DYSON'S DIARY 2008       

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2008 Player Reviews

Simon Wilson

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 148-9 Kirkstall 150-6

Saturday 13 September

Even though our season had ended a few weeks ago Kirkstall’s obviously hadn’t. They were two points clear of Guiseley needing four points to take the title on number of games won.  North Leeds also had an outside chance of taking the title but they were entirely dependant on us and Bilton defeating the top two.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 126-8 Bilton 114-9

Saturday 23 August

After fantastic “free” hospitality courtesy of Jamie Davey’s (the nice one) 40^th at the one dayer between England and South Africa on Friday it was back down to earth with a bang on the long drive to a wet and muddy Bilton.

Stew lost the toss and Screech Powers (from Saved by the Bell) lookalike Miles Corish asked us to bat. A role reversal this week as Willow fell straight away playing across the line but Matt Taylor Dug in. Stew was then bowled by Carlos Tevez who must have been having a break from Man Utd. Doidgey and Matt hung around and were well supported by Macca. Matty hit a few at the end but it was RL’s huge six that was the champagne moment of the day. Enough said. A score of 126-8 was disappointing but we thought we could give Bilton a match if we bowled tight.

One thing RL has noticed about the league this season and it happened again on Saturday is the amount of players who are basically fillers in, giving proper cricketers abuse when they bat. Biltons candidates this week were a fat bloke resembling Slimer from Ghostbusters who batted at 9 and some cockney that was so good at batting he came in at number 11. 

The teas were excellent and in my opinion rank as the best in the league by far a waste when you have to bowl second.

The combination of Steven and RL opened up. We were well supported with sledging from the first over which was fantastic, Macca, Doidgey and Matty were particular impressive. RL got Andy Walker to edge one behind and we were all up, unfortunately the umpire copped a deaf one and unlike his name Andy isn’t a walker and there he stayed. RL eventually struck getting massive head out. Steven then bowled in tandem with Doidgey and the both bowled really well. Steven had the Bilton batsman jumping around the crease on a slow wicket and got his rewards along with Doidgey. Even Screech Powers couldn’t get them away. Bilton needed around 14 off of the last over and were never going to make that.

A good 4 points and we still have an outside chance of winning the league. 

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Pool CC 133-8 Rawdon CC 65

Saturday 16 August

On another cloudy miserable day (we may as well accept that this is how the summers are going to be forever now) a vital toss was won by Stew and he decided to insert Pool who were currently the bottom of the league and struggling for wins.

Steven and RL opened up and both got assistance from another belting wicket prepared by Sutty. The Pool side and setup has always been known as a bit weird and they certainly seem to have an interesting gene pool with most of their players sharing the same name. However this was not the criticism this time. Ever since I have played senior cricket there has always been one batsman on the opposition side who feels they are the bravest in the land and because helmets weren’t invented in their day they would refuse to wear one. The winning candidate this time was Dibby who had seen the ball flying around but still came out without a helmet. He then proceeded to take a pounding from RL and Steven but still refused to get one. In the end it took two hits on the head from RL to make him see sense. To be fair to him he did stick around and used some vital overs. Pool also took advantage of some poor fielding by RCC, the main culprit being the man with the gloves young Matty who was still pissed from the night before which reflected his 5 drop catches and 16 byes. He did take 5 catches but this was no reflection on his performance as it was more Paul Hepworth than Paul Nixon. We did pull it together and kept Pool down to 133-8 Macca and Doidgey bowling well at the end.

Willow and Matt Taylor opened up and second ball Matt hit one into the ground which was caught by Ward at second slip. The problem with having good players is that the opposition will do anything to see the back of them. Pool proceeded with a huge appeal and Malcolm Glazer lookalike John Bigland raised the finger. In my view this was blatant cheating and through no fault of his own again Matt had scored a duck. Then followed a collapse which mirrored our season in 2006 the year we got relegated. Only young Matty and Bodey did anything with the bat.

This was the second time this season that the team at the bottom has beaten us and if we could have taken points from both these games we would be on top with 4 to play.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 204-8 Burley CC 112

Saturday 2 August

An early meet and a long warm up in the rain made sure we were match fit by the time the Burley players turned up around 1.00pm.

