PODS BLOG 2007

Viners was back, refreshed from a week watching windmills. With a dry sunny day ahead, but again a weakened XI, decisions had to be made. Just one cricketer.

Nick called wrongly (yet again, I understand) and we decided to have a bowl. Two ten wicket and one nine wicket loss surely played their part in Viners’ thoughts.

Guiseley looked a fairly useful outfit this time round, with most of the leagues Joe Lumb team replaced by older, more experienced cricketers. Rawdon on the other hand had youth and experience in their extremes, especially in the bowling department.

Trevor Penney look-a-like Joel had Reeves bowled first over and soon after had the Fraser family under his belt in a superb opening spell. Time to reduce the run rate, and a bowling pairing with combined ages of 93 at the crease with the 51 year old bowling uphill into the wind. Pod and Besty took it to drinks but with little resources to play with, Viners juggled again. Now we had combined ages of 27 in the attack, and 12 year old George took his first senior wicket, in his first over. This was What time did you get in last night James?

What time did you get in last night James?

immediately followed by his second as Mark Best tickled one to Matty Big C behind the stumps. Thankfully just 4 overs are allowed from George, so Pod came back on with a mop, and cleaned up the rest of the innings.

105 all out was a fairly feeble total with only Yeates showing much application and without Reggie, Rawdon expected to breeze to victory.

Another leisurely tea just lets one appreciate fully the benefits of bowling first.

Just two home games left for the trifle to re-appear, so it had to be fruit pie & cream for pud, but one lives in hope.

Milner and Windy opened up for us. Will does look to be a genuine 2^nd team batter and played some fluid shot. Fraser Jnr. Can’t wait to bowl at Windy

If he made himself available before August things would be far easier for the team. Windy is still looking for his early season form, and starting to find it. He was sledged about all the inside edges he was getting but at least they were going for 4. The ones that came off the bottom of the bat went for 6, which shut that sledger up, as he was now bowling. Two quick wickets for Bobby had us slightly perturbed, and young Fraser came on and got another couple when the game was all but over. Sledge and Windy saw us home with 35 overs of the game left.

We were temped to rush down to Guiseley to see the 1sts but heard they were 50-5 chasing 230 and saw little point. It was good to hear they hung on for a point in what was a ‘heated’ match. Umpires Pratt and Hargreaves deserved medals for getting through the afternoon, and Pod understands they both were wearing one by the end of the match.

The heavy defeat at Hardon last week must have been the final straw. Pod understands how hard it is to deal with such a heavy defeat against that set of tossers, but cricket’s all about bouncing back and the rest of the Rawdon boys did just that against Guiseley. No doubt the boys from ‘Wankers Corner’ will be feeling exactly the same this week as we felt last week. We are all looking for them to take out their wrath on Steeton next Saturday.

Congrats to KFC who won the Berty on Sunday. A 40 run win against Otley, and a lovely sunny day on which to do it. We just hope they don’t start telling everyone about it every week.

For the first time in 24 years, Pod returned to Hardon, the scene of his first team debut back in the days of BTCC. That day we got clubbed around the ground and Pod got a golden. Happy memories!

Things were going to be different this time around. And then we turned up with a couple of players missing. Curiously all the 3^rd team regulars were unavailable and we selected from the U15s, U13s and people walking past the ground with a couple of hours to spare.

Thankfully, Nelly lost the toss and we were inserted. The weather forecast had foretold the start of summer and a bit of a scorcher, so it was no surprise for the game to begin with light drizzle. A returning Dinghy, didn’t last the first over, but happily had no recurring knee problems, and Will and Charlie (batting for the 2^nd time this year) both went soon after. Matty Big C and Neil himself, tried to rebuild, but in vain.

The rock solid middle order of Thackwray and Nightingale didn’t last too long either, bringing the in-form Sledge to the crease.

Never one of the happiest cricketers, Sledge was hoping for a decent chance up the order, and had delayed his holiday for 24 hours, being the club man that he is, to help his mates out. Batting at no. 8 behind this bunch was not what he had in mind and Pod quite agreed with him.

It wasn’t long before Pod, thrust up the order, but still batting behind the 3^rd XIs resident no. 11, joined him for an over or two. Anyway 73 all out in 30 overs was just about what we expected.

The Hardon boys bowled pretty well and took the catches offered to them. I think Choggy (the top order) & Lengy (non-cricketers and small boys) shared the wickets between them.

The Hardon reply wrapped things up in 20 overs. Matty Big C caught another experienced batter with his own brand of irritating wit, and brought forth the old ‘look at the scoreboard’ line as he exited the arena. Two of the home sides youngsters finished the game off at the crease as Charlie bowled a series of wides to put us out of our misery. A 9 wicket loss was just about what we deserved.

There were a couple of bright points, both coming from the Myers family. George bowled a steady little spell and has a wonderful action for someone so young, and is possibly one for the future. His run up is far too long at present and Pod understands he has a BFA when if comes to being coached. If he wants to progress he needs to listen to what he is being told and act upon it, otherwise he’ll not develop at the rate his talent should enable him to. The other highlight was when his mum opened a bag of Liquorice Allsorts and they went all over the place, that just shows what a crap day it was.

Nothing to note from the skipper as the words ‘silk purse’ and ‘sows ear’ spring to mind.

At least we got back to Rawdon to see the 1^st team collect the full 6 points and stay in the top three who have now broken away from the chasing pack. It looks like the next couple of weeks will go a long way to deciding who goes up at the end of the season.

Another light moment as Falkingham Snr did his nut at ‘My Lad’ not getting on to bowl. Finally he did enter the attack with 6 needed to win and disappeared into the football field, as Stew put his bat under his arm and walked off. Good captaincy from the boy Bairstow methinks.

Guiseley next week and Pod is in training for a bit of Fraser bashing. Hope we can turn out a few cricketers otherwise it’ll be another short report.

Finally, after a week on tour and four cancelled matches we get a bit of on-field action.

Nelly took on the role of captain, with a love struck Viners having had enough of cricket for a while and with the sound of wedding bells ringing in his ears, takes a well-earned couple of weeks off.

Having got out of jail at Ilkley earlier in the season, the batters attempt to ensure a similar downfall will not re-occur. Windy goes big in the first few overs, finding the early season form once again, before getting a shooter that he could do nothing about. Bodey plays some fantastic shots and once again looks a class apart, but predictably gets out for 30, when one pops a touch. At 100-3 off 20 overs things look promising. The bowling is lacking penetration and visiting skipper Fisher is strolling in off 3 paces. Richard Broadley stems the flow as Matty and Nelly drop anchor mid-innings. J Hill of Ilkley takes inspiration from Lionel Richie

J Hill of Ilkley takes inspiration from Lionel Richie

It isn’t until Matty gets out that the rate increases again. Going into the last 12 overs 200 is looking a possibility but Cleggy is replaced by medium pace and Sledge slaps a quickfire 50 off less than 30 balls. This gives the Rawdon side a total in excess of 230 and with a young looking Ilkley team, we deem this very defendable, despite the lack of bowling.

Shock news! Pod gets to pick his end, so it’s down hill with the wind this week.

Nelly opens at the football ground end and wickets tumble straight away. Young lads just can’t play slow bowling and Nelly puts it (generally) on the spot, and flight and guile accounts for the top order in good time.

Pod finds a friend and gets an LBW, and the swinging ball is foxing the middle order batters. A nick to Sledge is grasped to his ample bosom and Fisher lobs up a return catch that is taken with more surprise than skill.

