Guiseley 221-7 in 50 overs

Steeton 222-9 in 49.4 overs

What a fantastic game to start the season off at Nethermoor Park. Steeton skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss and Guiseley chose to bat first. An excellent opening blast by Josh Gill reduced Guiseley to 38-2 and Josh finished with 2 wickets for 24 runs from 6 overs with a catch by John Akrigg. A run out by Steve Pearson helped the cause but wickets were becoming harder to get. Jack Luxton (1-36) bowled well and also took a catch off the bowling of Steve Pearson (1-34) who bowled an excellent tight spell. Skipper Gary Boulton will ache tomorrow as he bowled 10 overs and collected 2 wickets for 59 runs with a second catch for John Akrigg. John Akrigg & Matt Nutter were awarded fielding points. After their poor start Guiseley finished strongly with a substantial total of 221 runs for the loss of 7 runs in their 50 overs.

Steeton’s reply began solidly with a opening partnership of 71 runs, between John Akrigg (19) and James Robinson, who deserved a half-century, but had to settle for a fine 46 runs scored from 61 deliveries with 9 boundaries. A shuttering of wickets put Steeton on the back-foot as they lost 5 wickets before reaching 100 runs. Making his debut Tom Winetroube steadied the innings as he contributed a solid 18 runs to a 31-run 6th wicket partnership. Two wickets in consecutive deliveries saw Steeton at 130 runs with 7 wickets down. Steve Pearson was steadily accruing runs as he shared a 19-run 8th wicket stand with Aatif Modak (12) and 27 runs for the 9th wicket with skipper Gary Boulton (9). When last man Josh Gill came in to join Steve the Steeton total was 176 runs for the loss of 9 wickets… the last pair at the crease 5½ overs to go and 46 runs required at 8½ runs per over. The odds were definitely stacked against Steeton! Steve Pearson played a remarkable innings as he increased the tempo and together with Josh Gill (8*) they knocked off the runs with 2 balls to spare…a memorable unbroken last wicket partnership of 46 runs. Steve finished with a heroic unbeaten 61* runs from 62 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. Steeton had scored 222 runs for the loss of 9 wicket in 49.4 overs. Steeton (18 points) beat Guiseley (8 points) by 1 wicket.

Steve Pearson is my Man-of-the-Match

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Bardsey 276-4 in 50 overs

Steeton 218 a/o in 49 overs

Steeton entertained visitors Bardsey at Summerhill Lane. Skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss and Bardsey chose to bat first on a fine sunny day. Wickets were hard won on a good track but pick of the bowlers was off-spinner Aatif Modak, who removed both opening batsmen and finished with 2 wickets for 53 runs from his 15 overs. The only other successful bowlers were Josh Gill (1-53) and Steve Pearson (1-58) with a catch taken by keeper Tom Wintroube. A number of catches were spilled and no fielding points were thought appropriate as Bardsey closed with a formidable 276-4 in their 50 overs.

In reply both Steeton openers made 24 runs apiece but were unable to convert good starts into sizeable contributions: John Akrigg scored 24 runs from 60 deliveries with 3 boundaries, whereas James Robinson scored his 24 runs from 15 deliveries with 5 boundaries. Despite a cameo 12 runs by Harris Rowlett, Steeton were struggling at 90 runs with their top 4 batsmen back in the tent. Cameron Knowles was joined by last week’s batting hero Steve Pearson and together they forged an impressive 89-run 5th wicket partnership. Cameron Knowles top scored with an excellent 65 runs scored from 76 balls with 7 boundaries and Steve Pearson scored 39 runs from 54 deliveries with 5 boundaries. Jack Luxton scored 10 runs but no-one else from the Steeton tail could manage double figures and Steeton were all out for 218 runs in 49 overs. Steeton (6 points) lost by Bardsey (20 points) by 58 runs.

Cameron Knowles is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Kirkstall Educational 59 a/o in 22 overs

Steeton 61-2 in 10.4 overs

Steeton travelled to the usually high-scoring ground at Kirkstall and when skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss were expecting a long toil in the field. Our opening bowlers had other thoughts and proceeded to rip through the Kirkstall batting line-up. Chief destroyer was Josh Gill who finished with a fabulous 6 wickets for 25 runs from his 11 overs with catches taken by keeper Tom Winetroube, Steve Pearson & James Robinson, who was awarded a fielding point. The other 11 overs were bowled by Steve Pearson, who took the remaining 4 wickets for just 19 runs. Steeton tucked into their packed lunches very early with Kirkstall Educational all out for a mere 59 runs in 22 overs.

In reply Steeton set about the meagre total with gusto and had surpassed the small target before 3:30pm. Opener James Robinson led the way with an unbeaten 27* runs scored from 33 deliveries with 6 boundaries. James shared an opening partnership of 19 runs with John Akrigg (7); a 2nd wicket partnership of 13 runs with Harris Rowlett (8); followed by an unbroken 3rd wicket partnership of 29 runs with Tom Winetroube (7*). Steeton scored 61 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 10.4 overs. Steeton (19 points) beat Kirkstall Educational (1 point) by 8 wickets.

Josh Gill is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 3 pt

Colton Institute 3 pt

Along with all the other fixtures in the division Steeton’s home fixture against Colton was a victim of the weather. Heavy overnight rain and into the morning meant this match was called off in the morning. Both sides collect 3 points

Steeton 132 a/o in 43.4 overs

Horsforth 100 a/o in 34.3 overs

Following heavy rain on Friday and wet overnight Horsforth’s ground along with most of the country was damp. When skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss Steeton were unsurprisingly asked to bat first. Opener James Robinson was again in good form as he registered 29 runs from 44 deliveries with 6 boundaries. James shared a good partnership with Chris Wademan making his 1st XI debut. Chris may have secured a regular 1st XI position as he top-scored with 41 runs from 51 deliveries with 7 boundaries. Batting was undoubtedly difficult but late knocks by Tom Wintroube (11) & Stephen Pearson (19) helped Steeton to a mediocre 132 runs all out in 43.4 overs.

In reply Ewan Johnston bowled a good opening spell and removed the first 2 wickets…Ewan finished with 2 wickets for 32 runs with a catch taken by Stephen Pearson. Debutant Chris Wademan bowled 8 tight overs that only conceded 17 runs and finished with 1 wicket caught by Cameron Knowles. The evergreen skipper Gary Boulton tore through the middle-order and finished  with 3 wickets for just 9 runs from 9 overs. The Horsforth tail-end was polished off by off-spinner Aatif Modak who finished with the best bowling figures of 4 wickets for 11 runs from 6.3 overs with catches taken by Harris Rowlett, John Akrigg and Gary Boulton as well as a return catch from his own bowling. Horsforth had been skittled for 100 all out in 34.3 overs. Steeton won by 32 runs and progress to the 2nd round of the Waddilove cup competition, where they will next play Bardsey at home on 6th June.

Chris Wademan & Aatif Modak are my Joint Men-of-the-Match

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Pool 134-2 in 32 overs

Steeton –

Steeton travelled to Pool with an unpromising weather forecast and when skipper Gary Boulton won the toss the decision to field first was not difficult. A 42-run opening stand was broken by Gary Boulton, who finished with 1 wicket for 28 runs from 7 overs courtesy of a catch by Cameron Knowles. Pool had progressed to 107 runs before losing their 2nd wicket to a catch taken by Stephen Pearson off the bowling of Chris Wademan (1-17). Unfortunately after 28.4 overs the predicted rain did arrive with Pool on 134 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. With no further play possible both sides settled for a rained off draw. To add to their 3 points each for a rained off fixture, Steeton collected a single bowling point and Pool had a single batting point – honours even!

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Steeton 39-2 in 14.4 overs

Follifoot

Steeton travelled the long journey to Rudding Park to play Follifoot following a week of almost constant rain. Follifoot won the toss and asked Steeton to bat first on a damp track. In the 15th over rain returned and the already sodden pitch was declared unfit to proceed. Steeton only managed to bat for 14.4 overs and were struggling with 2 wickets down on 39 runs runs when this match was abandoned. Opener James Robinson had scored 17 of those 39 runs. With the match abandoned Steeton collected 3 points whereas Follifoot collected 4 points.

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Horsforth Hall Park 115 a/o in 30.4 overs

Steeton 118-4 in 26 overs

Steeton hosted Horsforth Hall Park on a sunny day at Summerhill Lane. Steeton skipper Gary Boulton won the toss and asked Hall Park to bat first…hoping early dampness might help our bowlers while the wicket dried out during the day. With the ball Steve Pearson was devastating as he ripped into the Hall Park batting. Steve finished with a fantastic 6 wickets for 39 runs from his 15 overs with 2 catches taken by keeper Tom Wintroube, 2 catches taken by Chris Wademan and a single catch each for Jack Luxton & Luke Watson. Chris Wademan was awarded 2 league fielding points. Steve’s early work was completed by Matthew Nutter who swiftly polished off the tail and finished with 4 wickets for 53 runs from 10.4 overs, courtesy of a 3rd catch taken by keeper Tom Winetroube. Horsforth Hall Park had been summarily dispatched all out for just 115 runs in 30.4 overs.

In reply Steeton’s opener James Robinson posted a solid 32 runs to top-score. Cameron Knowles chipped in with 21 runs and the meagre target was finally passed by an unbroken partnership between Steve Pearson (25*) and Chris Wademan (17*). Steeton had scored briskly and finished early! Steeton had scored 118 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 26 overs. Steeton (18 points) beat Horsforth Hall Park (2 points) by 6 wickets

Stephen Pearson is my Man-of-the-Match

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Tong Park Esholt 231-5 in 50 overs

Steeton 205 a/o in 47.2 overs

Steeton travelled to Tong park Esholt and when skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss they were asked to field first on a hot sunny day. Both Tong Park openers were removed with a great opening blast by Steve Pearson, who finished with 2 wickets for 56 runs from 15 overs, including a return catch from his own bowling. Aatif Modak (1-39) bowled 15 miserly overs that only conceded 39 runs as he collected a single wicket. Matthew Nutter was the only other successful bowler as he collected 2 wickets for 46 runs from 8 overs with catches taken by Steve Pearson and Cameron Knowles. Steve Pearson and Chris Wademan were both awarded 2 fielding points each. Tong Park Esholt closed with a significant 231 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 50 overs.

Steeton’s reply was led by opener James Robinson, who deserved a half-century, but was bowled for 48 runs scored from 92 deliveries with 6 boundaries. James shared a good 58-run 2nd wicket partnership with Harris Rowlett, who contributed 23 runs from 68 deliveries with 3 boundaries. When James Robinson was out Steeton were teetering at 99 runs with 4 wickets down, but this brought together Steve Pearson & Matthew Nutter and together they forged an excellent 51-run 5th wicket partnership: Steve Pearson scoring a rapid 45 runs from just 34 deliveries with 1 six & 6 fours, while Matthew Nutter smashed 29 runs from 22 balls faced with 2 sixes & 3 fours. Chris Wademan chipped in with 14 runs and Tom Winetroube scored 10 runs but Steeton’s onslaught finished a tantalising 26 runs short of the Tong Park target. Steeton were all out for 205 runs in 47.2 overs. Steeton (6 points) lost to Tong park Esholt (20 points) by 26 runs.

Steve Pearson is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Bardsey 238-9 in 45 overs

Steeton 233-9 in 45 overs

Steeton entertain visitors Bardsey on a sultry day at Summerhill Lane. Skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss and Bardsey chose to bat first. A great opening burst by Jack Luxton helped reduce Bardsey to 45 runs with 3 wickets down and Jack finished with 2 wickets for 42 runs from 9 overs with a catch taken by keeper Tom Winetroube. The other opening batsman was removed by skipper Gary Boulton (1-20) also caught by keeper Tom Winetroube. For Bardsey Tom Franklin scored 108 runs and wickets became scarcer. Luke Watson (1-35) gave keeper Tom Winetroube a stumping and giving Tom a third wicket-keeping catch was Steve Pearson (1-27).  Pick of the bowlers however was Chris Wademan, who took 3 wickets (including Bardsey centurian Tom Franklin) for 57 runs from 8 overs with catches taken by Steve Pearson and Jack Luxton…both catchers were awarded fielding points. Steve Pearson also ran-out a further batter from the final ball of the innings. Helped along by 22 wides Bardsey closed with 238 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 45 overs.

In reply Steeton’s top-order all made solid starts that they were unable to capitalise on. James Robinson scored 29 runs from 30 deliveries with 5 boundaries; Jack Luxton chipped in with 10 runs: Harris Rowlett 14 runs; and Matthew Nutter 18 runs. Steeton were floundering on 81-4 until some stability was established by Cameron Knowles, who scored a fabulous unbeaten 73* runs from 86 deliveries with 7 boundaries. Cameron shared a 29-run 5th wickets stand with Steve Pearson, who contributed 11 runs; followed by a 28-run 6th wicket partnership with Chris Wademan, who contributed 20 runs; followed by a 22-run 7th wicket partnership with Tom Winetroube, who contributed 11 runs. Steeton were 160-7 when Cameron was joined by Luke Watson with 79 runs were still required. Together Cameron & Luke added 50 runs for the 8th wicket partnership before Luke was run-out for 13 runs trying to get Cameron back on strike. With the Bardsey target getting ever closer the required run rate was also climbing and the new batsmen were under run-pressure. Unfortunately for the 2nd match this weekend Steeton finished tantalisingly close the the target. Steeton finished with 233 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 45 overs. Steeton lost to Bardsey by a mere 5 runs and crash out of this year’s Waddilove cup.