A vital toss was lost by Stew and we were inserted on an unrolled mine field. Matt Taylor and willow batted very well though and saw off the new ball. Unfortunately Matt was out shortly after doing the hard graft but Willow made 40 odd. Bodey again looked well but didn’t last long and Stew left a straight one. Rocky had been promoted to number 4 and made a nice 50 and was well supported by Doidgey who scored 40 odd too. Macca played a nice reverse sweep in his 18 not out and 204 was a great total in the circumstances. The funniest thing about our innings was the nonsense coming from a certain family playing for Burley, even RL got abuse about his batting when normally he is left alone. It’s great to hear about the youth development at Burley especially in there first team. They used three bowlers one of whom was Australian and Nick Brook bowled 25 overs, good for youth development that.

RL was told at tea that he would be given the new ball instead of Macca. The poor lad hasn’t been right in the head since the split with his ex. After RL’s first over he had wished Macca had been right in the head as it got smashed for 18. Burley’s overseas cricketer had been sent into give it a smash and he did. You can’t keep a good man down though and RL responded with a 6-53 return as we bowled out Burley for 112.

Amazingly this was the first six point haul picked up on home soil this season, so it was time to celebrate it in style unfortunately Steven decided to bring along the worst hat ever seen. 

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 134 Otley CC 136-9

Saturday 26 July

After an exhausting and well organised week of cricket in Blackpool it was back to the Saturday job and a visit to Otley.

It was nice to see the recently refurbished club house but I’m sure the Otley committee could have made room for a cellar instead of stacking all the beer barrels in the away changing room.

Stu lost the toss and we were asked to bat on what looked like a decent wicket on a scorching day. However, looks can be deceiving and there was a large amount of seam movement which accounted for Matt Taylor, Willow and Stew Smith. Bodey was adjudged LBW by jesters’ skipper and Rawdon member Belly even though Bodey was batting well out of his crease and was well forward. Matty who had batted like Chris Tavare all week in Blackpool continued to do so but this time it was needed and was well supported by Steven. Macca was chomping at the bit to get out there but flattered to deceive again and one can only guess what has happened to his cricket in the last few weeks, his new love may have something to do with it. Rocky couldn’t quite get the runs he has in previous weeks and Dave Thomo was last man out leaving RL stranded.

Tea was ok but the pork luncheon meat a bit dodgy.

Steven and Macca opened up and Steve had Sam Smith early then got Gary Thompson. We then had some very close LBW shouts but Belly obviously didn’t want to tan his hands and they stayed firmly in his pocket counting his new pay rise. After the fourth consecutive plumb shout something had to give and it finally did, Belly raised his finger much to the joy of RL who had been threatened with being placed on report. Doidgey and RL then bowled like they normally do economically and in tandem with Doidgey taking the bulk of the wickets in the partnership not that it was RL’s fault. Belly decided because each side had one LBW decision each he would then refuse to give any more even on stone dead shouts. At 100-8 Rawdon were favourites for a win or a 4-2 but the Otley tail wagged and the Rawdon total was passed in the last over.

It was very disappointing to lose but we never made enough runs the second time in two weeks. Burley visit next week. Can’t wait!  

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Collingham CC 207-8 Rawdon CC 112

Saturday 19 July

Even though only two of the Rawdon players had attended the test match the day before the visit from the toffs from Collingham it seemed the whole team had test match hangover.

I have experienced good times on sponsors’ day the best was obviously the win against North Leeds four seasons ago when the “Smiling Assassin” raised his finger on the last ball of the game thanks to a catch from Sugars.

After winning the toss on a green top Collingham were inserted and they started off well. Worryingly enough Macca struggled again and not having a roof over his head may be affecting his game. It was up to RL as first change to claim the wicket of the Collingham overseas making him hit his own wicket with raw pace. Doidgey bowled a tidy spell in the middle too and at 100-5 we should have finished them off. Collingham gained some momentum and had a swing. Runs flowed but an amazing one handed diving catch when the ball was heading for a flat six from Dave Thompson brightened the afternoon. Also livening up the dull day was an effort from Rocky chasing the ball to the boundary. He seemed to get his feet stuck and fell flat on his face. The performance reminded some of a cross between Jurgen Klinsmann and Eric the eel diving into the pool. Some big hitting at the end put the visitors on 207-8.

 An amazing thing happened at tea; the spectators let the players in first. A quality spread and a quality trifle went down well.

The run chase never really got started and the top order again disappointed in this type of situation. Matt Taylor got a shocker and Rocky tried to have a go hitting some huge sixes until the same umpire gave him out stumped when he was clearly in. To be all out for 112 was disappointing to all, especially against a team who have four players and the rest filling in.

