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First Team
The search for the elusive second win of the season continues after the 1st XI suffered defeat away to Ben Rhydding. The homesters won the toss and asked us to go first. We made a steady start of 32 for the first wicket where Mo Saghir perished for 22. Morgan Davies, 16, Jack Kitching, 0, and Sam Arkwright, 10, left us 69 for 4. There was no recovery from there as the bowlers carried on their destruction of the innings to see us all out for 106.
We managed two quick wickets to see them 30 for 2. However, Redmond Bolton, 40 from 24 balls, ensured there was going to be no upset, and the homeside cruised home by six wickets. Haroon Ali 2 for 35, Hammaad Hussain 1 for 15 and Jack 1 for 18 were the wicket takers. We languish bottom of the table – 22 points away from safety.
Second Team
We entertained Blubberhouses 2nd at Shires Lane and on winning the toss asked them to go first. It looked a good decision as we had three batters back in the hut for 34. From there it was a bit of a slog as they progressed to 108 for 6 in the 32nd over. Their skipper Dan Taylor took control and made 42no as they reached 163 for 8 at the end of their allotted overs. Jago Bean claimed 3 for 40, Casper Bean 2 for 26, Ben Jolly 2 for 39 and Paul Wormald 1 for 40.
Our reply saw us lose Gareth Wooler for 12 and Sam Keane for 22 to see us at 82 for 2. We reached 99 for 4 in the 29th over. Basically, we needed six an over for the last ten overs to take the spoils. Whilst Casper Bean was batting, we were in with a chance. Sadly, he fell for 67 at the start of the last over with six needed to win. Skipper Paul Wormald was still there but he was unable to get us over the line and we finished up losing by just four runs. A great game of cricket for sides in Division Six. It is a long time since we figured in a game that lasted all eighty overs. We drop from third to fifth in the table.
Next Saturday we entertain Darley at Shires Lane. Match sponsors are Bullough Cleaning Services and R McDowell Haulage and Distribution.
The second team have a free week following the withdrawal from the league of Boroughbridge and Staveley.
Trevor Coe – ECC Chairman
