a hard-fought 42 with a skier of a caught and bowled — Morley now 140/7.
Patrick returned and quickly wrapped up the lower order, bowling Harish Krishnesh and then having Jake Smart caught by Kettlewell in the same over. Om delivered the final blow, bowling Joseph Higgins to dismiss Morley for 141. A superb all-round bowling and fielding effort had put Congs in a commanding position.
In reply, openers Josh Simpson and Richard Jubb were calm and composed, focusing on batting time and nullifying any threat. They started cautiously, ticking along at three an over for the first few overs. Gradually, both batters found their rhythm, with boundaries becoming more frequent. Simpson reached a fluent fifty off 63 balls, including eight fours.
The opening stand passed 100 in 138 balls before Krishnesh struck with his very first delivery, bowling Jubb for a well-made 40. Simpson, increasingly fluent, looked set to see the game home but was caught on the boundary for a classy 75.
With just 18 runs needed, Kettlewell joined Om at the crease. The skipper finished things in style, ending unbeaten on 16 — sealing victory with a six.
A highly professional performance saw Pudsey Congs secure a comfortable win — their fifth in a row — placing them just two points off the top of the table. They travel to Woodlands next week for what promises to be a sterner test.
Saturday May 31, 2025 v Batley at Mount Pleasant
Batley CC 2nd XI vs Pudsey Congs 2nd XI
Venue: Mount Pleasant, Batley
Date: 31st May 2025
Fresh off three consecutive league victories, Pudsey Congs 2nd XI travelled to Mount Pleasant with confidence high. Captain Ross Kettlewell lost the toss and Congs were asked to bat first.
Openers Richard Jubb and Josh Simpson took to the crease, but Simpson departed early, chipping to point in just the second over with the score on 1. Om Behera came in at 3, a little earlier than he would of liked, and alongside Jubb, began the task of rebuilding. The pair ran well between the wickets and found regular boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving.
Jubb looked in fine touch, reaching a composed half-century from 69 deliveries, including six 4’s. With the score at 85, he misjudged a lofted drive and was caught at mid-off by Samee Arshad off Tariq Hussain for a well-made 57.
Kettlewell joined Behera and the two added 15 before Behera was caught for 28. Mark Ferguson entered at number five but was soon adjudged LBW for 8, leaving Congs at 115/4. In-form Jacques Allen joined his captain and the pair added a vital 50-run partnership, finding the boundary with ease. Kettlewell’s promising innings came to an end when he was run out for 44. Moiz Naveed fell shortly after for 1, caught attempting an aggressive shot. With six overs remaining, Patrick came in and looked to accelerate the scoring. Allen was bowled by Tariq for a valuable 32, and Clifton chipped in with 7 before being caught at third man. Patrick struck a few lusty blows before being caught on the boundary for 19.
At 211/9, Archie Shippin entered at number 11 and played a momentum-shifting cameo, smashing four 4’s and a 6 to help Congs close their innings on a competitive 236/9. With a short boundary on one side, 236 was by no means a safe total, and the Congs bowlers knew they needed to be sharp from the outset.
Opening bowlers Archie and Faisal delivered a tight opening spell, restricting the Batley openers. Faisal struck first, clean bowling Adham Mehmood for 5, and soon added a second when Samee Arshad top-edged a short ball and was caught and bowled. Zhair Shah came in at three with intent, striking a few early boundaries. He was dropped low by Patrick at mid-on - a moment that looked costly as Shah followed up with three consecutive boundaries in the next over.
Ross turned to Allen and Patrick to stem the flow, and the pressure told in the 19th over when Allen bowled Shah for a brisk 29. He then had Safaraz caught behind by Moiz, reducing Batley to 69/4. Om Behera was introduced and struck immediately, dismissing Hashmi, caught at slip by Kettlewell. Allen continued his fine spell, and Adeel Nazir was brilliantly caught in the deep by Ferguson. At 87/6, Batley were in deep trouble, still requiring 150 runs.
Vakas Mirza and Zubair Badat offered some resistance, putting on a determined 71-run stand. But with the run rate creeping toward nine an over, the pressure mounted. Ferguson broke through, bowling Mirza for a well-made 39, then struck again next ball as Moiz claimed another catch behind the stumps. From there, wickets continued to tumble. Ross brought himself on and removed Tahir, caught at mid-off by Patrick, before Ferguson ended the match by bowling Badat for 36. Batley were all out for 183, handing Congs a deserved 53-run victory.
Congs return home next week to face Morley, currently sitting bottom of the table.
