After a slow first half of the day at Headingley yesterday I went in search of a bit more action and found it in the shape of a BUCS one day game between Leeds/Bradford MCCU and Loughborough MCCU at Weetwood.
Not only has a new groundsman, Richard Robinson, been installed but last Friday for the inter varsity games, sadly eventually abandoned due to rain, the brand new scoreboard was unveiled. This is a long awaited improvement for the small band of hardy cricket watchers who frequent this often wind-swept heath. At last we can see the individual batsmen's scores. Further improvements are also taking place. A picnic table has been added and a new hedge planted around the north west corner of the ground. The only slight criticism of the new board is the two abbreviations at the bottom which show 'LEE' presumably for Leeds/Bradford and 'VIS' for visitors. As the ground is also used by the Yorkshire Academy this might be a little confusing. However we must be grateful for small mercies.
The new Weetwood scoreboard
Yesterday's game was going Loughborough's way early on when they reduced Leeds/Bradford to 83-6, the prolific Billy Root being dismissed for only 24 which must be one of his lowest scores of the season. However I fine innings by McKendry, from York cricket club, held the tail together. He finished on 64 not out, well supported by Rouse and Lilley and the home said ended their 50 over on a respectable 225 all out.
Loughborough also lost early wickets but again made a fight back with 79 from Karim and 42 from 47 balls by Le Breton putting them back in the game. However, with two of the quicker bowlers injured, the admirable McKendry put in a good stint of ten overs 2-26. Then the spinners, notably Ellis-Grewell finished off the tail, including two stumpings, in his 4-42. Loughborough finished just 23 runs short with only nine balls remaining.
So another good win for the home side who face Loughborough again today in a two day game starting at 11 a.m. The men's Varsity game between Leeds University and Leeds Beckett University, which was called off last Friday because of the rain will now be replayed this Friday 15th May at 2 p.m. at Weetwood. I have subsequently been informed, from a very reliable source, that this game will in fact start at 12 noon in order to avoid a clash with the floodlit evening T20 game at Headingley.
If the early finish hoped for at Headingley happens tomorrow, the choice of alternative action extends beyond the Leeds Bradford v Loughborough game at Weetwood. However this might produce more runs for the prolific Billy Root, younger brother of Joe, who has been in great form this season. He is currently 26 not out overnight in a home total of 53-1 chasing a Loughborough all out score of 296.
The other games available at all levels of the cricketing spectrum are as follows:-
Leeds Beckett v Coventry (Kirkstall Educational) 11 a.m.
Leeds Beckett II v Durham II (New Rover) 13.00
Leeds University II v Sunderland I (Ilkley) 12.30
Leeds University III v Bradford I (Adel) 12.30
Leeds University Women v Loughborough Women (Weetwood No 2 ground) 12.30
Something for everyone there I think!
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