Treble completed with Keighley Cup rout...
After waiting two weeks due to the poor weather the Keighley Cup final finally took place on Sunday September 14. Having beaten Silsden (Aire Wharfe League) in the semi-final, we faced our former Bradford Central League rivals Thornton (Halifax League) in the final. Batting first, we lost Gareth and Brannon cheaply but recovered well to finish our 20 overs on 148-3. Aidy struck 34 and he was followed by an unbeaten partnership between Steve (41 not out) and Chris (38 not out) to guide us to our very competitive total.
Thornton's reply never got going against our strong bowling attack. N. Hutchinson (20) and the extras (10) were the only double-figure scores as we rolled them over for just 48 in the 16th over, completing a well deserved 100 run victory. Skipper Dave Hall was the pick of the bowlers with 3-6 off his four overs, Martyn took 2-9 off 3.2 and Robbo took 2-5 off two overs.
Having already won the Division One title and the Wynn Cup, this final part of the treble was the icing on the cake. Winning three trophies in one season is no mean feat... doing it in consecutive years is something that everyone associated with the club should be extremely proud to be a part of. On that note we would like to thank everyone involved with Cullingworth Cricket Club for their hard work and dedication. From making/serving the teas on gameday to organising our many fundraising events, the club wouldn't be the same without your efforts.
And finally... bring on the 2009 season!
september eighteen 2008
Celebrations begin as League title is retained...
Only two games defeated the rain on the final Saturday of the season. Crossflatts were ruled out of the title race after being rained-off at Barrowford, which just left us and Bradley to fight it out for the 2008 Craven League Division One Championship.
After some sterling work on the ground our game against Oakworth managed to begin on time. The visitors won the toss and put us in on a damp and lively wicket. Things didn't go to plan early on as Nigel went for a duck and Gareth (25) and Aidy (19) struggled against some tight bowling. Steve and Brannon came together and produced a solid partnership to get our innings back on track. Steve eventually went for 39 and Brannon followed him soon after for 38, his wicket signalled a middle order collapse as George, Phil & Skipper Dave Hall all came and went in double-quick time. Thankfully, Chris (28 not out) hung in there to guide us to a defendable total of 159 as we were finally dismissed in the final over.
As Oakworth began their reply news filtered through that Bradley had beaten Thornton-in-Craven, which meant we had to beat Oakworth to retain the league title. For a long time the omens didn't look good. The visitors raced to 100-3 before Chris entered the fray, taking a wicket with his very first ball. That wicket brought some much needed life into our bowling attack as we then restricted Oakworth to just 24 further runs to complete a memorable 35 run victory and bring the Mewies Solicitors Craven League Division One title back to Cullingworth for another year. Chris was our saviour with the ball, taking 4-9 off his four overs. He was well backed by Brannon (2-33 off 8) and Robbo (2-32 off 11) as we brought another successful season to a close.
Our Second XI were rained-off at Haworth which meant we finished fourth in our first year back in Division Four. We were the highest placed second XI in the league, and given some more consistant performances, and better weather, we'll be looking to push hard for a promotion place next season.
september eleven 2008
This year's charity truly is One in a Million...
The year's Sportsman's Dinner takes place at the Hilton Hotel in Bradford on Friday October 31, and the chosen charity is 'One in a Million'.
One in a Million is a combined vision that came about 3 years ago when Wayne Jacobs (Bradford City AFC) met Matthew Band. Both men saw the potential that sport held to be a vehicle for tackling the social issues that the children and young people of Bradford face, whilst also recognising a need for a safe pathway for potential professional athletes to realise their dreams.
One in a Million finally reached charity status last year and is now working with over 1000 children and young people in south Bradford, an area that falls into the top 1% most deprived areas in the whole of the UK. Our football tournaments alone are successfully running with children and young people of mixed ages and ethnic backgrounds, tackling key social issues in partnership with key UK recognised organisations and individuals.
The heart beat of the charity is that each and every child and young person that we get the privilege of working with have the right of knowing that regardless of their ability and ethnicity, they have worth and truly are one in a million.