Cameron Knowles is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Bingley Congs 144-6 in 20 overs

Steeton 145-2 in 17 overs

Steeton travelled to Bingley Congs for a dose of the bish-bash-bosh version of the game. Batting first Bingley Congs looked likely to post a formidable total thanks largely to opener Mohammed Adil who scored 61 runs. Stephen Pearson (2-27) took the first 2 wickets with a return catch off his own bowling and a catch pouched by James Robinson. Skipper Gary Boulton (1-14) bowled 4 tight overs and had a good low catch taken by Stephen Pearson on the long off boundary. Bingley Congs late charge looked to be about to set a challenging target, but was curtailed by the introduction of Luke Watson’s medium pace in-swing. Luke finished with fantastic figures of 2 overs which went for just 8 runs as he collected 3 wickets. All Luke’s wickets were caught on the boundary…the catchers being Chris Wademan & 2 catches by Jack Luxton. Bingley Congs closed with 144 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs…a required run rate of 7¼ runs per over.

Steeton’s reply began with James Robinson & Cameron Knowles, who put on 19 runs before Cameron (4) was well caught at point. Cameron was replaced by Steve Pearson and the running between the wicket became more daring. However they took one chance too many and a direct hit from the boundary was the undoing of James Robinson for 13 runs scored from 11 deliveries with 1 boundary. This brought Chris Wademan out to join Steve Pearson and together they compiled a match-winning unbroken 3rd wicket partnership of 124 runs…with frequent lost balls. Chris Wademan was the dominant hitter as he smashed 5 sixes & 4 fours in an unbeaten knock of 74* runs from a mere 42 deliveries. Almost as prolific was Steve Pearson, who smashed 2 sixes & 4 fours in an unbeaten 45* runs scored from 37 deliveries. Steeton had scored 145 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 17 overs to win by 8 wickets. Steeton have knocked Bingley Congs out of the Keighley T20 cup and progress through to the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Steve Pearson is my Man-of-the-Match

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New Rover 240-7 in 50 overs

Steeton 219 a/o in 47.2 overs

Steeton entertained the club riding high at the top of the division on a warm sunny day at Summerhill Lane. Skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss and New Rover chose to bat first – possibly after looking at Steeton’s recent record with run chases! Josh Gill (1-34) made the initial breakthrough with the New Rover score on 21 runs with a catch taken by Matthew Nutter. New Rover continued to build a solid base until the introduction of Luke Watson, whose in-swing removed the other opener and the No3 batsman. Luke was the pick of the bowlers with his 2 wickets only conceding 9 runs from a short spell of just 4 overs, with catches taken by keeper Tom Winetroube and Stephen Pearson. Skipper Gary Boulton brought himself on and he also was rewarded with 2 wickets at a cost of 32 runs from 7 overs, with a 2nd catch taken by Stephen Pearson. Stephen (1-51) was also involved in the next 2 dismissals: firstly he ran out a New Rover batter and then clean bowled another batsman. Stephen Pearson & Matthew Nutter were awarded fielding points. New Rover closed with 240 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. On a warm sunny day at Summerhill Lane this can prove to be not as substantial target as it may seem!

In reply Steeton had lost both of their opening batsmen with the score on 32 runs and only Tom Winetroube (16) reaching double figures. However a great 3rd wicket partnership swung the game back in Steeton’s favour. Matthew Nutter and Harris Rowlett added 77 rapid runs for the 3rd wicket. Having just reached his half-century Matthew was caught at slip for a swash-buckling 50 runs scored from 45 deliveries with 3 sixes & 6 fours, while Harris was well caught driving for 36 runs scored from 41 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Stephen Pearson (12) was caught in a very similar fashion to Harris as he drove hard but in the air. Steeton’s early advantage had vanished and New Rover looked in command apart from an enjoyable innings by Chris Wademan, which nearly wrenched the game back for Steeton. Chris despatched ball after ball into the neighbouring field (losing many of them) but was also losing his batting partners just as quickly! Chris played a fantastic innings of 71 runs scored from 75 deliveries with 5 sixes & 7 fours before also falling to a good catch on the boundary as he attempted a further maximum. Steeton were all out for 219 runs in 47.2 overs…once again so close but so far. Steeton (7 points) lost to New Rover (20 points) by 21 runs.

Chris Wademan was my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Steeton 110 a/o in 39.5 overs

Green Lane 111-2 in 14.2 overs

Steeton travelled to Nunroyd Park on a sunny day and when skipper Gary Boulton won the toss he confidently decided to bat first. Steeton were disappointing in their batting with no-one prepared to graft hard for runs. Opening batsman James Robinson top-scored with 39 runs scored from 60 deliveries with 1 six & 4 fours. Unfortunately only 2 other batsmen managed double figures: Stephen Pearson (13) & Luke Watson (12). Steeton were all out for a depressingly low 110 runs all out in 39.5 overs.

In reply Green Lane chased down the meagre Steeton target with gusto, but not before Steeton did manage to take a couple of wickets. The first wicket fell to skipper Gary Boulton (1-13) with a catch taken by Harris Rowlett. The second wicket fell to spinner Aatif Modak (1-25) courtesy of a stumping by keeper John Akrigg. Cameron Knowles was awarded a fielding point, as Green Lane scored 111 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in just 14.2 overs. Steeton (1 points) lost to Green Lane (19 points) by 8 wickets.

James Robinson is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Adel 283-7 in 50 overs

Steeton 211 a/o in 49 overs

Steeton skipper Gary Boulton won the toss at Steeton and asked Adel to bat first hoping that early moisture would help his bowlers and the pitch would dry into a batter’s paradise. Steeton struggled with the bowling with many of their front-line bowlers injured. Skipper Gary Boulton took the first 2 wickets and finished with 2 wickets for 55 runs from 9 overs with catches taken by Ewan Johnston and James Robinson. Chris Wademan also took 2 wickets for 42 runs from 5 overs with catches taken by Harris Rowlett & keeper John Akrigg. In all Steeton used 8 different bowlers but definitely the pick of the bowlers was Ewan Johnston, who bowled 12 overs and took 3 wickets for 69 runs (including the wicket of Adel centurian Tom Harrison, who scored 116 runs & had catches taken by Jack Luxton, Stephen Pearson as well as a second catch for Harris Rowlett. All Steeton’s wickets were caught and Harris Rowlett & Jack Luxton merited fielding points. Adel closed their innings with a formidable 283 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs.

In reply Steeton lost wickets more easily and dipped to 24 runs with 2 wickets down. A solid 42-run 3rd wicket partnership provided the much needed stability as James Robinson scored 40 runs and Cameron Knowles scored 37 runs. James Robinson top-scored with 40 runs from 48 deliveries, but when he departed Steeton were teetering at 72 runs with 5 wickets down. Jack Luxton chipped in with 19 runs but Steeton slumped to 125 runs with 8 wickets down and Adel must have felt that the end was nigh. They did not realise that Gary Boulton had just come out to join John Akrigg at the crease. Gary Boulton has scored almost 13,000 runs for Steeton and John Akrigg has scored almost 14,000 runs…so not only do they have over 100 years of combined experience they also have many thousands of runs! Together they added 56 runs for the 9th wicket partnership and despatched 4 sixes & 11 fours…equalling the club’s best 9th wicket partnership for league matches. John Akrigg departed for 31 runs scored from 29 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. Whereas Gary went on to add a further 30 runs for the last wicket partnership with Ewan Johnston (8*) and the skipper certainly deserved a half-century, but unfortunately he was stumped for a valiant 47 runs scored from just 38 deliveries with 3 sixes & 6 fours. Steeton scored scored 211 runs all out in 49 overs. Steeton (7 points) lost to Adel (20 points) by 72 runs

Gary Boulton is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Guiseley 126 a/o in 34.5 overs

Steeton 127-8 in 36.2 overs

Steeton skipper Gary Boulton won the toss and in a match reduced by rain to 37 overs per side asked Guiseley to bat first. Ewan Johnston removed both Guiseley openers and reduced them to 16-2 in the 6th over. Ewan finished with impressive figures of 2 wickets for 27 runs from 7 overs with catches taken by Harris Rowlett at fine-leg and keeper John Akrigg. Josh Gill (1-32) chipped in with a single wicket caught by Chris Wademan and helped bring Guiseley down to 3 wickets lost with just 35 runs on the board. Guiseley’s middle order was wiped out by off-spinner Aatif Modak, whose 10 overs only conceded 23 runs as he collected 3 wickets, with a catch at long-off nice taken by Luke Watson. Guiseley’s tail was promptly up-skittled by ever-dependable skipper Gary Boulton who finished with the best figures of 4 wickets for 43 runs from 8.5 overs with 2 fine catches taken Luke Watson as well as by keeper John Akrigg and one safely pouched at mid-off by Steve Pearson. With 3 boundary catches Luke Watson was awarded 2 fielding points along with one each for Chris Wademan & Matthew Nutter. Good bowling backed-up by good fielding meant Guiseley had been bowled all out for a below-par 126 runs in 34.5 overs. A great first half performance had given Steeton the advantage.

In reply Steeton were without our leading run-scorer opener James Robinson…and so it was Harris Rowlett and Aatif Modak who forged a 29-run opening partnership, before Aatif departed for 21 runs scored from 34 deliveries with 4 boundaries. The opening stand had scored almost a quarter of the required runs and gave Steeton the advantage…which was soon wrested back by Guiseley as Steeton slipped to 31 runs for 3 wickets. Chasing smaller totals can often be trickier than it looks from the boundary with batters subconsciously not prizing their wicket because the rest of the team will surely finish the job! Matthew Nutter (13) and Chris Wademan (10) both had cameo innings, but Steeton had slipped to 49-5 and then 68-7…Guiseley were now favourites to win, but it is almost unfair of Steeton that someone of the quality of John Akrigg comes in to bat at No8. John batted well but needed a partner, who he found in the unlikely guise of Josh Gill. Together John & Josh built a well-structured match-winning, unbroken 42-run 9th wicket partnership: Josh Gill scored an invaluable 12* runs not out from 23 deliveries with 1 boundary; while John Akrigg top-scored with a fantastic unbeaten 40* runs scored from 51 deliveries with 8 boundaries. Having very nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, Steeton managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat! Steeton scored 127 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 36.2 overs. Steeton (17 points) beat Guiseley (5 points) by 2 wickets with 4 balls to spare.

John Akrigg is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 193-9 in 46 overs

Bardsey 194-6 in 45.1 overs

Steeton skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss at Bardsey and was asked to bat first. Rain had reduced the fixture to 46-overs per side. Steeton began with a good good 30-run opening partnership between James Robinson and Aatif Modak (10) James scored a fine 46 runs from 68 deliveries with 8 boundaries, but when he departed Steeton were teetering at 72 runs with 4 wickets down. The innings was steadied by a great 66-run 5th wicket partnership between Matthew Nutter & Chris Wademan. Matthew Nutter’s batting looks like he is about to unleash an immense score and today was a step in the right direction as he top-scored with 60 runs scored from just 60 deliveries with 7 boundaries, before being stumped. In total 3 Steeton batsmen were out stumped. Chris Wademan’s contribution to the partnership was a solid 21 runs from 44 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Matthew Nutter went on to share a 32-run 7th wicket stand with John Akrigg, who finished with 20 runs scored from 30 deliveries with a single boundary. Steeton closed with substantial total of 193 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 46 overs.

In reply Steeton bowler Ewan Johnston (1-12) broke the opening partnership with the Bardsey total on just 26 runs with a catch taken by keeper John Akrigg. Bardsey consolidated and wickets became more scarce. Pick of the bowlers was opening bowler Josh Gill who took 2 wickets for 48 runs from 11 overs with a catch taken by Ewan Johnston. Ewan was awarded a fielding point along with Matthew Nutter. Skipper Gary Boulton also took 2 wickets for 66 runs from 12 overs and the only other wicket fell to spinner Aatif Modak (1-39). Bardsey paced their innings well and passed the Steeton target with 5 balls to spare. Bardsey scored 194 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 45.1 overs. Steeton (6 points) lost to Bardsey (19 points) by 4 wickets.

Matthew Nutter is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 180-4 in 20 overs

Cullingworth 91 a/o in 19.2 overs

Steeton played their second 20-over thrash of this season at Summerhill Lane welcoming visitors Cullingworth. Batting first Steeton’s innings was launched by a great 19-ball half-century  by Matthew Nutter – his 51 runs included 5 sixes & 4 fours. Matthew shared a 71-run opening partnership with James Robinson, who went on to score a rapid 65 runs from just 49 deliveries with 7 boundaries. James added 49 runs for the 2nd wicket with Chris Wademan, who contributed 24 runs 19 balls faced with 1 six & 2 fours. Cameron Knowles also scored 24 runs, but his 24* runs was unbeaten and came from 22 deliveries with 2 boundaries. Steeton closed their 20 overs with a mammoth 180 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.

