Anyone for a Swimming Gala?
Once again, the Theakston Nidderdale League programme for week 10 was decimated by the weather. Out of a possible 520 games scheduled to be played this season only 246 have actually been played to a conclusion with a further 14 being abandoned after play started.The League Management Committee have said they aware of these exceptional circumstances and will be reviewing the criteria for end of season League averages later on in the season.
Five games did survive, mostly in the East with some rewards for the hard work by some long suffering grounds men.
In Division 3, Ouseburn welcomed West Tanfield and beat them by 53 runs. The home side posted 184-7 with Mark Kinghorn hitting 34 and Barnes making 32. In reply, West Tanfield fell short on 131-7. Andrew Ganderton made 62 and Tony Clark 37*. Barnes hard a good day all round also taking 3-16.
In Division 5, Alne hosted Studley Royal 3rds. Batting first Studley made 165-7 with Alex Edney top scoring with 40. Tony Raper took 4-27 for the home side. After the usual excellent teas at Alne, the home side went out for the win. After the early breakthrough with the wicket of Tony Raper for just 1 by Jim Grange (2-42) Steve Raper (26), Louis Cox (50) and Ross Hardy 64* saw off the threat from Studley closing on 168-3 and a 7 wicket win.
One game survived in Division 6 and that was the local derby between Raskelf 2nds and Helperby 2nds. Helperby 2nds batted first and contributions from Harrison (37) and Mannion (42) saw the visitors end on 157-7 Peter Sweet taking 3-35. Cross 3-10, Rees-Hughes 2-10 and Grasby 2-12 then did the damage reducing Raskelf 2nds to just 72 all out and took a big 85 run victory and the 6 points.
Little Ribston did battle with Ouseburn 3rds in Division 7 and there was no problems with the wicket for Ribston. After losing opener Edward Daniel (3) cheaply, Daniel Marsh (164) and Andy Johnson (66) tucked into the Ouseburn attack with a 2nd wicket stand of 231. Marsh’s total included 12 maximum hits over the ropes and 13 fours before being eventually bowled by Neil Newlove. Ribston posted a challenging score of 279-5. In reply Ouseburn’s captain and opening batsmen Hodgson and Neil Newlove startly briskly each making 43 before Martin Brown captured both their wickets. Brown finished up with figures of 5-55 from his 12 overs. Ouseburn’s young side helped the score up to 188-8 but Ribston ran out winners by 91 runs. Thirsk 3rds beat Kirkby Malzeard 2nds in Division 9. Kirkby batted first and scored 131-5. Dave Tudbury top scoring with 50. Thirsk then knocked off the runs for the loss of 5 wickets, Rob Garner (35*) Howes (33) and Porter (25*).
Atkinson Swires 2nd Round
Sunday was the scheduled 2nd round of the Atkinson Swires Senior Knockout.
Four games were due to take place but the games between Pannal and Blubberhouses and Helperby and Hampsthwaite were abandoned. These will be played on Sunday 1st July (weather permitting). Alne entertained Burton Leonard and won by 6 wickets. Burton batted first and scored 179-8. Liam Ford (53), Mike Stansfield (46) and Dan Thirkell (34) lead the charge with the bat but were pegged back by Shaun Foulds (4-38) Alne’s Aussie Bradley Scott (35) and hard hitting ‘keeper Chris Beaumont (67) went out to open the Alne reply. Scott’s wicket brough Pete Carr (34*) to the wicket and he and Rob Henley (24) saw the home side to 183-4.
After being washed out on Saturday at the Recreational Ground in Masham, Derek Chapman weaved some magic and produced a track so that the game between Masham and Spofforth could go ahead. Spofforth batted first and managed 127-8, skipper James Roberts (54) showing no signs of jet lag after a recent trans-Atlantic flight. For Masham, Chapman rolled back the years with bowling figures of 8 overs, 2 maidens, 0 for 9 runs to restrict Spofforth. Rob Smith 3-15 and Mark Ellis 2-21 were the other stand out bowlers. A steady start by Masham’s batsmen with Phil Newton (12), Michael Rees (29), Rob Smith (26) and Adam Smith (31*) deflating Spofforth hearts. Enter James Roberts who didn’t show any Micky Mouse tendencies and didn’t monkey around to take 4-28. It wasn’t enough though and Masham were home and dry through the sterling efforts of Roger Smart (3*).
Helperby or Hampsthwaite will entertain Masham in the first semi-final and Pannal or Blubberhouses will host Alne in the other game. Both games are due to be played on Sunday 15th July.
The final will be on Sunday 5th August at Studley Royal Cricket Club. 2pm start.