If you would like to donate some money to this extremely deserving couse, then please visit www.justgiving.com/oneinamillion
Please get selling those dinner tickets because the more we sell, the more money will go to charity. Visit our dedicated Sportsman's Dinner page for more details.
august twenty-four 2008
Not a bowlout in sight as we crush Thornton to lift the Wynn Cup...
We continued our success in the Wynn Cup with a crushing 118-run victory against Thornton at Crossflatts. This was our third win in four years after our success in 2005, and our bowl-out victory at Oakworth last year.
After some heavy rain on Saturday night, it was touch and go whether the game would take place. At 8.30am the square had standing water on it, however sterling work by Crossflatts groundspeople turned things around and by the scheduled 1.30pm starting time it was perfectly playable. Thornton won the toss and put us into bat, and we never looked back! Gareth (pictured, courtesy of The Keighley News) opened the innings with Nigel and they put on a partnership of 116 before Nigel went for 31. Man-of-the-Match Gareth batted superbly, but he was finally out just eight shy of a deserved century. Gareth had departed but the carnage didn't stop there, as Phil smashed 37 and Brannon added a vital 44 not out to see the score reach a mammoth 240-5 at the end of the 45 overs.
Thornton needed a solid start to their innings but lost their first wicket with the score on nine. Kevin Pollard, who hit a century the day before, clipped the ball to short cover and was well caught by Phil for just seven. Wickets fell at regular intervals to leave Thornton on 75-9. Thornton's final wicket pair dug in and played a delightful partnership, but with just eight balls to go Brannon ended the fun to complete a wonderful 118 run victory. Our bowling figures make good reading with skipper David Hall taking 2-24 off 12 overs and Gareth 2-16 off six. Brannon also took two wickets, and Robbo, Pooley & Chris all finished with one each.
august twenty-four 2008First team scrape home at Cononley and Second's crushed at home...
It wasn't the best track we'll play on this season, but it's the result that matters. Cononley batted first and were restricted to just 111, with Robbo taking 3-12 off six overs. We found the going just as hard though, we were endebted to Chris (34), Brannon (21) and Pooley with 25 not out as we scraped home with just three wickets to spare.
The Second XI were playing host to promotion-chasing Eldwick & Gilstead. The visitors went first and struck a mammoth 238-9. Russell bowled well but was a touch expensive as he took 5-111 off his 18 overs, (those five wickets also took him past 50 for the season) Andy Humble took 2-69 and Ryan finished with 2-20. Our reply never really got going as Paddy held the innings together with an excellent 80. There wasn't much support around him though, only Iain Wilson's 27 not out and skipper Karl Bennett with 17 made any contribution as were we bowled out for 167 in the 39th over to complete a 71 run defeat.
august twenty-four 2008
Comfortable win at Barrowford, and Martyn reaches three figures...
The First XI travelled to Lancashire looking to continue their excellent form at the top of Division One. We batted first on a very slow track and struggled to make just 140-9 from our alloted overs, with Steve being the only batsman to make any impression on the scoreboard with a solid 41. In reply, the home side were no match for our attack as they crumbled to 66 all out, with Dave Hall bagging 5-17 and Robbo helping himself to 3-15 as we held on to third spot in the league.
The Second's were hosting Crossflatts looking to bounce back from a crushing defeat at West End a week earlier. The visitors batted first and made an excellent fist of it, hitting 222-9 off their 45 overs. The wickets were shared around between Martyn (3-68), Ryan (3-60), Karl (2-48) and Russ with 1-37. Our reply was a two man show. After limping to 8-2, John was joined at the crease by Martyn (pictured) and they went on to amass an outstanding partnership of 174 for the third wicket, with all the plaudits going to Martyn as he struck his first century, finally being dismissed for exactly 100. John went on to make 46 but there was no support from anyone else as only one other player reached double figures, leaving us all out for just 204.
august twenty-four 2008Title defense still on track and promotion hopes snuffed-out at West End...