In reply Steeton took wickets regularly the top-score for Cullingworth was just 16 runs and they hit no sixes. Pick of the bowlers was Jack Luxton, who took 3 wickets for 12 runs from 3 overs with catches taken by Matthew Nutter, keeper Cameron Knowles & Chris Wademan. Opening bowler Josh Gill (1-9) had a catch taken by keeper Cameron Knowles & his opening partner was Ewan Johnston (1-17) had a good running catch taken by James Robinson. Skipper Gary Boulton chipped in with 2 wickets for 19 runs with a catch taken by Matthew Nutter and a stumping by Cameron Knowles. Chris Wademan (1-6) also had a wicket stumped, in fact keeper Cameron Knowles was in great form as he finished with 5 victims: 2 stumpings and 3 catches! The innings was finished of by Harris Rowlett, who took 2 wicket in successive deliveries and so is on a hat-trick next time he gets to bowl! Harris took 2 wicket for 10 runs from 1.2 overs, with the last wicket being an athletic catch by none other than keeper Cameron Knowles. Cullingworth were all out for 91 runs in 19.2 overs to give Steeton an 89-run victory. Steeton are now into the Semi-finals of the Keighley T20 cup. Both semi-finals and also the final are played on the same day at Keighley’s Lawkholme Lane ground on Sunday 22nd August.

 Matthew Nutter, James Robinson, Jack Luxton & Cameron Knowles share my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Colton Institute 190 a/o in 45 overs

Steeton 104 a/o in 33.4 overs

Steeton traveled to Colton and started well with skipper Gary Boulton winning the toss and he asked Colton to bat first. Steeton’s opening bowlers took a wicket apiece as Colton were reduced to 37-2: Ewan Johnston (1-16) and Steve Pearson (1-26). Skipper Gary Boulton (1-) chipped in with a single wicket caught by Will Smith…but then it was the Matthew Nutter show! Matt has occasional golden spells with his bowling and today was yet another as he finished with a fabulous 7-wicket haul. Matt took 7 wickets for 61 runs from 14 overs with catches taken by keeper John Akrigg, two by Cameron Knowles and one each by Chris Wademan and Will Smith. Will Smith took 2 catches and was awarded 2 fielding points. Matt’s great bowling meant Colton Institute were all out for 190 runs in 45 overs. Advantage Steeton!

In reply Steeton quickly threw away any advantage they had wrought from the first innings…and were soon reduced to just 36 runs with their top 7 batsmen out – none managing to reach double figures. Total embarrassment was avoided by the combination of Luke Watson & John Akrigg, who combined to add 26 runs for the 8th wicket before Luke was clean bowled for 12 runs. Steeton then slipped to 71-9 before John Akrigg was joined by last-man Ewan Johnston for the best partnership of the Steeton innings. Together John & Ewan added 33 runs for the final wicket before Ewan finally departed having contributed 10 runs. The reliable John Akrigg had scored a commendable 31* runs not out from 57 deliveries including 3 boundaries. Steeton were all out for 104 runs in 33.4 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost to Colton Institute (18 points) by 86 runs

Matthew Nutter is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 190-6 in 50 overs

Pool 191-4 in 41.2 overs

Steeton lost by 6 wickets (FPs Matthew Nutter & Steve Pearson)

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Follifoot 222-9 in 44 overs

Steeton 140-6 in 33.4 overs

As the season draws towards a close Steeton entertained Follifoot at Summerhill Lane in dire need of some points to maintain their position in division 2. Rain reduced this match to a 44 overs each fixture. Skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss and Follifoot chose to bat first. Pick of the Steeton bowlers was opener pace bowler Josh Gill, who finished with 3 wickets for 60 runs from 13 overs with catches taken by Matthew Nutter and Gary Boulton, with Gary being awarded a fielding point for his catch. Gary Boulton also took 2 wickets for 58 runs from 11 overs, with a catch taken by Chris Wademan – Chris was also awarded a fielding point. Spinner Aatif Modak (1-32) and opening bowler Ewan Johnston (1-45) both had catches taken by keeper Cameron Knowles. Chris Wademan took 2 wickets for 14 runs from 3 overs with a catch taken by Aatif Modak as Follifoot closed with a sizeable total of 222 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 44 overs.

In reply Steeton were quickly put under pressure with 4 wickets down and only 34 runs on the board. The slide was stopped by a good 50-run 5th wicket partnership between Harris Rowlett and Chris Wademan: Harris scored a solid 31 runs from 62 deliveries with 5 boundaries; and Chris scored 34 runs from 51 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Chris Wademan then went on to share a fine 44-run 6th wicket partnership with Aatif Modak, who finished with 23* runs not out from 32 deliveries with 2 boundaries. In the 34th over the rains returned and when the players left the field Steeton were 26 runs behind the DLS par score. The weather did not allow Steeton back on and so they had scored 140 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 33.4 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost to Follifoot (17 points) by 26 runs (DLS).

Chris Wademan is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Horsforth Hall Park 306-6 in 50 overs

Steeton 108 a/o in 31.3 overs

Having dropped into the relegation zone last week it was probably not a good time to play an away fixture at the ground of the team currently 2nd in the league, Horsforth Hall Park. Skipper Gary Boulton won the toss and chose to field first. Hall Park had progressed to 74 runs before off-spinner Aatif Modak (1-41) broke the opening stand with a return catch off his own bowling. Hall Park had progressed to over 200 runs, but the next 2 wickets fell to Chris Wademan, who conceded 86 runs from his 13 overs, with catches taken by John Akrigg and keeper Cameron Knowles. Also claiming a brace of wickets was opener Josh Gill who removed Hall Park’s centurian Wilkinson (105) Josh took 2 wickets for 47 runs from 8 overs with catches taken by Aatif Modak and skipper Gary Boulton. The only other success came for Ewan Johnston (1-62) with a return catch from his own bowling. Ewan Johnston and Matt Nutter were both awarded fielding points, but Hall Park had amassed a considerable 306 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 50 overs.

Steeton’s reply once again began badly as they stuttered to 28 runs with both openers back in the tent and Harris Rowlett (11). Steeton’s slide was halted by a solid 42-run 3rd wicket partnership between James Robinson and Matthew Nutter. James Robinson top-scored with 29 runs scored from 41 runs with 5 boundaries while Matt Nutter scored 24 runs from 19 deliveries with 3 boundaries. From 70-3 Steeton lost another 6 wickets as they adding a further mere 5 runs. Once again the experience of John Akrigg coming in down the order was helpful as he shared a good 33-run last wicket partnership with Ewan Johnston. John Akrigg was the last man out for 23 runs scored from 34 deliveries with 3 boundaries, while Ewan Johnston once again showed his batting merits higher than 11th man, as he finished with an unbeaten 10* runs. Steeton were all out for a diminutive 108 runs in 31.3 overs. Steeton (3 points) lost to Horsforth Hall Park (20 points) by 198 runs.

Ewan Johnston is my Steeton man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 218-5 in 36 overs

Tong Park Esholt 216-5 in 30.5 overs (DLS)

Steeton entertained Tong Park Esholt at Summerhill Lane on a wet day with a poor weather forecast. Skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss and was asked to bat first. Before the match was able to start persistent rain reduced the fixture to a 36 overs per side match. Steeton’s batting was excellent with all the top batters making good contributions. A 32-run opening partnership was broken when James Robinson was run out for 17 runs scored from 19 balls with 3 boundaries. His opening partner was Simon Cox, who went on to share a 29-run 2nd wicket stand with Harris Rowlett before being caught behind for 19 runs from 39 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Harris Rowlett went on to share a 34-run 3rd wicket partnership with Chris Wademan before being clean bowled for 21 runs from 34 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Chris Wademan shared a 20-run 4th wicket stand with Stephen Pearson before being caught behind for 29 runs from 42 balls faced with 5 boundaries. Stephen Pearson top-scored with a fabulous unbeaten 52* runs not out from just 38 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. Stephen shared an excellent 48-run 5th wicket partnership with Luke Watson, who contributed 26 runs at a run a ball from 26 balls with 1 six & 3 fours. With the scoring rate accelerating well Stephen Pearson then shared an unbroken 6th wicket partnership with Jack Luxton, who contributed an unbeaten 26* runs not out from just 19 deliveries with 1 massive six & 2 fours. Steeton closed their innings with a formidable 218 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 36 overs. Tong Park would have to score consistently at over 6 runs per over to challenge the Steeton target.

Further rain meant another over lost and Duckworth-Lewis slightly amended the target to 216 runs in 35 overs. Steeton bowlers found wickets difficult to take and crucially were unable to control the run-rate. Jack Luxton (1-36) broke the opening partnership with a catch by Adam Hardwick, who was awarded 2 fielding points. Skipper Gary Boulton (1-37) chipped in with the 2nd wicket and off-spinner Aatif Modak (1-33) had a catch taken by Harris Rowlett. Tong Park were 95-3. Adam Hardwick (1-27) had a catch taken by Jack Luxton but Tong Park had now moved on to 173-4. Of the 7 bowlers used by Steeton only Stephen Pearson (1-27 from 9 overs) had a good economy-rate as he collected a single with a catch taken by Chris Wademan. Chris & Steve were both awarded fielding points. With 4 overs to spare Tong Park Esholt had scored 216 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 30-5 overs. Unfortunately Steeton (6 points) lost to Tong Park Esholt (17 points) by 5 wickets.

Stephen Pearson is my Steeton Man-of-the-match

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Cowling 48-9 in 15 overs

Steeton 54-0 in 4.4 overs

Sunday morning at 10:30am and rain meant this short-form of the game was made even shorter…both sides had only 15 overs. Cowling batted first and could only muster 48 runs against a strong Steeton bowling attack. Playing against his old club Josh Gill bowled 3 overs which only conceded 9 runs as he collected a single wicket caught by Harris Rowlett. His opening bowling partner was Ewan Johnston, who had 2 catches both taken by Stephen Pearson as his 3 overs went for 13 runs. Best bowling figures go to evergreen skipper Gary Boulton, who bowled 3 overs and took 3 wickets for 14 runs with catches taken by Harris Rowlett, Chris Wademan & James Robinson. For a T20 match, Luke Watson finished with remarkable figures of 2 overs, 1 maiden, 1 run & 2 wickets, including a catch taken by Chris Wademan. Cowling were out-played by a stronger Steeton side and could only muster 48 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 15 overs.

In reply Steeton set about the Cowling bowlers with gusto. Chris Wademan & James Robinson both scored unbeaten 26* runs. James Robinson scored his 26* runs not out from 13 deliveries with 5 boundaries: while Chris Wademan scored his 26* runs not out from 14 deliveries with 2 fours and 2 sixes…winning the match with a six into the car park & breaking a car’s windscreen. Steeton scored 54 runs without losing a single wicket in just 4.4 overs. Steeton beat Cowling by 10 wickets to progressed with ease into the Keighley T20 cup final which is played in the afternoon.

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Steeton 119-6 in 20 overs

Oxenhope 81 a/o in 16.4 overs

Steeton batted first in this T20 final and opener Matt Nutter added 52 runs for the second wicket with Chris Wademan: Matt Nutter scored 24 runs from 24 deliveries with 1 six; and Chris Wademan scored 32 runs from 28 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. The good scoring continued with Cameron Knowles scoring 17 runs from 17 balls with 2 boundaries; Stephen Pearson scoring 21 runs from 25 balls with a single boundary; and Harris Rowlett with 10 runs. At the end of their 20 overs Steeton had registered 119 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.

In reply Steeton realised that ‘pace-off’ was the way forward with Luke Watson & Aatif Modak coming to the fore. Luke Watson took 2 wickets for 17 runs from 4 overs with a catch taken by Matt Nutter; and off-spinner Aatif Modak had fantastic figures of 4 wickets for 18 runs from 4 overs with 2 catches taken by Luke Watson as well as further catches by Chris Wademan & keeper Cameron Knowles. There was a run out completed by keeper Cameron Knowles and the Oxenhope tail was mopped-up by Stephen Pearson, who took 3 wickets for 8 runs from 1.4 overs with a catch taken by Harris Rowlett. Oxenhope had been bowled all out for 81 runs in 16.4 overs. Steeton had dominated the match and beat Oxenhope by 38 runs to lift the Keighley T20 Cup.

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New Rover 208 a/o in 45.1 overs

Steeton 143 a/o in 42.4 overs

Steeton travelled to New Rover’s Richmond Oval ground on a sunny day. Skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss and ended up fielding first. Steeton’s opening fast bowlers were unable to make any breakthrough, but it was the ‘pace-off’ approach which prospered. Luke Watson bowled a fantastic 15 overs which conceded 52 runs as he successfully removed both opening batsmen, with a catch taken by Chris Wademan. Chris was awarded a fielding point. Skipper Gary Boulton took his 800th wicket for the Club as he finished with the best figures of 4 wickets for 41 runs from his 12 overs, with catches taken by Luke Watson & Ewan Johnston, who were both awarded fielding points. Along with a run out by Josh Gill, Stephen Pearson polished off the final 3 wickets for 17 runs from 4.1 overs, including a return catch from his own bowling. New Rover were all out for 208 runs in 45.1 overs.