On the house front, Macca has got his eyes on a house share near Green Lane if he passes the test.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 192-9 Green Lane CC (“Lane”) 124-9

Saturday 12 July

It was a dry day at Rawdon on Saturday but the outfield was fairly wet and a part of it had to be roped off with Mike doing an excellent job.

The square was also very damp and when former Rawdon player Dave Whitaker won the toss he had no hesitation in asking us to bat. Matt Taylor was unlucky again when he shouldered arms only for the ball to hit his bat and then hit the stumps. Willow decided to turn out this week instead of playing with his computers and he and Stu found it hard going but at drinks we were 60-1 which was a good effort in the conditions. Si made 77 and Stu made 29 but a collapse including a golden duck from Steven left us struggling on 124-7 when RL went to join Rocky. We put a nice little partnership together and when RL was out for 18, the score had improved to 178. Rocky blasted a few more sixes finishing on 49 from 24 balls and we finished on 192-9.

It was sandwiches and chips for tea with Dawns famous trifle which was excellent. Again the problem of spectators getting in before the players arose but I don’t think it will ever get sorted.

The Lane reply was steady and we didn’t take advantage of the seaming wicket. RL and Doidgey came on and slowed things down. Just when Lane seemed to be getting away a little Doidgey struck with two wickets in two overs both good catches by willow and Dave Thomson.  Rocky who looked a bit like the James bond baddie Mr Tee Hee followed up his sound batting with some sound bowling and took a wicket. Three overs at the last pair produced a few laughs but no wickets resulting in a 5 point haul for us.

Next week sees sponsors day coincide with a visit from the bottom club Collingham. Rumours are doing the circuit that they have signed a Yorkshire cricketer in their pursuit to stave off relegation.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 157-6 Beckwithshaw (“Becks”) 146-8

Saturday 2 July

We turned up at Becks not really expecting to play. The rain was heavy and it didn’t look like stopping. However, it did stop eventually and a busy mopping operation commenced. Even the Rawdon players who hadn’t placed any bets helped out while the rest of us watched the racing. The captains decided that a 3.00pm start was possible but when the experienced heads of RL, Doidge and the Chairman got together it was clear that the rest of the square wouldn’t allow this. It was eventually decided to start after tea at 3.55pm and play a 30 over a side game. For some reason the chairman of Becks thought the ground was fit, Kirkstall would be playing (don’t see the relevance) and proceeded to have a go at Loll who politely informed him that we were starting at 3.55pm.

The teas were excellent and the best so far this season. Lessons should be learnt by the tea man though. His customer service manual must have been purchased from e bay from a Mr Basil Fawlty.

New signing Matt Taylor opened up with Stew because of Willows absence; he was plugging a load of computers in. Matt was unlucky and was run out by the bowler who deflected the ball onto the stumps when trying to catch a chance from Stew. Macca came in and the pair batted well and both scored 50’s. Rocky, Steven, Pete and RL all chipped in and the team finished on a competitive 157-5.

Steven and Macca opened up and didn’t bowl as well as they had in previous weeks and the Becks batsman made a good start to the chase. The bowling improved though and wickets fell at regular intervals. Our fielding was also very good and Charlie and Dave Thomo held great catches. The luckless Pete Smith also took a great catch, unfortunately for Pete he dislocated his finger and had to go to Otley hospital. It was nice to see him back at the club before 9.00pm though, drinking bitter to ease the pain. It was the attitude of Charlie Lister that angered the Rawdon players and supporters. Stew had asked for a sub fielder,

Charlie Lister asked Walmsley if he would oblige. Walmsley then proceeded to inform us that he wouldn’t go for a catch if the opportunity occurred but said he wasn’t being a t**t about it. He was quickly told that he was one and to leave the field.

 Luckily Jon Doidge’s lad was around to fill in. It was interesting to hear the Becks supporters talk about how many points they would be off of the top of the league after they had beaten us. Macca soon shut them up with a flurry of wickets and four points were heading back to Larkfield Road.

It was nice to see the players and supporters of Becks falling out after the game as we celebrated with an overpriced drink. Loll rightly put no team beer money over their bar so we had a few at the club and headed into Horsforth. Some of the lads headed into town but had a unsuccessful evening as young Matty couldn’t get into any bar or club, in fact the only place he could get into was Greggs bakers for a pastie!

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 235-6 Kirkstall 237-6 (Saturday 28 June)

Rawdon CC 112  Kirkstall CC 113-4 (Sunday 29 June)

A simple math report this week as Saturday’s game in the league at Queenswood Drive mirrored the cup game on Sunday at Larkfield Road, with a couple of notable exceptions.

