Steeton 139 a/o in 38.1 overs

Tong Park 140-5 in 26.3 overs

Steeton lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a greenish deck on this belated start to the season. A cautious start meant we were just 14 runs with 1 wicket down after 10 overs. Opening the innings overseas player Will Forster scored an excellent 45 runs from 92 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Will shared a great 89-run 2nd wicket partnership with top-scorer Freddie Pearson, who contributed 52 runs from 77 deliveries, including 2 sizes & 6 fours. With an injection of pace required Jake Starkey was promoted and entertained with a cameo knock of 22 runs from just 11 balls faced with 2 sizes & 2 fours. When Jake was out Steeton were looking strong at 127 runs with 3 wickets down in the 32nd over. Steeton’s tail collapsed with the final 7 wickets only adding a further 12 runs. Steeton were all out for a disappointing 139 runs in 38.1 overs.

In reply Steeton began with a fantastic opening bowling spell, which saw Tong Park reduced to 3 runs with 3 wickets lost. Joe Stead (1-31) making the initial breakthrough in the first over…only to be bettered by Paul Hardwick who took 2 wickets in the 2nd over. Paul was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with 3 wickets for 39 runs from his 9 overs with a sharp leg-side stumping by keeper Jake Starkey and a great low catch at point by Freddie Pearson, which earned him a fielding point. James Emmott (1-29) claimed the only other wicket to fall with a catch comfortably pouched by Steve Pearson. Tong Park scored 140 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 26.3 overs. Steeton (3 points) lost to Tong Park (19 points) by 5 wickets.

Freddie Pearson is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton.

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Collingham 221-4 in 50 overs

Steeton 89 a/o in 32.4 overs

Steeton lost the toss and asked Collingham to bat first. Early success came with the score on just 14 runs with Joe Stead (1-66) having an edge caught by keeper Craig Walton. The score had progressed to well past the 100 mark before Steeton had any further success. Pick of the bowlers was James Emmott, who claimed the next 2 victims and finished with 2 wicket for 44 runs from his 15 overs, with a catch pouched by Bradley Akrigg. Collingham were 136 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. Steeton only managed to take 1 more wicket with Paul Hardwick (1-47) having a catch taken by James Emmott. Skipper Tom Stead & Freddie Pearson were awarded the fielding points. Collingham Charlie Swallow (105*) was dominant as they closed with a formidable 221 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 50 overs.

Steeton’s reply began solidly before losing Australian Will Forster (10) with the total on 28 runs. His opening partner John Akrigg, scored 17 runs from 42 balls with 2 boundaries, but he departed with the total on 42 runs. Top-scorer for Steeton was Freddie Pearson with his 26 runs coming from 44 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Freddie added 24 runs for the 3rd wicket with Bradley Akrigg (7), but 66 runs for the loss of 3 wickets became another collapse as with 3 ducks the final 7 wickets only added a further 23 runs. Steeton were all out for 89 runs in 32.4 overs. Steeton (2 points) lost to Collingham (19 points) by 132 runs.

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

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Steeton 155 a/o in 44.2 overs

Leeds Modernians 156-5 in 34.4 overs

Steeton won the toss and chose to bat first on a warm, sunny day at Summerhill Lane. Steeton got off to a solid start with a 41-run opening partnership in 10 overs, but both openers got out with identical scores of 21 runs. Veteran John Akrigg scored his 21 runs from 41 deliveries with 3 boundaries, while overseas player Will Forster scored his 21 runs from 34 deliveries with 5 boundaries. 41 runs for the loss of the first wicket became 69 runs for the loss of 7 wickets with another middle-order collapse…still well short of a single batting point. A late order fightback started with an excellent 44-run 8th wicket partnership between James Emmott (32) and Stephen Pearson (37*). James scored his 32 runs from 32 deliveries with 7 boundaries and Stephen scored his unbeaten 37* runs from 72 deliveries with 5 boundaries. Stephen went on to share a 22-run 9th wicket stand with Paul Hardwick (10) followed by a 20-run last wicket partnership with Joe Stead (1). At the tea interval Steeton were 155 runs all out from 44.2 overs – 2 batting points! A below par score, but now a fighting chance if we could bowl and field well.

Opening the bowling Joe Stead steamed in with fiery intent, and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket in his first over. Joe did make the initial breakthrough with a catch spooned to Steve Pearson in mid-wicket, and finished with figures of 2 wickets for 46 runs from 10.4 overs. The next 2 wickets were winkled out by James Emmott (2-28) with fine catches taken by Freddie Pearson and Steve Pearson. Steve was awarded a fielding point, with James Emmott being awarded the other. Steeton’s only other wicket fell to Steve Pearson (1-46) with a comfortable catch taken by Paul Hardwick. Leeds Modernians scored 156 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 34.4 overs, with 20 overs to spare. Steeton (4 points) lost to Leeds Modernians (16 points) by 5 wickets.

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

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Ben Rhydding 209 a/o in 47.2 overs

Steeton 124 a/o in 36.3 overs

Steeton’s woeful start to the season continued at Ben Rhydding. Steeton won the toss and having elected to field first, Joe Stead got Steeton off to a fantastic start taking the first wicket with only 3 runs on the board. Joe finished with great figures of 4 wickets for 41 runs from 12.2 overs with 2 caught behind by keeper Jake Starkey. Also taking 4 wickets was James Emmott, whose 13 overs conceded 57 runs as he collected 4 wickets courtesy of 4 catches: Freddie Pearson, overseas player Will Forster, a return catch for himself and a 3rd catch for keeper Jake Starkey. The other successful bowlers were Paul Hardwick (1-50) and Steve Pearson (1-46), who had a catch taken by John Akrigg. John Akrigg and Freddie Pearson were awarded the fielding points. Ben Ryhdding had been 4 wickets down with just 75 runs scored, but recovered to look as though they would record a formidable target, before being curtailed at 209 runs all out in 47.2 overs.

Steeton’s reply was disastrous as they slumped to 12 runs with 4 wickets already back in the tent, with 3 of the top-4 batsmen recording ducks. Both skipper Tom Stead and Craig Walton have had dire starts to this season, but today they staged a minor recovery as they added 57 runs for the 5th wicket. Skipper Tom Stead scored 22 runs from 54 deliveries with 3 boundaries, while Craig Walton top-scored with 32 runs scored from 42 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. Both Tom & Craig departed with the score on 69 runs and a further tumble of wickets saw Steeton at 75 runs with 8 wickets down. Another stubborn rearguard was staged by Steve Pearson with support from Paul Hardwick, as together they added 49 runs for the 9th wicket: Steve scored an unbeaten 29* runs from 46 deliveries with 3 boundaries, while Paul contributed 13 runs from 35 deliveries with 1 boundary. A tantalising 1 run away from a bonus batting point, Steeton were all out for 124 runs in 36.3 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost to Ben Rhydding (19 points) by 85 runs.

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

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Steeton 266-7 in 50 overs

Kirkstall 267-4 in 46.5 overs

Steeton’s annus horribilis continues with the 5th straight defeat. Steeton won the toss and on a hot sunny day elected to bat first on an excellent Steeton batting track. Steeton began with a solid 61-run opening partnership between John Akrigg (28) & Australian Will Forster (25). John scored his 28 runs from 40 deliveries with 5 boundaries, while Will scored his 25 runs from 35 deliveries with 5 boundaries. Top-scorer for Steeton was Freddie Pearson, who continued his prolific start to the season with another half-century. Freddie finished with 53 runs scored from 93 deliveries with 7 boundaries, and shared a 50-run 3rd wicket partnership with Craig Walton, who contributed 26 runs from 29 balls with 5 boundaries. Freddie went on to share a 52-run 4th wicket partnership with skipper Tom Stead, who contributed 34 runs from 43 balls with 1 six & 3 fours. Finally Freddie added 33 runs for the 5th wicket with Bradley Akrigg, who smashed 3 sixes & 3 fours as he scored an excellent 42 runs from just 32 deliveries. Bradley also added 35 runs for the 6th wicket with Josh Robinson (19). A 9-ball cameo by James Emmott (15*) helped Steeton to a formidable total of 266 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs.

In reply Steeton broke the opening Kirkstall partnership with just 5 runs on the board with a catch by John Akrigg from the bowling of Paul Hardwick. Paul finished with 2 wickets for 72 runs from 15 overs with a catch by skipper Tom Stead. Steeton were finding wickets hard to come by, and runs were coming with relative ease. The only other bowler to have any success was James Emmott, who also collected 2 wickets at a cost of 85 runs from 13 overs, courtesy of a second catch by John Akrigg and another for Freddie Pearson. Both John & Freddie were awarded the fielding points. Kirkstall passed the Steeton target with 3 overs to spare, having scored 267 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 46.5 overs. Steeton (7 points) lost to Kirkstall Educational (18 points) by 6 wickets.

Freddie Pearson is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton

Harden

Match Report

Steeton 86 a/o in 41.3 overs

Addingham 90-4 in 19.1 overs

Steeton travelled to Addingham still in search of their first success of the season. Addingham won the toss and Steeton were asked to bat first. Once again Steeton’s top order were not up to the task and 28 runs with 4 wickets down soon became 48 runs with 6 wickets down and only veteran John Akrigg (14) of the top 6 batsmen managed double figures. Some stability was restored by a 35-run 7th wicket partnership between two of the youngest players of the side: Bradley Akrigg top-scored with 23 careful runs scored from 69 deliveries with 5 boundaries; and Aatif Modak scored 18 runs from 54 balls with 2 boundaries. Both Bradley & Aatif departed with the score on 83 runs and that signalled the final slide to an embarrassing 86 runs all out in 41.3 overs.

Addingham set about the meagre target with gusto and had notched 20 runs from the first 3 overs without losing a wicket. James Emmott (1-24) broke the opening partnership with the score on 33 runs. Pick of the bowlers was Paul Hardwick, who collected the next 2 wickets for 35 runs from his 9 overs, including a fine catch in the slips by Craig Walton, which earned him a fielding point. The only other wicket to fall went to off-spinner Aatif Modak (1-13). Addingham needed just 19.1 overs to score the 90 runs needed to pass the Steeton total having lost just 4 wickets. Steeton (2 points) lost to Addingham (18 points) by 6 wickets.

Aatif Modak is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Saltaire 124 a/o in 34 overs

Steeton 129-8 in 40.3 overs

Steeton move into June still looking for their first win. In this first ever meeting of these clubs it was Steeton who won the toss and asked Saltaire to bat first. Rain before the start of play meant 4 overs were lost and the fixture reduced to 48 overs apiece. Joe Stead did the early damage which saw Saltaire slipped from 7 with 1 wicket down to 75 runs with 5 wickets down. Joe finished with 4 wickets for 57 runs from his 14 overs, with an excellent catch in the gully by James Emmott and 2 LBWs from consecutive deliveries. Steve Pearson (1-37) collected the other wicket with a rapid short delivery that was spooned to James Emmott to take another gully catch and earn himself a fielding point. The wickets continued to tumble with James Emmott being the cheif recipient. James took 4 wickets for 19 runs from 7 overs with a nice catch at backward point by Steve Pearson, which earned him a fielding point; 2 sharp slip catches safely taken by Bradley Akrigg, which earned him a fielding point; and a steepling catch nicely pouched at the long on boundary by Paul ‘the claw’ Hardwick. Paul Hardwick (1-8) also clean bowled Saltaire’s other wicket as they were dismissed for 124 runs all out in 34 overs.

