And We're Back!

After the travails and disruptions of the last year, real competitive cricket returned on April 17th as the 2021 season began. In almost perfect conditions (dry, sunny, not too hot or cold) the Craven League began in high hopes. For our first proper match in 18 months, we travelled to Denholme, and coming along for the ride were a couple of new 'old' faces in the guise of Naveed Hussain and Zullie.

Getting off to a perfect start, Riddlesden won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite the complete lack of winter training available, Quaddy instantly showed his regular form with an excellent 42. Akeel added 28 good runs too. But the standout batsman was undoubtedly Bilal Bashir (Biggie) with an excellent 73, a well crafted and deserved innings according to Steve Bailey. This score, including a solid 99 run partnership with Quaddy, provided the backbone to setting a fantastic target for Denholme to chase of 229-8

Now over to the bowling. With the return of Zullie alongside Habib Aslam, we now have two genuinely quick and accurate opening bowlers. And didn't they show it. Between them they ripped through the Denholme batting line-up reducing the home team to 48-8 in just 18 overs. Aslam's 3-17 off 10 overs is a great return, but Zullie's 5-20 is simply magnificent. Arfan Mahmood isn't a bad first change bowler either, finishing off the Denholme response and giving Riddlesden a superb 167 run victory. Interesting additional note - all of the Denholme dismissals were bowled!

Welcome back to cricket, and well done to all the players, but in particular Biggie & Zullie!

Just a quick additional note - at home Eldwick & Gilstead and Denholme players, umpires, Riddlesden 'staff' and hospitality patrons all observed an impeccable minute's silence for the Duke of Edinburgh. Plaudits to all.