The Planets Align

Will last Saturday be looked back on as the pivotal day of the season? What dark magics were invoked? Why did the fates bless us so much that day? And will we take full advantage in the remaining two games of the season?

It was a trip to picturesque Thornton in Craven on Saturday for Riddlesden. According to the official Thornton report by Kevin Pollard,it was 'not a bad day and the wicket looked good compared to last weeks although it was a stones throw from the top boundary.'

Presumably based on this analysis, Thornton elected to bat first having won the toss, and made steady progress as the openers reached 46 before losing the first wicket. Mohammad Qadeer (5-23) making the breakthrough in conjunction with the first of four catches by Jamie Fullwood, improving his chances of claiming wicket keeper of the year substantially. The prize scalp of Pollard himself was claimed shortly after off the bowling of Akeel Rashid (2-44), again Jamie taking the catch. A stream of wickets fell thereafter - Qaddy and Akeel doing the damage, with Shanny, Danny and Biggy mopping up the tail - before a battling 34 from captain Ian Holden propelled Thornton to a low but not disasterous final total. Again extras were a concern with 11 wides and 2 no balls, but overall a very good bowling and fielding display, with five outfield catches taken too.

Riddlesden's response was led by Steve Kernan (67 not out), and after the early fall of Qaddy and Mick Cryer, Shanny (60 not out) joined him to devastating and match winning effect. Steve batted strongly equalling his highest score of the past four seasons, but he (and many others) testified to the excellence and sheer power of Shanny's innings - one straight drive in particular being described as the hardest hit they'd seen by both Steve Kernan and Steve Bailey! With a stand of 118, the pair cruised to the target in quick time and Riddlesden were victorious.

So the team had done their bit - now how had other results gone?

We were able to keep in touch with the score from Crossflatts via Play Cricket and texts, and through these it soon became obvious and upset was on the cards. When Embsay finally won that match, we knew we'd overtaken them to reclaim 2nd spot.

Twitter kept us updated in the Hepworth & Idle game against leaders Barrowford. It was tight, but eventually the news came in that Barrowford had narrowly lost! Within striking distance of top spot now!

And on the Sunday, Bingley Congs score finally appeared to show they too had lost.

All three nearest rivals had suffered defeats. We are clear second place, 3 pts behind Barrowford, 2 pts ahead of Crossflatts and 3 pts ahead of Bingley Congs. Our destiny is back in our own hands.

We have two games remaining. This week we face Hepworth and Idle at home. Remember, they have just beaten the current top team so should be considered to pose a serious challenge. As if that wasn't bad enough, the last game is away to Barrowford themselves. Crossflatts and Bingley Congs are still breathing down our necks. One slip could be a disaster... But win both and, thanks to our superior run ratio, Riddlesden will be 3rd division champions! Who would have dreamt of that at the end of last season?

In true sporting fashion, we must take one week at a time. Concentrate on Hepworth and Idle, a win is vital at this stage of the season. Come support the team if you can - it's our last home match of the year! And isn't it exciting?