On a lively Steeton track this was a tricky total. Steeton lost John Akrigg (10) with the score on 12 runs as a he attempted a pull only to be caught at mid off. The score had progressed to 39 runs in the 13th over when Freddie Pearson (11) received a jaffa, which he edged to slip. Overseas player Will Forster grafted out 18 runs from 55 deliveries with 2 boundaries, but when he was clean bowled Steeton were stagnating at 54 runs with 4 wickets down in the 20th over. Skipper Tom Stead (11) and Bradley Akrigg (19) compiled an important 39-run 5th wicket partnership, with Bradley’s 19 runs coming from 32 deliveries with 1 six & 2 fours. A further shuttering of wickets saw Steeton slip to 97 runs with 7 wickets back in the tent in the 31st over and set up a nail-biting climax. James Emmott (9) came in to join Oliver Gledhill, and in typically belligerent fashion they added 18 runs for the 8th wicket, but brought more tension as James departed still requiring 10 for victory. Paul Hardwick (1*) blocked successful and Oliver hoisted a six over mid-wicket to complete Steeton’s first victory of the season. Oliver top-scorer with an unbeaten 24* runs scored from 31 deliveries with 1 six & 2 fours. For the first time this season it feels great to be able to say Steeton (17 points) beat Saltaire (4 points) by 2 wickets.

James Emmott is my Man-of-the-Match

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Calverley 180-5 in 20 overs

Steeton 99 a/o in 15.5 overs

Steeton won the toss and asked Calverley to bat first as they made their debut in the League’s new Twenty20 competition…having had a bye in the first round. Calverley set about the Steeton bowling with gusto and smashed 61 runs from the first 5 overs – a score of 250 looked likely! It was the 8th over and the introduction of James Emmott that applied the brakes on the scoring rate. James took 2 wickets in his first over with good catches safely pouched by Paul Hardwick and skipper Tom Stead. James only conceded 23 runs from his 4 overs, but was unable to get any further wickets. After 10 overs Calverley were 93 runs with 2 wickets down. Bradley Akrigg bowled 4 good overs which conceded 30 runs as he clean bowled one batsman. After 15 overs Calverley had scored 140-3 and the likely total was down to 190. Steve Pearson (2-28) bowled the final over (his 4th) and collected 2 wickets – both off steepling catches both well pouched by Australian Will Forster. With the help of 16 wides Calverley finished with an impressive 180 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs.

Steeton’s reply began more sedately and at the 5-over mark were 34 runs…27 behind what Calverley had scored at that point when Steeton lost their first wicket. Will Luxton was bowled out for 15 runs from 15 balls with 1 six & 1 four. Will’s opening partner was Bradley Akrigg, who top-scored with 34 runs scored from 28 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Bradley shared a 33-run 2nd wicket partnership with Freddie Pearson, who contributed 11 runs from 15 deliveries with 1 boundary. Bradley departed at the 10-over point, when Steeton were 71 runs with 3 wickets down – 22 runs off the Calverley mid-point score. Overseas player Will Forster watched at the other end as wicket after wicket fell and only James Emmott (9) showing any effective aggression. Will was left high and dry on 12* runs not out scored from 15 deliveries and Steeton were all out for 99 runs in 15.5 overs. Steeton lost by 81 runs and are now out of the League T20 cup competition.

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

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Steeton 246-4 in 50 overs

Calverley 230 a/o in 47.1 overs

After a poor start to the season Steeton saw some seismic changes in the 1st team personnel and 2 fresh young opening batsmen. Having lost the toss and been asked to bat first 15-year-old Will Luxton strode to the middle with 18-year-old Aatif Modak. Together they carefully compiled the best opening partnership of the season so far before Aatif was caught out with the score on 78 runs in 26th over for a gritty 25 runs scored from 81 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Will went on to share a fantastic 97-run 3rd wicket partnership with Bradley Akrigg, who contributed a career-best 45 runs scored from just 35 deliveries with 2 sixes & 5 fours. Will then went on to share a 45-run unbroken 4th wicket partnership with Oliver Gledhill, who contributed an unbeaten 31* runs from just 22 runs with 2 fours and a great maximum off the final ball of the innings. Will Luxton ‘carried his bat’ and finished with a remarkable unbeaten century…his 101* runs not out coming from 137 deliveries with 2 sixes & 11 fours. Will had not even notched a 1st XI half-century before today. Steeton closed with a considerable (but by no means insurmountable) 246 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 50 overs.

In reply Steeton managed to take wicket regularly and no wicket stand exceeded 50 runs. The early damage was done by Joe Stead, who took the first 2 wickets and finished with 2 wickets for 56 runs from his 10 overs, with a catch taken by keeper Oliver Gledhill. Pick of the bowlers was Steve Pearson, who bowled 12.1 overs that conceded just 37 runs as he collected 4 wickets courtesy of comfortable catches pouched by Paul Hardwick & skipper Tom Stead. Paul Hardwick (1-66) chipped in with a wicket, but also gained himself a 1-match ban as he questioned an umpiring decision too vehemently. The phenomenal bowling figures belonged to the ever-green Gary Boulton, whose guile earned himself 3 wickets for 37 runs from 8 overs with an excellent catch on the long-off boundary earning Paul Hardwick a fielding point. A tense finish saw Steeton bowl Calverley all out for 230 runs in 47.1 overs…just 16 runs shy of the Steeton target. Steeton (20 points) collect their 2nd consecutive win, beating Calverley (7 points) by 16 runs.

Will Luxton is my Man-of-the-Match

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Olicanian 227-3 in 47.5 overs

Steeton 94 a/o in 39 overs

Steeton’s stand-in skipper Gary Boulton won the toss and due to the uncertain weather asked Olicanian to bat first. Skipper Tom Stead was unable to play due to a catastrophic water leak at his house & vice-skipper Paul Hardwick was serving his 1-match ban. Steeton broke the opening partnership of 48 runs with a run out effected by Steve Pearson. When the score had reached 73 runs Olicanian lost a couple of wickets in quick succession. Aatif Modak (1-60 from 15 overs) and James Emmott (1-42 from 9 overs) courtesy of a catch by Steve Pearson. Steve Pearson & David Robinson were awarded the fielding points. In the 48th over heavier rain arrived and so Olicanian declared early with 227 runs for the loss of just 3 wickets in 47.5 overs.

Steeton’s reply began disastrously losing their first 3 wickets for just 9 runs: both opening batsmen with ducks. Aatif Modak (11) & Bradley Akrigg (12) managed double figures, but Steeton had further slumped to 36 runs with 5 wickets back in the tent. A degree of stability was restored by a 35-run 6th wicket stand between Jake Starkey (22*) & Steve Pearson (15). Jake top-scored with an unbeaten 22* runs scored from 83 deliveries with 2 boundaries. Jake also went on to share a 18-run 8th wicket stand with skipper Gary Boulton, who contributed 14 runs. After 2 successive league wins Steeton relapsed to their previous form and were bowled all out for just 94 runs in 39 overs. Steeton (1 point) lost to Olicanian (20 points) by 133 runs.

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

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Hall Park 299-6 in 50 overs

Steeton 214 a/o in 44.4 overs

Steeton lost the toss and and Hall Park decided they would bat first on a sunny day at Steeton. Hall Park’s total had reached 37 runs when they lost both openers: Steve Pearson making the initial breakthrough and Paul Hardwick promptly removing his partner. Steve Pearson finished with 2 wickets for 76 runs from 15 overs with catches taken by keeper Oliver Gledhill & a fine catch by skipper Tom Stead, which earned him a fielding point. A further fielding point went to Aatif Modak. Pick of the bowlers was Paul Hardwick, who clean bowled 3 batsmen and conceded 63 runs from his 13 overs. The other successful bowler was James Emmott (1-45) who collected a single wicket courtesy of a 2nd catch by Tom Stead. After their 50 overs Horsforth Hall Park had scored 299 runs for the loss of 6 wickets…helped in no small way by 52 extras!

After losing their first wicket to the first delivery of the innings Steeton consolidated with a 48-run 2nd wicket partnership between opener Aatif Modak (17) & Freddie Pearson (21). Aatif faced 38 deliveries for his 17 runs with 4 boundaries, while Freddie scored much faster…his 21 runs coming from 21 balls with 2 boundaries. The breaking of this stand opened the floodgates and Steeton collapsed to 49 runs with 5 wickets down. The slump was halted by top-scorer skipper Tom Stead, who scored an excellent 69 runs from 75 deliveries with 1 six & 13 fours. Tom shared a 15-run 6th wicket stand with Oliver Gledhill (10), followed by a fantastic 99-run 7th wicket partnership with Steve Pearson, who contributed 46 runs from 79 deliveries with 7 boundaries. Steve went on to share a fine 39-run 8th wicket partnership with James Emmott, who contributed 27 runs from just 16 deliveries with 1 six & 4 fours. Steeton finally succumbed in 44.4 overs with a total of 214 runs. Steeton (7 points) lost to Horsforth Hall Park (20 points) by 85 runs.

Tom Stead is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Colton 200 a/o in 49.3 overs

Steeton 201-1 in 41.5 overs

Steeton lost the toss and and Colton Institute decided they would bat first on a sunny day at Steeton. Steeton managed to take wickets at regular intervals so no Colton partnership exceeded 50 runs and 37 was there top score. Stephen Pearson was the best bowler with a great 5-wicket haul…his 5 wickets came at a cost of 34 runs from 11.3 overs with a nice slip catch taken by Bradley Akrigg and a driven catch well caught in the covers by Australian Will Forster. Bradley & Steve Pearson were awarded fielding points. Off-spinner Aatif Modak bowled a great spell which earned him 3 wickets for 50 runs from 15 overs with 2 catches taken by keeper Jake Starkey. The other 2 wickets fell to the pace of Joe Stead (2-46) with a third catch for keeper Jake Starkey. Colton Institute were well restricted to 200 runs all out in 49.3 overs

The family of overseas player Will Forster arrived in the UK this week and their arrival certainly inspired Will. Leading from the front Will Forster shared a fine 52-run opening partnership with Aatif Modak (13). Will went on to complete his first half-century of the season and was followed shortly afterwards by Freddie Pearson also completing a half-century with a maximum. Steeton had taken the score to 191 runs when Freddie Pearson was forced to limp from the field with an excellent 67* runs not out scored from just 68 deliveries with 1 six & 10 fours. With 11 overs left and 9 runs needed for victory, Will was 8 runs short of a great century. Jake Starkey contrived to not score, which allowed Will time to complete a fabulous century… his unbeaten 102* runs coming from 136 deliveries, including 3 sixes & 15 fours. Steeton had added an unbroken 2nd wicket partnership of 149 runs and closed with 201 runs for the loss of just 1 wicket in 41.5 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Colton Institute (4 points) by 9 wickets.

Will Forster is my Man-of-the-Match

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Tong Park 204 a/o in 47.5 overs

Steeton 179 a/o in 44 overs

Steeton travel to Esholt to take on top-of-the-league Tong Park at their HQ. Steeton lost the toss and and were asked to field first on a hot sunny day. Opening bowlers Joe Stead & Steve Pearson soon had Tong Park on the defensive as they were reduced to 31 runs with both opening batsmen back in the pavilion. Steve Pearson finished with 2 wickets for 51 runs from 14 overs, while Joe Stead finished with the unusual figure of 3 wickets for 32 runs from just 3.5 overs. Tong Park’s middle order were blasted away by pick-of-the-bowlers Paul Hardwick, who took 4 wickets for 58 runs from 13 overs with a catch taken by Steve Pearson. The other wicket fell to the off-spin of Aatif Modak (1-41). Bradley Akrigg was awarded a fielding point. 9 of the Tong Park batsmen were clean bowled dismissals. Tong Park were all out for 204 runs from 47.5 overs.