Saturday May 24, 2025 v East Bierley at South View Rd
Match Report – Round 5
Pudsey Congs 2nd XI vs East Bierley 2nd XI
Venue: South View Road, East Bierley
Date: Saturday, 24th May 2025
Pudsey Congs 2nd XI travelled to South View Road to face East Bierley, aiming to extend their winning run.
On a grey and overcast afternoon, captain Ross Kettlewell lost the toss, and the hosts chose to bat first on a ground where no side had successfully chased down a target this season.
Opening bowlers Archie Shippin and Faisal Sheeraz set the tone early. The breakthrough came quickly, with key batter Ross Monaghan caught smartly at gully by Babar Butt for just 4, leaving East Bierley 8/1. However, the hosts responded with aggression, striking frequent boundaries. Nick Rushworth was bowled by Archie for 18, and in the 11th over, Dan Abbott skied one high into the air, only for Ross to take a superb catch off Faisal’s bowling—78/3.
Congs then slowed the momentum. Adam Patrick dismissed Arron Brook for 5 with a sharp catch from Jubb at cover, before Jacques Allen clean bowled the dangerous Adam Brown for 37 - East Bierley now wobbling at 95/5. A small partnership followed between captain Sam Wilby and Tom Hoyle, but Wilby was caught by Simpson off Om Behera for 20. From 131/6, the hosts crumbled further as the introduction of Mark Ferguson wreaked havoc. Bowling with pace and accuracy, he cleaned up the tail: Clark was bowled, Hoyle was trapped LBW for a gritty 28, and both Alex Rushworth and Fahad Khan edged behind to keeper Moiz.
East Bierley were all out for 162, with Ferguson finishing an excellent spell - 4 wickets for just 16 runs.
Chasing a modest but potentially tricky target, Congs began cautiously. Openers Josh Simpson and Richard Jubb got off to a patient start, but Simpson fell in the 6th over for 4, chipping to mid-off. Jubb followed soon after, bowled by Steven Nicklin, and when Om Behera was caught at slip off Monaghan for just 5, Congs were 38/3 and under pressure.
Ferguson, coming in at five, found it tough to score on the two-paced wicket and managed only 1 from 21 balls. At 78/5, things looked bleak for the visitors. Butt had played fluently, hitting regular boundaries in a counter-attacking effort, but he was trapped LBW for 28, leaving Congs needing a spark.
That spark came from Jacques Allen, who launched a fearless counter-attack. Moiz Naveed joined him briefly before falling to Monaghan - 106/7. Adam Patrick chipped in with two crisp fours and a towering six before being caught and bowled—128/8.
With 35 still needed, Archie Shippin joined Allen at the crease. Allen continued his aggressive approach, while Shippin struck the shot of the day—a gorgeous flick through midwicket for four—before being bowled by Reece Clark.
At 134/9, with 29 still required, Faisal Sheeraz joined Allen. Faisal, fresh off a career-best 49 the previous week, kept his cool. With 13 needed from the final over, East Bierley introduced spinner Adam Brown, whose first delivery was dragged short - and Allen promptly dispatched it for six. A single from Allen put Faisal on strike with two balls to come. After blocking the penultimate ball, Faisal launched the final delivery over the ropes for a match-winning six.
Jacques Allen remained unbeaten on 49* in a heroic innings, guiding Pudsey Congs to a dramatic one-wicket victory.
A thrilling finish and a fantastic win that will boost Congs’ confidence heading into next week’s fixture away at Batley.
Saturday May 17, 2025 v Pudsey St Lawrence at The Brit
Congs Break the Curse in Local Derby Thriller
Pudsey Congs welcomed local rivals Pudsey St Lawrence to the Veezu Britannia Ground for Round 4 of the season, with both sides sitting on two wins from their first three games.
On a sunny but breezy afternoon, skipper Ross won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a good surface.
A change at the top of the order saw Richard Jubb join Josh Simpson to open the innings, with Ross dropping down. The pair got Congs off to a strong start - Simpson in typically aggressive form, finding the boundary with ease, while Jubb played the anchor role, rotating the strike smartly.
The partnership was broken in the 20th over when Simpson mistimed a shot to point off Jordan Moore for 44, leaving Congs well-placed at 78/1. Om joined Jubb at the crease, but the stand only added 11 before Jubb was adjudged LBW for a well-made 42 - Congs 89/2 and in a strong position at drinks.