With 7 down, (Our) Ashley Parker, making his debut in the 2nds has a go. A shaky start but the odd ball comes through with real pace and a bit of bounce. They are certainly better than the ones that bounce twice and on the track adjacent to where the batter is stood. A straighter one gets a wicket.

Results elsewhere drop Ilkley to the foot of the table and a struggle for them to stay in the top division will follow. They need to buckle down and earn points. Certainly on a slow Rawdon wicket, a bit of application from the top order would have taken them closer to returning home with something from the game.

Taking on the captaincy brought the best out of Nelly this week. A patient 30 runs in the middle order enabled the bigger hitters to take the game away from the visitors.

17 overs brought 4 wickets, and he was back on top form against the inexperience of youth.

Rawdon move up a place to 3^rd, which we can remind the Hardon boys about next week. Pod wonders where they are, no doubt they’ll be informing us every 10 minutes or so, so I’ll not bother looking down the bottom half of the table.

Matty Big C checks the Oltey strip is playable.

od had a wander down to watch Burley go out of the Berty at the semi final stage last weekend. Their luck with the weather just couldn’t hold out and, inserted on a wet one, lost convincingly to Otley. Sledge smiling? The game must be off then.

Sledge smiling? The game must be off then.

So its an Otley-Steeton final. Oh! No its not. Kirkstall did the business and knocked the league leaders out. Must go read the report on the Steeton web-site. There isn’t one there. Surprise surprise!

Elsewhere in the league we hear that Collingham can only get 8 players together for their match at Adel, and get bowled out for 31. Okay, holidays are an issue around now, but that’s just ridiculous.

Green Lane moved off the bottom of the table with 6 points against North Leeds and things are tightening up down there. Pod predicts Ilkley to take the drop with Bilton joining them. Looks like those two are poor enough to keep Hardon in the division for just one more year.

So the pressure’s on to be jocular. Not sure if the plug on the Steeton site was serious or not, but it’s nice nonetheless. Apparently it wasn’t a full strength Steeton team that tipped up at Rawdon (looked like it was, at first glance), with their opening bowler grounded for giving his Dad (and captain) a slap on Friday night. Viners won the toss and we had a bowl. How crap were we in the field? Six dropped catches didn’t help, but the bowlers toiled away. Opener Wilson played straight and cashed in on the life given him on 5 to add another 70 runs and form the base of the innings. Robinson was a bit miffed to be run out by a superb pick up and throw from the boundary edge (from Pod), but Steeton already had too many.

A flurry of wickets in the middle before Dave Cock came in at 7 and steadied the ship. How Dave must enjoy his cricket. He’s a laugh a minute in the middle, chatting and joking with the opposition. Not. It was nice to see him get a shower though as Pod understands he doesn’t always bother. (Or is that just when Steeton lose cup finals?)

Anyway, Tom Stead batted great through the middle order, and showed he had a personality too, and deservedly reached his 50 in the last over.

Skipper Wynn got wound up by Matty M, and was more than happy to walk off bowled and not stumped, as if it really matters. 219 was a very good total on this wicket, and Pod took the 50p for the 27^th week running in the 12 over challenge.

After yet another trifleless (is that a word? No? Well it should be.) tea the reply commenced.

Wickets tumbled with their usual regularity for the Rawdon side. Windy fell to another junior, and it must be said, Steeton bowled well. (You’ll not find a complement of the opposition [or the umpires] on their web site I bet).

Matty M battled away and punished the bad ball, but he found little support from elsewhere in the order.

The change bowlers, both straight from their early morning shift in The Cabin, mopped up the tail, with Rita getting 2 wickets and Norris the other five. Game over with plenty overs left and the Steeton juggernaut taking 6 point home with them. (Forgive me if anyone finds the term ‘juggernaut’ even slightly humourous, but I appear to have totally missed the relevance to 2^nd team cricket here, an explanation would be welcome.)

An injured Nelly didn’t shine today. Just one wicket and single figures with the bat. The visitors ‘all rounder’ had a much better day with 38 runs and 2 wickets to his name but surely would be better utilised slogging from up the order and coming on before the tail is batting? Well what do I know,eh?

On a brighter note, news has reached Pod of Facebook, a young persons site on the tinternet. Get yourselves on there and concur with the thoughts of everyone who knows Mr Stow.

After the deluge that has been the last few weeks, we expected a wet track and that is just what we got. Viners reset the balance and got one over his good friend Bully, and decided to have a bowl.

It was a youthful looking North Leeds side, and perhaps this is why they are languishing nearer the bottom of the table than the top. With late calls from their first team having an effect and Pod seeing the welcoming site of Messrs Grady, Hales & Singleton (sick, lame & lazy) wandering the boundary, perhaps this is not such a surprise. Windy has a long, long afternoon under a tree.

Windy has a long, long afternoon under a tree.

Longers got the pick of the ends and as usual Pod had to toil up hill into the wind. From the third ball, a long hop was dispatched to the short boundary, hitting one of three spectators around the ground. The first aid box was called for, and apologies from both the batter, and from Longers for such a crap ball. At the other end Pod found a friendly umpire, who triggered the other opener LBW not playing a shot. The score rushed on before Pod got the charge and collected another victim to Nelly’s well judged catch. The innings continued in this vain, as the top end yielded runs and (Bonnie) Langford cashed in. Trev took over from Longers and served up similar fare, but got two wickets, with Bully getting an unplayable delivery that ran along the pitch, just as he was contenting himself watching the unreachable balls go sailing past.

Play halted for a short while as a swarm of bees engulfed the ground. Will this affect our over rate?

Lanford held the innings together and started to time the ball once past his 50, and the tail kept him company. As he approached his ton in the closing overs, he farmed the strike well, and reached his target with a straight six into the sight-screen.

Then it went downhill slightly as he turned down several ones and a couple of easy twos, and got himself out in the last over. 184 was a good score on this wet track and much higher than Viners predicted, and he once again lost the 50p challenge (by 35 runs!)

Tea was a treat. The young Rawdon lads tucked in, and the bowlers had chance for seconds as well. This is how cricket should be. Fantastic apple pie, a cracking cup of tea and a long rest before even thinking about doing anything like lapping.

With a few too many to chase Windy got a good nut first over and got off to sit under a tree for a few hours. Matty and Westy fell victims to Pod’s mate with the finger and Conor played down the wrong line, leaving us 21-4. No change there then.

Aaah, here’s Nelly. Just his game this, and with Bully there to keep his concentration, he decided to bat all afternoon. The North Leeds bowlers didn’t have the game to get through his defences and Longers The coaching manual personified. Neil makes hay as Windy watches grass grow.

The coaching manual personified. Neil makes hay as Windy watches grass grow.

joined him in building a partnership that could get two points. Before we knew it, we had reached the 2 point score and still had overs to play with. Onward Neil went and even Longers perishing to a foolish runout didn’t faze him. Viners, hit a couple of nice boundaries and then Sledge saw us home with two overs to spare and left Nelly unbeaten on 94. It was cruel that he didn’t get to the three figures but his average will have benefited from the red ink.

With Steeton getting five and Otley only two from a losing draw things are a little tighter at the top, but tough games in the coming weeks will determine if we can really compete this season. Certainly there is still all round room for improvement.

The bowling’s not firing on all cylinders but the batting was wonderful this weekend. A winning knock from Matty Prior’s doppelganger.