Saturday was all about the batting finesse of Willow who made a nice fifty along with the power of Rocky who hit the ball to all parts scoring 58 from 28 deliveries.

One had hoped the tea on offer would be able to provide a lining to the stomach with a scheduled night out in town planned for Steven’s birthday. However, every sandwich had been filled with cucumber, the fillings were terrible and the trifle looked and tasted as if it had been made the last time Rawdon visited, two seasons ago.

Kirkstall set about the run chase with patience and waited for the bad balls. Three wickets from Steven did give us hope but Jos Siddall batted well hitting a four that was required to win the game from the final over, also making 59 out of the 70 required when he came to the crease.

Sunday’s game was a rain interrupted 30 over affair. Unfortunately for us we treated it more as a slog and were bowled out by one of the worst bowling attacks in the league, not batting our full 30 overs was our downfall and Kirkstall again batted patiently against our quality bowling (I’m serious). This time it was left to the brilliant bloke that he is Stuart Hudson and a spotty student whose ideas of putting carpets to cover wet wicket ends were ridiculous.

Disappointing weekends for both teams as the seconds were beaten twice as well.

You don’t expect to play against film stars though and the pictures show how lucky we were to do so.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Bilton CC 222-6 Rawdon CC 183-8

Saturday 7 June

Saturday 7 June was Derby day and I mean at Epsom not Green Lane. However, RL had secured a tip off his old mate Chris Bonner the head lad to Andrew Balding. The horse named Holbeck Ghyll was shared with punting friends and family but with the off time at 3.15 both this race and the derby would be missed as Stu won the toss and asked Bilton to bat.

We knew that Andy Walker would be the key wicket. Unfortunately so did he, he batted for 50 overs scoring 124 not out giving a few chances but not many and it was a very classy knock. The rest of their batting was poor and if we could have shifted him early they wouldn’t have scored 100.

As I walked into the club I was greeted by a grinning Dinghy informing me that the tip had come in at 15/2 (wish I had more on it now). All the promises of the free pints he promised me have yet to be received though.

Another new opening combo of Pickering and Boden started with the early loss of Boden LBW. Jamie playing his last game before he goes to the States to coach “Soccer” also made an early exit. The middle order again made 20’s and 30’s but it was the speed of scoring the runs that made the chase more difficult. Rocky came in and smashed Andy Walker out of the attack but it was a bit too late and we finished 39 runs short.

Rawdon CC 240-5 Ben Rhydding CC 125-4

If I’d have known this game was going to be as boring as it was I would have spent the afternoon with my Grandad.

Stu won the toss and we batted first. The Ben Rhydding team consisted of two players over the age of 17 and it showed. They had no fear and bowled some good balls in amongst the rubbish but we were 70-5 at one point and the Rawdon faithful were concerned. Steven and Matty batted really well scoring 86 not out and 60 not out respectively taking us to a total of 240-5.

Ben Rhydding replied positively for about 3 overs then they shut up shop. This seemed strange in a cup tie. We went through the motions and bowled our full 50 overs in the sweltering heat. Doidgey mentioned that this type of run chase devalued the cup competition and I have to agree with him. I think Stu attempted to impress someone by giving Ben Morley three overs at the end and even Jamie received a leaving present by bowling an over.

The quarter final is on the 29 June against Kirkstall who coincidently we play the day before in the league.

On a more interesting note, nobody has seen or heard anything from David Wilkinson since his early retirement. I am now starting a new feature called “Where’s Wilky”, so if anybody has seen him or has any suggestions where he might be please post on the guestbook.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Pool CC 137-8 Rawdon CC 141-9

Saturday 31 May

A late arrival by RL on Saturday due to work commitments was met with a scolding from Macca for not doing the warm up. I think he was a bit nervous to be playing against his old club, as I looked over they were netting and performing county cricket style fielding drills. I think some teams in the league have forgotten that this is the Airedale and Wharfedale League and not the Friends Provident Cup.