Ross came in to join Om, but both batters struggled to find momentum in the middle overs thanks to tight spells from Aaron Day and David Heslop. Om eventually fell for 37 in the 42nd over, bowled by Heslop with the score on 146/3. With eight overs to go, Congs needed a push. Adam Patrick joined Ross as Moore was reintroduced into the attack. After ramping him for four, Ross was trapped LBW next ball for 25. That sparked a mini collapse - 152/4 quickly became 160/6, with newly acquired Jacques Allen caught in the deep and Moiz Naveed bowled, both falling to Moore.
Daniel Clifton was then bowled first ball by Moore, who found himself on a hat-trick. Babar Butt and Patrick steadied briefly before Butt was run out in the 48th over with the score at 171/8. Archie Shippin joined Patrick for the final two overs, and the pair produced a crucial flourish. Patrick launched two sixes in the final over, guiding Congs to a competitive 197/8. It felt like Congs might be 30–40 runs short of their target, but that final surge gave the hosts a vital lift heading into the second innings.
Second Innings: A Statement Bowling Display
Knowing they needed a flawless performance to snap a six-year league losing streak to their neighbours, Congs came out with purpose. PSL opener Jonty Mighell, fresh off scores of 99* and 77*, looked dangerous early, and the visitors quickly moved to 30.
However, the game changed in the 8th over when Sam Johnson was bowled by Archie Shippin with the score on 32. One over later, Faisal struck the big blow - Mighell trapped LBW for 25. From there, it was a collapse. 34/2 became 35/3 as Liam Phillips edged behind to Moiz, giving Archie his second. Aaron Day and Heslop tried to rebuild, but a mix-up led to a run-out, and Heslop was soon pinned LBW by Archie. PSL 50/5.
Two balls later, Archie produced what might be the best delivery of his career to clean bowl PSL skipper Adam Frost. Patrick and Allen then turned the screw through the middle overs, with Allen removing Seb Brown, caught at midwicket by Clifton—61/7.
Ross rotated the bowlers smartly, bringing on Om and Babar. Om had Moore caught behind, and in the very next over, Butt struck—Allinson edging to Patrick at slip. PSL were reeling at 79/9.
Fittingly, it was Archie who sealed the win, bowling Jacob McDonald to claim his first Bradford League five-wicket haul. PSL all out for 79.
Final Thoughts
A brilliant all-round performance and a landmark win for the Congs, finally ending a long-standing hoodoo against their rivals. Sharp in the field, clinical with the ball, and just enough with the bat - a true team performance.
Next up, Congs travel to East Bierley, looking to extend their strong run of form in the league.
Saturday May 10, 2025 v Bowling Old Lane at Birch Lane
On a hot day at Birch Lane, Pudsey Congs 2nd XI were looking to bounce back after last week's defeat to Jer Lane, as they travelled to face Bowling Old Lane.
Captain Ross won a crucial toss and elected to bat first on a flat pitch with a glass-like outfield — ideal conditions for batting.
Batting Highlights
Simmo and Ross opened up for the Congs, and it was clear early on that the conditions would favour the batters. In just the second over, Simmo set the tone by launching the opening bowler back over his head for four - a shot that promised fireworks. Unfortunately, Ross fell early, caught at gully for 1, bringing Richard Jubb to the crease. Early in his innings, Jubb was content to rotate strike and watch Simmo go to work. Simmo was in majestic form, striking the ball to all parts of the ground in an innings full of authority. Jubb had a stroke of luck on 4 when he was dropped at midwicket — a costly miss. The pair went on to build a fantastic partnership of 116 for the second wicket before Simmo was bowled by former Congs player Zahid Mahmood for a commanding 84.
Om Behera came in at No. 4 and kept the momentum going with sharp running and regular boundaries alongside Jubb. Om was eventually dismissed for a brisk 25, with the score on 198. By then, Jubb had moved into the 90s, joined by Mark Ferguson.
What followed was one of the most destructive innings seen at this level. Ferguson was in no mood to hang around, blasting a 22-ball 50 (3 fours and 5 sixes) in an extraordinary display of clean hitting. He eventually fell for 51, caught on the boundary.
With Jubb nearing a century and young Moiz Naveed joining him, the scoring didn't let up. Jubb brought up a well-deserved century with a trademark boundary, finishing unbeaten on 120 off 128 balls — a classy, measured innings. Moiz, just 15 years old, played with maturity beyond his years, smashing 43* and adding 75 with Jubb in the final overs to take Congs to a mammoth 339/4 from their 50 overs.
Truly one of the best all-round team batting performances in recent memory.
Top Scores:
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Josh Simpson – 84
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Richard Jubb – 120*
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Mark Ferguson – 51
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Moiz Naveed – 43*
After a well-earned tea, Congs came out with great energy, looking to claim the full 20 points.