In reply Steeton were not provided with the easy start that they had given New Rover. Opener Simon Cox grafted for 59 balls to score 16 runs with a single boundary before being run out…and when Harris Rowlett departed for 10 runs Steeton were 69 runs with 3 wickets down. Matt Nutter made scoring runs seem simpler, but was unable to convert a 28-run cameo into a sizeable contribution. Matt scored his 28 runs from 29 deliveries with 1 six & 4 fours. Stephen Pearson chipped in with 15 runs scored from 30 deliveries with 2 boundaries, but top-score went to a good knock by Chris Wademan, who scored an excellent 42 runs from 59 deliveries with 2 sixes & 4 fours. Chris was the last man out have lost his last 4 partners with 4 runs being the tail’s top score! Steeton were all out for 143 runs in 42.4 overs. Steeton (6 points) lost to New Rover (19 points) by 65 runs

Chris Wademan is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Green Lane 242-9 in 50 overs

Steeton 234 a/o in 49.3 overs

Steeton entertained Green Lane at Summerhill Lane on a good track and when skipper Gary Boulton lost the toss Green Lane had little hesitation in batting first. Steeton took their first 2 wickets through the bowling of opening bowler Ewan Johnston and had Green Lane at 50-2. Ewan finished with 3 wickets for 71 runs from 12 overs with catches taken by James Robinson, Matt Nutter & Simon Cox. Ewan Johnston also took a catch off the bowling of skipper Gary Boulton (1-28) and when Chris Wademan ran out another Green Lane batsman they were 87-4, but their opener Malik had reached his half-century. Chris Wademan & Matt Nutter were awarded fielding points. The gentle inswing of Luke Watson claimed the next 2 wickets as he finished with 2 wickets for 35 runs from 5 overs with catches taken by Stephen Pearson as well as return caught & bowled by Luke…Green Lane were 165-6 with Malik 86*. Stephen Pearson clean-bowled the next 2 batsmen as he finished with 2 wickets for 50 runs from his 13 overs….Malik had completed his century. Almost single-handedly Malik (134*) had dragged Green Lane to a sizeable total of 242 runs for the loss of 9 in their 50 overs.

In reply Steeton started badly as they slumped to 8 runs with 3 wickets down, but this was followed by a fabulous 128-run 4th wicket partnership between John Akrigg (77) and Stephen Pearson (70). John Akrigg scored his 77 runs from 103 deliveries with 11 boundaries; while Steve scored his 70 runs from 73 deliveries with 12 boundaries. Harris Rowlett chipped-in with a brisk 21 runs from 29 balls with 3 fours. The target was approaching fast, but Steeton were losing wickets. Batting late down the order Aatif Modak played an excellent innings of 32 runs not out scored from just 28 deliveries with 4 boundaries, but with the Green Lane target tantalisingly close he ran out of partners. Steeton finished with a valiant 234 runs all out in 49.3 overs. Steeton (9 points) lost to Green Lane (20 points) by a mere 8 runs.

Stephen Pearson is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton

Kirkstall Educational

This fixture was rescheduled from 17th July, when it was unable to be played because of a Covid-19 outbreak in the Kirkstall camp. Steeton welcomed Kirkstall Educational to Summerhill Lane on a warm sunny Sunday for a crucial bottom of the table clash, which would help decide who is demoted at the end of this season…Steeton were bottom and Kirkstall 3rd from the bottom before this match. Steeton won the toss and skipper Gary Boulton chose to bat first on a good track, believing ‘runs-on-the-board’ would add pressure onto the Kirkstall batting. Steeton began well with an excellent season’s best 76-run opening partnership – aided by some poor catching. The bulk of the scoring was due to fabulous half-century by James Robinson, who scored 59 runs from 65 deliveries with 9 boundaries before venturing down the track and being stumped. James shared the opening partnership with Simon Cox, who contributed a careful 17 runs. The next partnership was a brisk 63-run 3rd stand between John Akrigg and Matt Nutter. The bulk of the scoring in this partnership was by Matt Nutter, who scored 53 runs from a mere 27 deliveries with 5 sixes & 4 fours; while John Akrigg contributed 15 runs. Steeton had reached 155 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the 31st over, but the best was yet to come! The in-form Stephen Pearson was joined by Chris Wademan and together they smashed a thrilling 142 runs for an unbroken 5th wicket partnership in the remaining 19 overs and in doing so set a new club record stand for the 5th wicket. Stephen Pearson top-scored with an unbeaten 71* runs from just 59 deliveries with 12 boundaries; while Chris Wademan finished with an unbeaten 66* runs scored from just 61 deliveries with 6 sixes & 2 fours. If Steeton had batted like this throughout the season they would have been looking at promotion rather than fighting to avoid relegation! Steeton closed with a mammoth 297 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 50 overs.

Following his efforts with the bat Stephen Pearson opened the bowling and steamed-in to take the first 3 Kirkstall wickets as they were reduced to 46-3. Stephen finished with 3 wickets for 41 runs from 13 overs with a smart catch taken by Chris Wademan in the slips and a confident catch on the mid-wicket boundary by Ewan Johnston. Luke Watson (1-21) bowled a short spell which removed the remaining Kirkstall opening batsman courtesy of a simple catch pouched at mid-on by James Robinson. Skipper Gary Boulton brought himself on to ball with immediate success as he got out LBW Kirkstall’s top-scorer, Lamb (31), with just his 2nd delivery. Gary was unstoppable as he had 2 batters well caught in the slips by Chis Wademan, a catch popped-up to keeper John Akrigg and a well judged catch taken by Luke Watson at long-off…and finished with a fabulous 5-wicket haul. The evergreen Gary Boulton took 5 wickets for 35 runs from 9 overs. When Aatif Modak (1-13) clean-bowled the final batsman Steeton had won by a massive margin of 143 runs, having out-played Kirkstall in all departments: batting, bowling & fielding. Today’s fielding points were awarded to Chris Wademan and Steve Pearson. Kirkstall closed with 154 runs all out in 37.1 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Kirkstall Educational (4 points) by 143 runs and the 20 points gained mean Steeton have now moved out of the relegation zone. A performance like this next week will end the season on a great note.

Stephen Pearson is my Man-of-the-Match

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Adel 104 a/o in 42.3 overs

Steeton 107-3 in 24.5 overs

Steeton travelled to Adel’s Church Lane ground with their relegation worries slightly eased following good results last weekend, but still wary that if they did not perform today then either of the sides below them could still leapfrog them. Before this match Adel were 4th from the bottom and Steeton 3rd from the bottom. Skipper Gary Boulton and veteran John Akrigg have both declared this to be their final 1st XI match and wanted to leave in style! As skipper Gary won his final coin toss, he asked Adel to bat first. Steeton’s opening bowlers tore into the Adel top-order and quickly reduced them to 33 runs with 6 wickets down. Chief destroyer was Stephen Pearson, who finished with 3 wickets for 45 runs from 14 overs, including a return catch from his own bowling. His opening partner was Ewan Johnston who bowled 11 tight overs that only conceded 14 runs and took a single wicket. Skipper Gary Boulton brought himself on to bowl and took a wicket with his very first delivery, and finished with commendable figures of 4 wickets for 16 runs from his 8 overs, with two catches taken by keeper John Akrigg as well as catches by Adam Hardwick & Aatif Modak. Both Adam & Aatif were awarded fielding points. The final 2 wickets were collected by off-spinner Adam Hardwick, who took 2 wickets for 19 runs from 9.3 overs, including a smart take down the leg-side by keeper John Akrigg. Adel had been demolished for a below-par 104 runs all out in 42.3 overs.

In reply Steeton’s innings was anchored by opener Simon Cox, who played a traditional opener’s innings and faced 82 deliveries to score a steadfast 22* runs not out with 2 boundaries. With a solid batter at one end playing the ‘Boycott’ role a Steeton collapse was unlikely to happen and would allow his partners to bat more flamboyantly…but the runs would inevitably lead to Steeton victory. Simon shared an 52-run opening partnership with James Robinson, who top-scored with 37 runs scored from just 27 deliveries with 7 boundaries. Simon then shared a 24-run 3rd wicket partnership with Matt Nutter, who contributed the major proportion of the runs with 19 runs from just 9 deliveries with 1 six & 3 fours. As the Adel target approached Simon shared a match-winning 28-run unbroken 4th wicket stand with Chris Wademan, who contributed 19* runs not out from 20 deliveries with 1 six & 3 fours. Steeton had scored 107 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 24.5 overs. Steeton (19 points) beat Adel (1 point) by 7 wickets. Steeton’s Great Escape was complete and they leapfrogged 2 teams (including Adel) to finished a credit-worthy 8th in the division. A good season and a great final match celebration went late into the evening.

Gary Boulton is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Beckwithshaw 125-9 in 45 overs

Steeton 131-8 in 36.3 overs

Steeton skipper Paul Hardwick won the toss and asked visitors Beckwithshaw to bat first at Summerhill Lane. Our 2nd XI has a surfeit of bowling talent, but the pick of the Steeton bowlers today was Chris Wademan on debut and playing against his previous club. Chris took took first 3 Beckwithshaw wicket as they struggled to 24-3 and Chris finished with 3 wickets for 34 runs with catches taken by David Wynn, Simon Cox & Wilf Roberts. A brief economical spell from skipper Paul Hardwick saw him collect 2 wickets for 4 runs from 4 overs, with a catch taken by Luke Watson, who earned himself a fielding point. Luke (1-7) also bowled 4 tight overs. Adam Hardwick clean-bowled 2 victims for 25 runs from his 7 overs and Beckwithshaw’s top-scorer was run out by Will Smith. After their early set-backs Beckwithshaw had knuckled-down and managed to bat through their 45 overs losing 9 wickets and scored a below-par 125 runs.

Sometimes chasing a small total can prove more difficult than expected, but with a solid 50-run opening partnership Steeton looked to be cruising to an easy victory. The opening partners were Will Smith, who contributed 23 runs from 36 deliveries with 5 boundaries and Simon Cox, who contributed 32 runs from 41 deliveries with 6 boundaries. 50-1 soon became 55-3 with some cavalier batting. Despite a solid 15 runs by Wilf Roberts and 10 runs by debutant Chris Wademan Steeton kept losing rash wickets and the tide had turned in favour of Beckwithshaw as Steeton slid to 101 runs with 8 wickets down. Adam Hardwick provided some much needed stability with a careful unbeaten 21* runs scored from 61 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Adam was joined by David Wynn, who needed just 21 deliveries to hit his unbeaten 21* runs, which included 3 fours & a six to win the match! A much harder won victory than it should have been…but any victory is sweet! Steeton had scored 131 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 36.3 overs. Steeton (17 points) beat Beckwithshaw (6 points) by 2 wickets.

Adam Hardwick is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 282-9 in 45 overs

Bardsey 122 a/o in 32.5 overs

Steeton skipper Paul Hardwick lead our 2nd XI to Bardsey, who won the toss and asked Steeton to bat first. Steeton’s inning was built around a fantastic 131-run 3rd wicket partnership between opener Simon Cox, who scored an excellent 82 runs from 90 deliveries with 11 boundaries and Chris Wademan, who deserved a century but had to settle for a great 94 runs scored from 103 deliveries with 13 boundaries. Chris also shared a solid 78-run 5th wicket partnership with Adam Hardwick, who contributed a quick-fire 47 runs from just 25 deliveries with 3 sixes & 5 fours. Max Hibbert scored 20 runs from just 16 balls with a six & 1 four as Steeton finished with a daunting 282 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 45 overs.

In reply Bardsey’s batting was dissected by 2 excellent bowling performances. The first 3 wickets all fell to the metronomic opening bowler Ewan Johnston, who finished with 3 wickets all clean bowled for 30 runs from 7 overs. The best was yet to come as in-swing bowler Luke Watson took all the remaining 7 wickets. Luke finished with a great 7 wickets for 37 runs from 9.5 overs with catches taken by skipper Paul Hardwick, Chris Wademan & Simon Cox as well as a stumping by keeper Max Hibbert. Chris Wademan’s sharp slip catch earned him a Fielding Point and Adam Hardwick was awarded one as well. Bardsey were dismissed for 122 runs all out in 32.5 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Bardsey (5 points) by 160 runs.

My joint Men-of-the-Match are Luke Watson, Chris Wademan & Simon Cox

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Kirkstall Educational 171-7 in 45 overs

Steeton 174-6 in 36 overs

Steeton entertained Kirkstall Educational at Summerhill Lane and when skipper Paul Hardwick lost the toss Kirkstall unsurprisingly chose to bat first. The Kirkstall innings began cagily as tight opening bowling kept the scoring rate low, but wickets were hard to take. It was the introduction of skipper Paul Hardwick which brought the breakthrough and he removed both openers reducing Kirkstall to 37-2 after 17 overs. Paul finished with excellent figures of 4 wickets for 45 runs from 11 overs, with a catch taken by keeper Max Hibbert. Steeton used 7 different bowlers but only 2 other bowlers had any success: David Wynn took 1 wicket for 14 runs & Ewan Johnston took 1 wicket for 26 runs…both wickets courtesy of catches by keeper Max Hibbert. It is a shame Wicket keepers are not eligible for fielding points as Max also had a run out…but Tom Stead earned 2 fielding points as well as 1 each for Will Smith & Ewan Johnston. After their 45 overs Kirkstall Educational had scored a battling 171 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.