I’m not sure who won the toss but we bowled first and we bowled tight, Singers went early to Steven and Macca found the edge of James Wards bat and a brilliant catch was taken by JP. Numbers 3 and 4 (bent and fox), are new recruits from Baildon 2nds and Wrenthorpe 2nds. They certainly played like second teamers too, trying to slog everything that came at them. RL had a brief stint at second slip and mentioned he had recorded Mutiny on the Buses. Doidgey mentioned that Rocky may have made a guest appearance at some stage as he remembers seeing a ticket operator (a clipper) with a big microphone hair style with a hat perched on it. He didn’t deny it so I will have to search You Tube for evidence. Steven then dropped another catch at second slip (not sure if this is his correct fielding position). RL entered the attack and bowled tightly in conjunction with first Macca then Rocky. RL then took the wicket of Bent, stumped and Rocky forced Fox to play across the line again, and Steven took the catch. John Goldthorp came in and looked fairly solid but it was his old Farsley team mate soon to be father of two Doidgey who trapped him LBW. Each of the remaining batsmen came in played a few shots got out and Pool, after 50 overs had amassed 137-8.

I was fairly hopeful as I approached the buffet for tea. Unfortunately the choice of sandwiches was limited to two and the bread was dry. The cakes were ok though but the price of £3.50 was a rip off.

We were confident of chasing down the total and started off well. Willow and JP played some nice shots. We were 26-0 when Jamie was out. Willow then followed trying to pull a half volley. Big things were expected from Macca against his old club and the anticipation of his arrival excited the less than knowledgeable crowd. Disaster struck when he was hit on the pads first ball and the whole ground appealed (less the Rawdon players and supporters). The umpire’s finger was up in a second and off he trudged. Doidgey didn’t build on last week’s impressive knock leaving young Matty and skipper Stu Smith out there. K Christmas had picked up most of the wickets and seemed to be having a private staring battle with Rocky. Rocky didn’t know why he was upset; we thought he may have been Rocky’s love child. Matty and Stu hung around while the constant begging and appealing took place. This constant appealing was disturbing and bordered on cheating. Davis Steel even had a go at one of the Pool fielders who had appealed from fine leg, great position for seeing the game. Wardy, Murph and Singers were notable exceptions from the appealing even though Ward should have controlled his players as captain.

Matty, Stu were out when the score was 77-7. Rocky walked out to see his new mate and started to smack fours and sixes off of his bowling. RL hit two fours and we were cruising to victory needing 20 to win with 15 overs left. What happened next was a disaster. Rocky hit the ball and started to set off, RL did the same but Rocky stopped, RL carried on and he was run out by a yard. I do blame myself for the run out and it is the first time I have ever run anybody out. RL was bowled and we still needed 19 to win with 1 wicket left. It was a tense half hour but Charlie and Dave Thompson never really looked in any trouble. They took their time but dragged us over the line for victory. A great effort and I was very grateful indeed.

I was also pleased to shake hands with all the players from Pool, especially those who had given me so much abuse while I was batting.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Guiseley CC 250-6 Rawdon CC 177

Saturday 24 May

A Manchester United style performance was required from the league leaders against our local rivals Guiseley; unfortunately we performed more like Leeds United.

As a few beers were planned for the evening RL hired the services of Macca to provide a lift to HQ, however with Macca’s choice of hardcore music, it felt as if I was already out on the town. We arrived to see the lonesome figure of Dave Pennant (“DP”), a former county representative, minor counties representative and a model in a Kwik Fit advert back in the early nineties. Much talk before the game had been about the potential to lose his model looks if he rubbed anybody up the wrong way. Before we even had chance to open the kit bag, shouts of “Rawdon Mercenaries” bellowed out while he set up his camcorder, the word on the street is he was making an audition tape for a part in the new Iceland advert with Kerry Katona. After all the whistling to the tunes of “Money, Money, Money” and “If I Was a Rich Man” DP won the toss and chose to bat.

Macca took the first over and found the edge off of Rossy first ball of the game, an easy catch straight to Steven at second slip, however he never looked like holding it and a single was taken. Steven took the first wicket getting his aussie mate out and followed up bowling Adam Waite thereafter. Macca finally had Rossy caught behind and at 50-3 we really had a chance to bowl Guiseley out cheaply. When a change was needed a change didn’t come and the score moved swiftly on. When the change did happen Doidgey came on at the bottom end and Rocky came on at the top end. Rocky did take a wicket with a wide long hop and Harry Potter soon came and went. Ian Chaplin had been batting well for the visitors and was close to 50 when the big hitting Ally Long came in. I didn’t see Gary Mcallister watching our game but he must have been there, taking notes on how to get your tactics totally wrong. The Guiseley batsman proceeded to smash the bowling to all parts and we let them, both batsman making 70 and DP making a few at the end.

As I was totally fuming at not getting a bowl in a score of 250-6 and having been asked by nearly everybody in the ground if I was injured I trundled off to get my tea, this paid dividends as I got a decent helping, and a seat was available too. I wasn’t joined for five minutes which gave me time to dream of future happiness either in the seconds so at least I would contribute to Rawdon CC or even better, an explanation on why I hadn’t been given a chuck.