Steeton’s reply was catastrophic as they had lost 5 wickets with 58 runs on the board with only Australian Will Forster showing any resistance as he scored 27 runs from 55 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Skipper Tom Stead (34) along with Craig Walton (40) halted the slide with 59-run 6th wicket partnership: Tom’s 34 runs came from 51 deliveries with 1 six & 4 fours, while Craig’s 40 came from just 27 deliveries with 9 boundaries. Another fine late order knock by Steve Pearson helped shepherd the tail as Steve finished with an unbeaten 25* runs from 46 balls faced with 1 six & 3 fours. Steve only received any substantial support from Paul Hardwick (10) as they added 13 runs for the 9th wicket. With the Tong Park target looking tantalisingly close, Steeton were all out for 179 runs in 44 overs. Steeton (8 points) lost to Tong Park (19 points) by 25 runs.

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

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Steeton 200-8 in 50 overs

Collingham 201-2 in 30.3 overs

Steeton won the toss on a hot sunny day and had little hesitation to choose to bat first at Summerhill Lane. Steeton began with a 64-run opening partnership between top-scorer Australian Will Forster (35) & veteran John Akrigg (20). Will scored his 35 runs from 57 deliveries with 8 boundaries & John scored his 20 runs from 46 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Unfortunately both departed with the score on 64 runs. David Robinson chipped in with 16 runs before a 57-run 4th wicket partnership between Bradley Akrigg (29) & skipper Tom Stead (30). Bradley scored his 29 runs from 68 deliveries with 4 boundaries, while Tom scored his 30 runs from 42 deliveries with 5 boundaries. Stephen Pearson chipped in with 11 runs before excellent late runs were added by Gary Boulton, who scored an unbeaten 20* runs not out from 28 deliveries with 1 six & 2 fours. Steeton had 7 batsmen reach double figures but no-one was able to pass 35 runs. After their 50 overs Steeton were 200 runs for 8 wickets.

In reply Steeton’s depleted bowling attack were unable to make any significant inroads into the Collingham batting. Collingham had reached 42 runs in the 7th over when Stephen Pearson claimed the first wicket with a catch taken by keeper John Akrigg. It was 20 overs later and the score had progressed to 183 runs before the same pair combined to claim Steeton’s only other success. Stephen Pearson finished with 2 wickets for 63 runs from 10.3 overs and keeper John Akrigg took 2 catches. Zaggy Pearson was awarded a fielding point. Collingham scored 201 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 30.3 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost to Collingham & Linton (19 points) by 8 wickets.

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Steeton 301-6 in 50 overs

Leeds Moderians 155 a/o in 40.4 overs

Steeton won the toss and decided to bat first at Leeds Modernians. John Akrigg opened the innings with Oliver Gledhill and together they put on a solid 77-run opening partnership, before Oliver was caught for an excellent 43 runs from 47 deliveries with 1 six & 7 fours. John went on to add 47 runs for the 2nd wicket with Australian Will Forster, who contributed 25 runs from 30 deliveries with 1 six & 4 fours, before he was clean bowled. After last week’s century with the 2nd XI, Josh Robinson managed a cameo 12 runs before being stumped. With the score on 151 runs John Akrigg became the 4th batsman out having just completed his half-century…his 50 runs coming from 90 deliveries with 9 boundaries. Skipper Tom Stead upped the scoring rate as he faced just 25 balls but scored 31 runs, including 1 six & 5 fours. With the score on 188 runs with 6 wickets down Gary Boulton went to the middle to join Stephen Pearson and together they amassed a fantastic 113 runs for the unbroken 7th wicket partnership. Stephen Pearson finished with a fine unbeaten 43* runs from 44 deliveries with 2 six & 3 fours, while Gary Boulton smashed 3 sixes & 7 fours as he needed just 45 deliveries to recorded a great unbeaten 59* runs not out. Steeton closed with a formidable 301 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 50 overs.

Opening pace bowler Joe Stead wiped out the top Leeds Mods batsmen taking all the first 3 wickets to fall and finished with 3 wickets for 35 runs off 11 overs, courtesy of catches taken by Australian Will Forster, Oliver Gledhill & Joe’s brother – the skipper Tom Stead. Fresh from his batting efforts Gary Boulton took 3 wickets for 42 runs from 9 overs, with 2 batsmen clean bowled and a catch taken by Zaggy Pearson. The best bowling figures however belonged to Paul Hardwick, who took 4 wickets for just 28 runs from  9.4 overs with all 4 victims clean bowled. John Akrigg was awarded a fielding point, as Leeds Modernians were all out for 155 runs in 40.4 overs…just over half of the Steeton target! Steeton (20 points) beat Leeds Modernians (5 points) by 146 runs.

Gary Boulton is my Man-of-the-Match

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Ben Rhydding 254-5 in 44 overs

Steeton

With the imminent threat of rain, Steeton lost the toss and Ben Rhydding elected to bat first. With the score on 32 runs Steeton made the initial breakthrough when Joe Stead (1-44) had one opener well caught by Paul Hardwick…which earned Paul a fielding point. Pick of the bowlers was Stephen Pearson who finished with 3 wickets for 54 runs from 14 overs starting with with a catch taken by Bradley Akrigg and finishing by clean-bowling Ben Rhydding centurian Robbie Miller (117). The only other successful bowler was Paul Hardwick (1-48) courtesy of a catch taken by John Akrigg…which earned John a fielding point. The threatened rain arrived after 44 overs. Ben Rhydding declared with the score on 254 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Early tea was taken, but the heavy rain never relented. The fixture was abandoned with no further play. In this abandoned fixture Steeton collected 5 points and Ben Rhydding collected 8 points.

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Steeton 309 a/o in 49.3 overs

Kirkstall 254 a/o in 45.3 overs

Steeton won the toss and chose to bat first at what Kirkstall call the ‘Field of Dreams’. Steeton made a great start with the experienced pairing of John Akrigg & Oliver Gledhill. Oliver was the first man out having got Steeton rapidly to 61 runs with Oliver’s pinch-hitting contribution being 30 runs from just 21 deliveries including 1 six & 6 fours. John finished with a fine 80 runs from 102 deliveries with 3 sixes & 8 fours. John went on to share an excellent 164-run 2nd wicket partnership with Australian Will Forster, who completed his 2nd Steeton century, with a magnificent 110 runs from 104 deliveries with 2 sixes & 17 fours. As Steeton looked to build on such impressive foundations there were a series of cameo knocks: skipper Tom Stead (15), Bradley Akrigg (10) and Steve Pearson (10), as well as a solid 25 runs from 23 deliveries with 4 boundaries for the evergreen Gary Boulton. Steeton finished with a formidable total of 309 runs all out in 49.3 overs.

In reply Steve Pearson knicked out Kirkstall’s opener with the total on 26 runs, with a catch by keeper Jake Starkey. It was then Gary Boulton, who bowled a great 15-over spell and collected a great 5-wicket haul. Gary took his 5 wickets for 75 runs in 15 overs. Off-spinner Aatif Modak (2-70) bowled 15 overs and took 2 wickets with catches taken by John Akrigg and a 2nd for keeper Jake Starkey. Bradley Akrigg (1-26) nipped out a further wicket with a catch taken by Steve Pearson. Having taken the 1st wicket Steve Pearson (2-51) “topped’n’tailed” the innings as he clean bowled the final Kirkstall batsman. Bradley Akrigg was awarded a fielding point. Kirkstall were all out for 254 runs from 45.3 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Kirkstall Educational (10 points) by 55 runs.

Will Forster & Gary Boulton are my Men-of-the-Match

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Steeton

Addingham

Steeton won the toss and chose to field first at Summerhill Lane. Addingham’s top order were ripped apart by a great opening spell by Joe Stead, who finished with 3 wickets for 42 runs from 11 overs, with catches accepted by Aatif Modak & Bradley Akrigg. Aatif Modak (1-25) bowled 8 tight overs before the Addingham middle-order was decimated by Bradley Akrigg, who took 3 wickets for 20 runs from 6 overs, with cacthes taken by Australian Will Forster, skipper Tom Stead & his dad John Akrigg. Will & Tom were awarded the fielding points. The Addingham tail was then mopped-up by Steve Pearson, who finished with 3 wickets for 39 runs from 13.1 overs, courtesy of a catch by keeper Jake Starkey. Addingham were all out for 175 runs in 46.1 overs. Steeton would have 53 overs to surpass the Addingham target of 175…a meagre 3¼ runs per over.

In reply Steeton were tottering at 10 runs with 2 wicket down when opener father John Akrigg was joined at the crease by son Bradley Akrigg. Dad & Lad added a superb 91 runs for the 3rd wicket: John finished with 45 runs from 106 deliveries with 2 sixes & 5 fours, while Bradley recorded his maiden 1st XI half-century…his 50 runs coming from 96 deliveries with 10 boundaries. Unfortunately no-one else was able to manage a score of double figures as Steeton squandered a great winning opportunity and finished with 153 runs all out in 52.2 overs. Steeton (7 points) lost to Addingham (18 points)  by 22 runs.

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

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Saltaire 225-7 in 50 overs

Steeton 85 a/o in 33.5 overs

Steeton won the toss and asked Saltaire to bat first at Roberts Park. The Saltaire run-rate was contained early, but Steeton were unable to make any serious inroads into batting line-up. The opening partnership was broken by Callum Lowe taking his first ever 1st XI wicket. Callum finished with 2 wickets for 51 runs from 12 overs, with a catch taken by keeper Oliver Gledhill. Gary Boulton also collected a couple of wickets…his 13 overs conceding 61 runs as he collected 2 wickets with a catch taken by Bradley Akrigg. Bradley also clean bowled a further 2 batters…his 11 overs costing 47 runs as he took his 2 wickets. The only other wicket fell to the off-spin of Aatif Modak (1-32) as Saltaire closed with 225 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs. The target would have been higher but for some great work in outfield by Callum Lowe and Harris Rowlett, who were both rewarded with fielding points.

Steeton struggled in reply and were quickly tottering at 34 runs with 4 wickets down. The only batsman with any credit was young debutant Harris Rowlett, who scored an excellent 34 runs from 79 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Harris shared a 36-run 5th wicket partnership with skipper Tom Stead, who contributed 17 runs from 17 deliveries with 2 boundaries. Other than Harris & Tom no other batsman was able to reach double figures. Steeton were dismissed for a meagre 85 runs all out in 33.5 overs. Steeton (3 points) lost to Saltaire (20 points) by 140 runs

Harris Rowlett is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Calverley 126 a/o in 43.1 overs

Steeton 127-1 in 29.5 overs

Steeton won the toss and asked Calverley to bat first at Victoria Park. Steeton’s catching was exemplary, with 8 Calverley batsmen caught out. Opening bowlers Stephen Pearson (1-26) and Joe Stead (2-30) did the early damage to the top-order which saw Calverley reduced to 41 runs with 3 wickets down. Joe had catches taken by keeper Jake Starkey and by Stephen Pearson. Paul Hardwick took 3 wickets for a miserly 39 runs from 13 overs with a 2nd catch for Stephen Pearson and one taken by Harris Rowlett. Pick of the bowlers however was Gary Boulton who bowled 11.1 overs for an equally miserly 22 runs as he claimed 4 wickets, with a 3rd catch for Stephen Pearson, 2 catches taken by Aatif Modak and 1 by Bradley Akrigg. The whole team fielded well, but with 3 catches Steve Pearson was awarded a fielding point. Calverley had been bowled all out for a measly 126 runs in 43.1 overs.