Every game from now until the end of the season is a must-win, and we did just that with a hard fought victory over Embsay. We batted first and posted a reasonable 191-7 off our 45 overs. Steve Welch finally got amongst the runs with 61, he was well supported by Nigel Brett who played his way to 49. Embsay's reply didn't begin very well as some fine bowling from Brannon (5-60) and skipper Dave Hall (4-53) reduced the visitors to 129-9. Embsay made us fight for the final wicket with a stand of 33 before they were finally bowled out for 162, which concluded a vital victory in our chase for the Division One title.
The Second XI were up the hill at Haworth West End facing a make-or-break game if they were going to mount a serious promotion challenge. On what was a (very rare!) lovely warm, sunny day, we batted first. Our innings began well as Paddy (38) and John Terry (37) brought up the 50 partnership for the first wicket. Once Paddy was out we had our usual middle order collapse, and at one point we didn't look like we would set any sort of target for the home side to chase. Yet again the tail saved the day as firstly Rob (24) and then Ryan (Clark No.2!) with an excellent 69 not out lifted us to a competitive 230 all out. West Ends' reply started slowly as they lost important wickets throughout the first half of the innings. Their middle order then took control as they appeared to be coasting to their target of 231 with time to spare, but it all came down to a nailbiting final over. Martyn was the bowler, West End needed five runs to win. But alas, it wasn't to be, as Martyn was called for three very tight wides and then West Ends' number 10 slogged a four off the final ball of the game to give them two wicket win, and at the same time all but ending our chances of consecutive promotions. Russell (3-72) and Andy Humble (3-60) shone with the ball and were unlucky to finish on the losing side.
july twenty-five 2008Nearly a washout as both teams complete Sandy Lane double...
Our 1st XI were at Sandy Lane looking to clock up a league double over the hosts and at the same time keep up our recent good form as we look to defend our hard-earned league title. The home side batted first on what was a very wet day and posted a decent 161. Dave Hall was our chief destroyer with 4-20 off 14.1 overs and Brannon helped out with 4-47 off 12 overs. Gaz got our reply off to a swift start with a quick-fire 37 but we couldn't keep it up as a combination of good bowling and poor batting left us struggling at 134-8. Some dogged resistance from Chris Welch (31no) and Dave Hall (11no) saved the day as we crept home with two wickets to spare just as the heavens opened!
Our second eleven took advantage of the poor weather to close within one point of a promotion spot at the summit of Division Four. After some excellent mopping-up and general preparation we managed to start on time. We won the toss and inserted the visitors, who were soon struggling to get to grips with our tight bowling, at one stage floundering at 26-6. They were indebted to C Exley's solid 63no as they were finally bowled out for 102, with kipper for the day Russell claiming 6-41 and Steve Dinsdale taking three catches. Our reply began well as John Terry and Iain Holmes led us to 42-1, at which point the rain finally showed it's face, leading to a 90 minute delay. Once the rain ended we began our mopping-up regime and were back out on the pitch before 7pm. The conditions weren't ideal but we made the best of them, losing just three more wickets as JT (46) guided us to an important six wicket win.
july seventeen 2008
Third final in four years after win against Haworth...
It was close... but we are through to our third Wynn Cup final in four years as we look to keep hold of the trophy we won in a bowlout at Oakworth last year (last year's victorious 'bowlout' bowlers are pictured).
The Semi-Final was played at Haworth Road the Bronte side went first and made a below-par 135. Our bowling figures were very tidy with skipper Dave Hall taking four for 33 off 11.1 overs, Brannon Varley three for 25 and Dave Robinson three for 26. In reply we struggled early on but Chris Welch (41 not out) and Phil Poole (11 not out) combined to lead us to a nervy three-wicket win with just four balls to spare. We will face Thornton-in-Craven in the final after they swept-aside second division Wilsden.
The final will be held at Crossflatts Cricket Club on Sunday August 17, where we will take on Thornton-in-Craven as we aim to make it back-to-back Wynn Cup triumphs after last year's bowlout victory against Oakworth (pictured). As the game is being held locally there's no excuse for not turning-up and giving your support to the boys on the big day!
july seventeen 2008
Revenge gained against 'Flatts and Second's creep home at Pendle...