Our reply started badly, the Guiseley bowlers and fielders must be financial advisors or stock brokers because all they talked about was money and I’m not talking about their coin collections either. I think they must be jealous or something. We were always behind the run rate and lost wickets at regular intervals. Stu Smith made 40 and Doidgey batted well for 39. RL was left stranded at 16 not out after Matty was yorked to give Guiseley 6 points. I thought that Guiseley were the better team on the day. The only criticism I would have of them is there behaviour on the field. Most of the team have now started to copy their captain; they run in and appeal for lbw’s from cover and square leg, hardly a good viewing position. Swearing and dissent is also disappointing to see when there are junior cricketers present. Hopefully improvements will be made for the return leg at Guiseley even if I’m there or not.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Burley CC 276-7 Rawdon CC 277-5

Saturday 17 May

A trip down to Burley always provides RL with a laugh or two and this trip was no exception.

Richard Brook won the toss and chose to bat first on what looked like a belter of a wicket. Just as we strided out to field the rain came, and it was that fine rain that soaks you through. Macca made an early breakthrough bowling Harrison for not many but Burley started to progress nicely with Nick and David Brook taking risks but also playing some nice shots. It would appear a change in the bowling might have been needed with the score 60-1 and hardly any life left in the ball, however this didn’t happen until the score was 90-1 when the ball was definitely dead. A double change brought no success and drinks were taken with Burley 157-1. Steve got another chance and responded with the wicket of Nick for 81. Doidgey was also successful in removing Burley’s overseas cricketer. Poor old Pete Smith had taken some hammer blows during the innings on his hands feet and finally his pride when he had to trundle off of the field of play because of his injuries; they now look more serious than we first thought so apologies for any piss taking Pete. Wickets then fell at regular times and a slog in the last five resulted in Burley making 276-7.

The tea gent and lady had their work cut out when RL approached the counter. A bigger plate was requested, a bigger plate was provided, stronger tea was also requested and stronger tea was provided. They were very accommodating and full marks to both.

The chase was on and Wilky and Jamie both played positive, Jamie was given out dubiously after he hit the ball into the ground first and Wilky just couldn’t soften his hands and popped up an easy catch. This brought in the tanned Simon Wilson and skipper Stu Smith. What unfolded was quite unbelievable to the naked eye, Willow took the Burley bowlers apart, and his innings had never been seen before in Rawdon colours, only for Hall Park and the Jesters.  Stu also clattered the ball to all parts of the ground. Willow was out on 73 and Doidgey tried to keep the rate going but unfortunately played on. Macca joined Stu and saw him get to a superb 101 before he was out and Steven walked to the middle. The lads kept up with the run rate meaning we needed 8 off of the last over, with Nick Brook bowling, Burley were obvious favourites. Macca had different ideas though and hit a 4 first ball and 1 next ball. Steven played and missed then got 1, Macca did the same meaning we needed 1 from the last ball. Steven hit the ball straight to a fielder who picked the ball up cleanly and threw it to Richard Brook. Macca would have been out by a mile if Richard hadn’t missed the ball completely and the 1 was scored for a famous Rawdon victory.

This victory puts us one point clear at the top of the league. Guiseley visit larkfield road next week and I’m sure it will be an interesting game in more ways than one.

For a review of the cup game please log onto http://www.thackleycc.co.uk/ , the whole day was too boring to write about.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 202-9 Otley CC 145-9

Saturday 3 May

The fourth game in the 2008 season was a visit from our old friends from Otley.

Stu lost the toss and we were asked to bat on what looked like a decent wicket on a scorching day.   

The Rawdon opening pair of Pickering and Wilkinson struggled against the new ball and Jamie was soon trapped lbw much to the disgust of his new girlfriend sitting on the sidelines. Dave Wilky didn’t edge his caught behind but walked anyway and Doidgey was judged lbw after middling the ball onto his pads, leaving us struggling on 38-3. Luckily Stu got away with a few wafts outside off stick and was starting to hit the ball nicely. He was supported well by Bodey and Steven. He was eventually caught out which allowed Macca to play a nice little cameo. Pete Smith rolled back the years scoring quick fire runs and even ran a four to place us on 202-9 after 50 overs.

