Tense? Oh Boy, Yes!

An unexpectedly damp day at Riddlesden on Saturday saw an absolute blinder of a match against a Barrowford side that belied its mid-table position. Winning the toss, they chose to bat first on what had been expected to be a fast outfield. But after a single over, the heavens opened and the ground was soaked, putting paid to that idea.

Once play resumed I had to start making the teas so unfortunately didn't get to see much of Barrowford's innings. From the reports I received, they batted well, but Riddlesden committed far too many fielding errors. Even considering a wet ball, there were at least four dropped chances (mostly of Shanny - he must have felt victimised) and several misfields resulting in extra byes. From the stats, most of the Barrowford players 'got in', though none went on to make a big score. But by keeping wickets in hand and through steady accumulation, they put together a good total - aided by a last over assault against Zullie which rather spoilt his figures (2-59). Aftab picked up 3-42, and Shanny probably deserved more than a single wicket from his spell considering the (alleged) drops. Barrowford eventually closed on 201-7, the biggest total against us this year and also the first time we've failed to bowl the opposition out!

With a big total to chase down, all eyes turned to Kamran and Nav. Could they get us off to a good, solid start? Well no, Kamran was out for a duck 2nd ball bowled by the Barrowford captain, and everyone went a bit quiet. When Nav was bowled for 5 by the same bowler shortly after, there was a murmur of concern. Shanny though was imperious. In no time at all he reached 50 including 8 fours and 2 sixes. So brutal was his attack that nobody even realised he'd reached his 50 - sorry Shanny, here's a written round of applause now (clap, clap, clap!!!) Sadly that was the as far as he would go as another attempted maximum went straight to a fielder on the boundary.

Aftab and Ehsan scored quickly but they too fell shortly after making double figures and we were in a spot of bother. Gully came to the crease and started cautiously knowing we couldn't afford to lose many more wickets - but Akeel got a good one (the book said 'hit wicket' but apparently he was bowled - no idea who told the scorers that!) and Coach had one spit on him catching the shoulder of the bat and looping to point. Nasser was next in - and out, and Gully must have been in despair. Arfan came to the crease with 78 still required, and as last man Zullie paced back and forth assuring everyone how calm he was, the 9th wicket partnership began.

I have to say, Gully played the best inning I've seen from him. I've seen him score rapidly, big hitting, swashbuckling before. But nothing as good as this studious, clear minded knock. You could feel the concentration coming from him as he resisted the urge to take on the bowlers. At the other end Arfan continued to build on his calm effective displays of the last couple of games, looking at ease and happy to block the good ones, push, clip and occasionally drive the bad ones. Gully played the same way, though every now and then a bad ball would be given the treatment - but again generally along the ground, low-risk sensible cricket. The early run rate by the top order allowed for this approach now as there were plenty of overs remaining, just few wickets. It was nail-biting. You could feel the tension mount. Eventually though you could see the Barrowford heads dropping. Gullly opened up a bit more as the target approached, and finally with 6 overs to spare, the victory was achieved. The tension was released - the team flooded onto the pitch. Arfan finished 20 not out, but the plaudits have to go to Gully for the very definition of a captain's innings with 70 not out.

A note on our opponents. Throughout the day they were a marvellous bunch. They were respectful, amicable and after such a close defeat, still magnanimous. I thought the same of them when they played Eldwick a few weeks ago, on that occasion having a narrow victory. It was good to see their attitude.

So with another 18 points in the bag, and with both Eldwick and Glusburn losing, we're now 36 points clear of 2nd placed Silsden.

This week we begin a quite bizarre series of five away games with a trip to Sandy Lane to play Bradford & Bingley. We've been warned that the pitch is a shocker by numerous people so getting any sort of win would be a bonus as it sounds like luck plays a huge part there. At home we have Eldwick & Gilstead taking on Glusburn. It's Riddlesden Gala day so perhaps we'll get a few new supporters!