Second placed Crossflatts were this weeks visitors as we looked to avenge our defeat at their ground back in April. Going first we struck a very good 213 for seven with Gaz (pictured) making a typically fluent 71 and Nigel Brett hit 61 against his former team-mates. Crossflatts were then dismissed for 146 with Robbo amongst the wickets again, taking three for 24 and Brannon finished with three for 59 to wrap up an excellent 67 run victory.
The 2nd XI made the trip over to pendle looking to make it three wins on the bounce. Karl won the toss and chose to field, and that decision was justified as the home side crumbled to 48 all out in the 28th over. Martyn was too hot to handle, taking 6-19 off 14 overs and Russ backed him up by taking 4-23 at the other end. Our reply began terribly as Steve Dinsdale was dubiously given out LBW to the second ball of the innings, we then tried our best to lose the game as Iain Holmes came and went next ball, leaving us 0-2 off just three balls! Victory was left in the capable hands of Martyn who struck ten runs of two balls to see us past the home side's miserable 48 for the loss of six wickets in the 17th over. This win has left us just four points off the top two, although any thoughts of promotion can be forgotten about if we keep batting like that!
july seventeen 2008
Double-up against Thornton on another wet weekend...
The rain was back again as we hosted Thornton-in-Craven, looking to close the gap at the top of the league. We batted first on a half-decent strip (considering the weather conditions!) and posted a solid 163-9 off our 45 overs, yet again Nigel was the top scorer with 47 at the top of the innings. In reply, Thornton were never allowed to get going as Robbo put in an excellent spell of bowling to finish with 6-44 off 17 overs. This was an important win as some key rivals had to settle for a point due to the heavy rain that refuses to go away. The second XI were victims of the weather as their game at Thornton was abandoned on Saturday morning, leaving both teams with a point.
july seventeen 2008No Semi this year after defeat to Oakworth...
After yet another delayed start, our Second XI hosted last year's Cowling Cup runners-up Oakworth II, looking to reach another Cowling Cup Semi-Final. The rain delay meant a reduced game of 30 overs per innings. The visitors batted first and posted an excellent 206-6, Russell being the main wicket-taker with 5-53 off his revised allocation of eight overs. Our reply began at lightning pace as the returning Craig Ratcliffe smashed 27 in double-quick time, Daz Outlaw chipped in with 16 as did Martyn, and Skipper Karl made 12 but no-one else got above four as our innings fizzled out at 84 in just the 20th over.
july seventeen 2008Poor result at Oakworth leaves title further away...
We made our way up to Cure Hill hoping to claw our way back into the title race, unfortunately things didn't go to plan as Oakworth batted first and posted 227 for three. Captain Dave was the pick of the bowlers with 2-59 off 15 overs. Our reply began poorly as Nigel went for a duck, Gaz made 18 and Steve went for 10. It was left to Brannon (71) and Chris (52) to add some respectability to the scoreline as we reached 192-8 off our alloted overs.
The Second XI made it back-to-back league wins as they edged home against Haworth. The visitors batted first and were bowled out for 128 in the 43rd over with only Cullingworth old-boy Chris Best putting up any resistance with a streaky 32. Martyn (pictured) was back in the wickets on his return to full fitness, taking 4-34 off 14 overs, he was well backed-up by Russ (3-46) and Andy Humble (2-13). Our reply was predictably patchy, only Ryan (34), Martyn (33) & John Terry with 23 made any impression on the visiting attack as we crept over the line in the 42nd over to record a two wicket victory, keeping us in the hunt at the top of Division Four.
july seventeen 2008
1st XI beat Glusburn, and the weather, to reach cup semi's...
