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Senior Cricket
And just like that, we’re into the final three weeks of the season- the 2024 SBCI CC season has absolutely flown by. August turned out to be not the greatest of months on the pitch for our three senior teams with us suffering from absence for holidays, illness and injury – resulting in a mixed bag of results BUT 1st and 2nd teams will remain in the 1 and 2XI Premier Division in 2025. The Sunday side will drop down a division in 2025 BUT continue to bring the juniors through, giving them opportunities to play senior cricket and a relegation might not prove to be a bad thing.
The main event in August was our very successful hosting of the 2024 Crossley Shield final where over 50 club volunteers pulled together to make a fantastic day with, in excess of 450 people in attendance on what turned out to be a great day for the club, the two teams who took part and the Halifax cricket league. A full write up can be found below.
The junior presentation will be held up at the club on 6th September-again full details can be found below.
1st Team
August was a mixed month for the 1st XI, featuring a bumper five games, but sadly only two wins when it could, and perhaps should, have been four. Nevertheless, we end the month in fifth place, and with a very good chance of at least securing another top-half finish as we head into September’s final three games of the season.
We started August with our longest away trip of the season, to Oxenhope, and ultimately an agonising defeat. The game was very notable for the debut of Olivia Thomas, the first woman to play for SBCI’s 1st XI. Two fine catches and a maiden wicket marked a sign of things to come for Liv.
The game ebbed and flowed with both sides in the ascendancy at times, after we had won the toss and elected to field. A couple of early wickets saw Oxenhope 35/2 but a solid recovery from the home side saw them make it to 100/2. From there, wickets fell at regular intervals but the scoring rate was still good and they ended all out for 235, from the penultimate ball of the allotted 45 overs. An economical spell of 2/45 from 14 overs from Alex Scholefield plus 4/69 from Lewis Firth ensured the damage wasn’t worse.
In response we looked almost out of the game at 21/4 but Chris Dalby (33) initiated at least some sort of recovery. When he departed with the score still only 52, we knew we needed something remarkable from skipper Simon Wood and Gnanam Arjuna to get us over the line, and we very nearly got it. A stunning partnership of 164 took us to within touching distance, needing 37 off the last six overs. In a cruel twist, a flurry of wickets left us 7 runs short but nothing should be taken away from the efforts of Gnanam, who hit his maiden century for the club (102), and Simon (65) who both undoubtedly deserved to be on the winning side that day.
The following week we hosted Luddendenfoot, whose only win of the season to date had been against SBCI back in May. Keen to ensure lightning didn’t strike twice, we again won the toss, chose to field, and had our opponents in some trouble at 36/3. However, an impressive recovery saw ‘Foot reach 120/3 before Liv (4/39) and Arun CK (3/49) were introduced to the attack. They took four quick wickets to leave our visitors rocking at 132/7. Another resurgence did see some late runs added by the tail and a final score of 190 all out, leaving plenty of work to do in our chase.
At 50/3 the game was in the balance but a brilliant 85 not out from Jamie Summerscales, with good support from Simon (24) and Gnanam (35), put us in the driving seat. A couple of late wickets slightly took the gloss off the score, but we, in reality eased home from a potentially treacherous position, with five overs and four wickets to spare.
A visit to Triangle was next up and again we bowled first, though this time at the oppositions behest. A partnership of 199 from their openers was certainly not what we had hoped for
but we did continue to fight, despite the onslaught of runs on the small Triangle ground. Special mention to Tyson Illingworth who took a final over hat-trick which at least meant we received a bowling bonus point. The batting response was solid but never truly threatened the 376 target we had been set to win. Adam Fawcett top scored with 85, Simon hit 40 and Tyson a rapid 41 towards the close as we were bowled out for 263, a 112 run defeat.
Booth visited The Astleys next and for the second time this season we had them in real trouble at 45/6. Alex (3/43) and Lewis (3/57) did the early damage. Unfortunately, we slightly let them off the hook, allowing them to scramble to 129 all out. Liv took 2/16 and recorded a run out to help close out the innings.
We were happy with our first half’s work and it should have proven enough for victory. However, an inexplicable batting collapse was to follow, as we imploded from 97/3 to 116 all out. Alex (30), Simon (25) and Adam (23) were three of only four batters to make it to double figures.
