HEAVY WOOLLEN SEMI-FINAL

By Brian Sanderson,

Looking at the weather forecast I decided to stay close to home and so I went to see Woodlands against Pudsey Congs in the above semi-final. There was a strong breeze blowing across the pitch so I ha to put my chair in the lee of the car to watch the match in comfort.

Woodlands won the toss and decided to bat after their victory yesterday against Hanging Heaton when they had scored 260 for 7.However to days wicket was had variable bounce and looked a bowlers wicket.After nearly four over the first wicket fell.

The number three batsman was Scott Richardson who I had seen at East Bierley last week playing for the MCC. Today he could only score 10  when he was given out lbw to Gareth Phillips who is Congs captain.

Today his figures were 10-1-28-3 and the other opening bowler James Pearson had figures of 10-2-15-1.

After twenty five overs gone and the half way stage Woodlands were 72 for 5 .Woodlands issue a excellent programme which give the teams and pen pictures of the Woodland players. At this stage Jordan Laban and Greg Finn put a partnership of 73 together. Jordan  has just joined the club this year after playing for Halifax League side Jer Lane while Greg Finn also is in his first season at the club after been at Elland .

Jordan Laban top scored with 49 after been bowled by Kaz Ahmed whilst Greg Finn was run out on the last ball of the innings for 32.

Woodlands reached 189 all out with the help of 37 extras. The total was a good total but was a total Pudsey Congs would have thought they could achieve.

Not the case as Woodlands opening bowlers  took wickets very quickly. Elliot Richardson reached the final of Yorkshire Top Gun Challenge to find the quickest bowler in Yorkshire.He has done it again this year in bowling two deliveries at 80 mph at Headingley  last week. his figures this match was 7-0-29-3.

His opening partner was Sarfaz Ahmed who  has been  Woodlands overseas player for fifteen season and has taken over 700 Bradford League wickets. His figures in this match was 9-3-10-4. Duncan Snell took the other three wickets and Pudsey Congs were bowled out for 55 in  23.2 overs.

A very good win for Woodland who will now  play Hoylandswaine on  the 2 August at Ossett.