Well drilled seconds ease home as Shoaib stars
The 2nds went to East Bierley with regular players missing but still fielding a strong team with two debutants, Bradley Atkinson and Matthew Denman.
A morning of Pennine drizzle saw a delayed start and a 45 over a side game. The toss was won and the home team inserted in moist conditions.
The opening attack of Shoaib Hassan and Sam Gardner bowled with control and accuracy with Hassan soon amongst the wickets. Bowling a full line Hassan ripped out the top order with a fantastic display of seam and swing. He dismissal of James Higgins was a joy to behold. Better than using the bat James!
It wasn’t long before Gardner was amongst the wickets, reducing the home team from 70 for 5 to 80 for 8. A typically excellent boundary catch from Jake Broadbent wrapped up the innings, with five wickets for Hassan, four for Gardner and one for the niggly bowling of Ricardo Tesseyman.
After an excellent tea, the runs were knocked off comfortably with the returning Rhyso Jowett, Michael Brooke and David Knight leading the way. A typically well drilled six from David was the highlight of the reply.
A great win, 19 points and a wonderfully committed effort from all 11 players. It was great to see Bradley and Matthew putting in such a great effort in the field. Thanks to both lads for playing.
Hassan said: “I loved my five for and it was great to get back to winning ways. We are playing some great cricket. The victory was never in doubt. Well done everyone”
Fielding point – Jake Broadbent
Man of the match – Shoaib Hassan