We picked ourselves up well in the final week of the month as we visited the Elland ground for the first time since Warley & Elland’s merger. An interesting pitch and some huge boundaries meant runs were at a premium as our hosts inserted us upon winning the toss. Alex (29), Simon (21), Gnanam (26) and Albie Earle (21) all made more than useful contributions as we were 137 all out in the final over. We failed to really accelerate in the last ten overs, and probably should have passed the 150 mark, however it wasn’t to cost us on this occasion.
Alex was in the mood as his 6/22 decimated the Warley & Elland top order. His fourteen overs saw an impressive eight maidens as we bowled our opponents out for just 62. Lewis (2/31) and Liv (2/1) took the other wickets to fall as a 75-run win meant we ended the month on a high. We now head into the final three games of the season against Illingworth (H), Copley (A) and Sowerby Bridge (H) as we look to finish as strongly as possible.
2nd Team
We started off August with a thrilling game up at the Astleys, missing out on a victory on the final ball of the match to lose by 2 runs and to give up more ground on our title charge. Mount got off to a good start – 47 for 1 and then 86 for 2 to give them a good foundation for a big score, but our opening pair of Tyson (2 for 40 from 14) and the returning skipper, Simon Hampshire (3 for 42 from 11) bowled well to keep the run rate in check in spite of the odd missed chance in the field. Brad was the star of the show with the ball taking 4 for 40 and with Greeny affecting a run out of the last ball of their innings, we knew we were in with a chance of knocking the required runs off and as equally happy to have kept our guests for the day under 200.
We looked on track to pick up the 12 points when Mark got to his 50 in double quick time. Unfortunately, he was out the very next ball. We then lost wickets three and four with the score on 97. 27 from Brad, 31 from 22 balls from boom boom Rob Larkin, and even a six from the skipper got us back in with a shout of a win, but it all came down to the last ball and number 11 Dave Brown was unable to connect with the ball and we were all out for 197, just three runs shy of victory.
The impact of summer holidays really started to show seven days later when we put in a poor performance with the bat to succumb to just 101 all out inside 31 overs away at Greetland on, let’s just say an interesting wicket and less than immaculate outfield- makes you grateful for what we have up at SBCI. Greeny, Jonathan, Yuvi and Dylan the only players to make it to double figures in an innings which included three ducks, two of which were gold plated. Earlier in the afternoon, we bowled well in spells, took our catches, but the Greetland batters were able to find the fence too frequently for our liking. Rob Larkin and Dylan Evans the pick of the bowlers taking five of the seven wickets to fall between them.
To say we had a bad day at the office against Triangle on the day before the Crossley Shield cup final was a bit of an understatement. Let’s just say we were second best in all areas in a game that we hope will be quickly forgotten. The opposition opener was dropped on 0 and then 2, before going onto make an unbeaten 129 with their number 4 also making a half century but not before he’d been dropped twice, once on 0 and then when in single figures. Edges found gaps on a worryingly frequent basis and bad shots found their way to the boundary. Keasty took an excellent rebound catch off the gloves of Greeny to get rid of Gary Rodger for a duck but that was about as good as it got. Brad the pick of the bowlers with Veitchy not getting his rewards for a more than decent 14 over spell of leg spin. Unfortunately, that’s the last we’ll see of Mike in 2024 from a playing perspective owing to him having an argument with a wall the day after and coming off second best. 6-8 weeks on the sidelines signals the end of his season. Get well soon (again) Veitchy.
Albie was the pick of the batters in our stuttering reply making a well measured 38 with Keasty giving it some lower order beef and scoring 32 in double quick time to ensure that we reached three figures and a batting bonus point. Greeny and Jonathan Hampshire the only other players to make it into double figures.
We finally got our first win of the month in our penultimate league game of August with a convincing win against neighbours Sowerby Bridge. Both teams not able to pick their strongest XI due to holidays and injury and our hosts hampered even further when one of their starting eleven was summonsed to go and play for their first team. Skipper Hampshire called correctly and we asked Sowerby Bridge to bat first. Our hosts got off to a decent start and had made steady progress to 35 before the first wicket fell. 35-0 quickly became 35-2 and then 56-6 as Brad and Tyson got their rewards for some high-quality bowling. Dylan was excellent behind the stumps (first time he’d done so in two years) and took two catches. Brad had one wicket with the skipper (unusually bowling himself at first change) taking the last wicket to fall and Matty taking 2 for 6 from 4 overs. Star of the show with the ball was Tyson who returned figures of 6 for 33 off his full allocation of 14 overs.
