Batsman b'ringer' of doom
Yet another fine Saturday despite the generally poor summer saw Riddlesden welcome Bradford & Bingley 3rds this week. They came with their usual mix of youth and experience, though levels of experience can vary...
Having won the toss, we invited B&B to bat first. Bob Morrisroe (1-30), Mohammad Qadeer (0-41) and Danny Kernan (1-65) all bowled well early on to restrict the score to a comfortable level before the drinks break. The usual lack of wickets in that first half was a concern again, meaning the opposition had plenty of batsmen to come in the later stages when acceleration would be required. But nothing quite prepared us for Matthew Doidge! 'Filling in' as they were 'a bit short of players' the number four batsman destroyed us. His 125 not out included 15 sixes, numerous lost balls, and a general air of despondency.
We have since discovered that he has played at a higher level. First Class level actually - he has a wikipedia page! His cv includes Pudsey Congs, Yorkshire Cricket Association Under-19s, National Association of Young Cricketers, National Association of Young Cricketers North,, Yorkshire Cricket Board 1-day team and Yorkshire Second XI (where he played against the touring India team). So - with all due respect to our own players - a bit of a mismatch in skill levels there. Let's be fair though, if we had someone who had played top class cricket, we'd use him to 'fill in' too. Anyone mates with Tim Bresnan?
Anyway, with his blistering assault, Bradford & Bingley ended on 266-3, the largest total we've conceded this season. Given recent performances, getting triple figures would be a challenge. Especially after Steve Kernan was out 2nd ball. Enter Mohammad Qadeer and Akeel Rashid. Both looked fluent and at ease as they calmly and methodically stroked boundaries to all corners. Hopes increased for a miraculous victory. Sadly that man Doidge intervened again, superbly catching Akeel out for 60 with the score on 131. Qaddy continued to play well but wickets tumbled around him, and when he eventually fell for 85 the game was up. Matthew Patton (11), back from injury looked in good nick, as did Danny Kernan (18), but in the end we were all out for 198.
What does this do to the table? Well we're still bottom obviously. But Sandy Lane conceded this weekend, so they remain 4 points above us. With four games to go, we need at least two wins. Final game is at home to Sandy Lane! Can we win another before then? We're away at Gargrave this Saturday - they're second in the table. But we beat top team Cononley...
Finally - this Sunday (27th) - we are hosting a charity funday for Manorlands. All the usual funday stuff, including bouncy castle and a dunk tank with your favourite cricketers! So spread the word and let's make it a success once again.