Middleham Stumped by Lack of Fire power

Bishop Middlehams lack of batting prowess, and notably a lack of players, let them down as they slumped to defeat at Hunwick Cricket Ground. Having only 7 players available for the game they had to play against a strong King James side.

With the game being a 40 over side event Middleham were allowed to bowl 10 Overs per recognised bolwer and one over from the other players. However this was then further complicated when Smith pulled a hamstring thus reducing his bowling spell and ruling him out of batting. It must be something to do with those state of the art cricket boots he wears.

The four bowlers and some excellent outfield displays did keep King James down to a respectable total of 159 off the allotted 40 overs. Highlights of the bowling where a magnificent 2 for 50 by Hugh Boorman, 2 for 30 off nine overs by David Boorman and 3 for 44 off 11 By Harry Davison. Following Mike Smiths injury those were the only main bowlers to be used. Who would have thought? Hugh Boorman as a strike bowler and Harry Davison opening and closing the bowling.

The return of Phil ‘Chopsy’ Woods to the fold, as a guest international player, brought some bite to the fielding and some organisation to the field settings (everyone seemed to change places after two deliveries!!!) It was nice to see that he has not lost any of his natural wit and charm, and that working abroad has raised his level of maturity to new heights. Jeff Wilson made some valiant attempt in the field but as he is not renowned for his catching ability it was ‘sods law’ that at least three catching opportunities came his way. Smith and Woods also dropped two difficult chances. King James did supply some fielding players but the plaudits go to Young Dominick Minnetti who put in both a brave fielding and batting performance. Well done Dominick and it’s a shame that King James think too much about their bowling figures!!!! and not the spirit of the game. The achievement for King James was a fifty scored by Oughton, a fine feat, spoilt by his over exuberance in celebrating and petulance in the field.(runs scored and wickets taken are everything aren’t they!)

When it came to Middlehams turn to bat, the highlight was a rock solid 38 by David Borman supported by Hugh and a quick 16 from Phil Woods. Davison was run out by some good quick fielding and Woods was extremely well caught , by the same player.

In the end the game was a good social occasion with little chance of victory for Middleham, due to lack of batting skills, but they live to play another day. So lets hope for the best next Sunday, and a full team would be nice.

Did I forget to mention David Hutton took two excellent catches behind the wicket.

Man of Match for Middleham David Boorman, even though he did run Davison out and let one bounce over his shoulder for a four.

King James Innings

Batsman	How Out	Bowler	Total
Harris	Ct Hutton	Davison	10
Nunn	Ct and Bowled	Davison	O
Halliday	Ct	D.Boorman	29
Brown	Bowled	H.Boorman	16
Pringle	Ct Hutton	H.Boorman	10
Oughton	Not out		50
J.Raw	Bowled	D.Boorman	10
S.Hill	Bowled	Davison	6
A.Rowley	Not out		21
D.Taylor	DNB
D.Minnetti	DNB
		Total	159	40 overs
Middleham Bowling
Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Smith	8	0	25	0
H.Boorman	10	0	50	2
D.Boorman	9	0	30	2
H.Davison	11	3	44	3
P.Woods	1	0	3	0
J.Wilson	1	0	3	0

Middleham Innings

Batsman	How Out	Bowler	Total
H.Boorman	Bowed	Raw	14
D.Boorman	Ct	Harris	38
H.Davison	Runout		1
P.Woods	Ct	Oughton	16
D.Hutton	Run out		4
D.Minnetti	Ct	Oughton	2
M.Smith	DNB
J.Wilson	Ct	Harris	0
J.Wilson	Bowled	Nunn	0
H.Boorman	Bowled	Nunn	4
P.Woods	Not out		2
D.Minnetti	Ct	Pringle	1
		Total	91