Bishop Middleham’s Season Underway at Last

 

The foot and mouth crisis that has left Bishop Middleham without a ground meant it was the 29th May before Middleham’s first game; conversely King James had played 15.

The absences of stalwart all rounder and reporter Harry ‘fines box’ Davison (Sciatica) and Nigel ‘sick note’ Cooksey (ruptured Achilles tendon) were covered by the welcome return of Graham ‘Hughs neighbour’ Hutchinson and Dave ‘youngest ever to play for Darlington’ Anderson. Also missing was David ‘the cat’ Hutton out celebrating his daughters 21st birthday.

 After a tricky start that saw Hems depart for a duck and Woods and Minns struggle for runs: the second wicket pair eventually found form and both retired on a well deserved 26s.

Hutchinson added a useful 12 but the remainder of the batsmen failed to keep the momentum going.   The final score of 97 for 4 was probably 15 runs short of a winning score.

Woods gambled with Boorman to open the bowling, this nearly paid off with an edge past the keeper off the first ball.  Minns removed the first opener; then John “cricket is life” Raw succumbed to a blinding catch (such modesty!) by Boorman at gulley the quick bowling of Anderson.  Hems bowling of 2 – 5 compensated for his disappointment with the bat.

Hutchinson also took two useful wickets.  Ball and Smith, once more were accurate as ever.

As wickets continued to tumble Middleham always remained in with a chance.  However, the concession of 14 wides, both in terms of runs they gave to the opposition and extra balls delivered proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Considering the long lay off, it was a commendable display by Middleham.  An enjoyable match, against friendly and sporting opposition.

Bishop Middleham

R.Woods

Retired

 

26

W.Hems

caught Brown

b Robson

0

D.Minns

Retired

 

26

G.Hutchinson

caught Brown

b Taylor

12

H.Boorman

c&b Rowley

 

5

D.Shaw

caught Brown

b Taylor

2

S.Ball

Not out

 

6

M.Connelly

Not out

 

3

P.Wetheridge, M.Smith, D.Anderson – did not bat

Extras 16

Total 97 for 4

 

King James

Raw

C Boorman

B Anderson

12

Hill

C&b Minns

 

5

Halliday

C Smith

B Hems

3

Robson

B Hems

 

16

Kyle

B Ball

 

9

Rowley Snr

C&B Hutchinson

 

2

Brown

Not out

 

12

Moore

B Hutchinson

 

1

Rowley

not out

 

15

Extras 23

Total 104 off 17.4 overs

Bishop Middleham bowling

Boorman 2-0-10-0, Minns 2-0-12-1, Hems 2-0-5-2, Hutchinson 2-0-16-2, Da Shaw 1-0-7-0,

Smith 2-0-7-0, Anderson 2-0-5-1, Wetheridge 2-0-16-0, Ball 2-0-6-1, Connelly 0.4-0-9-0