Steeton’s reply was led by David Robinson, who scored an excellent 57 runs from 80 deliveries with 9 boundaries before being adjudged lbw. David shared an opening partnership of 115 runs with Will Luxton, who scored an unbeaten 46* runs from 92 deliveries with 9 boundaries. With Australian Will Forster contributing an unbeaten 6* runs Steeton scored a masterful 127 runs for the loss of just 1 wicket in 29.5 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Calverley (1 point) by 9 wickets.

David Robinson & Gary Boulton are my joint Men-of-the-Match

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Olicanian 221 a/o in 50 overs

Steeton 52 a/o in 

Steeton won the toss at Summerhill Lane and asked Olicanian to bat first. Early damage was done by opening bowler Steve Pearson, who finished with 3 wickets for 58 runs from 14 overs with catches taken by keeper Oliver Gledhill & Aatif Modak. Australian Will Forster & veteran John Akrigg both performed run outs, but the pick of the bowling was off-spinner Aatif Modak, who finished with a great 5-wicket haul. Aatif took his best 1st XI return with 5 wickets for 66 runs from 15 overs and had catches taken by Paul Hardwick as well as caught & bowled. Joe Stead & Will Luxton were awarded fielding points. Olicanian closed with 221 runs all out in exactly 50 overs.

Steeton’s reply was disastrous. I shall be brief! 6 Steeton batsmen failed to score any runs and only 2 batsmen managed double figures. Top-scorer was Australian Will Forster with 14 runs scored from 27 deliveries with 3 boundaries. The other batsmen to make double figures was skipper Tom Stead, who registered 13 runs from 22 deliveries with 1 boundary. Steeton were all out for a dismal 52 runs in just 19.1 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost to Olicanian (19 points) by 169 runs

Aatif Modak is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Steeton 3pts

Hall Park 3pts

Steeton were victims of the wet weather and both sides collect 3 points.  Steeton are now 25 points clear of the relegation zone with 1 match to play and so retain 2nd division status for 2019.

Colton Institute 236 a/o in 46.4 overs

Steeton 239-3 in 40.5 overs

Steeton went into the final game of the season having secured 2nd division status for the 2019 season, and since it was raining in Steeton were not really enthusiastic to travel to the far side of Leeds to fulfil this fixture. It was much better weather at Colton and it was clear that a game was on. Steeton’s priority was to help the 2nds win their last match, so the 1st XI included young debutant Harry Rowe; playing only his second 1st XI match was youngster Elliott Wilson…and at the other end of the age scale was club president 55-year-old Phil Barrett playing his first 1st XI match of the season and 47-year-old Hayden Tennant playing only his 2nd game of the season. Skipper Tom Stead lost the toss and Colton chose to bat first. Colton began with a solid start and Steeton found wickets hard to come by. Paul Hardwick removed both openers and finished with 2 wickets for 59 runs from 14 overs, including a great grab on the long-on boundary having initially misjudging the trajectory by skipper Tom Stead. Colton’s middle-order crumbled under the relentless Bradley Akrigg, who finished with a fantastic 5-wicket haul. Bradley took 5 wickets for 41 runs from 11.4 overs with a well-judged catch running in from long-off by Phil Barrett and a low catch at mid-off by skipper Tom Stead, which earned Tom a fielding point. Solid ground fielding by Harry Rowe meant he awarded the other fielding point. Harry (1-32) was also asked to bowl and an eventful first over saw his first delivery  in the 1st XI go for a maximum and his 3rd delivery remove the middle stick! A fielding point and a wicket is a promising debut for Harry. With one batsman retiring hurt, Colton’s last wicket fell to off-spinner Aatif Modak (1-46). The only negative from the first half of this fixture was Colton’s top-scorer…51 extras! Colton were all out for 236 runs in 46.4 overs.

Steeton’s reply began with a rapid blast by opener Oliver Gledhill, who scored 20 runs from just 11 deliveries with 1 six & 2 fours, before going for one too many big hit an being caught with the opening stand halting on 43 runs. The 2nd wicket partnership put the result of this game beyond Colton’s grasp as opener John Akrigg and Aatif Modak shared a great 139-run partnership. Aatif deserved a half-century, but had to settle for an excellent 47 runs from 84 deliveries with 7 boundaries. John went on to well-crafted century…his unbeaten 114* runs coming from 128 deliveries with 19 boundaries. This is John’s 16th Steeton 1st XI century and his current Steeton 1st XI career run tally is now 12,653 runs. Elliott Wilson made short work of finishing this match off as he nonchalantly stroked 4 boundaries as he closed with an unbeaten 22* runs from just 14 deliveries. Elliott & John shared an unbroken 32-run 4th wicket stand. Steeton passed the Colton target with 12 overs to spare having scored 239 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 40.5 overs. A great day for the Akrigg family…5 wickets for son Bradley & a century for dad John. Steeton (20 points) beat Colton Institute (6 points) by 7 wickets

John & Bradley Akrigg are my joint Men-of-the-Match

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Tong Park 103 a/o in 35 overs

Steeton 104-9 in 34.2 overs

Asked to bat first on a very slow and low damp track at Esholt Tong Park were all out for a meagre 103 runs in 35 overs. Youngsters Ewan Johnston (3-6) and Bradley Akrigg (3-19) both bowled great spells, while off-spinner Zaggy Pearson and skipper Gary Boulton both took 2 wickets apiece. Ewan Johnston bowled a devastating opening 6-over blast, which removed the top 3 Tong Park batsmen, with just 20 runs on the board. Ewan had a catch taken by debutant Freddie Maddocks which earned him a fielding point, while another debutant Elliott Wilson was also awarded a further fielding point. Bradley bowled 7 overs for his 3 wickets for 19 runs, courtesy of a catch by Callum Lowe. Gary’s 2 wickets came at a cost of 29 runs, and Zaggy’s 2 wickets came from 3 overs at a cost of 7 runs, with a catch taken by Bradley Akrigg.

Steeton’s reply began nervously as 6-2 became 30-5 and with runs a scarce commodity Steeton were reduced to 62 runs with 6 wickets down and only Oliver Gledhill (14) of the top 6 batsmen managing double figures. Luke Watson was the only batter to come out of this fixture with any real credit as he shepherded the Steeton tail. Steeton had reached 94 runs with 9 wickets down as the last man Callum Lowe came in to join Luke Watson. A further 10 difficult runs still to manufacture. Luke Watson played an exemplary innings of 40*, including 6 boundaries, which guided Steeton to memorable victory. Steeton had scored 104 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 34.2 overs. Steeton (17 points) beat Tong Park Esholt (5 points) by 1 wicket.

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

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Steeton 152 a/o in 40 overs

Otley 154-4 in 34.1 overs

With the recent rain Summerhill Lane was was damp…with the outfield not as lightning fast as usual…difficult to judge what could be regarded as a ‘good score’. The pitch was considered too damp by the umpires, who delayed the start of this match by ½hour…meaning 10 overs were lost. With a 40-over match in prospect, Steeton lost the toss and were duly inserted to bat first. Steeton were off to a solid start with a century opening partnership in 26 overs between David Robinson (72) & Chris Luxton (34). David Robinson top-scored with an excellent 72 runs scored from 105 deliveries with 2 sixes & 7 fours; while Chris scored his 34 runs from 66 deliveries with 4 boundaries. As Steeton’s middle order tried to post a competitive total wickets began to tumble to some excellent Otley catching. Freddie Maddocks chipped in with 10 runs, but is was left to Aatif Modak to shepherd the tail. Aatif scored 18 runs from 23 deliveries with 2 boundaries and saw Steeton to its 2nd batting point, before being stumped off the final delivery of the Steeton innings. From 100-1 Steeton had posted a below-par 152 runs all out in their 40 overs.

In reply Steeton found wickets hard to come by, and any ‘luck’ seemed to be running against them. It was the 6th bowler tried Aatif Modak (1-26) who broke the opening partnership with a return catch off his own bowling. The 7th bowler tried was Elliott Wilson, who gave Steeton some hope with 3 wickets for 24 runs from 5.1 overs, with 2 edges taken by keeper Oliver Gledhill and a skied catch well pouched by Callum Lowe. Callum was awarded a fielding point, as well as Jake Hill. Steeon were unable to remove reliable Otley opener Graeme Wolfenden (95*) and so Otley scored 154 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 34.1 overs. Steeton (5 points) lost to Otley (20 points) by 6 wickets.

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

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Steeton 3pt

Beckwithshaw 3pt

On the warmest sunny day, Beckwithshaw’s field is still unfit. This fixture was abandoned without Steeton needing to travel. Both sides collect 3 points.

North Leeds 236-6 in 45 overs

Steeton 55 a/o in 20 overs

Our 2nd XI won the toss and asked visitors North Leeds to bat first on a sunny day at Summerhill Lane. Freddie Maddocks (2-21) did early damage with an opening 7 over blast that reduced North Leeds to 46 runs with 2 wickets down in the 14th over – both being caught behind by keeper Oliver Gledhill. However North Leeds added a further 134 runs before Steeton enjoyed any further success…and what was looking to become a mammoth total was brought under control by bowlers No7 & No8: Bradley Akrigg & Aatif Modak. Bradley bowled 7 overs which cost 31 runs as he collected 2 wickets and off-spinner Aatif bowled 7 overs which cost 42 runs as he also collected 2 wickets, with catches taken by Andrew Luxton and an excellent catch running in at mid-wicket by Callum Lowe. Callum was awarded a fielding point with another other going to David Robinson. North Leeds closed with 236 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 45 overs.

Steeton’s reply went from bad to worse. Opener Aatif Modak scored 10 runs but as he departed Steeton had slumped to 16 runs with 5 wickets down. Luke Watson was the only batsman to show any resistance as he top-scored with 24 runs scored from 18 deliveries with 4 boundaries. At half past 5 the match was all over and Steeton had only managed an embarrassing 55 runs in 20 overs. Steeton (3 points) lost to North Leeds (20 points) by 181 runs.

Freddie Maddocks, Bradley Akrigg & Aatif Modak are my joint Men-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Rawdon 146-5 in 20 overs

Steeton 113 a/o in 19.4 overs

Steeton won the toss for the 3rd time this weekend and asked Rawdon to bat first with the new 20-over format for the Birtwhistle Cup. Callum Lowe steamed in with a lively spell, which saw him collect 2 wickets for 19 runs from his 4 overs, with a simple return catch from his own bowling and an excellent low take at fly-slip by David Robinson…Rawdon were teetering with 2 wickets down and just 24 runs on the board. Bradley Akrigg also took 2 wicket from his 4 overs, which conceded 27 runs, including an excellent stumping by keeper Julian Higginson. The other Steeton wicket broke an 85-run partnership with a run out courtesy of an accurate throw from the boundary by Luke Watson for keeper Julian Higginson to remove the bails. Rawdon had scored an impressive 146 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs.