Ben Morley – “Do you mind not referring to Matty McCallum as “Acting like a 12 year old”? I’m 12.”

P.S. Does anyone know if I won the raffle? (you have to meet them half-way - ed)

Weff (gone), Jack (gone), Stew (gone [temp.]) Dobby (threatened to go).

Late news in on Saturday was Weff has left the club. It would appear that the time, effort and support that Rawdon have put into nurturing the talented youngster will be reaped by the cricketing might of Blubberhouses C.C. Pod understands that he needs to find some form and get back to scoring some runs. And that’s going to happen in a picturesque field in the Dales?

With Weff already not available for the U17s, one imagines he has severed all ties with the playing side of the club and will no longer be available for the Joe Lumb team too. Naturally this will be a major loss to the league. Still, the Jesters should be laughing.

Let’s not forget that next weekend is Sponsors Day at Rawdon. Would that be 1^st team sponsors day? “Roll up, roll up. Buy a ticket. All profits to the 1st XI drinking fund.”

“Roll up, roll up. Buy a ticket. All profits to the 1st XI drinking fund.”

Pod isn’t sure. Well, Ray will be badgering all the players of all three teams to either get their tickets sold, or as has happened in previous years, buy the tickets themselves. Just imagine how your £25 could help. Another sweatshirt for Dobby? Another tracksuit for Willo? Another t-shirt for Macca? Dig deep guys and next year the 2nds and 3rds will be resplendent in this years cast offs.

Sorry guys for the late update, but Pod’s had a busy week away golfing and working (in that order) and the webmaster was sunning himself somewhere too. I’ll bet you all thought that Pod had got the Hardon bug and stopped writing reports when we’ve lost.

Well no. We did lose, in fact we were lucky to come 2^nd. Viners lost the toss and was invited to have a bat on a moist strip. It wasn’t the only moist strip he would see that weekend, but once again he would have preferred to have the choice of first or second use of this one.

A juggle of the batting order saw Windy with a new opening partner, but to no avail. Westy gloved to the keeper, Windy joined him and the collapse was on. Nelly has the technique and patience to cope with this sort of surface but was run out.

This week there was to be no recovery. The youthful middle order crumbled to the sledging of the hosts, and George joined in giving Wilky out caught off his pad. Indeed George had a great day, including six 7 ball overs! Viners finished top scorer, but the tail failed to wag with those two batting maestros Best and Podmore lasting two balls between them.

The tea at Kirkstall left much to be desired. Charging £3.00 for 2 slices of bread with various fillings, bought in biscuits and a bit of pizza is scandalous. This is galling when they have such a lucrative sponsorship deal with a well known fast food retailer. The sponsorship deal has yet to get through to the catering arm at Kirkstall

The sponsorship deal has yet to get through to the catering arm at Kirkstall

Pod opened the bowling and George (for once) left his finger in his pocket as the Kirkstall opener padded off. And that was it as Caddy batted well for his 50 and the Rawdon bowlers didn’t make a breakthrough for the second week running.

81 wasn’t much of a total to defend and the home side cantered to a chanceless victory in less than half the overs available.

This gave us time to regroup up at Rawdon and see the wheels Midway through the Rawdon collapse, Hodgy has time for a garage sale.

being put back on in the 1sts. A comfortable win for them against the farmers of Grassington. Pod was interested to hear the reasoning behind this on Radio Leeds as he drove home. Apparently Denis has quelled the dressing room unrest by taking over the role of captain and turned the club around single-handedly. Well done Denis!

With this Saturday rained off without a ball being bowled, Pod was inconsolable. It would appear the curse of the trifle struck again and no doubt Sledge and his family will again be gorging themselves on the ill gotten gains. (We’re at home again in a fortnight, and a fortnight after that, if anyone is interested!)The tea ladies had made a start with the salads and we had to get shut of a couple of dozen hard boiled eggs. Regrettably skipper Viners would not take on the role of his hero Newman and recreate that wonderful scene from Cool Hand Luke.

So the halfway point in the season is reached with Rawdon in 3^rd place in the league. That is probably a little disappointing given how well we played at the start and we had a bit of luck. We’ll just see what the second half brings.

It’s been a busy week for Pod, but a bit busier for Viners as he’s tried to get 11 on the field for Saturday at Kikstall. It would appear that all the young hopefuls are more than happy to turn down a game in the 2nds, preferring the easy ride of 3^rd team cricket. It’s not really fair to criticise Viners, after all the Looking a bit guilty Ben?

effort he puts in, but it looks like some of the onlookers haven’t a positive word to say about anything.

With both teams out of the cup in the 1^st round a bunch of Rawdon boys hit the city centre on Saturday night, not that a big cup game has ever stopped them before. Pod doesn’t want to name names, but it’ll be worth asking Oz what he

thought of the Leeds gay scene. Pod’ll be a bit cautious come shower time on Saturday, I think a couple of our boys had their heads turned! Rather worryingly, Pod’s due to room with Viners (or Stryker, as he now wants to be called) on Sunday down in Skegness.

Talking of the cup, our favourite Morris dancer Rev has been in touch to let us know Burley are through to the semis of the Berty. They had a battle royale with the Hardon boys losing 9 wickets in their victorious chase. A bit of quality 1^st division banter readied the Burley lads for next year when they will be back in the top division. Is it too much to ask for that Hardon go in the opposite direction?

With the 1sts back to winning ways there were only 3 of them at practice on Tuesday evening. The Morley clan augmented the numbers as we netted on the bottom of the square. Pod was worried that there would be balls disappearing into the Emmotts with some regularity with Macca, Rocky and Nick having a knock. Surprisingly only one ball was hit over the wall and smashed a windscreen. Not one to apportion blame, work it out yourself who the batter was.

It is nice to see Guiseley’s 2nds youth policy finally paying off as they returned to winning ways with 5 points at Ilkley. It was It ain’t the future, but neither is Don Helme.

It ain’t the future, but neither is Don Helme.

promising junior Don Helme taking the plaudits with a ‘Michelle’. How Adel must be ruing letting him through their net! Trifle – Hint,hint.

N. Telling has come up with trumps re a team of Ginners, on the guestbook. Ok he just regurgitated it from another website but he was gracious enough not to take the credit for himself. Good work fella.

Pod’s just going to zip over to Google and search for a few more ginners on there. Sure that’ll keep me busy for a while.

There may be no update next week as the Webmaster is away. Check in the week after for a double edition, and to whom it may concern “Don’t forget that trifle”.

Dawn broke on Saturday revealing another damp start and worries that the day would be a washout, but the forecast proved accurate, and as time went by the clouds lifted and rain ceased.

Surprisingly enough, two skippers wearing pristine whites tossed up, and visiting captain Bath chose correctly and inserted Rawdon. Matty was thrust up the order to open with Windy, Craig being out with a recurrence of one of many injuries. If he’d have been a horse, the sheets would have been up at Green Lane last week. Allan returned to league cricket, after impressing at Ollies for the Jesters last Sunday, and Viners had exhausted both his mobile battery and his patience in trying to get a player under 30 to turn out. As appears to be the norm of late, the first three wickets went early as the wet wicket was well exploited by the Adel bowlers, but noticeably not by the fielders. Jonah volunteered himself for the ‘Emmotts Challenge’ after grassing two chances in the slips, and got himself out of the action, or so he thought.

