1st XI Power On With LInthwaite Win

Rastrick 1st XI maintained their grip at the summit of the Huddersfield Drake League Championship after coming out on top in another closely fought encounter away at Linthwaite.

The wet pitch at Linthwaite resulted in a delayed start in a match was reduced to 40 overs per side. Linthwaite were asked to bat first and got off to a good start before the opener Alexander was run out for 14. Rastrick were a little below their best with the ball but managed to keep taking regular wickets to put the hosts on the back foot. Captain Waterson decided to make things interesting by bringing on his chief partnership breaker Olly Pearson, who opened up with a ball that slipped out of his hand and sailed an estimated 90 feet over the batsman's head. He followed up with a couple of wides for good measure before startling the batsman with one near the stumps which he edged to a grateful Robin Lambert, who somehow managed to get a gig behind the stumps in spite of wearing whites that have not been washed for at least 6 years. Jack's brother bowled a mixed bag but managed to make some crucial breakthroughs to finish with 3-22 off just 4 overs. Asif Afridi again bowled with great control and took 2 wickets for 23 runs off his 10 overs. With Linthwaite slumping to 77 for 6 after 23 overs, Rastrick would have been hopeful of a straightforward victory but a fine 54 from Raheel Akhtar brought the hosts back in to the game. Akhtar’s clean hitting took Linthwaite to 148 all out, which was a very competitive score on a pitch that offered a lot of assistance to the bowlers.

In reply, Rastrick captain Jacob Waterson was out early for just 4 runs fending off a ball that lifted from a good length and it became clear that Rastrick’s run chase may not be as simple as the seemingly modest target suggested. Overseas import Afridi again opened the batting and appeared to be playing a different game as he moved to an effortless half-century, supported by Bradley Birkhead at the other end. When Birkhead fell for 20, Rastrick were on 73 for 2 and well ahead of the run rate but they soon lost Faisal Javed for a duck to give Linthwaite some real hope. Joe Vickers played a largely supporting role as Afridi continued to make excellent progress. When Vickers (9) and Afridi (90) departed in quick succession, Rastrick were 131 for 5 but panic set in as they lost 2 more quick wickets leave themselves on 133 for 7 with 16 runs still required. Last week's hero, Jimmy Anderson, came crashing back down to earth falling to a first ball yorker after being promoted up the order when veteran Matthew Lambert was apparently experiencing excruciating period pains and didn't feel well enough to bat in his normal position. There were one or two scary moments but some strong hitting from Olly Pearson (17 not out) with some adequate support from Matthew Lambert, who battled away to 3 not out in spite of experiencing a very sore lady garden, saw Rastrick over the line for a hard fought 3 wicket victory.

The 6 points for the Afridi-inspired victory sees Rastrick maintain their top spot in the league with a 10 point cushion in their push for promotion to the top flight. They entertain Lascelles Hall next Saturday and will look to continue their excellent winning run with just 6 games to go.