Steeton’s reply was catastrophic as they were quickly reduced to 34 runs with 6 wickets already back in the tent and only Andrew Luxton (10) managing double-figures. T20 matches are supposed to be the dominion of the younger players, but it was Steeton’s parade of over 50s, who almost turned this game on its head. Firstly skipper Gary Boulton (12) recorded a 32-run 7th wicket partnership with top-scorer Julian Higginson, who scored 23 runs from 22 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Finally it was the turn of Club president Phil Barrett to notch a cameo unbeaten 20* runs from 17 deliveries, including 1 six, as he added 24 runs for the last wicket with Callum Lowe (11). Steeton closed with 113 runs all out in 19.4 overs, to lose by 33 runs and crash out of the new-format Birtwhistle Cup in the first round.

Callum Lowe is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Steeton 239-7 in 45 overs

Horsforth 243-3 in 44.4 overs

Our 2nd fared little better. Opting to bat first Steeton scored 239 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, with half-centuries for Gary Boulton and Andrew Luxton. Steeton won the toss an on a hot and sunny day elected to bat first. Steeton’s innings got into gear with an excellent 45-run 2nd wicket partnership between opener David Robinson (37) & Freddie Maddocks (21). David scored his 37 runs from 69 deliveries with 1 six & 3 fours, while Freddie scored his 21 runs from 44 deliveries with 4 boundaries. David went on to share a 43-run 3rd wicket partnership with Gary Boulton, who scored 50 runs from 71 deliveries with 2 sixes & 4 fours. Gary went on to share an even better 4th wicket partnership with Oliver Gledhill, who contributed 45 runs from just 31 deliveries with 9 boundaries. Gary then added 30 runs for the 5th wicket with Andrew Luxton, who recorded a great 50 runs from just 31 balls with 1 six & 7 fours. Andrew also added 29 runs for the 7th wicket with Club President Phil Barrett (9*), as Steeton closed with a sizeable 239 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 45 overs, and full batting points.

Bowling was much harder work on an excellent track and Horsforth knocked off the total in the final. The successful bowlers were Zaggy Pearson (1-43) with a stumping by Oliver Gledhill; Callum Lowe (1-50) with a long-off catch by Andrew Luxton; and in the final over Elliot Wilson took a well-judged catch off skipper Gary Boulton (1-49). Steeton were unable to prise out Horsforth opener Chris Binks (119*) who guided his side to a narrow victory. Elliot Wilson and Freddie Maddocks were awarded fielding points. In an exciting finish, Horsforth scored 243 runs for the loss of just 3 wicket in 44.4 overs to pass the Steeton target with just 2 balls to spare. Steeton (6 points) lost to Horsforth (18 points) by 7 wickets.

Andrew Luxton & Gary Boulton are my joint Men-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Steeton 225-8 in 45 overs

Ilkley 138 a/o in 36.3 overs

Our 2nd XI also lost the toss and were asked to bat first by visitors Ilkley CC. Opener David Robinson played a good innings of 41 runs from 50 deliveries with 1 six & 6 fours, and shared a 31-run opening partnership with Will Luxton (9) followed by a 33-run 2nd wicket partnership with Chris Luxton, who went on to score 40 runs from 71 deliveries with 5 boundaries. A couple of quick wickets meant Steeton were teetering at 65 runs with 4 wickets lost, but this brought Stephen Pearson to the wicket. Steve played a masterful innings which totally dominated the Ilkley bowlers: he shared a 5th wicket partnership of 94 runs with Chris Luxton; followed by a 35-run 7th wicket partnership with skipper Gary Boulton, who contributed 26 runs from just 13 deliveries with 2 sixes & 2 fours;…followed by a 22-run 8th wicket partnership with Elliott Wilson (12). When Steve clipped the final delivery of the Steeton innings for a maximum he brought his personal score to an unbeaten 80* runs from 87 deliveries with 2 sixes & 10 fours…and Steeton’s score to 225 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 45 overs.

Steve Pearson was not finished as a great opening blast with partner Callum Lowe saw Ilkley reduced to 25 runs with 6 wickets down. Steve finished with 4 wickets for 19 runs from 12 overs, with catches held by Elliott Wilson in the covers and skipper Gary Boulton in the gully; and Callum Lowe finished with 2 wickets for 35 runs from 9 overs, with catches taken in the slips by Andrew Luxton and by keeper Josh Robinson. Ilkley began a fightback which was halted by skipper Gary Boulton, who took 3 wickets for 17 runs from 7.3 overs. The innings was brought to a close by none other than Steve Pearson with a direct hit run-out. However it was Will Luxton & Elliott Wilson who collected the fielding points. Ilkley were all out for 138 runs from 36.3 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Ilkley (6 points) by 87 runs.

Steve Pearson is my Man-of-the-Match

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Pool 94 a/o in 29.1 overs

Steeton 97-0 in 19 overs

Our 2nd XI travel to Pool hoping to build on last week’s resounding success. Steeton won the toss and asked Pool to bat first. After a a 36-run opening partnership in 8 overs Pool lost their first wicket to the bowling of Freddie Maddocks (1-22) with a 1st catch by keeper Josh Robinson. With the shell cracked Callum Lowe benefitted with a fine spell which earned him 4 wickets for 41 runs from 11 overs and reduced Pool to 62 runs with 5 wickets down in the 16th over. Callum had catches taken by Chris Luxton and a second by keeper Josh Robinson. Skipper Gary Boulton brought himself on to bowl and proceeded to ‘mop up’ the tail and collect another 5-wicket haul. Gary finished with 5 wickets for 18 runs off 7.1 overs and in doing so became only the 4th Steeton bowler ever to pass 700 wickets for the club. Gary was helped to his 5 wickets with catches taken by Andrew Luxton, a 3rd by keeper Josh Robinson, Callum Lowe & Elliott Wilson, who was awarded a fielding point. Pool were all out for just 94 runs in 29.1 overs.

Steeton’s reply was emphatic as openers David Robinson and Chris Luxton cruised to a comfortable victory without losing a single wicket. David Robinson top-scored with his unbeaten 69* runs coming off 64 deliveries with 18 boundaries, while Chris Luxton scored his unbeaten 27* runs from 45 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Steeton scored 97 runs without losing a wicket in just 19 overs. Steeton (20 points) beat Pool (0 points) by 10 wickets.

Gary Boulton and David Robinson are my joint Men-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Rawdon 187 a/o in 42.5 overs

Steeton 146 a/o in 41.5 overs

Our 2nd XI travel to Rawdon on the back of a 2 match winning streak having overpowered Pool last week by 10 wickets. Rawdon batted first and scored 187 runs with skipper Callum Lowe taking 4 wickets, off-spinner Zaggy Pearson collecting 3 wicket…2 wickets for Luke Pearson and a single wicket for Elliott Wilson.

In reply Steeton’s experienced batting line-up struggled and were all out for just short of 150 runs

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Adel 148-6 in 45 overs

Steeton 149-4 in 37.2 overs

Steeton’s stand-in skipper Callum Lowe won the toss and with rain in the air asked Adel to bat first. Steeton began by blitzing the Adel top-order and reducing them to 20 runs with 4 wickets down in the 15th over. Skipper Callum Lowe had all 4 wickets courtesy of catches taken by Phil Barrett in the slips, Ewan Johnston diving full length at point and keeper John Akrigg. Adel mounted a commendable fight-back and the fall of wickets was slowed. Off-spinner Zaggy Pearson (1-11) took a single wicket with a 2nd excellent catch taken by Ewan Johnston…this time sliding in from the long-off boundary. Ewan was rightly awarded 2 fielding points. A second spell by skipper Callum Lowe earned himself a well-deserved 5-wicket haul as he clean bowled Adel’s top-scorer Chris Ridgway (60). Callum finished with 5 wickets for 42 runs from 13 overs. Adel closed on 148 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 45 overs.

Rain during the tea interval reduced the Steeton innings to 40 overs and the experienced pairing of Chris Luxton & John Akrigg began the reply. A great opening partnership was curtailed at the mid-innings drinks break when John Akrigg (19) departed with the score on 60 runs. Chris Luxton top-scored for Steeton with a fine half-century…his 55 runs coming from 98 deliveries with 9 boundaries. When Chris departed Steeton were wobbling at 95 runs with 4 wickets down in the 30th over and the required run-rate was climbing to over 5 runs per over. Phil Barrett joined Luke Watson and together they compiled a match winning unbroken 54-run 5th wicket partnership in a little over 7 overs. Luke scored an excellent 45* runs not out from just 36 deliveries with 1 six & 6 fours & Phil contributed an unbeaten 17* from 18 balls faced and hit the boundary that saw Steeton pass the Adel target with 16 balls to spare. Steeton had scored 149 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 37.2 overs. Steeton (18 points) beat Adel (4 points) by 6 wickets.

Callum Lowe & Chris Luxton are my joint Men-of-the-Match

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Steeton 263-0 in 45 overs

Bilton 140-9 in 45 overs

Steeton lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a sunny day at Bilton on a bone-dry wicket that resembled the ‘dust bowl’. The experienced John Akrigg opened the innings with 16-year-old Elliott Wilson. A steady start saw Steeton at 27-0 after 10 overs, but the scoring rate improved dramatically to mean Steeton were well placed at 84-0 after 20 overs and 149-0 after 30 overs. With his score in the nineties John Akrigg ‘tweaked’ his hamstring, so having limped through to his first ever 2nd XI century John limped off the field to retire injured with Steeton on 158 runs without losing a wicket. John had recorded his 100* runs from 116 deliveries with 1 six & 13 fours. Elliot Wilson completed an excellent half-century shortly after being joined by Josh Robinson, but was not finished there! In fact Elliot went on to complete his maiden century and finished with a fantastic unbeaten 124* runs scored from 135 deliveries with 1 six & 14 fours. Having got pad-rash waiting to bat Josh Robinson finished with an unbeaten 25* runs scored from 24 deliveries with 2 boundaries. Steeton finished with a remarkable 263 runs in their 45 overs without losing a single wicket – a new club record opening partnership.

Bilton initially set about the impressive Steeton target with gusto, but Steeton kept chipping away and the scoring rate dried-up to a pedestrian pace. Callum Lowe (1-25) made the initial breakthrough with a catch safely pouched by Luke Watson. Off-spinner Zaggy Pearson then ripped out the top-order with catches by Phil Barrett & Harry Rowe as well as a stumping by keeper John Akrigg. Skipper Gary Boulton bowled 5 successive maiden overs and finished with 1 wicket for just 4 runs from 8 overs. A smart pick-up & throw by Josh Robinson for keeper John Akrigg to remove the bails accounted for a further batsman. Luke Watson also claimed 3 wicket including a comfortable return catch and 2 excellent catches by Harry Rowe. Harry finished with 3 catches and quite rightly was awarded 2 fielding points. Steeton were unable to winkle out the final wicket and so Bilton closed on 140 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 45 overs. Steeton (19 points) beat Bilton (2 points) by 123 runs.

Elliott Wilson is my Man-of-the-Match

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Steeton 221-3 in 45 overs

Guiseley 200-7 in 45 overs

Steeton won the toss and decided to bat first on a sunny day at Guiseley. Opener John Akrigg scored his second successive unbeaten century…his 104* runs not out including 14 boundaries. John shared an 84-run 2nd wicket stand with Chris Luxton, who contributed 33 runs with 5 boundaries. John went on to share an even better 112-run unbroken 4th wicket partnership with Harris Rowlett, who contributed a fabulous unbeaten 59* runs with 8 boundaries. Steeton closed with a commanding 221 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their 45 overs.