In reply Steeton had reached 32 runs before losing both openers in rapid succession – Will Smith departing with 14 runs. As Steeton’s assault faltered great middle-order stability was provided by Chris Wademan, who scored an outstanding 73 runs from 91 deliveries with 1 six & 12 fours. Chris shared a 38-run 3rd wicket partnership with Wilf Roberts, who contributed 18 runs; followed by 41-run 4th wicket partnership with Tom Stead, who contributed 15 runs; and finally a 51-runs 5th wicket partnership with Adam Hardwick, who contributed 12 runs. When Luke Watson smashed the winning boundary Steeton had scored 174 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 36 overs. Steeton (18 points) beat Kirkstall Educational (6 points) by 4 wickets.

Chris Wademan is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 3 pts

Alwoodley 3 pts

Steeton were due to play an inter-divisional match against Alwoodley, who are in a lower division. Unfortunately heavy rain meant this match was impossible and was promptly called off early. Both sides collect 3 points.

Horsforth 87-7 in 45 overs

Steeton 91-1 in 13.5 overs

Steeton skipper Paul Hardwick won the toss and asked Horsforth to bat first on a pitch that was damp from recent rain. Opening bowler David Wynn ripped through the Horsforth top order and reduced them to 18 runs with 4 wickets down. David finished with 4 wickets for just 9 runs from 9 overs with 2 catches to keeper Max Hibbert and 1 each for Wilf Roberts & Paul Hardwick. Paul Hardwick was awarded a fielding point as well as Will Smith. Horsforth batted slowly and all of the Steeton bowlers were very economical. The other successful bowlers were Adam Hardwick (1-18) with a catch by Simon Cox, Luke Watson (1-7) with a 2nd catch for skipper Paul Hardwick & James Nowell (1-15). After their 45 overs Horsforth had only managed 87 runs.

With further rain looking a distinct possibility Steeton set about the Horsforth bowling with one eye on the sky. Opener Simon Cox scored an unbeaten 25* runs from 34 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Simon shared an unbroken 88-run 2nd wicket partnership with Bradley Akrigg, who was playing his first game of the season. Bradley notched an unbeaten half-century…his 51* runs not out coming from just 43 deliveries with 1 six & 8 fours. Steeton had scored 91 runs for the loss of just 1 wicket in 13.5 overs. Steeton won by 9 wickets and progress to the 2nd round of the Birtwhistle cup competition, where they will next play away at Thackley on 6th June.

David Wynn and Bradley Akrigg are my joint Men-of-the-Match

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Horsforth 70-5 in 32 overs

Steeton –

Steeton were playing the same side that they had decimated in the cup match last weekend and so were praying for enough playing time among the showers to repeat the performance. Skipper Paul Hardwick got the first thing right by winning the toss and asking Horsforth to bat first again and the Steeton bowlers proceeded to begin dismantling the Horsforth batting. Pick of the bowlers was Ewan Johnston, who took 2 wickets for 7 runs from 7 overs, with a catch taken by Adam Hardwick. Also very economical was David Wynn, who took 1 wicket for 16 runs from 12 overs and Wilf Roberts, who took 1 wicket for 24 runs from 9 overs. A break for rain knocked 16 overs from the fixture. Shortly after skipper Paul Hardwick (1-20) had a catch taken by Ewan Johnston, Horsforth declared to make the match even overs despite only have 70 runs with 5 wickets down in 32 overs. Duckworth-Lewis revised the Horsforth total to be 76 runs, but the weather gods never gave Steeton a chance to go for the win. The match was called off and both sides had 3 points from the cancelled fixture, but Steeton also had 2 bowling bonus points.

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Horsforth Hall Park 186-9 in 45 overs

Steeton 104 a/o in 35.2 overs

Steeton were entertaining the top side in the division and after winning the toss Steeton skipper asked Hall Park to bat first on a green track. Opening bowler David Wynn got Steeton off to a great start with 2 wickets reducing Hall Park to 12 runs with 2 wickets down. David finished with 2 wickets for 22 runs from 7 overs, with both wickets caught by keeper Max Hibbert. Early in the match Will Smith fell awkwardly and was escorted to hospital with a sprained ankle. Will Smith would have been opening batting and is a useful bowler and keen fielder. Substitute fielder was James Nowell. Skipper Paul Hardwick brought himself on to bowl and claimed 3 wickets for 49 runs from 13 overs with an excellent driven catch in the covers by Ewan Johnston…a catch worthy of a fielding point but sadly overlooked. Ewan Johnston (1-39) was rewarded with a single wicket. Adam Hardwick ran out one of the Hall Park batsmen and when he was brought on to bowl he took 2 wickets for 39 runs from 11 overs with a comfortable catch safely pouched by Tom Stead and a great snatch taken at mid-off by Paul ‘The Claw’ Hardwick. Paul was rightly awarded a fielding point and for solid ground-fielding Luke Watson was awarded a further point. Hall Park closed with a six, which took their total to an excellent 186 runs for 9 wickets from their 45 overs.

Steeton reply began disjointedly without the services of usual opening batsman Will Smith and replacement opener Wilf Roberts only faced one delivery which crashed into his elbow and he retired hurt and shortly afterwards also visited Airedale hospital. Neither injured player returned and Steeton’s batting was reduced to 9 fit men. Replacement substitute opener was Tom Stead, who scored controlled 22 runs from 58 deliveries with 1 six & 1 four before falling to a spectacular catch on the long-off boundary. Tom shared a good 39-run 3rd wicket partnership with Luke Watson, who contributed 18 runs from 28 deliveries with 1 boundary. Steeton’s top-scorer was Max Hibbert, who scored 28 runs from 44 deliveries with 1 six & 2 fours. Max shared an excellent 46-run 6th wicket partnership with skipper Paul Hardwick, who was the last man out having scored 17 runs from 44 balls faced. Steeton were 104 runs with 8 wickets down – so all out – in 35.2 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost Horsforth Hall Park (19 points) by 82 runs.

Paul Hardwick is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Olicanian 157 a/o in 44.4 overs

Steeton 65 a/o in 26.4 overs

Steeton travelled to Olicanian on a warm day and with the pitch still drying they asked Olicanian to bat first when skipper Paul Hardwick won the toss. Steeton took 2 quick wickets with the Olicanian total on just 9 runs. Both of Steeton’s opening bowlers were successful: David Wynn took 2 wickets for 48 runs from 13 overs with a good catch taken by keeper Julian Higginson and Ewan Johnston (1-28) took a sharp return catch from his own bowling. When skipper Paul Hardwick brought himself on to bowl he was rewarded with 2 wickets for 24 runs from 12 overs with a fine catch a deep mid-wicket taken by Max Hibbert. Max also fielded quickly and threw in for Adam Hardwick to run out another Olicanian batter and earned a fielding point. Adam Hardwick finished with the best bowling figures of 4 wickets for 50 runs from 12.4 overs with catches taken by Jonathan Walshaw & Phil Barrett. Thanks largely to a controlled innings by their skipper James Hudson (55*) Olicanian had managed a good target of 157 runs all out in 44.4 overs.

Steeton’s reply was disastrous with 14 runs on the board and 3 of the top 4 batsmen back in the tent with ducks to their name. Max Hibbert scored 16 runs from 29 deliveries with 1 boundary and shared the only stand worth mentioning (22 runs for the 4th wicket) with top-scorer Phil Barrett, who scored 19 runs from 35 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Steeton lost their last 4 wickets without the scoreboard progressing and succumbed to 65 runs all out in 26.4 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost to Olicanian (18 points) by 92 runs.

Adam Hardwick is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Bolton Villas 188-7 in 45 overs

Steeton 189-5 in 40.5 overs

Steeton entertained Bolton Villas at Summerhill Lane on a hot sunny day on a track that looked to be laden with runs. Skipper Paul Hardwick lost the toss and Bolton Villas had little hesitation in deciding to bat first. After a slow start David Wynn made the initial breakthrough followed quickly by skipper Paul Hardwick and Bolton Villas was 27 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the 15th over. David Wynn also removed Bolton Villas top-scorer Chris Elsworth (52) courtesy of a catch by Phil Barrett running in from ‘cow-corner’. Phil Barrett was awarded a fielding point and David Wynn finished with 2 wickets for 37 runs from 13 overs. Skipper Paul Hardwick also picked-up 2 wickets from his 8 overs which conceded just 22 runs, with a catch taken by Wilf Roberts, which earned Wilf a fielding point. There was also a brace of wickets for Paul’s brother Adam Hardwick, who took 2 wickets for 30 runs from 8 overs, with a catch safely pouched by Ewan Johnston. Steeton’s bowlers all suffered with a number of difficult half-chances…all of which went to ground. The only other wicket to fall was a run-out by keeper Max Hibbert, as Bolton Villas closed with 188 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 45 overs.

Steeton’s reply was built around a series of solid partnerships: opener Simon Cox scored a good 31 runs from 64 deliveries with 5 boundaries and he shared a 29-run 2nd wicket with Wilf Roberts who contributed 26 runs scored from 60 balls with 4 boundaries. Top-scorer was Tom Stead, who deserved a half-century but had to settle for 45 runs from just 42 deliveries with 2 sixes & 5 fours. Tom shared a good 44-run 4th wicket partnership with Luke Watson, who contributed 17 runs from 17 deliveries with 1 six & 1 four. Tom Stead was out with Steeton on 141-5 in the 36th over and the required run rate already over 5 runs per over. Club President Phil Barrett went out to join Max Hibbert and together they dismantled the Bolton Villas bowling unit. Max scored an unbeaten 25* runs from 25 deliveries with 3 boundaries and Phil scored 23* runs not out from just 20 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Their unbroken 6th wicket partnership was 48 runs in just 5 overs as Steeton blazed past the Bolton Villas target with 4 overs to spare. Steeton finished with 189 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 40.5 overs. Steeton (18 points) beat Bolton Villas (6 points) by 5 wickets.

Tom Stead is my Man-of-the-Match

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Thackley 169 a/o in 36.5 overs

Steeton 170-1 in 36 overs

Steeton travelled to Thackley in the hope of a comfortable victory as they were facing 6th division opposition. Skipper Paul Hardwick lost the toss and Thackley chose to bat first on a warm, dry & humid day. Thackley had glimpses of class, but Steeton kept nipping out wickets. Jake Hill bowled an excellent opening burst and deserved more success than the 2 wickets that he took. Jake bowled 9 overs that conceded just 25 runs as he collected his 2 wickets courtesy of catches by Simon Cox & keeper John Akrigg. With more luck Ewan Johnston could also have had more flattering figures, but he closed with 3 wickets for 36 runs from 8.5 overs with a high catch on the long-on boundary taken by Paul ‘the Claw’ Hardwick. Ben Yeadon ripped-out the top of the middle-order batters and finished with 2 wickets both clean bowled for 22 runs from 5 overs. Archie Smith (1-24) took a wicket with his very first delivery and gave Paul Hardwick his second good catch. Paul rightly deserved a fielding point. Max Hibbert is proving a very useful bowler and having relinquished the keeping gloves to John Akrigg he bowled 4 overs which only conceded 9 runs as he collected 2 wickets, including a great return catch which was well worthy of a fielding point. Thackley finished with 169 runs all out in 36.5 overs.

In reply Steeton were led by opener Simon Cox who carried his bat throughout the innings and finished with an unbeaten 72* runs from 107 deliveries with 1 six & 10 fours. Simon shared a great 84-run opening partnership with John Akrigg, who contributed 40 runs from 56 deliveries with 1 six & 6 fours. Simon went on to share a match winning unbroken 2nd wicket stand of 86 runs with Archie Smith, who batted really well for his unbeaten 30* runs scored from 61 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Steeton had scored 170 runs for the loss of just 1 wicket in 36 overs to beat Thackley by 9 wickets. Steeton progress through to the quarter-final stage of the Birtwhistle cup, where they must travel to Bilton on 4th July.

Simon Cox is my Man-of-the-Match

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St Chad’s Broomfield 119 a/o in 31.4 overs

Steeton 120-0 in 23.2 overs

Steeton travelled to St Chad’s Broomfield expecting a close match from opposition just above themselves in the divisional league table. However Steeton out-performed St Chad’s in every department: bowling, fielding and batting. Skipper Paul Hardwick lost the toss and St Chad’s chose to bat first. A strong bowling attack collected wickets regularly and never allowed any partnerships to form. Pick of the bowlers was skipper Paul Hardwick who finished with 3 wickets for 18 runs from 8 overs…all clean-bowled! Both opening bowlers collected a brace of wickets apiece: David Wynn took 2 wickets for 32 runs from 10 overs with a catch taken by keeper Max Hibbert; and Ewan Johnston took 2 wickets for 36 runs from 7.4 overs also with a wicket-keeping catch by Max Hibbert. Wilf Roberts (1-30) was the only other bowler used. There was also 2 batsmen run-out both to good fielding: firstly Wilf Roberts fielded smartly and threw in for Max Hibbert to remove the bails and then Ewan Johnston had a direct hit from mid-wicket and the umpire also gave that out. Wilf Roberts and James Nowell were awarded fielding points. St Chad’s Broomfield had had a torrid time and were all out for 119 runs in 31.4 overs.

