The eagerly awaited opening fixture at Meltham was, perhaps predictably washed out! The heavy rain did not prevent Sam Turner and his mates getting completely soaked playing soccer in the “cage”, however!
So, Holmfirth arrived on a sunny morning at HQ 11th May. Slaithwaite openend in fine style, with John Keeling and skipper, Lewis Bradley, scoring heavily. Backed up by wickets falling regularly when Holmfirth batted, resulted in a 69 run victory. Good debuts from, James Radcliffe (2 wickets), Niall O’Connor (1 wicket), Ethan Bowley and “Slawit Saracen”, William England (1 wicket). A broken bail by a Tom Payne throw and run out!
On the cup trail next, Upper Hopton away, a convincing victory, by almost 100 runs, against a young but enthusiastic side. Notable performances from Edward Garside (15 runs). A great Slawit following made light work of the Bacon sarnies on sale!
An exciting victory at Scholes (one of two victorious early season trips to Chapelgate!) followed. An exciting finish, the game going down to the last pair, but a “skippers” knock by Lewis Bradley (16) saw the team home. Our “Slawit Saracen” also making his mark with two more wickets and a now customary Tom Payne throw, breaking the stumps with an arrow from the deep. Great stuff!
After a period of good weather, the rain returned and washed out the fixture against Paddock at HQ. A pity as Slawit were well on top, having taken no less than 8 Paddock wickets by the interval. Edward Garside, gun barrel straight, 3 wickets in four balls. The “Saracen“ chipping in again! However, rain it did and everyone retired to the Tea Room where Andy and Lesley were overrun with Breakfast orders! The squad enjoy a break for rain in the photo above
Delph away, our friends from ooverrtop! Two unbeaten teams, head to head, a BBQ and fine evening! Debut from Joe Pinder, released from his football commitments at last!
Delph have players of great potential (yet two more by the name of Jones coming off the conveyor belt!!!). However, the boys stuck to their guns and whilst the fielding could have been better, restricted Delph to 235. An incredible first ball of the Slawit innings saw John Keeling launch the biggest 6 I have ever seen at this level.
Contributions from Ali and "Tedwood" Garside took Slawit to the target and it was down to a mature knock from the “skip” in the last pair to bring a memorable victory against a very strong team. Victory by 10 runs. Top of the league eh?!
Cup trail took us back to Chapelgate Monday 9th June. A comprehensive victory, a good all round bowling performance and 3 run outs reduced Scholes to 211. Solid defence (William Mitchell, Joe Pinder, Tom Payne). Great knocks from John Keeling topped by a fine cover drive (14) Ali (14), “Tedwood” Garside (17) and “Skip” (15) took us to 254 and into the Quarter Finals!!
In summary, “great so far”, terrific attendance at Nets, loads of enthusiasm, and hopefully enjoyment!. A long way to go but really pleased with the new starters, and we have Kyle coming back from a broken arm and Randeep keen to play! The squad looks good. “Skip” keeps winning the toss and keeping the coin!!
Comment of the season to date?? Ethan Bowley, “ Sorry I am late Payney, my Mum was on the lash last night” !!!! or Sam Turner “I have been busy this week, my Dad has had a baby”!!!!????
Thanks to all parents and followers for your great support. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ring me, anytime.
Don’t forget, use the Web Site for club news and information!!!
Payney