Relentless and Unstoppable
Two o'clock on Saturday the weather was slightly overcast but generally fine and warm. But everybody knew rain was forecast, indeed a ten man Thornton in Craven team turned up surprised it wasn't already pouring as it was at their place. Would this match go the same way as the previous year with Riddlesden getting a big score, Akeel Rashid score a century (107 not out), declaring early to try to beat the weather, only to be thwarted by a downpour? Well 3 out of four of those happened...
For once we didn't win the toss, but Thornton asked us to bat first anyway. Buoyant, the batsmen made their way onto the field with a confidence that was so rare last season. Unfortunately that confidence quickly ebbed away as the top of the order succumbed to a variety of catches, with the sole exception of Qadeer who was unfortunate in having the ball trickle back onto the stumps after playing a shot. In a state of shock we suddenly found ourselves 59-6, and that rain couldn't come quickly enough!
Enter Akeel. Looking graceful and attentive, he defended the good balls and attacked the bad ones with vehemence. At the other end first a watchful Ibrar Ali (20), then a resolute Jamie Fullwood (24*) ensured Akeel retained as much strike as possible. With Akeel on 91, the heavens finally opened and everyone scampered for the changing rooms.
An hour's delay resulted in confused readings of rules, calculations, over rate discussions, and debates on tactics. It was a relief when the players made it back onto the pitch in blazing sunshine with 12 overs still to play in our innings. Akeel understood the situation and duly completed his century before he and Jamie smashed some quick runs. At 217-6 after 37 overs, the declaration was made. Akeel finished on 131 not out.
Now due to the rain, the situation was difficult. The rules stated that we had to bowl Thornton out before an 8pm cutoff to win - unless we could somehow manage to bowl all 45 overs in just 2 1/4 hours. Impossible? Not with a well drilled team that knew exactly what they were doing and did it well.
Shanny and Qaddy opened the bowling and completed all their allotted 12 overs each in one super-charged spell. Shanny (1-17) bowled off a 3 pace run up - it barely slowed his deliveries down and his accuracy was excellent. Qadeer (4-27) usually has a short run up anyway, but the rate he turned around each over was phenomenal. Both bowlers both turned the screw and whistled through the first half of the innings. This was backed up by tight fielding where every player ran back to their position after each delivery, ready for the next. Catching was crisp too, and the throw-ins sensible and accurate.
Biggy (0-22) and an impressive Danny Kernan (3-11) took over from the openers and continued the relentless rate. In truth we were now so far ahead of the required over rate we could have eased up, but the pace was causing Thornton so much trouble that we carried on. Bob (1-1)bowled just one over - and picked up a wicket to go with his earlier catch to dismiss danger man Pollard, and that's all there was - Thornton all out for 85.
A fantastic win, where the entire team worked so well together on the game plan in the field. The speed, determination and togetherness was fantastic to watch. Of course, you can't overlook Akeel's magnificent century - that put us in the position to push for the victory in the first place, but I'm sure he will give plaudits to everyone else in the team. Further more, those plaudits extend to a player not even there on Saturday - Rahim sacrificed his place in the team to allow Shanny to play after a late change of availability, so Rahim is as much a part of this victory as all the rest.
A couple of side notes. With this match Akeel has scored 238 runs against Thornton at home in the last two seasons. We have now had three different centurions this year already. And due to the top of the table clash being washed out, Riddlesden are now top of Division 3!
This weekend we travel to Hepworth & Idle looking to cement our top spot.
At home we have Eldwick & Gilstead (they won too - beat Chatburn away) against Long Lee. There'll probably be some football on tv too - seems to be some sort of competition going on...