Crossflatts win game between Riddlesden & Bingley Congs?
On a warmer than expected Saturday afternoon, and with a hastily mowed outfield by Steve, Riddlesden won the toss and invited visitors Bingley Congs to bat first.
Congs started well, keeping out the accurate bowling of Shanny - just 8 runs off 7 overs - and Bob (0-26 off 11) but didn't break any scoring records along the way. Danny (1-8)eventually made the breakthrough by offering tempting full tosses to tease a catch from Akeel. At the halfway stage the score was around 50-1, and despite wickets in hand it was going to take a big effort to set a high target for us. Now came the turn of Akeel, Qaddy and Zain to turn the screw with more excellent bowling - Akeel (1-16 off 7), Zain (2-11 off 6) and yet another 'five-for' from Qaddy (5-24). Congs collapsed with their last six wickets falling for just 8 runs, leaving a total of 108 to chase. Unfortunately 25 of those runs were from extras - an area we need to tighten up on!
In response Riddlesden started brightly, helped by a host of wides from the opposition, as Steve and Qaddy raced to 22 before Steve (14) was caught in two minds and hit one straight up in the air. Shanny (11) took the fight to the bowlers but couldn't dominate in his usual manner, and with a rare failure from Akeel a lot rested on Qaddy's shoulders. When he was out for 25 we still needed another 51 to win. Mick, Ibrar and Danny fell cheaply. Jamie stood firm for a while as Zain (26*) carried the fight back to Congs, but when he was caught out for 9 we were still 12 behind. Rahim defended well (earlier he had shone in the field too) to give Zain the chance to claw closer, but fell with 10 needed. Last man Bob joined the fray - captain and vice-captain to see it out. When Zain hit the single to tie the scores, everyone willed Bob to win the game but an uncharacteristic attacking shot was snaffled by a fielder and the game was done. A rare tie between two evenly matched teams.
Initially, Saturday's result felt like an anti-climax. But on reflection, the match was packed full of entertainment, excitement and incident. The last few overs were amazingly tense as the balance of power swung back and forth between the two sides. Ultimately honours were shared which suited neither team really, allowing Crossflatts to pull a point clear of both clubs into second place - but it probably was fair given how the game panned out.
Of the incidents that stick out were
Jamie being in the wars - injured his hand early on, later struck in the chest, and in between Zain hit him on the ankle with a vicious throw at the stumps for a run out. Indeed that led to an extra run as the Congs batsmen stole a cheeky run whilst he was on the ground with his teammates going to his aid.
Zain taking a catch - at the second attempt - despite Steve running into him. Both called at exactly the same time apparently so no blame to either
The unused helmet was struck for the second time this season, giving away 5 penalty points to Congs
The Congs player who tried to stop the ball but only succeeded in running it into the fence
Another Congs player going for a diving catch off the boundary, but missed it allowing it to go for four
Congs claiming, and being awarded, a runout when the keeper had dropped the ball. After a few moments of confusion they withdrew their appeal in proper sporting manner.
So, promotion is no longer in our own hands. We now need Crossflatts to slip up in the last three games. All we can do is win our matches to keep the pressure on them, and if they do drop points, be in the position to take back that place. We begin the chase on Saturday away at Thornton in Craven.
At home, Eldwick & Gilstead will celebrate their successful first season in Division 2 (they're now mathematically safe from relegation) against Chatburn
This week's games all start at 1:30 as it will be September - that's right, September!!!