Waity and Longers set about rebuilding, but it was hard going. Neil batted terrifically once again and completed a deserved 50 before getting an unplayable one and gloving to the keeper. Longers had departed in the same manner, and what was a solid base for the final ten overs was wasted somewhat. Viners bid of 172 in the 12 over challenge was way too high with sensible guestimates ranging from 140-160, which would still have been a competitive score. Instead Schonfield picked up 4 wickets and the innings faltered to 129-8. Pod and Besty negotiated the last few overs but were lambasted by all and sundry for not blazing a trail towards the 200 mark. One imagines next week these two will be given the opportunities that befit their abilities and tenacity.

Once again tea was a treat. The usual Rawdon fare was on offer, but Pod does miss the trifle. Hopefully this little issue will be addressed in the coming weeks (after some alcohol fuelled negotiations on Saturday evening), and the Bilton fixture will see us bowl first allowing the bowlers to tuck in to the prepared delights with relish. It would appear that Sledge’s inability to return a bowl is the reasoning behind the shortfall in the trifle department. Quite frankly, a poor excuse! It just doesn’t wash with Pod.

Adel’s reply had to be centred on the top of the order with so many ‘bits and pieces’ players (R. Ewen) in their line up. Rawdon needed an early breakthrough to exert pressure, but the bowlers did not exploit the conditions as the visitors had done and Adel’s batters showed a resolve sadly lacking in the hosts’ performance.

Jonah and TJ just batted, and accumulated. The score ticked over at a gentle rate, but this was sufficient. No chances were offered as the total was knocked off with 11 overs remaining. Trevor Penney look-a-like Joel bowled a useful 5 over spell, but had no luck whatsoever. TJ finished in a good position, on 69*, and Jonah completed his half century just before the winning runs were hit as Adel took the full 6 points and inflict Rawdon’s first defeat of the season. Matty kept wicket well, was his usual self (i.e. full of inane chatter) behind the stumps and was unfortunate not to get a stumping as TJ went for a chat at the end of the over!!

It was good to see the 1^st XI in better spirits as they turned the corner with a convincing victory at Calverley allowing Loll to once again crack a smile. It’s been a long, miserable three weeks for some. Pod drowned the sorrows of the day down in Horsforth, but regrettably got caught up with Dobby in the Sub Bar. The negotiating skills of Kofi Annan were required to placate a couple of his intended beaus, who he had primed previously, and they certainly put up a better fight than some of the batters in the B division, and another attempted grapple received short shrift indeed. It looks like Dyson’s powers may be on the wane. Surely not!! Pod can’t wait to see how he gets on with the rather less fussy (allegedly) Blackpool girls.

An interesting conversation on Saturday afternoon as we tried to recall famous ginger haired cricketers. We got thus far, any advance on these Ed? (how about Steve Kirby -ed)

Another wonderfully crafted half century for our talisman that belied the conditions. Crisp drives, sensible running and superbly timed cuts as anything loose was put away.

It’s still not happening with the ball though as the wicket column remained empty yet again. We still await the ‘raging bunsens’ that flaming June will bring. Perhaps not!

Rawdon visited Green Lane this weekend for the first Inner City Cricket fixture of the year. There was a good crowd gathered, most of whom looked to be resting actors awaiting the next series of Fat Friends to begin filming.

On a warm and sunny day, we watched Bram toss up with what appeared to be a passing vagrant, but apparently it was Viners, who had won the toss and elected to bat. On the road that was the Green Lane track, Two old heads

Pod expected to see 300+ on the board as a minimum, but yet again the top order faltered. At 53-3 a recovery plan was in place with Matthews, Longley and McCallum, the architects.

Slow going it was as Ellis trundled away, giving no width, and caution was the watchword. It wasn’t a day for any sane bowler to bowl 25, so when Mikey took a rest, the runs began to flow. The Green Lane slow bowlers took the punishment and the scoring rate rose.

With 11 overs of the innings remaining 144-3 was well short of expectations and Pod’s bid of 218 deemed too high in the 50p predictions challenge. This was when it started to be fun. Matty stepped on the gas and left Longers standing, racing to his first 2^nd XI 50 and not stopping until dismissed for 71. Then Longers took over and romped to three figures. A little late flurry of wickets, but the score kept rising to a fairly credible 258-6.

A traditional cricket tea ensued, in surroundings more akin to feeding soup to 2000 hungry and Looks like GLCC need some help with their sponsorship. Think Pod has a few ideas, watch this space!!

Looks like GLCC need some help with their sponsorship. Think Pod has a few ideas, watch this space!!

homeless asylum seekers.

If bottom club Green Lane had any hope of taking all 6 points they had to be positive with the bat, but both openers were far too circumspect. With the fall of the first wicket, Pleasance came to the crease and immediately looked like a junior worthy of a place in the Joe Lumb XI. He attacked, and struck the ball with confidence and timing. Pod’s only criticism is the lack of use of the carpet, and Pod himself took advantage, snaffling a chance at mid-wicket. This brought skipper Bramham in and the rate again slowed. Feeling the pressure, Bod gave up the ghost and was out stumped for a patient 45.

With 11 overs remaining, the hosts were on 143-3, an even game, but it so much harder chasing. Instead, the batters focussed on 194, the 2 point total, and lost only a further wicket in reaching that, off the last over.

One ponders whether the lack of ambition could cost them dear later in the season as they are still firmly rooted to the foot of the table.

Nelly unluckily played on for only 3 runs, and was not as effective with the ball as the defensive batters gave little away. Just one wicket, a sharp stumping, this week.

The Ollies appear to have all bases covered to stop the Jesters having a net.

On the brighter side, he looked fantastic on his way to a sparkling 70 for the Jesters on Sunday.

These 4 points keep Rawdon just about on top of the table with Otley and Steeton starting to pull out of the pack. Three games to the half way point, and then the holidays kick in. It will be interesting to see who has the strength in depth to maintain the challenge. Pod has noticed early leaders Hardon are struggling having lost three on the trot and the match reports are getting shorter on their website. Guiseley are matching them and continue to report only the wins on theirs (oh, you can still read about when they were competitive in 2002!). Perhaps their juniors are all cricketed out, what with all the representative games they’re playing.

It was refreshing to see visitors Collingham arrive at Rawdon with a team of mostly twenty – somethings, when most teams appear to be made up of, shall we say, more experienced cricketers. What wasn’t quite as refreshing was Russell Furnley, on his own. One Rawdon player stated before the game, that there was guaranteed to be one umpiring decision which would spoil the game, and this turned out to be true. At that stage we were hoping that that shocker would go in our favour but alas not.

Powell won the toss for the visitors and knowing Rawdon’s inability to chase, had a bat. With the openers going well, Viners turned to the spin of Waite. In his first over, with Powell on 30, he dragged his foot out of his crease and Sledge quickly whipped the bails off. As we turned to the player standing at square leg expecting to see the finger raised, all we got was a shake of the head. It’s just not cricket.

Powell continued on to make 125, with balls disappearing into the Emmotts at regular intervals and Apparently he’s pretty good, and you don’t just drive from pub to pub to pub.

Apparently he’s pretty good, and you don’t just drive from pub to pub to pub.

barely a run scored on the off side. Nelly’s torment was exemplified with Pod dropping their skipper (on 64) on the long on boundary. Ooops. There wasn’t a great deal of depth to the batting strength, but the home bowlers were surprisingly subdued, with only John Best returning half decent figures.

227 was the final total with Viners bid of 182 being way off the mark in the 12 over challenge, and Pod taking the money.

