Not Peaking Too Soon At Least

Three defeats on the trot is not an enviable record, but it's one we have after another disappointing game on Saturday. Things started in ominous fashion when Ibrar received a sickening injury in the pre-match warm-up after being struck in the head by the ball from very short range. His treatment and subsequent hospitalisation delayed the start of the game by 30 minutes.

From there, the almost unavoidable top order collapse occurred as Ehsan, Qaddy and Gully all fell cheaply. But then a promising partnership provided a glimmer of hope as Mick and Akeel pushed the score over fifty. Alas, Mick fell to a dipping full toss before Zain got into all kinds of trouble against what looked like a terrible ball, but turned out to be a wicket taker. When Akeel fell to a bit of smart wicket keeping, there wasn't much left in the tank and we finished on 94 all out.

The response with the ball was decent without making Glusburn have to work excessively hard. Akeel in particular kept things tight, but nobody conceded heavily. With a low target, Glusburn never looked in much trouble but Qaddy, Zain and Gully at least took a wicket each which had an impact on our league position.

Overall another poor day with the bat cost Riddlesden. With scores of 77, 41 and 94 so far, we simply haven't put any pressure on the opposition and have paid the price. The only positive really is that somehow we're still not in the bottom two. The bowling displays are doing enough to maintain a better run/wicket ratio than two other clubs who have also lost three games.

This weekend we travel to Skipton CI. They're currently sat at the top of the division table so it looks like a tough ask. But remember two years ago after a dreadful start to the season and we were bottom of the table - our first win came away at Cononley who were top of the table at the time. So let's do that again - there's nothing stopping this team scoring 200+ as they did many times last year. Time for some concentration, dedication and grit.

In other news, Sunday June 9th will see us hosting a World Cup Fun Day. Four teams (2 teams put together by Big Local - the local charity organisation doing community work in the area such as relaying the snicket opposite the cricket club; a Co-op team and a 'friends of Riddlesden CC' team) will battle it out in a short format 6-aside tournament for your merriment and amusement. You never know, they may turn out to be really good - but let's hope not... There'll be food and drink, a DJ, a killer quiz, and whatever else we can organise in time. Ooh, and wristbands for the kids! Save the date etc.

And finally, if you're at a loose end this Saturday, Eldwick & Gilstead will (fingers crossed) finally get a game on at Riddlesden against Long Lee from 2 o'clock.