Derby Defeat for 1st XI

Rastrick 1st XI suffered a first league defeat of the season at Elland after posting a below par score.

Visiting Elland for a rare Calderdale derby match, Rastrick won the toss and elected to bat first at the Hullen Edge ground. It was tough going for the visitors who lost opening batsman Ovais Hussain for just 7 runs who was quickly followed by overseas professional Asif Afridi (0) with both Rastrick men falling to an impressive opening spell from Jack Hendy. Youngster Tom Barrett and Majid Khan built a patient partnership in conditions offering something for the bowlers before Barrett fell for 18. Khan the departed after getting to 43 and Rastrick lost more wickets quickly with captain Jacob Waterson and Mohammad Younas also failing to trouble the scorers, and at one point the visitors looked as though they may struggle to reach 100. However, some lusty late order hitting from big Jimmy Anderson woke up the big visiting crowd as he eventually took Rastrick to a below par 134 all out, but at least he had given his side something to bowl at.

In response, the Elland opening pair took plenty of chances in their pursuit of the small total and got off to a solid start before the introduction of Asif Afridi brought the departure of Alexander (11) who was smartly caught by Jack Pearson. Afridi was a threat throughout and took 3/28 off 11 overs but only Pearson could take a wicket at the other end. Elland slumped to 90/4 and if a confident LBW appeal had been given against Hodgson’s first ball, Rastrick may have fancied their chances of an upset but he took full advantage off his reprieve to see his side home with 20 not out, alongside the experienced Paul Winrow with 19 not out as Elland eventually cruised to a well deserved 6 wicket victory.

Rastrick’s first defeat of the season sees them slip from joint top spot but with favourable results occurring elsewhere, they are only 2 points from the summit which represents a very promising start to their campaign.