In reply Steeton were masterful. Openers John Akrigg and Simon Cox collected runs with consummate ease and Steeton did not lose a wicket in this minor run chase. Simon Cox continued his excellent recent form and finished with an unbeaten 58* runs not out from 70 deliveries with 1 six & 10 fours; while John Akrigg finished with an unbeaten 56* runs not out from 70 deliveries with 2 sixes & 10 fours. Steeton had scored 120 runs without losing a wicket in 23.2 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat St Chad’s Broomfield (1 point) by 10 wickets.

John Akrigg & Simon Cox are my  joint Men-of-the-Match

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Calverley St Wilfrid’s 151 a/o in 42.5 overs

Steeton 152-1 in 24.3 overs

Steeton were expecting a tough match as before this match we were 3rd in the division and Calverley were 4th. Steeton skipper Paul Hardwick won the toss and asked Calverley to bat first on a sunny day at Summerhill Lane. The Calverley innings was topped and tailed by David Wynn, who had the opening wicket caught by skipper Paul Hardwick and then finished off the tail with 2 caught & bowleds. David bowled 10.5 overs and finished with 3 wickets for 31 runs. Wilf Roberts bowled a sublime spell and was rewarded with 2 wickets for 24 runs from 7 overs, including a very fine edge through to keeper Max Roberts which the batsman very sportingly ‘walked’ for. The Hardwick brothers did the remainder of the damage: skipper Paul clean bowled 2 batsmen in an 11-over spell that only conceded 32 runs; and brother Adam took 3 wickets for 27 runs from 7 overs with a looped catch safely pouched at slip by Will Smith and a catch on the long-on boundary which Simon Cox made look nonchalantly easy. Archie Smith was awarded a fielding point, as Calverley St Wilfrid’s were bowled all out for a below par 151 runs in 42.5 overs.

In reply Steeton were again masterful…and ruthless on anything loose. Steeton passed the 100-run opening stand without loss in the 16th over. Simon Cox was the only batsman to fall after scoring 32 runs from 44 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. Simon shared a 105-run opening stand with Will Smith, who carried his bat through the innings. Will finished with a super 61* scored from 77  deliveries with 5 sixes and 6 fours. Will also went on to share an unbroken match-winning 47-run 2nd wicket partnership with Wilf Roberts, who contributed an unbeaten 16* runs scored from 28 balls faced with 2 boundaries. Steeton scored 152 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in 24.3 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Calverley St Wilfrid’s (3 points) by 9 wickets. As a result of this match Steeton went from 3rd place in the division into 2nd place, whereas Calverley went down from 4th place to 6th.

Will Smith is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 66 a/o in 24.2 overs

Addingham 68-6 in 24 overs

Addingham’s wicket was quite damp when Steeton arrived and with a warm day forecast it should dry out during the day. This meant batting first would be challenging, but should get easier as the day goes along and winning the toss was very important! Unfortunately skipper Paul Hardwick lost the toss and Steeton were given first use of the wicket. Steeton’s batting was a disaster as they slumped to 37 runs for the loss of 7 wickets with only Will Smith (12) managing double figures. A belligerent knock by David Wynn saved Steeton from scoring an embarrassingly low score, as he top-scored with 21 runs scored from 27 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Steeton were all out for a meagre 66 runs in 24.2 overs.

In reply Steeton came out all guns blazing knowing that the pitch was still not easy and they had a number of good bowlers to exploit the conditions. Steeton had Addingham wobbling as they lost their first 4 wickets with just 7 runs on the board…and they sensed an improbable victory. Skipper Paul Hardwick was the pick of the bowlers as he took a 5-wicket-haul and finished with 5 wickets for 34 runs from 11 overs with catches taken by keeper Max Hibbert, a great catch diving forward at square-leg by Ben Yeadon & a good catch at silly mid-on by Simon Cox. Ben Yeadon’s catch earned him a fielding point and the other recipients of fielding points were Wilf Roberts & Will Smith. Despite their early scare Addingham dug-in and the only other bowler to take a wicket was Josh Gill (1-11). Addingham scored 68 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 24 overs. Steeton (3 points) lost to Addingham (17 points) by 4 wickets.

Paul Hardwick is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Steeton 3pts

Beckwithshaw 3pts

Steeton travelled to Beckwithshaw in the rain and after watching it raining there for an hour it was decided to call off this match. Both sides collect 3 points.

Steeton 139-3 in 33 overs

Bilton

Steeton travelled to Bilton with a forecast that promised the prospect of heavy rain. Skipper Simon Cox lost the toss and was promptly asked to bat first. While Bilton are in the division above Steeton, they are in fact struggling at the bottom of that division, whereas Steeton are in the top-half of their division. Steeton’s battle orders were for all batsmen to make a reasonable contribution and not rely on the few…prize your wicket! Opener Will Smith made his contribution with a solid 18 runs scored from 33 deliveries with 1 six & 2 fours, but when he departed Steeton were 41 runs with 2 wickets down in the 10th over. Bradley Akrigg came in to join Wilf Roberts and together they compiled a great 76-run 3rd wicket partnership before Wilf was narrowly run out in the 30th over for 38 runs scored from 64 deliveries with 7 boundaries. Before the forecast rain arrived Bradley had completed his half-century and was poised to begin an assault on the Bilton bowling. Bradley was on 54* runs not out scored from 77 balls with 1 six & 5 fours and had already added a further 22 runs with Luke Watson (6*) before they were forced from the field by thunder and lightning…and then heavy rain. Steeton were on 139 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 33 overs and with wickets in the tent were hopeful of comfortably passing 200 runs in the remaining 12 overs. Steeton were confident that they would have been in a strong winning position if the weather had allowed this match to run its course.

The rain did not cease and the wicket became unplayable…and in fact was not even dry enough to be used for the bowl-out. Instead the practice nets were used and Steeton chose their 5 bowlers: James Nowell, Luke Watson, Ewan Johnston, Bradley Akrigg & David Wynn. With 2 hits out of 2 James Nowell got Steeton off to a flying start, but then although they came close only Ewan Johnston was able to hit the wickets. Steeton lost the bowl-out by 4 hits to 3 and are unfortunately out of this year’s Birtwhistle cup. Very sportingly the Bilton team bought a round of drinks for the Steeton team after the bowl-out…we wish them well in the next round.

Bradley Akrigg is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 207-9 in 45 overs

Bardsey 173 a/o in 41.5 overs

Steeton entertained Bardsey at Summerhill Lane – skipper Paul Hardwick lost the toss and was asked to bat first under leaden skies. Steeton began shakily as they slipped to 29 runs with 4 wickets down and only opener Simon Cox (20) managing double figures…Simon scored his 20 runs from 27 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Steeton’s slide was halted to a 29-run 5th wicket partnership between Adam Hardwick and Tom Stead, who contributed 20 runs from 29 deliveries with 5 boundaries. Adam went on to share a 43-run 6th wicket partnership with Max Hibbert, who contributed 14 runs as Steeton reached 101 runs with 6 wickets down. The best was yet to come though, as Adam was joined by Callum Lowe and together they compiled a fabulous 54-run 8th wicket partnership before Adam was run out for an excellent 68 runs from 104 deliveries with 1 six & 10 fours. Callum however was not finished and he went on to share an impressive 30-run 9th wicket partnership with James Nowell, who contributed an unbeaten 18* runs scored from just 10 deliveries with 2 sixes. Callum Lowe deserved a maiden half-century but was unfortunately caught out for a fantastic 41 runs scored from 46 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. After their shaky start Steeton were pleased to finish with a substantial 207 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 45 overs.

In reply Bardsey had lost both openers before the score was 26 runs…the first to a caught and bowled by Callum Lowe (1-11) and the second to a run out by Will Smith. Bardsey had some good stands, but Steeton kept chipping away wickets. Adam Hardwick took 2 wickets for 43 runs from 9 overs, with a catch by his brother Paul. There were a single wicket each for skipper Paul Hardwick (1-36) and Wilf Roberts (1-42) courtesy of a catch by Simon Cox as well as another run out…this time by James Nowell. But the pick of the bowlers was Ben Yeadon, who took 3 wickets for 29 runs from 9.5 overs, with catches taken by Adam Hardwick, Will Smith & Wilf Roberts. Adam Hardwick dislocated his finger taking his catch, but it was re-located by a helpful Bardsey supporter. The fielding points went to Will Smith, Simon Cox & Tom Stead. Tight bowling by skipper Paul Hardwick & Ben Yeadon raised the required run-rate and this brought wicket at the end of the innings. Bardsey were bowled out for 173 runs in 41.5 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Bardsey (7 points) by 34 runs.

Adam Hardwick is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Kirkstall Educational 215-5 in 45 overs

Steeton 106 a/o in 33 overs

Steeton travelled to Kirkstall’s Field of Dreams with a side bolstered by some 1st XI players (the 1st XI game against Kirkstall having been postponed due to a covid-19 outbreak in the Kirkstall camp). On a scorching hot day whoever won the toss would surely bat first and make the opposition toil in the heat. Unfortunately skipper Paul Hardwick did lose the toss and Steeton were indeed asked to field first. Opener David Wynn (1-24) nipped out Kirkstall’s skipper early and Kirkstall were 20-1…and they had reached 45-2 when Ben Yeadon (1-41) clean bowled the other opening batsman. Kirkstall then began to score resolutely and were more determined as they believed themselves to be a ‘proper’ 2nd XI taking on a side with several 1st XI ‘ringers’. Adam Hardwick (1-45) had a catch taken at point by David Wynn, but the best bowling figures went to 1st XI skipper Gary Boulton, who took 2 wickets for 40 runs from 9 overs. David Wynn & Jack Luxton were awarded fielding points as Kirkstall Educational closed with a good total of 215 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 45 overs. Kirkstall’s Field of Dreams is generally a high-scoring ground so Steeton were confident that 215 runs was an attainable target.

In reply Steeton lost both openers early and crashed to 19-2…Jack Luxton (4) being unluckily run out backing-up as a driven straight shot flicked the bowlers finger and the ball crashed into the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Steeton’s only partnership of any note was the 34-run 3rd wicket stand between Harris Rowlett (23) and Cameron Knowles, who also scored 23 runs. Harris scored his 23 runs from 32 deliveries with 3 boundaries, whereas Cameron scored his 23 runs from 45 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Disappointingly the only other batsman to manage double figures was Adam Hardwick (14). Steeton crashed to 106 runs all out in 33 overs. Steeton (3 points) lost to Kirkstall Educational (20 points) by 109 runs.

 Adam Hardwick is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Horsforth 213-8 in 45 overs

Steeton 112 a/o in 43.2 overs

Steeton lost by 101 runs

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Steeton 120-9 in 30 overs

Horsforth Hall Park 121-3 in 26 overs

Steeton travelled to top-of-the-league Horsforth Hall Park with a number of enforced replacements. Rain repeatedly delayed the start of the match until it was reduced to a 30 overs per side fixture. Stand-in Skipper Adam Hardwick lost the toss and Hall Park asked Steeton to bat first. Playing his first match of the season opener Chris Luxton was in excellent form as he top-scored with 43 runs from 53 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Chris was unfortunately caught out on the boundary from the first ball after a further rain delay. Chris shared an excellent 55-run 2nd wicket partnership with Wilf Roberts, who contributed 30 runs from 54 deliveries with 3 boundaries. As Steeton tried to increase the scoring rate David Wynn scored 20 runs from 27 deliveries with 4 boundaries, and Jake Hill scored an unbeaten 10* runs, but Steeton lost wickets regularly and the run-rate stalled rather than increased. Steeton finished with 120 runs for the loss of 9 wickets from their 30 overs.

In reply Horsforth Hall Park’s opening partnership was broken on 53 runs by Jack Luxton (1-22), who bowled a rapid fiery spell. Jack’s wicket came courtesy of an excellent full-length diving catch at third man by Jake Hill, which rightly earned Jake 2 fielding points. A smart pick and throw from mid-wicket by debutant Nathan Joseph allowed stand-in wicket-keeper Phil Barrett to run-out their 2nd wicket. The only other wicket that Steeton were able to take was a stumping by keeper Phil Barrett off the spin-bowling of James Nowell (1-13). Hall Park scored 121 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 26 overs to win with 4 overs to spare. Steeton (2 points) lost to Horsforth Hall Park (19 points) by 7 wickets.

Chris Luxton is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Olicanian 197 a/o in 44.1 overs

Steeton 196 a/o in 45 overs

Steeton entertained Olicanian at Summerhill Lane hoping to finish the season strongly. Skipper Luke Watson lost the toss and Olicanian decided to bat first. A fiery opening spell by Jack Luxton claimed both Olicanian opening batsmen with just 4 runs on the board. Jack Luxton was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with 3 wickets all clean bowled for 55 runs from 12 overs. Fielding points to Jack Luxton and Nathan Joseph. Off-spinner Adam Hardwick had catches safely taken James Nowell and skipper Luke Watson as he finished with 2 wickets for 47 runs from 11 overs. Ben Yeadon (1-21) had an excellent catch at point by youngster Nathan Johnston. As well as his catch Nathan also fielded really well and was rightly awarded a fielding point. Steeton had two run outs in the middle of the innings: first a great fast throw in by Jack Luxton and then an easier effort for Ben Yeadon to throw in to keeper Max Hibbert. Jack’s fielding earned him a fielding point. Skipper Luke Watson took 2 wickets for 32 runs from 6.1 overs including Olicanian’s top-scorer Ijaz, who had smashed 61 runs from just 38 balls. Olicanian closed with 197 runs all out from 44.1 overs.

