This week the convocation made the arduous schlep to Gargrave, attempting to avoid poorly communicated problems on the bypass. Not just the journey into North Yorkshire would prove to be challenging, as the Eagles fell to a 36-run defeat to the current table-toppers.
Fearless Leader lost the toss and Gargrave skipper Will Smith (Not that one, or that one) elected to bat. With only eight players at the ground due to a lane closure on the wrong part of the bypass, it could have been an interesting start.

AJ and Skids opened up with determination and drive, and it was an incredibly tidy start on a decent wicket. Both maintained a good line and length and beat the bat on several occasions. First to strike was AJ after probing relentlessly outside off to take the tickle from Goodwin, caught by Roachy behind the sticks. 18 for 1. AJ continues his good form with the ball this season and has really been the spearhead of the Eagles attack, thus far.

In-form Chris Lambert came in at number three, and immediately started to punish the bad ball. Luckily there weren’t that many and unluckily, Skids was unable to avoid the 50p for no wickets in his spell, despite deserving several. 0 for 12 off his six overs – tidy.

Stevo joined the attack from the Skipton Road end and struck early on when circumspect opener Barrett skied one to Deep at square leg. An excellent catch as the ball certainly has snow on it. 55 for 2. He struck again a couple of overs later when Beckwith hit a half-hearted drive straight to K9 at mid-off. 62 for 3.

It was a welcome return to the convocation for James “K9/Keigh/Jimmy The Pencil/Kiff Kiff Kiff” Keighley for this season’s appearance. It was like he’d never been away, bowling his hoopers outside off to tempt the batsman into a loose shot. That’s exactly what happened when Lambert went aerial to Skids at point, who took a superb catch diving forward. VAR would deem that the ball did indeed carry. 63 for 4.

Young Henry took a great catch at midwicket, but unfortunately, the umpire deemed it to be a no ball.

It could have been more, but a couple of chances went down in the slips. TV’s Dan Kilvington took on the challenge. It’s not easy in the slips, but Killers did the hard bit and got his hands there, but the pesky blighter refused to stay in there. At least he protected his money-maker. Four balls later, another chance went to the slips, albeit a more difficult chance, missed but a good stop.

These didn’t cost much as K9/Keigh/Jimmy The P struck again soon after, and another catch from Roachy. 69 for 5 and the Eagles on top.
As day follows night and summer follows spring, Fearless Leader brought himself on to hoover up the tail and keep his average intact. He devious plan worked as another wicket fell, Will Smith (not that one) holed out to Sharpie. 85 for 6.

The run rate began to rise as Gargrave built their innings over the next few overs, forcing Fearless Leader to defend boundaries over singles. Ben Howlett began punishing the bad ball with a strike rate of over 80%.

Chapman was next to go, bowled by Fearless Leader, closely followed in the same vein by Bell for 9 and 6 respectively. 117 for 8.
Howlett was eventually sent back to the hutch by Sharpie for 34 off 39 balls, leaving Gargrave 135 for 9. A risky/suicidal run with a ball to go ended their innings on 135.

It was perhaps a bit of let off, allowing the league leaders to get to that total, but all in all, it was a good fielding performance. Especially from Skids, who arrogantly covered the entire off side for much of the match, not allowing anyone to field anywhere within 50 yards of him. Fair play. Young Henry stepped up again for the Eagles in the field and was unfortunate not to get his catch off a questionable no ball.

As usual a solid start. Olly and Sharpie looked comfortable putting the bad ball away and playing sensibly. They saw off the openers well and built a 40-run partnership before the bowling change. On came George Beckwith. One of many, the Beckwiths are to Gargrave cricket what the Burgesses are to rugby league: there’s always a couple knocking about.

Like a white Malinga the Slinger, Beckwith, G fired the ball down at awkward angles. Sharpie was first to succumb to this unorthodox but effective technique. The ball hit bat and both pads before clipping the stumps. It was a really unlucky dismissal for Sharpie who was looking comfortable at this stage. 43 for 1.

Deep was in at 3 and remained disciplined to build on the total. Beckwith struck again unfortunately with a ball that looked to be down leg. However, the umpire felt it was straight enough and Deep returned to the pavilion LBW for just 7. A difficult decision to take.
TV’s Dan Kilvington was next in at 4 to sure up the collapse. The Gargrave bowling was on point, giving little away. It was clear to see why they’re top of the league. Olly went next, for 21. A measured innings, played sensibly. He was unlucky to bowled by a good ball from the Gargrave slinger. 68 for 3. Killers soon followed, caught for 5. 68 for 4.

AJ and Fearless Leader were in the middle, so there was still hope that 135 was achievable especially if AJ’s form with the ball was reflected with the bat. Another decision didn’t go the Eagles’ way however, as AJ was adjudged to have edged behind to the keeper. Who was the only one who went up. 69 for 5.

Fearless Leader put up some resistance scoring 10 off 14, including a huge six to long off, nearly taking out a couple of sleeping babies in the process. 79 for 6.

Roachy, Keith and Henry couldn’t increase the run rate with 4, 0 and 4 but with Skids at the crease, anything was possible. 96 for 9.
The game ended in bizarre fashion as Stevo decided to walk on a delivery that no one knew he was anywhere near. What a tit. Integrity intact but not his wallet – big fines ensued – especially given the nature of Deep and AJ’s dismissals.
The Eagles were all out for 99 after a close run chase. A couple of decisions not quite going the convocation’s way, but they’ll be back stronger next week. The game was played in great spirit and we look forward to welcoming Gargrave to The Champdogs Arena in September.
Cononley visit next week and the convocation will be hopefully another win against the Div 2 strugglers.