With Russell only making one LBW decision in the 1^st half, we feared the worst and Windy got triggered 2^nd ball. We can’t say it was a shock, but it is even more galling when it happens to a frontline batter, so early in the innings. Repeatedly, the players were told to ‘get a move on’ in the 2^nd half of the game. Pod wonders if yet again this umpire had somewhere to go, or if 6 hours of cricket is just too long for some.

A recovery ensued despite Matty going for 12, and the score sped up to 80 before the 3^rd wicket fell. Time for Russell to get involved again as he sent Pete back declaring no stroke, to bemusement from Rawdon and general mirth of the visitors. Next ball up, and a good nut gets through his defences and we’re in the middle of a bit of a rush.

112-8 and Pod is strapping the pads on. Longers and Beasty fear 20 overs is too long to bat to save a point, but knuckle down to the task in hand. For a moment it looks like Beasty might be run out but Pete, standing at square leg, refuses a confident run out appeal, claiming that it all just happened a bit too quickly, and quite correctly gave the benefit of any doubt to the batter. Russell once again tried to get the game finished by firing out Longers, bringing Pod to the crease with 9 overs to go.

An unbeaten partnership of 30 odd took Rawdon past the 2 point total with 2 overs to go and Pod and Beasty comfortably survived the closing deliveries.

Just one wicket today for our hero, not assisted by Pod dropping one, but swiftly returning the favour once Pod got back on to bowl.

It was a different story with the bat however as Nelly notched his first 50 of the season, and looked back to his best.

Due to the poor umpiring (at both ends), there was some ill-feeling between the sides and once again we see a side promoted to the A division not really knowing what it is all about. This spoiled the day somewhat, with that first bad decision coming from a cricketer who neither batted nor bowled in the game. One imagines he did get the match point from his skipper though. What a good job it is that it is only a game, and none of us take the result too seriously!!

Quote of the day from Collingham wicket keeper Legg, “The rule book says the bowler can bowl whenever he wants, it’s up to the batter to be ready for the bowler”.

On a brighter note there were complaints from Horsforth about the standard of umpiring there as well. Fuller and Bell were compared to Laurel and Hardy. One feels Hardy and Hardy would be a better comparison, as British born Stan Laurel would surely have some grasp on the game of cricket.

(incredible as it may seem to some one eyed Rawdon members, other teams also get decisions go against them - learn to live with it. - a hooked ed')

Another loss for the 1s leaves them in 5^th place in the table. Not a great position to be in, in a ‘two horse race’.

There was some confusion before Saturday’s match, as downloaded directions to the Guiseley Nepotists C.C. ground appeared baffling, but Pod arrived in time to see the home team being led Those fielding drills reap their rewards.

Those fielding drills reap their rewards.

through their warm up. Oh, how we laughed. When you’ve worked all week and want to turn out for a leisurely game of cricket in your spare time, the last thing you want to be forced into doing is prancing around for 30 minutes, when all you want to do is have a chat and share a joke about the weeks’ happenings.

A stroll out to the middle brought concerned looks from all. The outfield was akin to a football pitch, with bare patches of mud, and was desperately in need of a cut. The strip resembled a zebra crossing with lines of grass alternating with prepared surface. Guiseley’s skipper had a cunning plan based on Rawdon’s inability to chase, but Viners won the toss and stuck the hosts in anyway.

Was that your lad who just ran out my lad?

Nick Fraser, must have been busy this week, as another cracking idea of his ensured they batted right down to Reggie at 9. The failing of this brainwave was that to do this, several tail-enders were thrust up the order, and proved easy pickings to the Rawdon bowlers. Pod and Longers both struck early and wickets continued to tumble as Wilky’s dad expected a repeat order for another revolving door, and the warm up paid dividends as no Guiseley player pulled a muscle on their brisk walk to or from the crease. It wasn’t until Reggie arrived that there was an iota of attacking play, but at 36-7, I am sure he felt they didn’t quite have enough. Beasty relieved Longers and mopped up the tail in time honoured tradition. 58 all out.

Glen Taylor had salt rubbed into his wounds as Matty congratulated him on his abilities in carrying the drinks, with ‘It’s nice to know you’re good at something.’ Glen was speechless.

Tea was of the usual Guiseley standards although the sweets did lack imagination.

With such a small target to chase, a 10 wicket win should have followed, but Windy chased a wide one from Dickinson and Craig made sure he wasn’t hit on the foot twice, by getting out of the way of CMW – A guaranteed cure for paraphilia.

Reggie’s straight one. Wilky saw us home despite running Matty out when the scores were level, concluding another successful chase for the visitors.

Pod was perusing the A-W website and noticed no less than five Guiseley players in the Joe Lumb team this weekend. With so many talented young cricketers around the league we expected a really tough game. Perhaps they all just had an off day together, but Pod suspects that there is a smidgeon of favouritism going on in the selection policies. Oh dear, there are another five in the U12’s team as well. Pod smells a rat.

For the first time in 2^nd XI cricket Nelly neither batted nor bowled. Frankly, at the moment we just don’t need the leagues premier all-rounder. Well we probably will next week.

So with the game finished early we trooped back to Rawdon to see the 1^st XI get a right going over from Guiseley 1sts. A totally inept performance with the bat, crumbling to Marcus Brown’s opening spell, and then with the other bowlers all joining in, saw Rawdon displaced at the top of the league. Pod understands there was some fruity language, and quite a bit of sledging involved, with the Rawdon batters all getting a send off too. It’s great to know that the appointment of an ex county cricketer as Guiseley’s skipper is having a major impact on the league. Pod hopes the club will be investing in its facilities too, and a bag of grass seed for the outfield should be right up there at the top of its list.

It looks like Rawdon too should be having a rethink about their priorities with several first team players thinking that their team-mates are taking it a bit too easy. It has been noticed that they only need to practice once a week now, but surely that new £200 practice net should be coming out more often following this embarrassing defeat.

ews reached Pod of a little heated debate that went on at Green Lane last weekend as Adel 1sts were the visitors. Blog reader Standring had an ongoing spat with Bungalow Barry (not sure if he’s a reader [at all]). The standing umpire thought it was going to turn nasty, but Barry curbed his temper and got I think this is Bishan Bedi, but all those West Indians look the same to me.

I think this is Bishan Bedi, but all those West Indians look the same to me.

himself out of the action by lurking on the boundary for the last hour of the game, thereby dispelling any friction. A gesture surely worthy of note. One considers that these fine cricketers should find some common ground in the future, and build a relationship built on respect for one another’s abilities. If that’s not the case try talking to each other how they both managed to get out Caught Stow, Bowled Podmore in 2006.

Adel’s

website is worth a visit to read the report of the 2^nd team’s cup fixture against Knaresborough. A wonderful piece of prose, summing up the tensions, thoughts, and ultimate relief after a game as tight as a gnats chuff. The only downside was the failure to name the Knaresborough keeper. I look forward to a weekly update as ‘Our Hero’ gets slapped to all corners this weekend.

Pod had a trip down to Headingley for the first day of the test, as did plenty of readers no doubt. The major thing that struck me was the practice facilities they had, and how this vastly differs from what we are provided with. Pod feels Rawdon should be looking at improving in this area and a new set of nets is an immediate requirement. I would imagine around £200 could be very well spent.

Pod thought he’d seen the last of the macho posturing displayed by Green Lane and then Steeton in recent years after they had got promotion to Division A and then assembled a team that they thought could complete at this level, but no. Hardon are the latest club to take up this mantle, and one hopes they learn as quickly as their forebears that this is not what happens in this division.