Teatime was an interesting affair as per usual. I had been pleased with the way we had fought back to post a decent score. Unfortunately joy turned to anger. This time my anger was vented at the Otley supporters who instead of realising that they come to watch us and not the other way round, decided to block up the tea queue. Twenty minutes for tea isn’t very long and to knock another 5 minutes off while some old git tries to find his cheese salad is very annoying. I’m hoping the Guiseley fans will be more considerate but I doubt that very much.

Steven and Macca took the new ball and took a few overs to get in their stride. Macca soon struck and claimed two lbw’s in one over, Steven then picked up Sam Smith. A double change brought on RL and Doidgey. Doidgey started off badly and bowled some rubbish but soon found his line and length. RL bowled a decent line and length and was rewarded with a wicket. Stu had suggested Pete stand up to the stumps, something he has never done before. This suggestion paid dividends as Gary Thompson came down the track, missed the ball and lightening work from Pete resulted in a great stumping. Doidgey then claimed a victim and Steven came back on to get two more. At this stage Otley were eight down and Bob Atkinson had gone off to hospital. Unfortunately we couldn’t get a wicket before he came back but did as soon as he was padded up. However we couldn’t claim the last wicket in the last two overs and settled for five points which puts us up to second place.

Next week sees us travel down to Burley and on Sunday to Thackley in the cup.

You may have noticed the pictures from the Mathew Hoggard benefit evening last Tuesday. The best part of the night was the auction. Someone had successfully bid for two signed pictures of Kevin Sinfield. Jamie Jones Buchanan and Luke Burgess were also in attendance at the dinner so the purchaser asked if they would also sign the picture. The picture was wrapped in clear plastic film for its protection; not noticing this, the Rhinos stars signed the plastic film instead of the picture itself. A classic moment. If I ever hear Stevo say “clever play from Buchanan and Burgess” I’ll know it was a fluke really.    

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

  THE LINE UP AT MATT HOGGARDS   TESTIMONIAL DINNER AT RUDDING PARK HOTEL.

Collingham CC 89 Rawdon CC 91-3

Saturday 3 May

The third game in the 2008 season was a trip to the gin swillers of Collingham.

Stu won the toss and had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat on a greenish wicket. 

The Collingham openers started off very well and raced to 30-0 very quickly. Matt Green dropped a sharp chance and a skyer also bounced at Chris Bodens feet. It took something special for the first wicket. Duncan who had already hit the stumps with one direct hit did exactly the same again, this time the batsman was short of the crease and off he went.  The other opener went shortly after and a mini collapse resulted in Collingham being 38-3. RL and Doidgey perked up at this point. RL had been given a tip, Dingaan in the 3.05pm at Goodwood and the money was also down on Ibn Khaldoun in the 2000 Guineas at 3.25pm. More wickets fell and drinks were taken at 2.30pm with Collingham seven down. Unfortunately quite a lot of blocking resulted in minutes wasted and the 3.05pm passed us by. Apprentice contestant “PT” was informed he had been “fired”, after Macca splattered his stumps all over the place.

Doidgey sensing it was 3.10 decided to get on and take the last wicket. Full marks to Macca who bowled well and deserved his six wickets.

There was huge confusion at tea time. “Five items for £3.00” was repeatedly shouted to the players. This did seem a bit strange considering there was enough food there to feed fifteen teams. It was worth asking the question if the mini pork sausages constituted one item. The answer was “yes”, then the tea lady paused and thought how stupid the thought of five mini sausages for the cost of £3.00 would seem and she changed her mind and said “strictly yes, but it’s ok”. The teas were very good however, and may take some beating this season.

Our innings got off to a bad start, the luckless Matt Green got a golden duck but Stu came in and played some nice strokes. Collingham thought they would bring on a joke bowler with forty runs required. He started off with no balls, wides, half volleys and long hops. Stu must have felt sorry for him and smacked a long hop straight at him. Doidgey came in next hit a four first ball and also felt sorry for him; he managed to hit the ball to the only fielder on the leg side and was caught. Steven came in and he and David Wilkinson polished off the runs for victory. Wilky batted very well for 31 not out.

The best part of the day was obviously Macca showing his arse on the CCTV camera in response to a dare from Doidgey. Would love to know what the chap said when he reviewed the tape.

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Rawdon CC 167 Green Lane CC (“Lane”) 104

Saturday 26 April

The second game in the 2008 season was a local derby against Lane. They had impressed in a run chase against Collingham in the first round, just falling a few runs short.