In reply Guiseley were initially pegged-back by skipper Gary Boulton, who removed both openers and finished with 2 wickets for 44 runs from 13 overs. Callum Lowe also finished with 2 wickets for 56 runs from 10 overs with catches taken by keeper John Akrigg and Jack Luxton. Also collecting a brace of wickets was Josh Robinson, whose 2 wickets cost 26 runs from 8 overs and gave John Akrigg a 2nd wicket-keeping catch. The only other wicket fell to Craig Walton (1-32) courtesy of a catch by Ewan Johnston. Guiseley decided that the Steeton target was beyond their reach and instead aimed for the 200 mark, which would give them full batting points. Guiseley finished with 200 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 45 overs. Steeton (18 points) beat Guiseley (6 points) by 21 runs.

John Akrigg is my Man-of-the-Match

Steeton 124 a/o in 36.1 overs

Tong Park 126-6 in 24.1 overs

Steeton had made arrangements to watch the World Cup quarter-final match as England take on Sweden…and these involved a midday start to this fixture as well as a vastly extended tea break at 2:55pm. Steeton won the toss an chose to bat first on a hot and sunny day on a lively greenish wicket. With only Jack Luxton (11) managing double-figures the top 5 batsmen were out with a mere 31 runs on the board in 14 overs. This brought together the experienced (108 years in total!) pairing of skipper Gary Boulton and Phil Barrett. Together Gary & Phil added 47 runs for the 6th wicket partnership before Gary was clean bowled for 22 runs from 42 balls faced with 4 boundaries. Phil went on to add 37 runs for the 8th wicket with Ewan Johnston (5). Phil was dismissed straight after recording his first half-century since 2016 (also against Tong Park)…his 50 runs coming from 58 deliveries with 1 six & 6 fours. Steeton were all out for a below-par 124 runs in 36.1 overs.

Straight round with only a 10 minute break and Tong Park set about the opening attack with a flourish, which brought 19 runs from the first over but also meant they lost quick wickets. At 2:55pm after 7 overs a break was called for tea and football watching: Tong Park were 38 runs with 3 wickets lost with Callum Lowe collecting 2 wickets including a diving catch taken by keeper Phil Barrett and a further wicket for Ewan Johnston (1-17) also caught by keeper Phil Barrett. Tea was enjoyed and England soundly beat Sweden, before the match was resumed at 5pm. Callum Lowe took another wicket and finished with 3 wicket for 57 runs from 9 overs. Skipper Gary Boulton brought himself on to bowl and was rewarded with 2 wickets for 22 runs from 4.1 overs. Steeton’s meagre target was easily overhauled by Tong Park, who scored 126 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 24.1 overs. Steeton (4 points) lost to Tong Park (19 points) by 4 wickets.

It will not be a shock to anyone when I announce that Phil Barrett is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Otley 273-5 in 45 overs

Steeton 224-9 in 45 overs

Steeton lost the toss and on a hot sunny date were unsurprisingly asked to field first at Cross Green. Steeton had early success when Phil Barrett took a sharp one-handed slip catch from the bowling of Harry Rowe (1-26). Pick of the bowlers was Josh Robinson, who took 2 wickets for 45 runs from 4 overs with a good catch at long off by stand-in skipper Hayden Tennant, which earned him a fielding point. James Yeadon (1-28) bowled a good spell and was rewarded with another catch on the long-off boundary by Mick Wilson. Phil Barrett then took a second catch also on the long-off boundary to give Ewan Johnston (1-75) some reward for a 12 overs of warm toil. Phil was awarded a fielding point. Steeton had contained well for most of the Otley innings, but were ‘chasing leather’ for the last 10 overs. Otley skipper George Huntley scored 105* runs not out. Otley finished with a mammoth 273 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 45 overs.

In reply Steeton were grateful to opener Josh Robinson, who opened the innings and scored a magnificent maiden century…his 105 runs came from 115 deliveries with 3 sixes & 11 fours. Josh shared an opening partnership of 24 runs with Mick Wilson (10) followed by a fine 75-run 3rd wicket partnership with Phil Barrett, who contributed 25 runs from 36 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Josh then shared a 23-run 5th wicket stand with Julian Higginson (13) and then a 44-run 6th wicket partnership with skipper Hayden Tennant, who contributed 22 runs from 22 deliveries with 2 boundaries. An exhausted Josh Robinson departed having guided Steeton to 193 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 40 overs. Harry Rowe (18) & Ewan Johnston (11) added 25 runs for the 8th wicket which saw Steeton to full batting points. Steeton closed with 224 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 45 overs…an excellent performance for a ‘scratch’ side full of juniors, veterans and retirees.  Steeton (7 points) lost to Otley (19 points) by 49 runs.

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

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Steeton 122 a/o in 31.1 overs

Beckwithshaw 124-5 in 29.3 overs

Steeton lost the toss and with a weakened side were asked to bat first by bottom-of-the-league Beckwithshaw. Steeton began badly losing their first wicket before a single run was on the board. Opener Freddie Maddocks helped steady the innings with as he helped compile a 2nd wicket partnership of 46 runs with Harris Rowlett. Freddie was adjudged LBW with 18 runs from 35 deliveries with 2 boundaries. Harris then helped add 18 runs for the 4th wicket with Phil Barrett, who contributed 16 runs from 18 deliveries with 3 boundaries before skying a leading edge to the keeper. With the score on 83 runs for the loss of 8 wickets Harris was clean bowled for a fine 37 runs from 61 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Skipper Callum Lowe scored 18 runs from 21 deliveries with 4 boundaries and added 25 runs for the 9th wicket with 13-year-old debutant Wilf Roberts, who finished with an unbeaten 9* runs from 22 deliveries with 1 boundary. Steeton closed with a below-par 122 runs all out in 31.1 overs.

In reply Freddie Maddocks made a early breakthrough, clean bowling the Beckwithshaw opener with just 12 runs on the board and finished with 1 wicket for 21 runs from 7 overs. Colin Stead has been sedately retired for many years, but donned the whites again to answer Steeton’s hour of need. Colin’s first over was harshly punished, but he gained his revenge with a wicket in his second over with a thin edge safely taken by keeper Phil Barrett…a 55-year-old bowler and a 55-year-old catcher! Colin finished with 1 wicket for 34 runs from 5 overs – and will ache tomorrow. Best bowling figures belonged to skipper Callum Lowe who took 2 wickets for 56 runs from 9.3 overs with a nice low catch at cover by Harry Rowe and a 2nd catch by keeper Phil Barrett, who conceded no byes. As Beckwithshaw approached the meagre Steeton target, youngster Wilf Roberts (1-5) was asked to bowl and his first over in senior cricket was a wicket-maiden. Beckwithshaw comfortably passed the Steeton target with 18 overs and 5 wicket to spare, having scored 124 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 29.3 overs. Callum Lowe & Finlay Brown were awarded the fielding points. Steeton (3 points) lost to Beckwithshaw (19 points) by 5 wickets.

Callum Lowe is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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North Leeds 215-4 in 45 overs

Steeton 60 a/o in 26.5 overs

Steeton won the toss and asked North Leeds to bat first at the Homestead. Following early rain the outfield was still damp, but the wicket itself had been kept mostly dry. North Leeds preserved wickets early as they made a slow start to their innings but were later able to accelerate to 215 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in their 45 overs. Pick of the bowlers was off-spinner Zaggy Pearson, whose 13 overs conceded 66 runs as he collected 3 wickets, including excellent catches taken by skipper Callum Lowe on the mid-wicket boundary and Luke Watson on the long-on boundary. Both Callum & Luke were awarded fielding points as well as youngster Wilf Roberts. Skipper Callum Lowe (1-38) took the only other wicket.

In reply Steeton’s batting crumpled and was all out for 60 runs in 26.5 overs. Chris Luxton (10) & Luke Watson (13) were the only batsmen to manage double figures. For North Leeds Barry Singleton took 4 wickets and did not concede any runs. Steeton (2 points) lost to North Leeds (20 points) by 155 runs.

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Steeton 86 a/o in 28.5 overs

Horsforth 90-2 in 21.1 overs

Steeton lost the toss and were asked to bat first. Both of Steeton’s opening pair scored 11 runs each: David Robinson (11) from 22 deliveries and Freddie Haddock’s (11) from 33 deliveries. Freddie shared a 27-run 2nd wicket partnership with top-scorer Elliott Wilson, who contributed 23 runs from 18 deliveries with 5 boundaries. Steeton’s middle-of-the-road were unable to make any significant contribution, and the only other innings worthy of note was an unbeaten 16* runs from 18 deliveries with 3 boundaries by skipper Callum Lowe. Steeton closed with a meagre 86 runs all out in 28.5 overs. Too soon for the dinner ladies…so it was decided to swap straight round and have tea after the match.

Steeton got off to a great start as keeper Phil Barrett plucked a sharp one-handed catch off the bowling of Freddie Maddocks (1-29) before Horsforth had scored their first run. It looked as though Steeton were not getting a single point from this fixture as Horsforth brought the scores level. With the result a foregone conclusion Harry Rowe (1-2) was brought on to bowl and a sharp bouncer forced a mishit pull shot which skied comfortable to Findlay Brown, who completed a regulation catch & a fielding point. Horsforth completed their victory off the next delivery having scored 90 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 21.1 overs. Steeton (1 point) lost to Horsforth (19 points) by 8 wickets.

Freddie Maddocks is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton.

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Ilkley 199 a/o in 45 overs

Steeton 175 a/o in 42.4 overs

Steeton won the toss and elected to field first at Ilkley. The Ilkley innings began slowly and after 18 overs they were 71 runs with 3 wickets down…the middle of the innings belonged to Ilkley, but Steeton brought the score-rate back under control and in the last 14 overs Ilkley only added a further 49 runs as they lost 6 wickets. Pick of the bowlers was youngster Jack Luxton, who collected 3 wickets for 27 runs from 9 overs with a catch for keeper Phil Barrett and a well-judged catch at square-leg by Freddie Maddocks. Off-spinner Zaggy Pearson also collected 3 wickets for 41 runs from 11 overs with a stumping by keeper Phil Barrett and an excellent diving one-handed catch by Zaggy off his own bowling. Zaggy earned himself a fielding point, while Harry Rowe was also awarded a fielding point. Skipper Callum Lowe took 2 wickets for 59 runs from 13 overs, with a 2nd catch for keeper Phil Barrett. Ewan Johnston (1-29) also bowled a probing spell and provided keeper Phil Barrett with a 3rd catch. Stand-in keeper Phil Barrett finished with 3 catches and a stumping and only conceded 2 byes. As Ilkley scrambled to try to achieve full batting points Alex Howarth remained calm to deliver the ball for Zaggy to complete a run out of the last Ilkley batsman. Ilkley had scored 199 runs all out in 45 overs.

Steeton’s reply began badly and were 4 wickets down with only 55 runs on the board in the 15th over with only Freddie Maddocks (14) managing double figures. Phil Barrett went out to join Alex Howarth playing his first 2nd XI match since 2011 and the combined age of the batsmen at the crease was 105 years. Together they used their experience to add 58 runs for the 5th wicket partnership before Phil was clean bowled for 32 runs scored from 28 balls faced with 1 six & 3 fours. Alex went on to score an excellent 61 runs from 95 deliveries with 9 boundaries before being well caught out on the square-leg boundary. A limping Josh Robinson chipped-in with 10 runs before Harry Rowe scored a good 20 runs from 21 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Skipper Callum Lowe scored an unbeaten 13* runs, but Steeton fell short by a tantalising 24 runs. Steeton were all out for 175 runs in 42.4 overs. In a battling performance Steeton (9 points) lost to Ilkley (19 points) by 24 runs.

