Knaresborough go clear

I first visited Knaresborough's Aspin Lane ground in 2008 when they were members of the Aire Wharfe league and despite it being little more than a twenty minute drive from my home I have been there only once since, until Saturday that is. Since switching from the Aire Wharfe Knaresborough have played in the York League and this season find themselves in North Division 1 where they have contested the leadership with Easingwold and Sessay. Last Saturday at Aspin Lane their opponents were the former of these and play had only been underway about ten minutes when I arrived at the well appointed ground. 

Knaresborough were batting and although one of their players informed me that they would have preferred not to on a bitterly cold afternoon with a strong northerly wind their openers made good progress against the Easingwold attack .A couple of sharp chances went down, one a return catch that seemed to go through the bowler's hands and onto his face. After Friday's heavy rain both pitch and outfield were slow but skipper Greg Pickles in particular played some fine attacking shots. Along with Andy Ward jnr Pickles added 101 for the first wicket until Ward was out for 41.Pickles received further good support from Toby Giddings in a fourth wicket stand of 47 until the innings closed on 187 for 4 with Pickles out for 97 off the last ball of the 40th over. 

This was my cue to leave but Easingwold after good start fell 52 short and with Sessay's match against their second eleven a victim of the weather Knaresborough are three points clear at the top. Sessay are second, three points behind and Easingwold a further point adrift. There are two matches left to play and on Saturday Easingwold will host Sessay while Knaresborough travel to take on Sheriff Hutton Bridge II. In the last round of matches on September 12th Knaresborough will be at home to Harrogate II while Sessay play SHB II and Easingwold visit Malton and Old Malton. Plenty to play for but Knaresborough must be favourites to finish top. Let's hope the weather is not the decider.