85 to win and Tony and Browny got us off to the perfect start, making quick progress to 38 before Browny was out LBW. Tony and Tyson quickly fell after we’d reached 50, and despite a couple more wickets falling (Dylan to a great one-handed grab in the deep) Brad and Matty saw us over the line with 5 wickets and 28 overs left to give us 12 points and an early 4:45 finish. Matty finished the game off with a lovely lofted off drive for 6.
We put in a great display with the ball and in the field against title chasing Booth in the final match of August but were unable to back it up with the bat and fell to a spirited 52 run defeat. Again, a far from full strength starting eleven with Mark Fellows taking the gloves for the first time in 25 years – and doing a sterling job as well. Three scores of 20+ were the backbone to the Booth innings, but thanks to two really good opening spells from both Tyson and Brad, we were always in the game. Their combined figures of 5 for 101 not a true reflection on how well they bowled with Brad getting the key wicket of Sam Sharkey, courtesy of a sharp, low-down catch which was well held by Mark. Naman effected a great run out and accounted for the Booth opener who looked well set, and then it was a steady stream of wickets in the next twenty overs or so as our visitors for the day went from 37-3, 76-6 and then 120-8. A quickfire 22 from their number 10, added some late innings runs and they’d go to finish on 166 for 9- perhaps 35-40 runs than we would have liked. The Skipper and VC also taking three wickets between them with a mention for Simon- taking his first catch of the season and what a great grab it was- a skier down at fine leg with the wind blowing in about 6 different directions.
In reply, Mark top scored with 23, with five others making it into double figures, but we lost wickets at regular intervals meaning that the 167 required for victory was always going to be a big task. Shout out to Ajay who was battling illness all game but fielded really well and smacked a massive 6 and to Naman who was bowled for 12, blaming the big red ball of gas and air in the sky for his dismissal. Welcome to SBCI CC in late Summer/early Autumn Naman! A few lusty blows from the skipper got us over the 100 mark, with his the last wicket to fall. A disappointing end to a game in which we more than held our own in the first half. Onwards and upwards into the final three matches of the season.
Sunday Side
Just the two matches for our Sunday side in August owing to the Parish Cup and Crossley Shield finals being held on 4th and 18th of this month. We had our best collective performance of the season away on 11th August on a hot day away at top of the table Northowram Fields. Mike and Lucas Veitch became the third father son combo to play for the Sunday side this season. Thankfully, returning skipper Grundy called correctly at the toss and we were grateful to be able to bat first. An 87 second wicket partnership between Dave and Mike was the mainstay of our innings. Dave successfully avoided having three golden ducks on the trot and went onto make 41, with Mike top scoring with 44. Some much-needed late innings runs from Naman and Matt took us upto a competitive total.
We took our hosts all the way and gave them a scare as two wickets each from the aforementioned Naman and Matt along with one from Jack and a maiden senior wicket from Lucas meant that they were six down when they reached their target. Dave Grundy with catch of the day holding onto one at point that had been drilled at him. 20 more runs from us and we might have had an even better chance of causing an upset, but we made sure that our three juniors on show batted and/or bowled rather than giving their opportunities to the more senior players. Exactly how it should be done.
An interesting game on the Bank Holiday Sunday away at Almondbury Wesleyans saw us put in a spirited display, which ultimately ended in defeat, but again, yet more signs of improvement. The weather forecast which looked like it had been a “thanks for coming” one, turned out to be incorrect and aside from a 15-minute stoppage, we got a full match in, admittedly in far from ideal cricketing conditions. The break helped us out massively as we hadn’t been at our best with the ball or in the field before the rain break. Matthew and Lucas again succeeded with the ball and had a wicket each- Aswin, a late call up for the unwell Paul Collins took a stunning catch of the season contender, but in between these highlights, there were the usual dropped catches, mis fields and bad balls that got sent to the fence on too frequently an occasion for our liking. We think our hosts were around 150 for 4 when the rain intervened and looking at a huge score. Post the rain break, Dave had one of those spells where the good balls went unrewarded, and the bad balls got the wickets. Two wickets in as many balls, with the hat-trick ball narrowly missed, but three wickets in the over turned the Almondbury innings on its head. Aswin also clean bowled the opposition skipper who had looked dangerous and then Dave cleaned up at the other end to leave him with flattering figures of 5 for 31. In effect, as a team, we had reduced Almondbury (post rain break) to 43 for 6.