In reply Steeton had an excellent 2nd wicket partnership between Chris Luxton & Adam Hardwick: Chris scored  27 runs from 37 deliveries with 5 boundaries, before being bizarrely run out; while Adam contributed 21 runs from 54 deliveries with 4 boundaries. When Adam departed clean bowled Steeton were 53-3. Steeton’s good scoring continued with an even better 68-run 4th wicket partnership between skipper Luke Watson and Alex Howarth, who contributed a fine 45 runs scored from 53 balls with 2 six & 5 fours. The match was seesawing in both directions with Steeton in command before losing wickets to put Olicanian in command…a close finish was on the cards! Skipper Luke Watson continued his good batting as he added a further 50 runs for the 6th wicket with Phil Barrett, who contributed 16 runs from 25 deliveries with 1 boundary. When Phil departed Steeton were 172-6 and still slight favourites as Luke Watson was still at the crease. Steeton went into the final over with 8 wickets down and 4 runs required to win and the incoming batsman Ben Yeadon on strike. Ben took a couple of deliveries but sneaked a single to get Luke onto strike…nail-biting but just one lusty blow needed. Unfortunately after a fantastic captain’s knock Luke Watson was caught-out on the mid-wicket boundary having scored a great 64 runs from 70 deliveries with 1 six & 7 fours. New batsman was youngster Nathan Joseph who came in to face the final ball of the match. 2 runs would win in for Steeton a single would mean a tie! Nathan made good contact with the ball, but sadly it went back to the bowler and despite a dive he was run out. After a very close match Steeton finished with 196 runs all out in 45 overs. Steeton (9 points) lost to Olicanian (19 points) by 1 run.

Luke Watson is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Bolton Villas 272 a/o in 41 overs

Steeton

Steeton travelled to Bolton Villas ground on All Alone Lane with a terrible weather forecast and little hope of playing any cricket at all. Steeton knocked-up before the game in fine weather, but as the start time arrived so did the rain. The start was delayed and the match reduced to 41 overs per innings. Skipper Paul Hardwick won the toss and asked Bolton Villas to bat first. Steeton got off to a perfect start with a wicket from the very first delivery…bowled Jake Hill well-caught at point by Will Smith. Jake Hill finished with 2 wickets for 39 runs from 9 overs. Before long Bolton Villas were 5-2 and teetering at 41-4. Bolton Villas skipper Daniel Bell began to dispatch six after six into the adjoining gardens and finished with a 141 runs. He was well caught by Archie Smith on the square-leg boundary off the bowling of David Wynn. David is injured and bowling at ¾ pace, but he still collected 3 wickets for 84 runs from 12 overs, with a further catch pouched at long-off by skipper Paul Hardwick. The pick of the bowlers with a fantastic 5-wicket haul was undoubtedly Ben Yeadon. Ben took 5 wickets for 53 runs from 11 overs with 3 catches taken by keeper Max Hibbert as well as outfield catches taken by Will Smith and James Nowell. James Nowell was awarded a fielding point. Bolton Villas closed with a formidable 272 runs all out off the last ball of their 41 overs. Steeton had collected maximum bowling points and Bolton Villas had collected maximum batting points.

During the tea break the heavens opened and a torrential downpour ensued. No further play was possible and the match was abandoned with honours even. Steeton (8 points) had a rain affected draw with Bolton Villas (8 points)

Ben Yeadon is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 187 a/o in 39.5 overs

Alwoodley 165-9 in 27.4 overs

This match was originally scheduled to be played on 24 July, but Steeton had too many people unable to play due to covid-19 and was rearranged for 22nd August. Rain played a major role in this inter-divisional fixture, with overs lost before the start of play and during both the first and second innings. Duckworth-Lewis played a major part in deciding the result. Skipper Adam Hardwick lost the toss and Alwoodley asked Steeton to bat first. The match had already lost 3 overs per side before it got started. Steeton began badly with both openers back in the tent and just 6 runs on the board. Skipper Adam Hardwick added a solid 80 runs for the 3rd wicket with Jack Luxton, before Adam was well caught and bowled for 41 runs scored from 67 deliveries with 1 six & 6 fours. Jack Luxton added a further 29 runs for the 4th wicket with Will Smith before he was out caught for a good half-century…Jack’s 51 runs came for 67 deliveries with 3 sixes & 3 fours. Will Smith scored 19 runs from 35 deliveries with 1 six & 1 four and shared a 15-run 5th wicket partnership with Max Hibbert, who contributed 14 runs from 16 deliveries with 2 boundaries; and Will Smith then went on to share 32-run 6th wicket partnership with Phil Barrett, who contributed 23 runs from just 19 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Steeton’s tail did not wag and we were all out for 187 runs in 39.5 overs.

Rain in the tea interval and further bouts of rain meant Alwoodley were chasing 163 runs in 31 overs according to Duckworth-Lewis. This game ebbed and flowed and it was difficult to predict who would eventually come out on top. An opening blast by Jack Luxton was rapid and fiery, but was only rewarded by 2 wickets for 49 runs from 7 overs with an unbelievably good catch taken by James Nowell. The ball was hit high into the rainy sky and James ran back to take a memorable catch over his shoulder and was rewarded by 2x fielding points. David Wynn bowled 6.4 overs which went for 39 runs as he collected 2 wickets with a well-judged catch in the slips by Phil Barrett and another good catch on the backward square boundary by Jack Luxton. Phil Barrett’s slip catch earned him a fielding point. Ben Yeadon (1-31) picked-up a single wicket and a throw by James Nowell to keeper Max Hibbert accounted for another batter. Pick of the bowlers however was skipper Adam Hardwick, who took 3 wickets for 21 runs from 7 overs with a catch taken by keeper Max Hibbert. With rain threatening another return, Steeton had Alwoodley 9 wickets down and 12 runs still required, but under great pressure they held on to win. Alwoodley had scored 165 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 27.4 overs. Steeton (8 points) lost to Alwoodley (19 points) by 1 wicket.

Adam Hardwick is my Steeton man-of-the-Match

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St Chad’s Broomfield 154 a/o in 44.4 overs

Steeton 155-2 in 39.3 overs

Steeton entertained St Chad’s at Summerhill Lane on a warm sunny day. Skipper Paul Hardwick lost the toss and St Chad’s chose to bat first to give the rest of their team time to arrive. David Wynn accounted for 3 of the top 4 batsmen as his 13 overs only went for 29 runs as he collected his 3 wickets, including a fine catch by Paul Hardwick and an excellent stumping by keeper Max Hibbert. Paul Hardwick was awarded 2 fielding points. Opening bowler Jake Hill bowled 2 spells with wickets in each, and finished with 2 wickets for 37 runs from his 13 overs with a good catch by James Nowell. James’s fielding deserved a fielding point but was grievously overlooked. Nathan Joseph fielded well and threw in for keeper Max Hibbert to run out another batter…and rightly Nathan was awarded a fielding point. Archie Smith (1-10) chipped in with a single wicket, but Adam Hardwick mopped-up the tail with 3 wickets for 43 runs from 10.4 overs finishing with another smart stumping by keeper Max Hibbert. St Chad’s had scored 154 runs all out in 44.4 overs.

In reply Steeton made full use of an excellent wicket. With the score on 43 runs opening batsman Archie Smith was unfortunately run out for 15 runs scored from 22 deliveries with 3 boundaries. His opening partner was Adam Hardwick, who went on to share a fabulous 107-run 2nd wicket partnership with the veteran Robert Wynn. With the game all-but-won Robert was bowled out for a good 42 runs from 89 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Adam Hardwick however ‘carried his bat’ and was unbeaten with a great 87* runs not out from 120 deliveries with 1 six & 17 fours. The winning runs were scored by Max Hibbert (2*) with a cheeky scoop shot past the keeper! Steeton had scored 155 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 39.3 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat St Chad’s Broomfield (4 points) by 8 wickets.

Adam Hardwick is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Calverley St Wilfrids 217-9 in 45 overs

Steeton 204-9 in 45 overs

Steeton travelled to Calverley’s Victoria Park ground for the penultimate game of the season. Skipper Paul Hardwick won the toss and chose to field first. Before making the initial breakthrough Steeton had given both openers a ‘life’ but then wickets started to fall more easily. Pick of the bowlers was Jack Luxton, who with more luck could have had better figures, but finished with 3 wickets for 63 runs from his 13 overs, with 2 good catches taken by keeper Max Hibbert and a great low catch on the long-off boundary taken by skipper Paul Hardwick. Paul’s great catch definitely deserved a fielding point, but strangely went unrewarded. Jack opened the bowling with Jake Hill, who collected 2 wickets for 28 runs from 6 overs with a sharp low catch taken by Phil Barrett at mid-wicket…again overlooked when fielding points were allotted. David Wynn is returning to full match fitness and he bowled 12 good overs which conceded 53 runs as he collected 2 wickets with catches safely pouched by James Nowell and also by his father Robert Wynn. Most economical bowler was off-spinner Adam Hardwick who took a single wicket for 47 runs from his 13 overs. Skipper Paul Hardwick (1-5) also tested his shoulder for 1 over and clean-bowled Calverley’s top-scorer Holah (79). Nathan Joseph fielded well and deserved his fielding point. Calverley closed with 217 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 45 overs.

Steeton’s reply was built around a fantastic innings by opener Adam Hardwick. Adam struggled to find partners, but shared an excellent 52-run 3rd wicket partnership with Jack Luxton, who contributed 28 runs from 31 deliveries with 2 sixes & 2 fours. When Jack was caught Steeton slumped to 93-6, before Adam was joined by his brother skipper Paul. Together they added a sensational 73 runs for the 7th wicket with Paul contributing 31 runs from 49 deliveries with 5 boundaries. As the target grew nearer & Adam was also nearing a century, but wickets were tumbling. After a valiant effort Steeton and Adam fell just short of what would have been a remarkable finish. Adam Hardwick had carried his bat and deserved a century, but had to settle for an unbeaten 98* runs scored from 116 deliveries with 4 sixes & 12 fours. Steeton finished with 204 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 45 overs. Steeton (9 points) lost to Calverley (19 points) by 13 runs.

Adam Hardwick is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Addingham 127 a/o in 37.4 overs

Steeton 128-3 in 23.2 overs

Steeton entertained Addingham at Summerhill Lane for the last match of this season. Neither side really had anything to play for (neither sides would be promoted nor relegated), except Steeton wanted to remove the scars from a poor performance in the away fixture earlier in the season. Skipper Paul Hardwick won the toss and asked Addingham to bat first. An obdurate opening partnership was finally broken by David Wynn, who finished the season with excellent figures of 3 wickets for 20 runs from 13 overs with a catch and a stumping by Max Hibbert as well as a good catch at square-leg by Nathan Joseph, which earned him a fielding point (and a share of the club’s fielding trophy). A further fielding point went to Jake Hill, who had some excellent stops in the covers. The best bowling figures, however went to Bradley Akrigg, who took his first wicket of the season with only his 2nd delivery. Bradley finished with an excellent 4 wickets for 24 runs from 9.4 overs…and will ache tomorrow. Bradley had 2 catches from edges taken by keeper Max Hibbert and by Phil Barrett in the slips. Off-spinner James Nowell took 2 wickets for 27 runs with a comfortable catch taken Bradley Akrigg and a single-handed grab at backward point by David Wynn. Jake Hill (1-29) bowled well and was rewarded by a single wicket clean-bowled. Addingham had been dismissed all out for 127 runs in 37.4 overs.

In reply Steeton sent out the experienced pairing of Robert Wynn & Alex Howarth…115 years of experience with over 15,000 Steeton runs and 5 centuries between them. This opening duo quickly took away any hopes Addingham may have had in this match. Alex Howarth took the lead as he crashed 3 sixes & 14 fours in a score of 81 runs from just 61 deliveries before being the first man out caught behind. The opening partnership was 112 runs in the 17th over, leaving Steeton only needing a further 16 runs for victory! After Bradley Akrigg (6*) smashed a big six to complete the impressive victory, Robert Wynn came off to warm applause having ‘carried his bat’ with an unbeaten 34* runs scored from 59 deliveries with 7 boundaries. Steeton had their revenge as they scored 128 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 23.2 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Addingham (3 points) by 7 wickets. Steeton finish the season in an impressive 4th place in the division.

Alex Howarth is my Steeton Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 221-4 in 40 overs

St Chads Broomfield 178 a/o in 34.4 overs

Steeton 3rd XI made it a fantastic winning weekend to begin the 2021 season. Steeton lost the toss and St Chad’s gave Steeton first use of the batting track. Our young openers took great advantage of the opportunity as they amassed an impressive opening partnership of 132 runs. Top-scorer was Jack Luxton who deserved a century but had to settle for a fantastic 92 runs scored from 95 deliveries with 16 boundaries and he was partnered by Will Smith who scored an excellent 67 runs scored from 74 deliveries with 2 sixes & 13 fours. When quick runs are want who better than to be strolling to the middle than skipper Oliver Gledhill. Oliver faced just 29 balls to score an unbeaten 37* runs which included 6 boundaries. Steeton closed with a colossal 221 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 40 overs.