Sitting on top of the league is always a nice place to be and the assembled imbeciles of Hardon took every opportunity to remind the hosts of this fact. The fact that this fixture was their first of the season against another team in the top half of the table seemed to escape them.

Got this from Sooty on Saturday morning. What’s going on?

Viners won the all important toss and stuck the visitors in. After a couple of breaks for rain and the loss of 10 overs from the game, Rawdon took to the field and it wasn’t long before Earnest was getting a quote from Steven Wilkinson, for him to install a revolving door to the visitors changing room. Longers bowled a great line and length and got some assistance from the wet wicket, but few of the Hardon batters had the talent or technique to match. With six wickets down and 40 runs not yet on the board, Viners changed the bowling around. Besty was not his usual self, uphill into the gale, and Matt was exhausted after having a fortnight off, with the 1^st team. A mini revival ensued as Dawson and Hart swung with gay abandon, but this couldn’t last and a re-introduced Pod mopped up the sloggers to close the innings on 91, lose the 50p challenge and ensure the clubhouse was heaving as tea was taken whilst extra time was being played in the FA cup.

For the first time this year it was a leisurely tea and extra pudding as the batters prepared for their part. Terrific way to play, this.

Hardon knew they had to hit us hard and early but no wicket was forthcoming as Dingy and Windy coasted to 20. There was something still in it for the bowler, but no-one exploited the conditions like Longers had done. It was Hardon’s turn to rue a no-ball this week as Craig was bowled, and got another life, and went on to see Rawdon home with a patient 42*. A pint of Guiness yesterday. Bought and paid for.

A pint of Guiness yesterday. Bought and paid for.

Windy and Thacks got fired out by an umpire who appeared to be a real ‘not out’ man in the first half, but must’ve been worn down by the begging, pleading and teddy throwing by the visitors opening bowler, Dawson. Pod would like to be in attendance when he comes up with his similarly challenged counterpart from Steeton next week. There could be fireworks there, although the words ‘dynamite’ ‘not’ ‘brains’ ‘enough’ and ‘hat’ spring to mind.

Victory was assured with a couple of wonderful boundaries from Craig’s questionable bat, and Hardon’s skipper felt a need to continue his little games in a childish hand squeezing exercise as Viners took the plaudits. Pod was at square leg for the closing overs and to witness Matty M on the receiving end some mind-numbingly unfunny verbals at the crease. Ooh, aren’t we brave at Hardon? Can’t recall much being said to Windy. That said, Matty can cope with it, and will surely have a word next time the clubs meet.

Yet another quiet day with bat and ball for the league’s premier allrounder and Matty Prior look alike. However, in a shock twist, we now have a new specialist cover fielder, and those popadom fingers took another sparkling catch, this time at short fine leg.

It was nice to see the 1sts watching the action as their game was rained off. They still sit proudly at the top of their division and are facing a tough match against local rivals and promotion hopefuls Guiseley next week. Pod is sure that they will be really up for the challenge and Stew will have no problems motivating his charges. Not as if you should need any help in this situation. If the will to win and stay top is not incentive enough, they’re playing for the wrong club.

Pod and Viners paired up for the rabbits open at Otley G.C on Sunday. Viners walked off after 11 holes with a bout of ‘food poisoning’!!!

Pod secured 38 points, with the clubhouse lead being on 41. Cheers mate, you can always rely on your mates can’t you?

Sunday 20^th May 2007

1851: England huddle - what's that all about? - and here come Gayle and Ganga. Harmison is charged with rooting a couple out tonight. Come on big man, make our day...his first delivery is a wide outside off-stump...a nation slumps....and another wide...a nation claps hands over faces. A ripsnorter next up, squaring Gayle up, and this is Russian Roulette for the batsmen. Another good ball down the corridor and he's got his head together....no he hasn't, that's well wide, but not called.

1854: Oh my life, that's pitched on a length, jagged back and caught Gayle slap bang in the orchestras. Down goes the big man in a heap - his missus will be weeping into her Mothercare catalogue. A few sniggers from the England fielders. What is it about a man getting hit in the testicles by a very hard ball travelling at 88mph that makes other men laugh? That's not a rhetorical question, I want answers. The physio is out - the one bonus for Gayle is it might swell up a bit for a couple of weeks. He climbs to his feet after a couple of minutes flat on his back, and the Lord's crowd rises to its feet.

Courtesy of BBC Sport

With the forecast being so poor for the weekend there were no high hopes of much cricket but at least Saturday stayed fine for the most part and we got a game in down at Ilkley.

It was nice to be greeted with a firm handshake from Boris, and timely too, as he would spend the afternoon, evening and night in various hospitals across the region with a couple of smashed fingers. You’ll not be shaking anything for a while now, eh, Boris? I’ll tell you what, that big bully Windy hits it hard doesn’t he?

Well, Windy proved to be the difference between the sides. He clubbed his way to a 70, that was well worth three figures on most pitches, in 30 overs. Again tiredness set in just as he should have been milking the strike, and Rawdon collapsed somewhat. 114-2 quickly turned to 149 all out. Pod put it down to rash shots, poor eyesight, and a terrific spell from Fisher (I think) of 33-5. His second burst coinciding with Windy getting out was surely very well timed.

Pod once again got to the crease in time for Westy to be bowled out off the last ball of the 45^th over, so giving the hosts 55 overs to chase our score.

After a smashing tea, which Pod had created at home, and negating the need of an unsecured loan, we took to the field ourselves. Santy was the big wicket, and was bowled early doors when distracted by an aeroplane. The innings was held together by young Broadley who showed great patience, which was just what the wicket and target required.

With Rawdon struggling for further breakthroughs a glimmer of hope came in the shape of a shower, interrupting play for 45 minutes and taking 10 overs off the Ilkley innings. All of a sudden they needed 5 an over, and it wasn’t such a breeze. Bowling changes brought wickets, but Broadley made sure the hosts would gain something from the match, easing them within sight of the 2 point total before being dismissed. Sweetcheeks bowled one of the worst maiden ever seen, but was unlucky to be taken off after returning impressive figures. I’m certain only 4 of the 8 captains on the field agreed with Viners’ decision.With rain threatening again, the latter overs were rushed through and a 4-2 draw settled for.

Viners had a bit of a sulk, as did Waity and Dingy. Pod recalls having a bit of a sulk at Ilkley a couple of years ago too, must be something they put in the tea.

It’s just not happening with the bat so far this year for Nelly, but he hung around with Windy and managed to get into the 20s.

A couple of wickets with a wet ball and a curtailed spell left him none too impressed.

With the other big names in the league not getting their names in the papers so often, perhaps the time is right for some young upstart to nip in and take Neils mantle of the leagues No 1 player. Pod’ll be picking some ‘ones to watch’ and some ‘ones not too’ in the coming weeks.

News reached Pod of another 4 for, for Dobby in the 1’s. Yet again their reactions can be displayed.

Sunday was spent down at Otley watching the rain with the 3rds. In fact the only good news was that they had beaten Steeton the day before in a low scoring encounter. With Otley 9 wickets down, their last man shouldered arms and was bowled, only for the umpire to give a no-ball. Ouch. That brought the scores level and the winning runs hit off the next ball.

Pod has always wondered why bowlers overstep the line, it’s just indiscipline. Not that Pod has never been no-balled for overstepping. It was in 2000, and I forget the umpire now. As if!

