Leeds/Bradford MCCU go over the top

Posted by Tony Hutton

Weetwood was bathed in sunshine again for day two of the game between Leeds/Bradford MCCU and Oxford MCCU. After yesterday's fireworks today was slightly lower key until the final few overs. A somewhat smaller crowd were surprised, to say the least, when the home side batted on this morning after amassing such a large total. The stayed out for only three overs, which was enough for them to reach 500 and to declare on 506-8. Alex Lilley remained 65 not out.

Oxford faced a daunting, if not impossible, task from the start. Wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the morning and despite 40 from Sabin, four more fell soon after lunch. Oxford at 122-7 were facing the prospect of following on, but a good stand of 80 between Broughton and Weller took them past 200. Pratt was the best bowler with 5-32, well supported by Rouse and Watkinson. Oxford finally all out well after tea for 232. First innings points to Leeds/Bradford.

There were now only eight overs remaining. It took some time for the few spectators still on the ground to become aware of the bonus point situation in the second innings.
Finally we knew that 75 runs would produce one point and 125 runs two points. Bullen and Thompson made their intentions plain from the start, 15 runs coming off the first of the eight overs. When Bullen was run out, enter Billy Root. The left hander set about the bowling and hit an amazing 40 off just twelve balls, including five huge sixes and two fours. The 75 run target was soon achieved and after Root was finally out at 88-3, Weston and Scott saw the 100 mark easily passed in the final over.

Weetwood

So the contest ended with Leeds/Bradford taking 19 points and Oxford 6. Sweet revenge for Monday's one day victory by Oxford. However, it must be said that the Leeds/Bradford team's antics both on and off the field did not endear them to the spectators. Their over exuberant celebrations at the fall of each wicket and raucous shouting from the pavilion was well over the top, as it was in the game with Exeter last week. The coaches should take action over this. It is good to see enthusiasm and team spirit but the behaviour was well out of order.