Stu lost the toss and on a damp wicket it was no surprise to see us inserted. Our pre-match discussions were all about playing yourself in, playing straight and not going for big shots too early, batting 50 overs would be the key. However big shots followed, Matt Green fell to a very good close catch. If Jamie was listening to the brief it doesn’t look good for his exam revision this week, he had already forgotten what was said and tried to smash the ball for six and skied it instead only to be caught. Doidgey tried to drive early in his innings and played on, so at 40-3 it didn’t look good. Steven was promoted to six and along with Stu batted well putting on a nice partnership. Stu took advantage of the worst drop catch you will ever see from Steve Hargreaves. Macca and Wilky gave it a slap and RL was left stranded on 0 not out after Matty was stumped due to lack of experience.

A very good tea and plenty of it is allowed these days. With no new ball to worry about you can get stuck in.

Lane’s innings got off to a bad start, the luckless Hargreaves popped up a catch from a leg stump half volley from Macca and Steven trapped the other opener. The next wicket was pure class. RL had been prowling around the leg side for ten overs waiting for a bowl, checking out every plane that took off from the airport and every female walking through the park. The ball was stroked into the gap and “one” was the call, inexperience from the batsman as RL swooped picked up the ball one handed and hit the one stump he had to aim at. A new nickname for RL of “the panther” suggested by Doidgey brought a few laughs. A change in the bowling brought

Doidgey allowed Steven to come on and clean up. A good win and I was pleased for the team but not personally. With a lack of communication from team management a new promotion at work anticipated, RL has had enough and will hopefully be joining his fellow blogger Jim Hill in the seconds.

On the subject of Jim’s blog I understand someone from Steeton CC who incidentally the seconds hammered on Saturday has taken exception to his scripting and is threatening legal action. This seems a bit pathetic but has already set panic into Pod. Unfortunately the Jesters webmaster has turned down requests from Pod to remove previous blogs from Steeton games. I can’t see the judge taking this case seriously though and Pod is hardly Ian Hislop. However to avoid any future action against RL, I do have a disclaimer at the bottom of every posting from now on  

RL acts as agent of the Jesters CC and contracts strictly without personal liability

Beckwithshaw CC (“Becks”) 184-5 Rawdon CC 149

Saturday 19 April

The first game in the 2008 season against the carrot crunchers from Becks was certainly going to be a decent test. They led the table last season with two games to go and with the same team and a reasonable Australian import they looked to have a strong side.

The same couldn’t be said for Rawdon however. Top signing Steve Simpson’s mind imploded and demanded his release a week before the first game to enjoy the riches at East Bierley and former opening batsman Simon Wilson obtained a sexual related groin strain. Three changes from the expected starting eleven in the first game of the season set panic into the army of Rawdon supporters.

Warm up was very intense for the first game and there were quite a lot of us that blew up entering the home straight. Andrew Doidge took the session and I’m sure the benefits will be there as the season moves forward. In the old days RL used to make do with a can of coke, two Regal King Size and a fiver on the fruit machine, how times have changed.

Stu won the toss and chose to bowl, a sensible decision taking into consideration the pitch and the weather. Steven Duckworth our overseas decided he wanted RL’s end so RL had to make do with either opening from the top end or be a change bowler. Since RL “doesn’t do” the top end, Macca opened up, and for the first time in three seasons RL didn’t open the bowling for Rawdon.

Steven opened up and bowled quick and straight and he was rewarded with two wickets. Macca bowled a bit of a mixed bag but picked up one wicket with a good delivery. Doidgey came on and bowled some good and some bad deliveries and picked up a wicket with a half tracker. At drinks Becks were around 40-4. RL came on and bowled ok and entering the last ten overs Becks were 80-4. What happened in the last ten overs must be the same as what goes on inside Steve Simpson’s head. We absolutely went to pieces. Terrible bowling and fielding reminded RL of the few games we lost last year and needs addressing in the future. I must mention batsmen five and six for Becks, they played straight and played patiently and deserved their runs.

A busy tea time ensured that when RL got to the table nearly everything had gone. I think the spectators had a good feed though and as long as they are allowed to serve themselves first the players will be left with the scraps.

In reply our batsman seemed to get starts but gave their wickets away too easily and a lesson should be learnt from the Becks run scorers of how to have patience at the crease. Young Matty did bat well and looks to have a decent future if he can calm down a tad. Steven also looked good and must surely move up the order from nine for next week’s big derby against Green Lane.

The post match debrief was hardly a classic and Macca the family man sounded more like Gordon Brown explaining the scrapping of the 10% tax band when explaining his batting and bowling. Fortunately he gets cash in hand so it doesn’t affect him.