Saturday’s fixture brought old friends Otley to Larkfield Road with a somewhat youthful side. To be fair, next to the hosts almost any team looks youthful, but it is nice to see a sprinkling of juniors turning out each week. Once again, and unsurprisingly, Rawdon were inserted on a track that had a touch too much grass to guarantee scores akin to the previous week’s totals. Sledge after missing out on yet another ‘Richard Dunn’

Sledge after missing out on yet another ‘Richard Dunn’

Windy didn’t look himself at all and Dingy’s change of pre-match preparation did him no favours as we were soon three down and the rot continued. 60-5 became 80-6 before Bodey and Matty got together and decided that big shots were not the order of the day. The Otley bowling was changed around at one end as Mick Gray toiled from the other. Pod would have liked to see the slow bowler hit out of the attack, but with wickets falling, this was just not an option.

Viners thought this might just be a good time to go house hunting, and disappeared to a viewing, in his whites. He returned shortly afterwards having made a purchase. This obviously could be a horrendous mistake as Westy hasn’t even seen the place yet!

The late order once again came to the party as Bodey, Matty, and then Viners and Besty saw out the overs and punished the tiring attack. 189-8 was a respectable total on that surface and one that we thought ‘would take some getting’.

After a return to the traditional salad tea, Otley took to the crease. It must be fair to say that Wolfy has had a life or two against Rawdon and Saturday was no different. With a large crowd gathered in the early evening sunshine, after leaving Wolfy’s bat, the ball went from hand to ground on three occasions. What is totally unacceptable however is the sound of the Rawdon Cricket Secretary’s howling laughter as each of the chances are spurned.

Despite this, Rawdon stick to the task in hand and stifle the flow of runs. Wolfy eventually goes, and Mark Wilky takes up the baton. As the rate has increased to 5 an over, this is no mean task and it is only when Chappy comes to the crease that the rate increases further. With the visitors ahead of the 8 ball all the way, it would appear to be a comfortable victory for them, but the Beast returns and gets a couple of catches taken at long on. It is now nip and tuck. 17 needed from 12 balls, 3 wickets in the tent. Pod is pulled for 6 and it looks to be all over. Then 4 dot balls, and a single to finish the over. 10 required. Wicket. Mick Gray blocks the rest of the over to settle for the two points.

What a great game and a great result. The match was played in a wonderful spirit, and despite their understandable disappointment, the Otley lads hang around and have a beer and a chat after the game.

Apparently Saturday night was something to talk about. After an early finish the 1sts hit the bar early doors. Dobby’s victims check the scorebook.

No doubt Dobby had been drinking on an empty head after getting in the wickets at New Rover, and ended up trading ‘girlie’ punches at the Emmotts. Another unnamed player also got a slap as he jumped in a taxi, on his way to yet another away fixture. Then Dobby has his car whipped from behind the Sub Bar. Not the perfect end to a good day, but Pod has little sympathy. With a big cup tie the next day, perhaps a lead should be taken from Craig’s example. Okay, perhaps not.

After 40 days without a drop of rain there are only two things sure to bring a downpour.

Number 1 is a barbeque and number 2 a cup tie, so when we tip up to Burley and find a 60^th birthday party going on in the club and are told it will be burgers and hot dogs for tea we expect the worst. Waity has taken over the captaincy role and loses the toss. We are tempted to call it off now, but take the field with a mixed up batting order. Well it would appear the first ten names have been mixed up – is Pod Cricket teas ain’t what they used to be.

Cricket teas ain’t what they used to be.

missing something here?

Given their chances, Bodey again looks class before Viners runs him out, and Sledge fills his boots with a magnificent knock of 75. Pod selects 198 in the 10 over challenge, to which Viners bids higher. Rev is on hand to agree with him and then immediately lets one through his legs on the boundary. Anyway, 238 is a really good score in 45 overs on a track that is two paced and has some variable bounce.

With the tea interval came the rain and Rawdon knew what the outcome was going to be. 23 overs were lost so the re-adjusted total was 117. Half the overs lost. Half the total lost. All wickets intact! Whilst Pod, and everyone else, realises the rules in rain affected cup games require some tweaking, it is difficult to find a solution that is workable, but one that the league must try to remedy. No doubt Howard Clayton will say it’s up to the clubs to sort it out but surely this is exactly where the League Management Committee could come up with a answer.

Nevertheless Burley fully deserved to go through to the second round as they batted so well in their reply. Rev was pleased not to have Parky to face, and after getting out to a 12 year old, Cooper and Jackson saw the target reached in quick time. The Rawdon bowling and fielding never put any pressure on the batters, and got what their performance warranted.

It is interesting to note that in the two previous league games, Rawdon were well behind at the half way stage and pulled the match around in the last quarter of the game. That said Pod cannot complain, we have to accept the rules that we are playing to and if rain interrupts the tie, so be it. We wish Burley well in the next rounds, and if they win the toss every round and it rains for 90 minutes after tea, I can see them going all the way.

Nelly finally got going with the bat on Sunday with a well paced 45 runs as the dab to gully got Sledge running. Not such a good performance with the ball this week with just the one wicket and only one over on Sunday in the cup.

On the bright side there were two magnificent catches taken at long-on, taken with consummate ease.

Just two weeks into the season and Pod is getting stick on the guest book. That’s what it’s all about, and the broad shoulders that have carried Rawdon 2’s for the last decade are up to someone having their say. That’s what this blog is all about, opinions.

So the tea ladies are untouchable are they? Just have a word with Viners, I think he might disagree on that point!

Pod has always supported the efforts put in by all and sundry to help clubs along, but if that effort is not what the clubs require it needs a voice to shout up and put another point of view across. The role of the tea ladies is twofold. One to provide suitable refreshments for the players and supporters, and two, to hopefully make a small profit for the club. (Oh, and a bit of eye candy is always nice.) If the fare offered is not going to sell, everyone loses out.

In the short-sighted world of the ‘administrators’, though decisions may be made with the best intentions, the outcome is not always what was envisaged. Interestingly enough, Pod was talking to a Who’s that hidden at the back, with no sponsored kit?

Who’s that hidden at the back, with no sponsored kit?

cricketer from a 1^st division club who was venting his spleen on the wedge being driven between the 1^st XI and the other cricketers. The reason behind this was the way sponsors money was being apportioned amongst the players. Namely the 1^st XI captain spent it all on his team. This led to 2^nd XI players standing out like sore thumbs when helping out in the 1s, and a general feeling of alienation. No doubt the ‘haves’ think the ‘have nots’ are being silly about this but already this year one player has thought of jacking it all in, as he was not part of that 1^st team unit.

Is this what those generous sponsors thought would happen when they dug their hands deep into their pockets in order to help out their club? Pod thinks not.

On a lighter note, it is good to see a few more clubs getting their web sites up and running. It would appear that the Collingham (http://www.collinghamcc.co.uk/cricket_club_west_yorkshire_averages_2007_2nd_XI.htm) fixture will be eagerly awaited now they have a page on the net. Pod wonders if the “Viners’ vision” is intentional.

Finally for this week, the start of the fantasy cricket season will soon be upon us and Pod would like more players to contribute to the league that Belly has run over the last few years. It is run on the rules of the Daily Telegraph competition (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/index.jhtml) and costs £5. Sure, Ian Brear normally takes most of the winnings, but it’s the taking part that counts. Pod would especially like the Rawdon selectors to contribute a team each just to clarify that the do actually know bugger all about cricket. Closing date is 8^th May. Do it!