Chasing over 5½ runs per over, visitors St Chad’s began poorly and had lost 2 wickets for 12 runs before their middle order rallied. Steeton kept collecting wickets without any bowler entirely dominating. After his batting heroics, early damage was done by Jack Luxton who took 2 wickets for 15 runs with a catch taken by keeper Max Hibbert. Jake Hill (1-24) nipped out a single wicket & Harry Rowe ran out another batsman. Spinner James Nowell took 2 wickets for 46 runs with a return catch off his own bowling and also a catch by Harry Rowe. Also collecting 2 wickets was young debutant Nathan Joseph, who took 2 wickets for 20 runs with catches taken by Will Smith & Jake Hill. Jake Hill & Nathan Joseph were awarded fielding points. Will Smith (2-5) came on for a quick blast and polished-off the last 2 batsmen. St Chads Broomfield had scored a good 178 runs all out in 34.4 overs, but Steeton (20 points) beat St Chads (6 points) by 58 runs.

Jack Luxton is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 231-3 in 32 overs

Adel 232-5 in 31.3 overs

Steeton welcomed Adel to Summerhill Lane and rain delayed the start which reduced the fixture to 32 overs per side. When skipper Oliver Gledhill won the toss he decided to bat first…a decision certainly vindicated by Steeton’s young openers Will Smith & Jack Luxton who reached 50 runs in 29 balls, 100 runs in 68 balls and 150 runs in just 17 overs. Unfortunately just 5 runs short of the club record opening partnership Jack Luxton was caught behind for an excellent 85 runs scored from 61 deliveries with 4 sixes & 12 fours. The opening partnership had been 177 runs and Jack’s opening partner, Will, continued by adding a further unbroken 3rd wicket partnership of 52 runs with Max Hibbert, who contributed an unbeaten 24* runs from 28 deliveries with 5 boundaries. Will Smith carried his bat and finished with an outstanding 111* runs not out from 97 deliveries with 1 six & 19 fours. Steeton finished with a mammoth 231 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their 32 overs.

In reply Adel would have to score at over 7 runs per over…a rate which did not daunt them even after losing their 1st wicket with the score on 11 runs to the opening blast by Jake Hill (1-19) courtesy of a catch by Nathan Joseph. There was a single wicket apiece for Ben Yeadon (1-38) & Archie Smith (1-42) with a catch by Jake Hill, as Adel were reduced to 62 runs for 3 wickets. Steeton looked odds-on favourites to complete a comfortable victory. Pick of the Steeton bowlers was spinner James Nowell, who took 2 wickets for 33 runs from 6 overs, with catches taken by Harry Rowe & skipper Oliver Gledhill. James removed Adel’s top-scorer Joe Harrison (83), but Adel were still blasting their way towards the Steeton target. James Nowell was also awarded a fielding point. In a tight finish and just 3 balls to spare Adel did manage to win this high-scoring encounter. Adel had scored 232 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 31.3 overs. Steeton (7 points) lost to Adel (16 points) by 5 wickets.

Will Smith is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Horsforth 173 a/o in 39.3 overs

Steeton 179-1 in 18.5 overs

A great 5-wicket haul for Ben Yeadon – a 2nd consecutive not out century for Will Smith (106*) as well as 3 wickets – 63 runs for Jack Luxton – and a convincing 9 wicket victory as Steeton storm through into the quarter-final of the Ian Chappell cup where they will meet Rawdon

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New Rover 280-4 in 40 overs

Steeton 174 a/o in 35.1 overs

Steeton travelled to New Rover under an angry sky…more in hope than expectation of playing some cricket. With in-form opener Will Smith being injured during yesterday’s 2nd XI match veteran club president Phil Barrett was drafted-in. Skipper Oliver Gledhill won the toss and asked New Rover to bat first on a damp track. An opening blast from bowler Jack Luxton had New Rover reeling as they slumped to 27-2 but Steeton were unable to remove their opening batsman Ratnalingam, who went on to score a massive 158 runs. With better catching Jack Luxton could have had more flattering figures, but he finished with 2 wickets for 23 runs from 7 overs. Jack was also involved with the wicket of Ben Yeadon (1-59) as he caught the New Rover centurian. With wickets hard to come by the only other successful bowler was Mikey Hofman-Tennant (1-39). Nathan Joseph was awarded a fielding point as New Rover finished with a mammoth 280 runs for the loss of 4 wicket in their 40 overs.

Steeton’s reply began well with a great opening partnership between Jack Luxton & Max Hibbert, who was the first man out with the score on 106 runs of which Max had scored 45 runs from 59 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. With the required run rate rising and a tumbling of wickets 106-1 soon became 122-5. Jack Luxton was still batting well but needed someone to support him. Playing his first game for 2 years Phil Barrett (11) was the only other batsmen to reach double figures. Jack Luxton tried hard to drag his team to the formidable target, but he was the last batsman to get out having recorded a battling 82 runs scored from 95 deliveries with 2 sixes & 7 fours. Playing the last half hour in heavy rain Steeton were eventually all out for 174 runs in 35.1 overs. Steeton (6 points) lost to New Rover (20 points) by 106 runs.

Jack Luxton is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Rawdon 231-7 in 40 overs

Steeton 118 a/o in 29.1 overs

Steeton were pitted against a good Rawdon outfit on a hot sunny day at Summerhill Lane. Skipper Oliver Gledhill lost the toss and Rawdon chose to bat first. With the score on just 2 runs Jack Luxton (1-28) made the initial breakthrough, but then the fall of wickets became a scarce occurrence. Before the match Paul Roberts was merely delivering the scorer and was expecting to spectate in the sun, but he was ‘roped-in’ to play and bowled 8 overs (he will ache tomorrow!) and took 3 wickets for 50 runs courtesy of 2 good catches by Max Hibbert at mid-wicket. Yes, Max was not wicket-keeping today so he could have a bowl. Max did not disappoint and took 3 wickets for 28 runs from 7 overs with a nice catch safely pouched by Nathan Joseph. Both Max (2) and Nathan were awarded fielding points. After their 40 overs Rawdon had posted a solid 231 runs for the loss of 7 wickets…almost 6 runs per over!

Steeton’s reply began with a 28-run opening partnership between Jack Luxton, who scored 20 runs from 32 deliveries with 1 six & 3 fours; and Max Hibbert, who scored 17 runs from 34 deliveries with 2 boundaries. Unfortunately there was only one other partnership worthy of note: a very entertaining and enjoyable 5th wicket partnership of 45 runs which involved two of Steeton’s juniors. 14-year-old Nathan Joseph played a very mature innings for his 15 runs scored from 41 deliveries with 2 boundaries and Steeton’s top-scorer was a great knock by 13-year-old Matthew Hutchinson, who scored a fabulous 35 runs from just 25 balls with 7 boundaries. Steeton’s innings fell well short of the Rawdon target when they were all out for 118 runs in 29.1 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost to Rawdon (20 points) by 113 runs.

Jack Luxton is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Steeton 170 a/o in 36 overs

Rawdon 173-1 in 18.2 overs

Steeton crash out of the Ian Chappell cup…losing to a strong Rawdon side by 9 wickets. Max Hibbert scored a half-century before being caught on the boundary as Steeton scored 170 runs all out in 36 overs. Rawdon were given a few ‘lives’ but scored quickly as they passed the Steeton target for the loss of a single wicket taken by Ben Yeadon courtesy of a nice catch by Archie Smith in the covers. Rawdon finished with 173 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in 18.2 overs.

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Alwoodley 95 a/o in 23.4 overs

Steeton 98-2 in 15.1 overs

Steeton entertained Alwoodley trying to restore some wounded pride for our senior teams this weekend. Skippering for the first time was James Nowell and his first action as skipper was to lose the toss. Alwoodley chose to bat first on a dry deck at Summerhill Lane. David Wynn was at the club to spectate, but a couple of late withdrawals meant he was enthusiastically roped-in to play. The Alwoodley innings began well before David Wynn took 2 wickets for 26 runs from 8 overs, including a fantastic acrobatic catch by Jake Hill in gully. For his excellent catch Jake Hill was awarded 2 fielding points and Max Hibbert was also awarded 1 fielding point. Alwoodley were 63 runs with 2 wickets down. Yesterday Callum Lowe came down to watch our 1st XI and he too was enthusiastically roped-in to play. The next couple of wickets fell to Callum Lowe, who finished with 2 wickets for just 14 runs from his 6 overs. Alwoodley were 82 runs with 4 wickets down and still looked capable of posting a challenging total. However the introduction of bowler Ben Yeadon brought the innings to a rather abrupt conclusion. Ben finished with a remarkable 5-wicket haul in just 23 deliveries. Ben took a fantastic 5 wickets for just 6 runs in 3.4 overs, with catches taken by Jack Luxton, Archie Smith & skipper James Nowell. There was also a run-out with Jack Luxton throwing in for keeper Will Smith to remove the bails. Having looked likely to post a reasonable total at  82-4, Ben Yeadon’s bowling feats meant Alwoodley were instead all out for 95 runs in 23.4 overs.

In reply Steeton set about the Alwoodley bowling with relish – led by opener Jack Luxton, who smacked 4 sixes & 5 fours as he scored 52 runs from just 39 deliveries. Jack shared a great 74-run 2nd wicket partnership with Archie Smith, who contributed an unbeaten 26* runs scored from 38 balls faced with 5 boundaries. With the first ball of the 16th over Steeton passed the Alwoodley target – scoring 98 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 15.1 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Alwoodley (2 points) by 8 wickets

Ben Yeadon is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 164-8 in 40 overs

Skipton 165-5 in 34.4 overs

Steeton travelled to Sandylands on a hot sunny day and when skipper James Nowell won the toss he had little hesitation in batting first. The 10 men of Steeton got off to the worst possible starts with both opening batsman getting golden ducks. Shortly they had slipped to 34-6 with only Archie Smith (16) managing double figures. The complete collapse was prevented by Luke Watson and Mikey Hofman-Tennant (12), who shared an 18-run 7th wicket stand. Luke Watson then went on to share a fabulous 8th wicket partnership of 107 runs with Jake Hill…both men completing half-centuries. Luke Watson finished with 55* runs not out from 91 deliveries with 4 boundaries and Jake Hill top-scored with an exciting 63 runs scored from just 50 deliveries with 2 sixes & 4 fours. Thanks to this partnership Steeton closed with a reasonable total of 164 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 40 overs.

In reply Steeton found wickets were more difficult to acquire. Ben Yeadon (1-21) nipped out one of their openers with the score on 24 runs. Best figures belonged to leg-spinner Mikey Hofman-Tennant, who took the next 2 wickets for 33 runs from 6 overs…and Skipton were 84-3. Keeper Max Hibbert had a hand in the next 2 wickets with a run-out and then a catch off the bowling of skipper James Nowell (1-39). With an interesting finish in prospect Skipton managed an unbroken 59-run stand which saw them to victory. Skipton scored 165 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 34.4 overs. Steeton (6 points) lost to Skipton (19 points) by 5 wickets.

 Luke Watson & Jake Hill are my joint Steeton Men-of-the-Match

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Saltaire 219-8 in 40 overs

Steeton 224-4 in 35 overs

Steeton travelled to Roberts Park to play Saltaire and when skipper James Nowell lost the toss Steeton found themselves fielding first. Opening bowler Jake Hill (1-10) bowled 5 tight overs and broke the opening partnership with the Saltaire total on 39 runs. The introduction of Ben Yeadon brought 2 clean bowled wickets which conceded 30 runs from his 7 overs and Saltaire had progressed smoothly to 129 runs for 3 wickets and their opening batsman Ditta was still there. Caleb Gledhill (1-25) took his first senior wicket (which won’t be his last!) courtesy of a smart catch by Ben Yeadon. Another youngster, Nathan Joseph (1-18) bowled well to remove Saltaire’s top-scorer Ditta (91) with a good return catch off his own bowling. Pick of the bowlers was Will Smith, who took 3 wickets for 28 runs from 7 overs with a catch taken by Nathan Joseph and a stumping by Jack Luxton. With 2 catches, Nathan Joseph was awarded 2 league fielding points.  After their 40 overs Saltaire had scored a sizeable 219 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.

In reply Steeton’s batting was heartening beginning with a 90-run opening partnership before Jack Luxton was caught out for 48 runs from 48 deliveries with 10 boundaries. The second wicket partnership was even better as it added 120 runs: opener Harris Rowlett deserved a century but had to settle for a masterful 90 runs scored from98 deliveries with 13 boundaries and Archie Smith scored an excellent half-century with 52 runs from 57 deliveries with 10 boundaries. In a hurry to finish was Will Smith (11*) who only faced 4 deliveries but smashed a six & a four as he completed a fantastic victory with 5 overs to spare. Steeton had scored 224 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 35 overs. Steeton (19 points) beat Saltaire (7 points) by 6 wickets.

Harris Rowlett is my Steeton man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 3pts

Calverley St Wilfrid’s 3pts

Prolonged rain meant Steeton’s pitch was sodden and unplayable. This fixture was cancelled in the morning with both sides collecting 3 points.

Steeton

Green Lane

In a low scoring match Steeton lost by 1 wicket. FPs Oliver Gledhill & Archie Smith

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Steeton 7pts

Guiseley 7pts

This fixture was cancelled due to covid. Both sides collect 7 points each.