One Hundred Club!
It was Shanny's turn to shine this week as Riddlesden continued to rack up the runs and win handsomely. And this was despite missing both Kernans, and an administrative error which left us frantically trying to summon a last minute replacement (thank you Mohammed Zohaib for answering the call with 30 minutes notice!)
In overcast but sultry conditions, Zain once again won the toss and as is usual this season elected to bat first. A much changed Sutton in Craven team from our last encounter started brightly, with some genuine pace from the opening bowler causing early problems. Indeed after 9 overs we were struggling on 9-2. But then came our in form middle order to stabilise the ship and begin building a good total. Shanny drove a beautiful straight four immediately to impose himself on the game. At the other end Akeel continued to look as though he has all the time in the world to play his shots. This pair added 76 for the third wicket in quick time before Akeel fell for 24. The rest of the team continued to support Shanny with Ibrar Ali (11), Jamie Fullwood (23 not out) and Shehryar Hussain (38 not out) in particular looking good. But star billing definitely goes to Shanny who, despite picking up a knock having been struck on the foot, fought valiantly to his hundred, his second of the season and the fifth by the club this year!
Riddlesden closed on 256-8, another impressive total and our eighth 200+ of the year!
With Danny missing and Shanny carrying his injury, our bowling options were somewhat reduced as Sutton began their reply. Zain took on the responsibility of opening the bowling alongside Qaddy, and did a sterling job of it claiming the first wicket and generally bowling tightly for figures of 1-41 from 10 overs. Qaddy continues to impress with the ball, picking up 3 wickets and conceding just 15 runs from 12 overs. Akeel also impressed (3-17) and Shanny (0-10) used his spin attack to rattle through five overs. Special mention to Rahim with a couple of overs (0-3) and two good catches.
Despite an entertaining last pair partnership, Sutton closed on 114-9 (their young wicket keeper took a hit on the knee on the penultimate ball of our innings and was unable to bat - we wish him well and a full recovery) giving Riddlesden another big win.
We remain second in the division, but there are still two other teams level on points with us, and two more just a win behind. Akeel retains top spot in the league batting. Shanny moves up to fourth. And Qaddy is in ninth place. This is for the whole league, not just our division - for the 3rd division they're 1 - 2 - 3 !!! Top wicket takeing sees Qaddy in 16th place overall, and Shanny 23rd (for Div 3 they're 3rd & 5th)
This week we travel to Oakworth for a clash with Michael Scarborough's youthful 2nds - they have steadily improved during the season so may be a tougher prospect than our first encounter with them.
At home, Eldwick & Gilstead will play Foulridge CC. Game starts at 2pm - the bar will be open...
Finally, Sunday August 5th sees Riddlesden CC hold the annual Fun Day for Manorlands. There's lots planned, including dunking tank, bucking bronco, stalls, bouncy castle, barbeque, obstacle course and much more. The fun starts at 2:30.
And a quick mention to the Manorlands Plate T20 competition (games at 10am, 1pm, 4pm) taking place at Airedale cricket club this Sunday - we're not in it, but it's all for a good cause so pop along.