Alex Howarth & Phil Barrett are my joint Men-of-the-Match for Steeton.

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Pool 255-5 in 44 overs

Steeton 173 a/o in 45.5 overs

Steeton lost the toss and Pool chose to bat first at Summerhill Lane. The early breakthrough was provided by Freddie Maddocks, when Pool had just 16 runs on the board. Freddie finished with 2 wickets for 36 runs from 10 overs. After this early success Steeton had to wait until Pool had added almost a further 100 runs before enjoying more success: provided by off-spinner Zaggy Pearson who clean bowled the next 2 Pool batsmen. Zaggy finished with 2 wickets for 43 runs from 8 overs. The only other successful Steeton bowler was youngster Findlay Brown (1-37) with a catch taken by Zaggy Pearson. Pool declared after 44 overs, giving themselves an extra over to try to get Steeton all out, with a mammoth 255 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

In reply Steeton had lost both of their experienced opening batsmen with just 7 runs on the board. Stability was restored with an excellent 55-run 3rd wicket partnership between Elliott Wilson (34) & Freddie Maddocks (24). Elliott scored his 34 runs from 41 deliveries with 6 boundaries, while Freddie scored his 24 runs from 55 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Top-scorer for Steeton was skipper David Robinson, who recorded an unbeaten 49* runs scored from 68 deliveries with 4 sixes & 2 fours. David shared a fine 31-run 5th wicket stand with Jack Luxton, who contributed 23 runs from 32 deliveries with 1 six & 3 fours. David went on to share a great 39-run 8th wicket partnership with Ewan Johnston, who contributed 18 runs from 30 deliveries with 4 boundaries. After 46 overs Steeton were 173 runs having lost 9 wickets. Steeton (5 points) lost to Pool (19 points) by 82 runs.

Freddie Maddocks is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Rawdon 205-7 in 45 overs

Steeton 116 a/o in 40 overs

Steeton lost the toss at Summerhill Lane and visitors Rawdon elected to bat first. Early strikes by skipper Callum Lowe saw Rawdon reduced to 7 runs with both openers back in the tent. Callum finished with fine figures of 11 overs for 51 runs with 3 wickets, with a catch juggled, but finally caught by Andrew Luxton in the gully. An 83-run Rawdon stand was broken by James Yeadon, who got out both participants and finished with 2 wickets for 30 runs from 6 overs, with a catch taken by keeper Josh Robinson. Luke Watson (1-50) took a single wicket and also took a catch off the bowling of Jack Luxton (1-41). Skipper Callum Lowe & Max Hibbert were awarded fielding points, as Rawdon closed with 205 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 45 overs.

Opener Josh Robinson got the reply off to a brisk start as he scored 28 runs from 31 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Jack Luxton top-scored with 35 runs from 69 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Jack added 42 runs for the 4th wicket partnership with his uncle Andrew Luxton, who contributed 21 runs from 42 deliveries with 4 boundaries. Unfortunately 89 runs for 4 wickets slid dramatically to 116 runs all out, as Steeton lost 6 wickets adding 27 runs, with none of the last 6 batters able to register double figures. Steeton were all out for 116 runs in 40 overs. Steeton (4 points) lost to Rawdon (20 points) by 89 runs.

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

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Adel 207-5 in 45 overs

Steeton 90 a/o in 31.3 overs

Steeton won the toss and asked Adel to bat first. Skipper Callum Lowe bowled a fine opening spell and was unlucky to only finish with 1 wicket for 40 runs from 10 overs. Off-spinner Zaggy Pearson also bowled a probing spell and collected a single wicket well caught by Finlay Brown as he conceded 46 runs from 13 overs. Finlay Brown was awarded a fielding point, as well as Elliott Wilson. Pick of the bowlers was in-swinger Luke Watson, who collected 3 wickets for 62 runs from 12 overs with catches safely pouched by skipper Callum Lowe and 2 by Phil Barrett. Adel closed with 207 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 45 overs.

Steeton’s reply got off to a solid start with a 34-run opening partnership between top-scorer Josh Robinson, who scored 31 runs including 1 six & 3 fours; and Chris Luxton, who contributed 18 runs including 3 boundaries. Josh went on to share a 26-run 2nd wicket partnership with Elliot Wilson (11). From 60 runs for 2 wickets Steeton crashed to 90 runs all out in 31.3 overs, with only Zaggy Pearson (12) managing double figures. Steeton (2 points) lost to Adel (20 points) by 117 runs.

Luke Watson & Josh Robinson are my joint Men-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Steeton 3pts

Bilton 3pts

Steeton sat at Summerhill Lane hopefully watching the persistent rain until almost 3pm before finally accepting the inevitable conclusion that the weather would not relent and allow this fixture to be even started. Both sides collect 3 points each and Steeton remain bottom of the division.

Guiseley 161 a/o in 42.1 overs

Steeton 

Steeton needed to win to give themselves a chance of staying in the 4th division and so the side had been bolstered with as much talent as was available, including skipper Gary Boulton, who had spent a number of games helping the 1st XI achieve 2nd division survival. Gary lost the toss and Guiseley chose to bat first. Steeton’s opening bowlers were Callum Lowe & Jack Luxton and each removed one of the Guiseley opening batsmen to reduce Guiseley to 25 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. A brief stand was broken by a great run by Zaggy Pearson which earned him a fielding point…the other fielding point going to Will Luxton. Skipper Gary Boulton was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets for a mere 22 runs from 13 overs, with a catch taken by keeper Jake Starkey. Off-spinner Zaggy Pearson (2-46) nipped out a further 2 wickets, courtesy of a stumping by Jake Starkey. The opening bowlers were brought back and they ‘topped & tailed’ the Guiseley innings: Callum Lowe taking 2 wickets for 37 runs from 11 overs while Jack Luxton promptly clean bowled the final man and finished with 2 wickets for 27 runs from his 7.1 overs. Guiseley had been dismissed all out for 161 runs in 42.1 overs. Steeton would have 47 overs to score at around 3½ runs per over to give themselves a chance of survival.

Steeton’s reply began poorly with 13 runs being unlucky for the Luxton family…both Will & dad Chris departing. Steeton were soon teetering at 21 runs with 3 wickets down. The innings was steadied by opener David Robinson (28) adding 41 runs for the 4th wicket with Jake Starkey (39). David scored his 28 runs from 64 deliveries with 5 boundaries, while Jake top-scored with his 39 runs coming from 70 deliveries with 1 six & 5 fours. Jake went on to add a further 40 runs for the 5th wicket partnership with Alex Howarth, who contributed 19 runs. Luke Watson scored a solid 22 runs from 37 deliveries with 1 six & 2 fours, but when he was out Steeton were biting their fingernails at 141 runs for the loss of 8 wickets…still another 20 runs shy of the Guiseley target. In many people’s opinion skipper Gary Boulton came in too far down the order, but his level head in this tense situation was essential. Steeton lost their 9th wicket in the 46th over with 5 runs still required. Callum Lowe survived the over an Gary unceremoniously crashed the second ball of the final over for a maximum to win this final match of the season. Gary finished with and unbeaten 24* runs having faced 27 deliveries and smashed 2 sixes. Steeton scored 163 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 46.2 overs. In a very close match Steeton (19 points) beat Guiseley (7 points) by 1 wicket. The bad news is that other results did not go in our favour and Steeton 2nd XI are relegated to the 5th division for the 2019 season.

Gary Boulton & Jake Starkey are my joint Men-of-the-Match

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Steeton 232-8 in 40 overs

Menston 148-2 in 34 overs

After such nice weather yesterday, Sunday was 10°C cooler with showers predicted. Steeton lost the toss and were invited to bat first. A slow start saw Steeton reduced to 46 runs with 4 wickets lost, with only Will Luxton (12) & skipper Mark Chapman (18) making double figures. Youngsters Harris Rowlett scored a superb unbeaten century…his 101* runs coming from 70 deliveries, with 3 sizes & 13 fours. Harris shared a 33-run 7th wicket partnership with Findlay Brown, who contributed an excellent 18 runs. Harris went on to share an even better 104-run 8th wicket partnership with James Yeadon, who contributed a fine 36 runs from 21 deliveries with 1 six & 6 fours. Finally Harris added an unbroken 23 runs for the 9th wicket with debutant Max Hibbert (9*). Steeton closed with 232 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 40 overs. Rain during the Steeton innings had brought on the covers and despite an early tea-break 4 overs had been lost from the match. To make the overs even Steeton needed to have declared 2 overs early, but that would have left Harris just short of his maiden senior century. So Steeton batted all their 40 overs & Harris duly delivered a fantastic century. Steeton had 5 batting points & Menston had 4 bowling points.

In reply Menston had been asked to score at almost 7 runs per over, but Steeton had only left themselves 36 overs to get them all out. Only 2 Steeton bowlers were rewarded with any wickets: with the score on 42 runs leg-spinner Will Luxton (1-23) broke the opening partnership with a catch taken by Nick Brown; and with the score on 53 runs James Yeadon (1-21) collected the second wicket with a catch taken by Harry Rowe. Will Luxton & Nick ‘Troggy’ Brown were awarded the fielding points. Steeton were unable to winkle out any further wickets, but Menston were unable to threaten the Steeton target. With the gloom gathering and the prospect of a win for either side looking highly improbable the umpires called a halt to proceeding a couple of overs early due to bad light. Menston closed with 148 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 34 overs. Steeton collected 1 bowling point, but Menston took 3 batting points. The overs were unequal, so the match was drawn. Steeton (9 points) drew with Menston (10 points).

Harris Rowlett is my Man-of-the-Match

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Otley 221-5 in 40 overs

Steeton 93 a/o in 33.4 overs

On a cold Sunday Steeton 3rd XI tried to restore some pride for our battered club. Otley won the toss and surprisingly elected to bat first. With the score on ‘unlucky for some’ 13 runs Elliott Wilson (1-52) broke the opening partnership with an excellent catch in the gully by skipper Mark Chapman. Mark was awarded a fielding point. An excellent delivery by Jack Luxton (1-26) clean bowled ex-Steeton player Lee Jackson and Otley were reduced to 22 runs with 2 wickets down in the 8th over. Accurate bowling by Finlay Brown was rewarded with 2 wickets for 36 runs from his 7 overs, and an unplayable delivery by Johnny Atherton (1-37) further reduced Otley to 66 runs with 5 wickets down in the 22nd over and Steeton were undoubtedly in command. Steeton’s dominance was wrested away by a new league record unbroken 155-run 6th wicket partnership by brothers Kyle Steval (114*) and Harry Steval (58*). Steeton did have a number of difficult chances to break the partnership, but all were spurned. Otley finished with a formidable 221 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 40 overs.

In reply Steeton had a 29-run 2nd wicket partnership between skipper Mark Chapman (20) & Elliott Wilson (10). Mark’s 20 runs came from 50 deliveries with 2 boundaries, but when he departed Steeton were struggling at 46 runs with 6 wickets down, and this was only to get worse as they lost 9 wickets with only 54 runs runs on the board. Young debutant Finlay Morgan came out to join veteran Phil Barrett still 21 runs away from a batting point. Together Phil & Finlay surpassed the Club record 10th wicket league partnership as they compiled a 39-run last wicket stand. Phil Barrett top-scored with an unbeaten 35* runs scored from 41 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Finlay negotiated 32 deliveries to stay with Phil and finished with 4 runs. Steeton were all out for 93 runs scored from 33.4 overs. Steeton (3 points) lost to Otley (20 points) by 128 runs.