We entertained Glusburn in the Wynn Cup Semi-Final on an extremely windy day at Roydwood, aiming to reach the Wynn Cup Semi's and also to avenge a league defeat just three weeks earlier. Glusburn went first and were in danger of setting a poor target as they slumped to 31 for five off 16 overs with Brannon and Robbo keeping things tight. They eventually battled their way to 137 when the innings closed in the41st over. Brannon finished with four for 21, Phil three for 20 and Robbo two for 33. Our reply was short and sweet as we raced to a seven-wicket triumph in the 26th over as Chris made a swift 49 and Nigel carried his bat for 48 not out.
july seventeen 2008
First team end winless run at Cowling...
Our First XI visited Cowling looking for their first win since beating Embsay on the road at the beginning of May. The home side batted first and began well, reaching 116 for three. It all went wrong after that as we finished them off for 158 in the final over, with skipper Dave Hall (pictured) bagging six for 24 off 10.3 overs. In reply we reached 78 before losing a wicket and then cruised to a six-wicket victory in the 40th over with Nigel (41) and Steve (34) scoring most of the runs.
Meanwhile, our Second's were hosting Chatburn. The visitors posted a competitive 171 as they were dismissed in the 41st over, Russell took 6-37 to make sure we didn't miss Martyn's bowling too much as he rested a side strain. The injury wasn't going to prevent him batting though as he took his usual number four spot and really made it count, hitting 51, and along with Andy Humble (53 n.o.) helped us race to a three wicket win in the 36th over.
june thirteen 2008
It's a cup double as both teams reach the Quarter-Finals...
A long, hot day awaited our First XI as they visited Embsay for what should've been a tough Wynn Cup Second round tie. Sadly for the home side, Brannon (pictured) had other ideas as he defied the odds on what should've been a great day for batting to destroy the Embsay line-up, taking an excellent 7-24 off 11 overs. The home side couldn't handle him as only one batsman reached double-figures. Robbo was just as effective from the other end, finishing with 2-6 off 6.2 overs as Embsay were bowled out for just 53 in the 23rd over. Nigel with 22 not out steered us home as we lost 2 wickets in completing an easy win to book our place in the Quarter Finals, and a home tie against Glusburn on Sunday June 22.
Haworth West End were the visitors to Royd Wood as our 2nd XI looked to book their place in the Cowling Cup Quarter Final. The visitors won the toss and chose to bat, which was an easy decision on such a lovely day. They soon took advantage of the conditions as the openers raced away, leaving our bowlers and fielders looking weary. West End went into the second drinks break at 30 overs looking very solid as they approached 130 with the loss of only two wickets, poised to launch an attack that would've taken them well beyond 200, but they hadn't accounted for Russell who came back from a poor opening spell to take the last five wickets, finishing with 5-42 off 10.4 overs, he was well backed by Andy Humble (0-28 off 10) and Ryan (0-56 off 10) as Karl and Parto both chipped in with vital wickets to leave the visitors all out for 184 in the final over. Our reply didn't start well as Stuart and Karl both went cheaply, Steve Dinsdale (20) hung around a while longer but it was the partnership between Alistair (43) and Parto (46) along with an unbroken one between Martyn (20 not out) and Andy (24 not out) than helped us to cruise home in the 39th over for a solid four wicket victory, which means we're through to the Quarter Finals where we face a home tie with last year's losing finalists, Oakworth II. The tie will be played on Sunday June 29.
june thirteen 2008Both teams winless again...
It was a dry dayas we hosted Glusburn, looking to kick-start our poor season with a solid performance. Things didn't start well as the visitors batted first and played solidly throughout, posting a formidable 251-9 from their alloted overs. Yet again Brannon was the main danger, finishing with 5-77 off 13 overs, he was helped by skipper Dave Hall's 3-55 off 11. Our reply started solidly with most of the top & middle order getting a good start, Aidy hit 55, Brannon 33, Nigel 30 and Steve 26. Sadly we ran out of steam as we approached the finish line, George made a solid 30 not out and was helped by Dave Hall (23) but in the end it wasn't enough as we were bowled-out for 239 in the final over.