Not too many laughs in this one I know, but Pod’s been brassed off a bit this week. Never mind, Otley might just feel the wrath next week, if not with the ball, then certainly with the pen.

Pod turned up to Steeton in a cunning disguise, inspired by a recently watched film. Thankfully, it worked and not only did we escape with limbs and looks intact, but with a swag of 6 points too. Viners was invited to have a bat, thankfully not having to get it wrong himself for a second week, and Windy gorged himself at the buffet table.

He eventually tired and holed out to cow corner. Pod has noticed a couple more shots in his armoury this season to go with the lofted drives and the lofted cuts. I’ll not say too much more because the spies will be out, but I’d have a few men on the fine leg boundary for him this year. Steeton’s plan of 9 men on the edge did eventually work, but the damage had been done by then.

Where the Rawdon lads were drinking on Saturday night.

Everybody else chipped in with 30’s and 20’s, setting an imposing 304-8. All the bowlers took a bit of tap, with last years’ average winner ( I forget his name, now) getting himself off after 6 overs, and not really standing up to be counted. The bulk of the onus was left to David Wynn who brought up his ton with the ball but also claimed four wickets. A couple of smart catches too, by the Steeton webmaster, Barrett, who has a knack of pouching Rawdon batters, and all this despite only having one eye, as can be seen from his weekly match reports. http://www.steeton.cc/

And so to the eagerly awaited tea. With Matty not able to give stars this year, there have been calls for Pod to step in, but times change, and so do the teas at Steeton. There would have been a big space on the blog, where the stars should have gone, if there had been any awarded. Unfortunately the tea ladies drew a big fat blank here. Pie and peas, jacket potatoes and curry, or chilli, cheese and onion pasties, chips. That is just not a cricket tea, and it certainly is not worthy of a £3.00 price tag. If you’re running a quiz night and giving away a free supper, fair enough. If you want an athlete to steam in for 20 overs in the searing sun, get back to what we want, deserve and require. If any more clubs are thinking of making a fast buck by going down this route I beg you to reconsider. Pod’ll be pondering ‘doing a Jamie Davy’ in the future.

An opening stand of 54 and then a solid partnership of 93 in quick time had the visitors slightly agitated. In fact it looked like Steeton were coasting it. Drinks normally has an impact on the game however and 6 more wickets fell before the 200 was posted. Perhaps it took 25 overs for that poor tea to wear off. Pod did notice ALL the home players tucking in after they’d had they’re knocks. Chris Meehan looked quality with the bat for his 89, and surely if he’d have gone on the result would have been a bit different. Worthwhile support was not forthcoming as the middle order looked a bit more lightweight (in the batting sense rather than clothing sizes) than previous years. Indeed, it was plainly obvious that the home side were not at full strength. With Nelly bowling negatively at one end and the trundlers trundling at the other, wickets tumbled and a carrot dangled with the 2 point target. This was achieved but Nelly and Pod eeked out the last two wickets with just 10 balls remaining.

Worthy of note, is the need for both players and (only) umpire requiring a visit to the little boys room for a breather and a sit down mid-innings. Not the case when you’ve had a salad at tea!!

This week Nelly struck back with the ball, although just getting in the teens with the bat, he has yet to hit top form. Once again a nasty case of pad-rash as he watched 200 go up on the board before getting in. Not really his game at the moment. Pod Jnr, already adept at complaining about the standard of umpires.

Pod Jnr, already adept at complaining about the standard of umpires.

Viners has had a problem of where to hide him so far this season as ‘Popadom Fingers’ is not the most reliable in the field. Hold on, was that a mighty skyer, taken one handed, diving to his right by Neil? And who was the bowler? Aah a C+B was it? Nuff said.

Trevor Penny takes winning catch for the 3rds whilst posing for the camera.

Pod had an enjoyable day watching the 3rds on Sunday too as the young guns played the ‘even younger’ guns from Guisley. Pod Jnr got his first couple of wickets of the season and there were some handy batting performances from Coulson & Yeadon. The moment of the game though was pure theatre. Reece Tatum (Phil) picks up the ball and flicks a pass to Wilt Chamberlain (Pod – on as sub), who reverses the ball to Meadowlark Lemon (Matty M) who slam dunks the bails off for a run out. That’s entertainment.

Pod’s still aching from the 1^st real test this season, and what a day we had on Saturday.

Worried looks as 300 looks a long way off.

Everyone in league cricket knows that winning the toss and sticking the opposition in is vital in the first few weeks, and Viners got the coin to come down the right way. Not usually one to let his tongue get the better of him, he then asked the visitors from North Leeds to have a bowl. Oops. (“ I meant we’ll have a bowl really.” Too late. “Bugger”.)

With this little setback, Windy and Walsh decided the only thing to do was bat well, and this they did. Windy bludgeoned his way into the 60’s before a skyer was well taken at mid-off. Craig then moved into double figures and supported Wilky as best he could. Talk of ‘keeping it on the carpet’ ensued as these two brought some finesse and stroke play to the proceedings. North Leeds’ attack was generally built for comfort rather than speed and Viners was again pleased to see ‘no sharp edges’ on show.

These two batters took the game away from the visitors and a cameo from Longers ensured that Craig ensures he’s not bail topped.

2 points would be a realistic target batting second. The middle order failed to stamp its authority on the bowlers with Grumpy Stevens the pick with 4-60 off his 10 overs of medium paced filth.

A hearty tea came as a welcome pick-me-up to the visitors with Grumpy and MS dropping down the order so they could have another piece of apple pie.

Indeed it took Pod a few overs until the trifle had worn off before Saj was sent hobbling back to the shed and stand in skipper Paul Phillips went in Longers first over, well taken by Wilky at square leg. No-one fancies steepling catches early on in the season but Wilky held his nerve as all in the vicinity turned the other way. The 50 run opening partnership was not capitalised on as Grumpy and MS soon went and then it was a case of if North Leeds could hold on. This they did with some ease, on what was essentially a batters’ dream. Nothing in the wicket for the bowlers at all, and time we looked for a new groundsman methinks.

Longers returned the best figures with a little 3 for, coming on when most of the hard work had been done. Viners must’ve been relieved to secure the 5 points after his faux pas, he’ll not be making that mistake again will he?

This season surely all eyes in 2^nd XI A division cricket will be on how the leagues’ premier cricketer performs, and Pod hopes to keep you informed. In 2006 the league batting prize went Neil ready to get involved. How about next week Nelly?

Neil ready to get involved. How about next week Nelly?

to Ian Jones at Adel, whilst David Cock at Steeton captured the bowling. Nelly was hot on their heels in both categories and Pod feels once again he is the man to beat in 2007. So how did the season start for the cricketing icon?

Sadly, with a nasty case of pad-rash. Neil failed to get into double figures with the bat and only captured one wicket, due to not being very good with the ball. Room for improvement here, but watch out, form is temporary….and all that.

As usual this was another genuinely good humoured encounter between old rivals. North Leeds are aware of their frailties in the bowling department, and would surely welcome BS back to the 2s when he gets fed up of being told what to wear and doing star jumps with the 1^st team. Injuries are also, fortunately, playing their part as the team ages. We at Rawdon are grateful for the clutch of youngsters that just keep coming through the junior set-up. With Saturday’s side having a healthy spread between lads learning their trade in their 20s through the experience of the 30 some-things to the finished articles in their 40s, Mr Wright, on selection, must be happy with his work.