The new-ball pair of Archie Shippin and Faisal set the tone perfectly. Faisal struck first, removing Raees Khan with a sharp catch at first slip by Ferguson. Archie followed up soon after, dismissing the other opener, Asad Hamid, caught behind by Moiz. Archie then removed Mohammed Ayub for 16, caught by Ferguson at first slip— Old Lane were reeling at 36/3.
Patrick came into the attack but struggled to find his rhythm, allowing Old Lane to build a small partnership. But the introduction of Harry Jackson - rewarded for strong form in the 3rd XI - brought control and consistency. Om Behera applied pressure from the other end and was rewarded with the key wicket of Zahid Mahmood, caught in the deep by Jubb. Jackson claimed his first wicket when Farhaad Mir was caught at point by Om. With the game drifting, Congs pushed for maximum points. Jackson picked up a second, with Awais Khurshid caught on the boundary by Simpson. Om returned to take two more wickets, and with Bowling Old Lane at 195/8, Congs had one eye on the full 20 points. Ross brought Ferguson into the attack, and he delivered by bowling Abdul Hamid for the ninth wicket. Unfortunately, the last pair dug in, and Old Lane closed on 206/9 — denying Congs just the one point.
Final Result:
Pudsey Congs 339/4 beat Bowling Old Lane 206/9 by 133 runs
Points: Congs take 19 points
A superb all-round performance — with bat, ball, and in the field as the Congs head into the Pudsey derby next week at The Brit full of confidence.
Bowling Figures:
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Archie Shippin – 7 overs, 2 for 25
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Harry Jackson – 12 overs, 2 for 32
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Om Behera – 14 overs, 3 for 54
Saturday May 3, 2025 v Jer Lane at the Brit
Pudsey Congs 2nd XI vs Jer Lane 2nd XI – Round 2
Venue: Veezu Britania Ground, Pudsey
Date: 3rd May 2025
After back-to-back wins last weekend, Pudsey Congs looked to continue their momentum as they hosted Jer Lane on a cloudy day at the Veezu Britannia Ground. Captain Ross lost the toss, and Jer Lane chose to bat first on what appeared to be a solid batting track.
Opening bowlers Archie Shippin and Faisal resumed their new-ball duties and produced arguably their best spell of the season. Faisal bowled with remarkable control, building pressure from one end, which allowed Archie to attack from the other. The breakthrough came when Abdul Rehman slashed at a wide delivery from Archie - his extra pace sent the ball flying to third man, where Faisal took a stunning catch. Shortly after, Archie struck again, removing Adnan Mahmood, who was caught at second slip by Patrick, leaving Jer Lane on 23/2.
Congs maintained their season-long strength in the field, applying intense pressure and cutting off quick singles. Jer Lane reached 74/2 at the halfway mark, but the momentum shifted immediately after drinks when Dean Hans was bowled by Om Behera. Arslan Mahmood, who was dropped early in his innings, capitalised on the reprieve and looked dangerous, reaching 42 before chopping on to Patrick. That dismissal left the visitors at 80/4.
The middle overs were dominated by Congs' tight bowling and sharp fielding. The pairing of Patrick and Behera once again proved effective, as Patrick trapped the Jer Lane captain LBW in the 39th over with the score on 110/5. Om then bowled Ali for 8. Amjad Khan provided some resistance with a well-made 47, as Jer Lane’s lower order added some useful runs. Ross and Tom picked up a wicket apiece, and the innings closed at 184/9 after 50 overs—a strong collective bowling and fielding effort by Congs.
Jer Lane Batting Highlights:
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Arslan Mahmood – 42
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Amjad Khan – 47
Congs Bowling Figures:
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Archie Shippin: 6 overs, 2 for 14
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Om Behera: 12 overs, 2 for 58
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Adam Patrick: 15 overs, 2 for 37
Chase Falters Despite Jubb’s Efforts
The sun broke through for the second innings as Congs began their chase confidently with a new opening pair - Kettlewell and Simpson. The pair ran well between the wickets, mixing quick singles with the occasional boundary. However, Kettlewell fell to a stunning one-handed catch by the Jer Lane captain, with the score on 38. In quick succession, Congs lost Simpson (caught behind) and Behera (caught at slip), slumping to 42/3.
Jubb entered with the innings wobbling and set about rebuilding. He batted with composure while wickets tumbled at the other end. Marshall (11) and Clifton (11) offered brief support, but Congs found themselves in trouble at 94/5, still needing 93 more to win. Ferguson fell for a duck with the score unchanged, leaving Jubb to continue the fight with Naveed. He reached 45 before being bowled in the 39th over, with Congs still needing 55.