The 2nd's were down at title favourites Riddlesden where they faced a tough battle. The game didn't start well as Martyn pulled-up in his 3rd over with a side strain, which meant we were a bowler down for the majority of the innings. We didn't miss him as much as we expected because Russell bowled out of his skin at the other end to finish with 5-81 off 22 overs as we restricted the previously free-scoring home side to just 166-6 off 45 overs. Yet again though, our batting left a lot to be desired as only the openers, Paddy Clark (20) and John Terry (34) made any impression on the scoresheet as we fizzled out for just 110 in the 41st over.
june thirteen 2008Title defense slips further away...
Cononley arrived winless as we looked to get our title defense back on track after defeat at Bradley the previous week, unfortunately the visitors didn't have to wait any longer to break their duck. Cononley batted first and posted a decent 233 all out as they were dismissed from the final ball of the innings. Brannon took 6-51 from his 13 overs, and vice-captain Phil Poole took 3-42 off 12. Our reply began reasonably well with Paddy hitting 42 but yet again there weren't enough people willing to knuckle-down as we were sent back to the hut for just 184 in the 44th over, completing another miserable day at the office.
Meanwhile, the Second XI made the short trip up to Dick Hudsons to face Eldwick & Gilstead. We won the toss and opted to field on what looked like a poor track. Martyn Bowled an excellent spell, taking 3-38 off 20.4 overs, it was a different story from the other end as firstly Russ (2-46 off 10) and then Ryan (3-31 off 9) struggled against the steep hill, and some aggressive batting from the home side. E&G were finally skittled in the 40th over for a reasonable (bearing in mind the poor wicket and slow outfield!) 121. Our reply never really got going as the home side turned the screw, utilising the uneven bounce to their advantage with only John Terry (15) and Iain Holmes (17) settling-in at the top of the order. We were sent packing in the 40th over for a poultry 95, although it would've been worse without a spirited rearguard from Russ (16 n.o.), Ryan (8) and Iain Wilson also with 8.
june two 2008
Record-breaking day for York as we fall at the first hurdle...
York Cricket Club, winners of the Yorkshire League were the visitors as we played our first ever game in the Black Sheep Yorkshire Champions Trophy. York batted first and their strength soon shone through as they began to pick apart our bowling attack, taking advantage of our small ground to post a tournament record score of 454-4 off their 50 overs, leaving our normally solid bowling attack in tatters as Robbo was dispatched for 125 off 10 overs, taking just one wicket in the process. Chris took 2-102 off his 10, Gareth went for a wicketless 96 off 10, Dave took 1-68 off 10 and the tightest spell of the day belonged to Brannon with 0-53 off his alloted 10 overs. In reply, Steve and Gareth opened-up as we tried to get off to a flying start. Steve was soon back in the pavilion as he was run-out for 11. Gareth went on to make 64, and he was well supported by Brannon who completed a solid personal performance with 54 and Chris who made 24 as we were finally dismissed for 231 in the 47th over. It was never going to be easy against one of the tournament favourites, and it proved to be so, as we struggled to contain York's batting talent on such a small ground, but hopefully we can take some positives from the game and look ahead to the rest of the season with a positive attitude. Finally, we would like to wish York Cricket Club all the best for the remainder of the competition and thank them for being part of a memorable day.
june two 2008Both games go down to the wire against Bradley...
The First XI travelled to Bradley and came away pointless after going down to their second defeat of the season. The home side batted first and thanks to some decent bowling were restricted to 159 as they were bowled out in the final over. Robbo took the final wicket to complete a solid 4-28 off 11.2 overs, he was well supported by Brannon with 3-38 off his 14 overs. Our reply began poorly as Nigel had to retire hurt without scoring after he was struck in the face, causing a bad wound which require a visit to Airedale Hospital. The remainder of the top order couldn't muster any runs between them as we struggled to reach our reasonably low target. A solid partnership between Brannon (53) and George (28) raised our hopes and took us within reach of victory, but we ultimately fell just two runs short as we were bowled out in the 40th over. The Second XI were playing host to Bradley 2nd's. We won the toss on a pleasant day and chose to bat. Both openers failed again, and none of the middle-order could capitalise on decent starts leaving us struggling on 143-9, but, Iain Wilson came in at 10 and new signing Andy Humble at 11, and they showed everyone how it should be done as they completed an excellent unbroken stand of 80, which gave us a decent total of 223-9 from our 45 overs, Andy finishing with 54 n.o. and Iain 24 n.o. The Bradley reply began slowly as Martyn and Russ kept them in check, although it wasn't long before Bradley's middle order brought them right back into the game as we looked to be sliding to a crushing defeat. But, we kept plugging away taking wickets at regular intervals, and as the light was fading fast, Russell trapped Bradley's last man LBW to complete a nerve-wracking 6 run victory against a solid Bradley team.
