Close game. But yet again defeat for Middleham

Short report due to PC failure and lack of memory of events

Middleham played their second match against the Godivas at Maiden Castle, Durham, on a barmy summer evening. A description that could also describe the staff at the sport centre as both teams wandered around looking for their allocated pitch. Eventually the pitch was decided and the teams played on an Astroturf strip. Which indeed turned out to be a good track.

Middleham won the toss and put Godivas into bat. Highlights of the innings included a boycottesque 25 by opener and captain Knight and some tremendous fielding by the Middleham team. Worthy of note were another solid performance behind the stumps by Hutton, Ball retaining his “can’t catch won’t catch” pseudonym by stepping away from an approaching high ball. Shaw returning to the game refreshed after a winter in the gym demonstrating he had lost not of that reflex fielding agility taking a fine catch. Also Atkinson Snr pulled off the catch of the game, diving forward to take a looping ball.

Minns gave advice and guidance to Wetheridge following a fielding error, then proceeded to do exactly the same himself.(did not want to get whites dirty???)

It was also good to see Smith back in the side, his boots being missed by all for far too long.

Cooke V. bowled well once initial nerves were gone and made one tremendous stop for a man his size.

At the end of the innings Godivas had made 104 and Middleham had a chance.

Unfortunately Middleham solidly led by Boorman made a good start however the middle order once again collapsed and left too much for the last men to do. However Shaw and Wetheridge did take the game to the opposition towards the end of the innings with Shaw achieving 25 and Wetheridge 13.

Middleham man of the match David Shaw for tremendous all round performance (I’ll partner you in golf any time)

The season now rest on the game against St Cuthberts on 13 July to try and secure a victory for the season.

Godivas

Knight		Retired	25
Kelly	Ct Shaw	b Smith	11
Headford	Ct Atkinson	b Davison	18
Atkinson jnr		b Boorman	1
Wake		Not out	23
Sweeting		Not out	20
		Extras	6
		Total	104

Bowling

Ball 2-0-5-0, Wetheridge 2-0-11-0, Smith 2-0-6-1, Minns 2-0-7-0, Cooke Snr 2-0-7-0

Davison 2-0-8-1, Boorman 2-0-16-1, Cook jnr 2-0-19-0, Shaw 2-0-7-0, Atkinson snr 2-0-12-0

Bishop Middleham

H.Boorman	Retired	25
Minns	Caught &bowled	Hunter
Davison	Bowled Atkinson jnr	1
Hutton	C&B Atkinson jnr	2
Shaw	Retired	25
Cooke V	C Knight / b Kelly	5
Ball	Not out	4
Cooke M	Caught Knight	0
Atkinson snr	Not out	1

Smith did not bat