BOWLERS ON TOP

By Brian Sanderson,

I called into Headingley this morning and stayed for about one hour before setting off to the Bradford League. The match we had choosed was Woodlands against Farsley. Second against first in the league.

We arrived as Woodlands came out to bat on a damp wicket after two days of rain.After twenty-five overs Woodlands were 44 for 5 due mainly to Hume, Farsley South African bowler.

We watched the match from the right of the scoreboard.At this stage Brice came into batted who is one of the top  all rounders in the league.He had to work hard and had to have luck to reach 50 before he was stumped off a wide.Swanepoel, ex Yorkshire bowler and captain of Woodlands ,put on 31 in 33 balls.Woodland finished up in the fifty over at 143 for 8.Brian Claughton thought Woodlands were favorites because of the superior bowlers. Hume finished with figures of 5 for 14 in fifteen overs which were excellent figures.

Woodlands issue a excellent programme which confirmed they were formed in 1894 and joined the Bradford League in 2001.They have won the Bradford League five times since they joined the league.

 One of Farsley opening batsman was Joe Sayers ex Yorkshire opener.However he was soon out for 4 caught at slip of Ahmed.From then onwards Woodland bowling of Brice and Ahmed  bowled Farsley out for 70  in 31 overs.Brice taking 6 for 16 in 9 overs.

This is a photograph of Brice fielding with Hume batting.The match was won before the rain came. Cue for a song.