So long, and thanks for all the fish

So another season ends. Later than normal and in surprisingly good weather the curtain came down with a good natured game against Haworth CC. In fact, in an ironic twist, the pitch probably looked better in the last game than at any point in the year.

With nothing much on the line and no pressure to win, Riddlesden elected to switch things up by picking the batting line up at random. Again somewhat ironically, this resulted in one of the highest first wicket partnerships of the season as Zain (30) found some form with the bat at last, and alongside Mahboob (16), added 51 runs for the first wicket. From there on it was boom or bust, and alas the bust won as wickets fell regularly to leave Riddlesden all out for 106.

Haworth responded somewhat more conservatively - they still had something to play for given the tightness at the foot of the table - so went about accruing runs steadily. Again, with little pressure, Riddlesden decided to share the bowling duties and gave 8 bowlers a go - Akeel (2-19) and Qaddy (1-11) being the pick of them. Eventually Haworth took the win, and with other results we finished safely mid-table in 6th place which seems fair given the way the season has panned out.

With the season over, thoughts now turn to the post season work. The sightscreens and nets will come down when the weather is more agreeable and be put away for winter. Jonathan Smith has already been down to do over half of the square, leaving a manageable amount for us to do. Permission has been received from the league to carry out additional drainage work on the outfield. Then there's the guttering work, fence painting, building painting, path maintenance, and the hundred and one bits and bobs we find to occupy ourselves with during the long winter months. Plus of course the ever popular AGM! Then, before you know it, it's spring again and the cricket returns!

Until then, keep an eye out. We have plans. There's the bonfire as usual of course, but there are other events in the offing too - just because it's dark, wet and miserable it doesn't mean we won't keep trying to force you to have fun!!!

But for now, thank you all for another summer of cricket, and roll on the next one!