Fearsome Bowling Unit

Two wins out of two is a good start to any season, but the nature of the wins this season gives rise to serious hopes for the coming months.

No disrespect to Denholme, but I think most would agree we faced stronger opposition in the form of Glusburn this week after they had posted back to back 200+ scores in the first 2 matches, and having won the toss they elected to bat first in dry, batting friendly conditions. Despite an early breakthrough from paceman Bibler, Glusburn recovered to build an innings reaching 45-1 after 8 overs. Then came the Zullie and Arfan show! Two wickets in the first two balls of the 9th from Zullie changed the complexion of the game, and when that was followed up by Arfan's first wicket in the 10th over Glusburn were rocking. The two bowlers were on fire, not allowing scoring opportunities and taking wickets regularly. Only opener Iain Beattie (24)offered any real resistance before becoming the 8th out and Zullie's 4th victim of the innings. Another fine performance from Zullie saw him follow up his 5-20 in the first week with 4-19 this week. But on this occasion he was outshone by Arfan Mahmood who returned an excellent 5-8 off just 6 overs. Glusburn all out for just 65 and the ball well and truly in Riddlesden's court.

Riddlesden's reply started well. DavId Robinsone and Naveed Hussain put on 19 for the first wicket and we were nearly a third of the way to the target already after just 3 overs. Another wicket fell but we were in the thirties now needing a run per over to win so still looking good. But two wickets in an over suddenly brought an edge to the game - Glusburn had a sniff and maybe a bit of anxiety crept in. Four more wickets fell in quick succession between 54 and 60 which led to a certain sense of relief as the batsmen finally made it over the line to win a low scoring but tense match. Many thanks need to be given to Akeel who provided the backbone to the innings before being run out when looking in good form for 27.

So far so good. The batters haven't had the limelight yet but their day will doubtless come. But for now it is the bowlers who are on fire. We've only used three so far, they're producing the goods so well. But lets not forget we have another four or five who can bowl if called upon - Qaddy was our top bowler last season and hasn't bowled a ball yet this year for example - so we have some serious firepower in that department. If they can keep firing then this will be a prosperous season.

Wilsden at home this weekend - can the bowling machine keep rolling?