Unsurprisingly Phil Barrett is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Olicanian 247-2 in 40 overs

Steeton 213-5 in 40 overs

On a blisteringly hot day wickets were at a premium at Olicanian. Steeton won the toss and elected to field first and in the heat used 8 different bowlers…only 2 enjoyed any success. The opening partnership was broken with the score on 54 runs, by Harry Rowe (1-31). Steeton had to toil in the field and wait until Olicanian had reached 165 runs before their second wicket. Finlay Brown (1-21) was the successful bowler courtesy of a stumping by Max Hibbert. Johnny Atherton and Jack Luxton were awarded the fielding points. For Olicanian James Hudson (104*) completed a century, as Olicanian closed with a formidable 247 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in their 40 overs.

In reply Steeton themselves had a great 64-run opening partnership, before Elliott Wilson was caught for 38 runs scored from 34 deliveries with 6 boundaries. Elliott’s opening partner was skipper Mark Chapman, who went on to top-score an excellent 81 runs from 106 deliveries with 9 boundaries. Mark shared a fantastic 118-run 2nd wicket partnership with Jack Luxton, who recorded a maiden half-century. Jack finished with an unbeaten 64* scored from 84 deliveries with 8 boundaries. Steeton’s young middle-order lost their wickets chasing an improbable victory…with Olicanian’s centurion James Hudson also collecting 3 wickets. A valiant attempt by Steeton, who closed with an excellent 213 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 40 overs. Steeton (6 points) lost to Olicanian (17 points) by 34 runs.

Mark Chapman is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Menston 223-5 in 40 overs

Steeton 214 a/o in 35.4 overs

In a great match Steeton lost to Menston by a mere 9 runs and are out of this year’s Chappell Cup. Menston won the toss and elected to bat first and closed with a good total of 223 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 40 overs. The early breakthrough was made by James Yeadon (2-32) with a catch by keeper Max Hibbert. Leg-spinner Will Luxton (1-39) chipped in with a wicket caught by Harry Rowe, but the pick of the bowlers was Finlay Brown, who took 2 wickets for 25 runs with a catch taken by skipper Mark Chapman.

Steeton’s reply began impressively with both openers recording excellent scores: Elliott Wilson (51) scored a great first half-century for Steeton. Elliott’s opening partner was Will Luxton, who scored 36 runs. It was skipper Mark Chapman, who tried to shepherd the Steeton tail towards the Menston target, before he ran out of partners. Mark was well supported by James Yeadon (21) and youngster Finlay Bridge (14). Nick Brown was concussed in the first innings and having visited A&E he returned with hopes of adding the 9 runs needed for a remarkable victory. Unfortunately the ‘Boy’s Own’ finished was not accomplished and skipper Mark Chapman was left high and dry with an unbeaten 38* runs. Steeton scored 214 runs all out in 35.4 overs a tantalising 9 runs adrift of the Maenston target.

Elliott Wilson is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

Steeton 20pts

Guiseley 0pts

Guiseley were unable to raise a team and this game was conceded by them on Friday. Steeton collect full points.

Steeton 167 a/o in 37.2 overs

Burley 170-6 in 32 overs

Steeton won the toss and chose to bat first at Hodson Park. Fresh from his maiden 1st XI century Will Luxton opened the innings, but the foibles of the cricketing gods meant he was walking back with the score on 26 runs and only 7 runs to his name. Will’s opening partner was Steeton’s top-scorer: Elliott Wilson, who scored 47 runs from 60 deliveries with 1 six & 7 fours. Elliott shared a 63-run 2nd wicket partnership with skipper Mark Chapman, who contributed 26 runs scored from 33 balls with 3 boundaries. On this occasion it was Jack Luxton who outscored his brother and Jack finished with 41 runs from 47 deliveries with 1 six & 6 fours. From 89-2 Steeton lost 5 wickets and added just 23 runs as they tumbled to 112-7. Jack shared an excellent 54-run 8th wicket partnership with Ewan Johnston, who contributed an unbeaten 17* runs not out from 41 deliveries with 3 sixes. Having looked capable of registering a total in excess of 200 runs, Steeton closed with 167 runs all out in 37.2 overs.

In reply Steeton took their first wicket with the Burley score on just 3 runs with a ‘snorting’ delivery from Ewan Johnston which took the shoulder of the blade and was safely caught by Phil Barrett in the slips. Steeton had to wait until the total was approaching 100 for their next wickets…and then 2 LBWs came in the same over from Harry Rowe, who finished with 2 wickets for 12 runs from his 4 overs. A second spell by Ewan Johnston removed Burley’s top-scorer Matthew Spencer (62) with an edge taken by keeper Max Hibbert. Ewan finished with 2 wickets for 27 runs from 8 overs. Within 10 runs of their victory target Burley lost a further 2 wickets to the bowling of Finlay Brown, who took 2 wickets for 35 runs from 6 overs with a nice catch at fly-slip by Ryan Birch. Helped by 34 extras, Burley scored 170 runs for 6 wickets in 32 overs. Steeton (7 points) lost to Burley (20 points) by 4 wickets.

Ewan Johnston is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Ilkley 240-6 in 40 overs

Steeton 163 a/o in 31.1 overs

Another warm and sunny day at Summerhill Lane…Steeton won the toss and asked Ilkley to bat first. Ewan Johnston (1-40) made an early breakthrough with a thin edge taken by keeper Julian Higginson…but then had to wait until Ilkley had nearly added a further 100 runs before Harry Richardson (1-40) was rewarded with a single wicket courtesy of a catch taken by skipper Mark Chapman. A diving stop by Nick Brown resulted in a trip to the hospital where it was confirmed that his arm was broken. Ilkley kindly provided a substitute fielder. Wickets continued to be difficult to come by, but Harry Rowe (1-41) claimed the next scalp caught by the Ilkley substitute fielder. The best bowling figure belong to Johnny Atherton, who took 2 wickets for 40 runs from 6 overs with a catch taken by Phil Barrett and another for keeper Julian Higginson. For their catches Phil Barrett & Mark Chapman were awarded fielding points. The other Steeton wicket taker was James Yeadon (1-36) courtesy of a sharp stumping by Julian Higginson. Ilkley closed with a formidable 240 runs for the loss of 6 wicket in their 40 overs.

Steeton reply began disastrously with the top 3 batsmen back in the pavilion with just 15 runs on the board. Phil Barrett is in a rich vein of form and he pummelled the bowling – smashing 3 sixes & 7 fours as he needed just 37 deliveries to score 54 runs…his 2nd half-century of the weekend. Phil shared a 55-run 4th wicket partnership in 9 overs with Ewan Johnston (3). Phil was caught on the long on boundary with the score on 71 runs, but Julian Higginson continued where Phil had left off. Julian scored a fantastic 69 runs from 52 deliveries with 1 six & 13 fours. Julian shared a 34-run 7th wicket partnership with Finlay Brown (9)…followed by a 39-run 8th wicket partnership with Harry Richardson (3)…followed by a 17-run 9th wicket partnership with James Yeadon (8*). With his broken arm Nick Brown was unable to bat and so when Julian was finally clean bowled Steeton lost their 9th and final wicket. Only Steeton’s over50s players managed to score into double figures. Steeton were all out for 163 runs in 31.1 overs. Steeton (7 points) lost to Ilkley (20 points) by 77 runs.

My Men-of-the-Match for Steeton are Julian Higginson & Phil Barrett

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Steeton 3pts

Menston 3pts

This match was another victim of the weather. Menston’s field was declared unfit and with further rain forecast the decision to cancel this fixture was made in the morning.

Steeton 20pts

Otley 0pts

Otley are hosting and participating in the Waddilove cup final, and were unable to raise a 3rd XI side, so have conceded this fixture.

Olicanian 196-5 in 40 overs

Steeton 175 a/o in 37.3 overs

Following heavy overnight rain and with a wet forecast, Steeton had little hesitation in asking Olicanian to bat first when they won the toss. Olicanian openers made steady progress as they coped well with vagaries of a damp wicket, until the introduction of Elliott Wilson, whose height and pace extracted more from the wicket. Elliott’s fiery spell earned him 3 wickets for 37 runs from his 6 over, with lofted catches well taken by Finlay Brown and a return catch for himself as well as a thin edge through to keeper Phil Barrett. Ewan Johnston’s probing accuracy was rewarded with a single wicket caught by keeper Phil Barrett, as his 8 overs conceded 30 runs. The only other wicket to fall went to James Yeadon (1-44) with a well-judged catch by skipper Mark Chapman at square-leg. Harry Rowe & Jeff Wilson were awarded fielding points. In their 40 overs Olicanian had scored a formidable 196 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

In reply Steeton were always up with the required rate but unfortunately lost wickets regularly. A 29-run opening partnership was was followed by an even better 41-run 2nd wicket partnership between opener Elliott Wilson and Adil Modak, who contributed 16 runs from 31 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Elliott went on to score an excellent 67 runs from just 61 deliveries with 12 boundaries before accurately picking out a fielder on the boundary, who took a good catch. Skipper Mark Chapman played an excellent innings of 47 runs from 64 deliveries, including 1 six & 5 fours, before he too found a boundary fielder with a safe pair of hands. no-one was able to form a convincing partnership with their skipper and following the trend over this weekend a valiant effort fell just tantalisingly short of the Olicanian target. Steeton scored 175 runs all out in 37.3 overs. Steeton (7 points) lost to Olicanian (20 points) by 21 runs.

Elliott Wilson is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton

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Steeton 20pts

Guiseley 0pts

Guiseley once again conceded the match… forfeiting the result and 20 points to Steeton.

Steeton 3pts

Burley 3pts

With rain forecast all day this match was called off in the morning. Both sides collect 3 points.

Ilkley 232-6 in 33 overs

Steeton 180-9 in 33 overs

Drizzle delayed the start of this fixture and reduced this match to 33-overs per innings. Steeton had early success with a wicket-maiden in the first over, but then had to wait a further 140 runs before enjoying any further success. The persistent accuracy of Ewan Johnston was rewarded with 3 wickets for 49 runs from his 7 overs with a catch for keeper Max Hibbert as well as a sharp return catch which earned Ewan a fielding point. The other fielding point went to Harry Rowe. Adil Modak (1-54) clean bowled an Ilkley batsman for his wicket before James Yeadon (1-46) provided keeper Max Hibbert with a 2nd catch. Finally Jack Luxton (1-38) collected a wicket courtesy of a long range stumping by Max Hibbert. No bowler was able to stem the steady flow of runs and so Ilkley closed with a prolific 232 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their 33 overs. Steeton would need to score at over 7 runs per over if they were to secure their 1st win of the season!

Steeton’s innings was built on a fabulous 2nd wicket partnership between skipper Mark Chapman and Adil Modak. Together they amassed 106 runs for the 2nd wicket: Mark contributing a great 72 runs from 56 deliveries with 2 sixes & 9 fours; while Adil deserved a half-century but had to settle for 47 runs scored from 56 balls with 8 boundaries. Both fell in quick succession to excellent catches. With the required run-rate soaring to well over 10 runs per over Steeton lost needless middle-order wickets chasing an improbable victory. Jack Luxton (12) & Harry Richardson (10) were the most successful, but finally Steeton had to settle for 180 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 33 overs. A brave effort, but Steeton (8 points) lost to Ilkley (19 points) by 52 runs.

Mark Chapman is my Man-of-the-Match for Steeton.

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