Patrick joined Naveed at number nine, and the pair added a valuable 17 runs before Naveed was bowled by Asad Khan. Shippin fell for a golden duck, leaving Congs 9 down and needing 35. With only one wicket in hand, Patrick looked to steer the side home, but Faisal was trapped LBW with 25 runs still required. A disappointing end to a gritty chase, resulting in a narrow loss against a strong Jer Lane side.
Congs Batting Highlights:
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Richard Jubb – 45
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Moiz Naveed – 24
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Adam Patrick – 24*
Jer Lane Bowling Figures:
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Asad Khan: 6 overs, 4 for 31
Saturday April 26, 2025 v Methley at Little Church Lane
Methley CC 2nd XI vs Pudsey Congs CC 2nd XI – Season Opener Thriller
Venue: Little Church Lane, Methley
Date: 26th April 2025
The 2025 season got off to a cracking start at Little Church Lane as Pudsey Congs 2nd XI edged home by just 1 wicket in a nail-biting encounter against Methley 2nd XI - a match packed with tension, momentum swings, and a dramatic finish.
New year, New captain. Ross Kettlewell stepped out to the middle for his first toss of the season, and just like the previous captain he lost the toss. Methley decided to have a bat.
Congs got off to a flyer as Archie Shippin got the wicket of Ellis in the 4th over of the game with a short ball that got onto the batter a little too quickly mistiming the shot allowing Archie one of the easiest caught and bowled dismissals he will get all year. A couple of overs later Faisal claimed his first Congs wicked as Ward chipped it straight to Jubb at mid wicket, Methley 9-2.
The Methley skipper came in at number 4 and started strongly finding the boundary regularly, Winter and Childs went along nicely. The pair put on 72 for the 3rd wicket before the introduction of new signing Om Behera paired with Adam Patrick began the Congs fight back. Both bowlers were bowling in tandem tying down the Methley batters with great fields set. Childs was bowled by Behera for a well made 31. Just before the drinks break McCaffrey chipped up to Kettlewell off the bowling of Patrick, then a few overs later Sykes was bowled by Behera. This started a collapse from the Methley team, Winter was caught superbly in the deep by Shippin off Patrick for 57. Wickets then kept falling regularly and Methley finished 187ao.
Methley 2nd XI Innings – 187 All Out (48.5 overs)
Charlie Winter – 57
O. Behera – 15 overs 4/59
A. Patrick – 15 overs 2/41
Chasing 188 to win, Pudsey Congs innings ebbed and flowed. They slipped to 31 for 2 early as Simpson was bowled in the first over for 0. Jubb and Kettlewell fought back well before the skipper was caught at slip for 7. Om came in at 4 and settled in nicely, him and Jubb both ticking the scoreboard along with some great running between the wickets. Jubb was adjudged LBW for a well made 39, then just a couple of overs later Behera was bowled by winter for 24.
Congs new wicketkeeper Moiz Naveed struggled to get going and when he was caught for 1 Congs were struggling on 83-5 still needing 105 to win.
Daniel Clifton was joined at the crease by Mark Ferguson who got congs right back into the tie, Ferguson hitting the ball to all parts of the ground. With some lusty blows by Clifton too, Methley’s heads dropped and Congs got themselves back on the front foot. Ferguson went for one big shot too many and was bowled by Sykes, 136-6. Still needing 52 to win Patrick joined Clifton and the pair played nicely, before Clifton was bowled by Sykes going to a big shot to the short boundary. Congs needed 24 to win. As Patrick watched on from the non strikers end, Congs lost Ahmed and Shippin in the same over they lost Clifton. Congs still needed 24 to win now 164-9.
The next over went for 1 run Patrick farming the strike. The over after was to the short boundary and was the only way that Congs had a chance was if boundaries were hit this over. Patrick hit Sykes for 2 sixes in a row before a single off the 2nd to last ball, 10 was needed.
The 48th over went for 1. Congs needed 9. Patrick hit the first ball of the 49th over for 4 as well as the last ball for 4 too, scores level.
Methley brought all the field in, as young Faisal blocked the first ball which just went past short cover at a catchable height. Then comfortably blocked the 2nd ball. The 3rd ball of the over was hit on the floor back past the bowler for 4, Congs win a thriller.
Pudsey Congs 2nd XI Innings – 191/9 (49.3 overs)
J. Sykes – 5 overs 4/23
R.Jubb – 39
O. Behera - 24
M. Ferguson – 43
A. Patrick 31*x