Six ducks in a batting scorecard aren’t going to be conducive to a successful run chase and we would end up 63 runs short of our target, finishing on 130 all out BUT having batted for nearly 40 overs, which has always been the skipper’s mantra in 2024. Chris, Extras and Dave Brown would be the only double figure scorers in our batting reply with Dave carrying his bat for 63 not out.
Relegation all but confirmed, BUT we’re bringing our juniors through and rarely having to ask 2nd teamers to double up, so a season in Division 3 of the Sunday section will be more to our liking in 2025.
2024 Crossley Shield Final
Well, we would have liked to have been in the final to see if we could win back-to-back titles, but this was the next best outcome. The whole club pulled together to deliver a fabulous Crossley Shield final that was well received by both sets of players, spectators and league officials alike. Even the weather behaved itself meaning that the game was finished on the day.
We opened up at 8 on the Sunday morning, with post-match drinks continuing some 15 hours since we’d started the day. I have never been more positive of anything in my life when I venture to say there will have been more than a few sore heads on the Monday morning.
But what a day- in excess of 400 spectators and officials witnessed what we can do as a club and we’ll have confirmed our position as one of the premier clubs within the Halifax cricket league -even though this was our first attempt at hosting one of the two major finals in the Halifax cricket league calendar.
Bar takings were fabulous, the ground looked a picture and aside from Mike’s incident with the wall, the day went off perfectly.
Chris Dalby was the driving force behind the big day which has been planned since the turn of the year if not before. Mick and Tom did their usual sterling efforts with the ground and Pam and Tina made sure that the players and officials were well fed. Brad and Katie did the honours with the bar, Jo, Corina, Lucy, Laura, Natalie, Yvonne and Brooke- a sterling effort with cakes, sweets, teas and coffees and soft drinks. AND a massive thanks to everyone else who mucked in on the day whether that be putting up and the taking down of gazebos, serving on the bar, sightscreen and car park duties, scoring, hosting our guests, running the BBQ, or even if you were dispatched to the 7-11 on Burnley Road to source more ketchup (1st XI VC!!!). There were even enough of us still around at 9:30 on the Sunday evening to ensure that the ground looked as it had done when we arrived in the morning.
What a day, what a club – Thanks everyone.
Junior Cricket
The junior season came to an end in the middle of the month with the last training session of the season. The Under 13’s had most Collinson cup success by reaching the quarter finals before being beaten by a very strong Lightcliffe side.
Overall, it has been a fantastic season. We’re back up to running 4 junior teams with 19 newly registered players in 2024. A big thank you to everyone who has helped out with coaching on a Friday night (or running the bar), to umpiring and scoring on a match night. Simply put, this season wouldn’t have happened without the goodwill and generous donation of their free time by many people from our cricket club, whether directly or indirectly connected to SBCI.
Presentation evening will be held on Friday 6th September with details of the evening detailed below:-
We’ll have to do a split presentation this year owing to the number of junior teams and players we have.
6:30-7:10 – Under 9’s and Under 11’s
7:15 – We’ll get pizza delivered- hopefully enough for everyone!! Suggested donation of £2 per person.
Under 13’s and Under 15’s to arrive in time for pizza.
7:40 (ish) and onwards- Under 13’s and Under 15’s presentation.
Social Events
End of season dinner
Last round of social events for the 2024 season are as follows.
September 7th - post match BBQ
September 14th - Music bingo- back by popular demand- £3 per person.
September 21st – Last match of the season
Laura has also been working hard on getting the end of season dinner all sorted with this being held at Southwood on Birdcage Lane in Halifax on Saturday 23rd November. Please do not hesitate to contact Laura (07861 644307) if you would like to attend. Full balance and menu choices to be confirmed ASAP please.
Dave and Lewis