may EIGHTEEN 2008First team beaten by the weather as 2nd's win at 'Flatts...
Due to persistant rain the First XI never got started at home to Barrowford and the game was eventually abandoned at 4pm leaving both teams with a point. Down at Crossflatts our 2nd XI won the toss and chose to field, at which point the rain became heavier, leading to a 75 minute delay. When we finally took to the field at 3:15pm the game had been reduced to 33 overs per side. Crossflatts started slowly, not managing to reach double-figures until the 10th over. They did finally get into their stride and posted a reasonable 141 as they were bowled out in the final over, with Martyn taking 5-51 and Iain Holmes chipping in with two wickets, including an excellent caught & bowled. Yet again our innings began poorly, as John Terry (0), Steve Dinsdale (17) and Stuart Holmes (1) were all back in the pavilion before the score had reached 20. After that, things went much smoother as Iain Holmes (43) & Shane Whitford (18) put on a solid partnership which helped to steady the ship before Martyn Rendell came to the crease and saw us over the finishing line with 30 not out as we completed a four wicket victory in the 30th over.
may EIGHTEEN 2008Cup defence begins with easy victory...
Haworth Road were the visitors as we began our defense of the Wynn Cup in style. The visitors batted first and didn't last too long as we bowled them out for just 60, with Robbo taking 3 wickets for just 1 run! Gareth Marshall (35 n.o.) and Nigle Brett (32 n.o.) didn't mess around as we completed a speedy ten wicket victory and progressed to a second round tie at Embsay on Sunday June 1.
may EIGHTEEN 2008
First XI win at Embsay as 2nd's go down to West End...
As the warm weather finally arrived, it was crucial that we gained some momentum after the defeat at Crossflatts, and we did just that making it two straight wins by defeating Embsay. We batted first, Nigel Brett with 34 and Chris Welch (30) kept things ticking over as we found runs hard to come by. An unbroken tenth wicket partnership of 23 between George Fletcher (25 n.o. pictured above-right) and David Robinson (7 n.o. pictured below-left) lifted us to a below par total of 141-9. Embsay's reply began well as they reached 103-3 but an inspired spell of bowling from Mr. Robinson saw the home side add just 10 more runs as they were bowled out for just 113, Robbo finished with 6-26 
off 18 overs. Back at home the 2nd XI hosted Haworth West End. The visitors won the toss and chose to field, which looked like a poor decision as we posted a decent 214-9 in our 45 overs. Yet again our top order didn't produce as we had to rely on some strong middle order batting from Ali Campbell (44), Karl Bennett (37), Martyn Rendell (36), Russ Hogg (27 n.o.) & Ryan Clark with 24. West End's reply began slowly as they reached 45-1 off the first 15 overs, soon after the first drinks break they lost another wicket which brought Tinashe Gomwe to the crease. He went on to pick our bowling apart as he hit the winning runs in the final over to finish with an unbeaten 90 (to add to his 7-48 with the ball) as his side edged to a two wicket victory. Martyn was the pick of our attack with 4-76 off 17 overs.
Sandy Lane at the wrong end of both games...
After last weeks defeat at Crosflatts it was important to get back on track at home to Sandy Lane. The visitors batted first and put up some good resistance for a while, but their tail disappeared without trace as they were bowled out for 125, Brannon yet again was the chief destroyer with six wickets. He was well backed-up by Robbo who took the other four. Over at Sandy Lane, the 2nd XI were asked to bat first on a reasonable wicket. The top order didn't offer much resistance to Sandy's accurate bowling with only Steve Dinsdale & John Terry reaching double-figures in the top 6. We were indebted to a solid partnership between Karl (25) & Rob (15) and then a swift 12 n.o. from Ryan as we reached 106 all out in the 41st over. The home side never looked like reaching our target once they lost opener R. Farooq to a dubious LBW decision, an excellent unbroken 21.5 over spell from Martyn ensured that they didn't get close as he finished with 5-42, with the home side bowled-out for 84 in the 43rd over. Martyn was well backed-up by Russ (4-25 off 14) and Ryan (0-9 off 7) as we recorded our 3rd straight victory of the season.
may fifteen 2008Another defeat at 'Flatts as 2nd's beat Pendle...
Our First XI tasted defeat at Crossflatts yet again as we went down by five wickets. Batting first, only Gaz Marshall with 30 and Brannon Varley with 16 made troubled the scorers as we were sent back to the changing rooms for just 80 in the 37th over. Crossflatts' reply was reasonably comfortable as they reached their target in the 30th over for the loss of just five wickets. Brannon was the stand-out bowler with 2-35 in 11.2 overs. Back at home, the 2nd XI were hosting Pendle 2nd's. The visitors batted first and at one point were struggling at 22-7, although their tail managed to wag as they were finally bowled out for 68 in the 30th over. Martyn (5-16 off 11) & Ryan (3-10 off 9) did the damage. Our reply was a poor effort as we crept over the line in the 22nd over for a 2 wicket victory. Iain Holmes (22) Russ Hogg (14 n.o.) and Alistair Campbell (12) were the only double-figure scores.
april twenty 2008Good start to the season as both teams beat Thornton...
Both teams began the season in style with comfortable wins against Thornton-in-Craven. On a day when a large amount of games were beaten by the wet weather of previous weeks, both games went ahead and began on time, although it was freeeeezing cold - definitely not ideal weather for a game of cricket! Over at Thornton, our 1st XI won the toss and chose to field. The hosts never really got to grips with our tight bowling and were eventually skittled for 89 in the 44th over. Our overseas debutant, Brannon Varley, bowled beautifully throughout. Even a change of ends didn't phase him as he finished with magnificent figures of 6-25 off 17.4 overs. In reply, our other debutant Nigel Brett (43 n.o.) along with Steve Welch (45 n.o.) survived a few streaky shots (with Steve being the main striker of those streaky shots!) to make it through to the finish line unscathed in the 26th over as we completed a comfortable 10 wicket win against our under-strength hosts. Back at home our 2nd XI were taking on an even more under-strength Thornton 2nd XI who could on muster 8 players. The result was never going to be in doubt once the visitors were bowled out for 65, we then cantered to an 8 wicket win
It's a big welcome to Brannon & Tammy...
We would like to welcome our overseas signing for the 2008 season, Brannon Varley (pictured). Brannon has moved to Yorkshire from South Africa with his girlfriend Tammy to play for Cullingworth CC throughout the upcoming season. Brannon joins us from Umbilo Harlequins Cricket Club in Durban, SA, and we hope he settles in well and enjoys a successful season with us as we look to build on our magnificent 2007 campaign. I'm sure you will join us in wishing Brannon and Tammy all the best here in England!!!
january one 2008Fixtures are in for 2008 season...
The 2008 fixtures are in (click here to see the full list). Both teams open the season against Thornton-in-Craven, with the first XI visiting Booth Bridge Lane, the scene of their Division One Championship decider last September, while the 2nds are the hosts for their first game back in Division Four. The season begins on Saturday April 19 with the final game being played on Saturday September 13.
january one 2008Happy New Year!
Everyone involved with Cullingworth Cricket Club wishes you a happy and prosperous 2008.
january one 20082008 net practice times...
Our 2008 pre-season net practice will again take place at Parkside School on Wednesdays from 19:30 until 20:30, beginning February 6 and ending on Wednesday March 26. Each hourly session will cost £2 and everyone is invited. Let's make a big effort to get a good turn out as we prepare for the 2008 season!
