3XI MATCH REPORTS 2023
Saturday May 6, 2023 v Mayfield @ Fulneck
Good to be at such a lively fixture, the young Congs versus the more experienced Mayfield team. Sadly it was rain who won in the end after we had captured 5 wickets for 89 against our 200.
Dan Metcalfe played well against a tidy attack for 29 although the running between the wickets left a lot to be desired.
The pitch was flat and true, one could get on the front foot with confidence and Josh Simpson did just that, playing shots all round the wicket with some style finishing on 48 not out. However the innings of the day, maybe the season, came from skipper Macauley Gaunt. I doubt that not many batters will have hit the ball as hard and far as ‘Macca’ did at Fulneck School on this occasion. At the end of our allotted overs, he was 67 not out 5x6, 5x4 and he received a standing ovation from our many faithful home supporters.
Inspiring stuff.
Then rain!
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday July 8, 2023 v Baildon @ Sandal School
The rain spoilt my day as drove to Baildon but I found Macca’s men and the scorer in good heart with the score at 11 for none. The pitch was covered but the rain seemed set in and, sadly so it proved. 90 for 4 but the talk was can Zulfi break the League record for the most century’s in a season, hope so.
I decided, wrongly, not to travel to Ossett and therefore missed out on one of our highest batting second chases and congratulations to all who contributed especially in the final overs.
Seconds also won but by this time for once I was engrossed with Headingley Test Match and put my feet up and watched.
Ralph W Middlebrook
President
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club
Saturday Aug 12, 2023 v Cookridge @ Smitty Lane
There won't have been many skippers of a Congs senior side over the years younger than Daltrey Hullah (maybe the youngest?). The 17 year old all rounder who has had a successful season with bat and ball stood in for regular Skipper Macauley Gaunt as the 3rd team travelled to Smithy Lane for a potential banana skin fixture against Cookridge. Defeat could see the side dragged into a relegation scrap.
D.Hullah lost the toss and Cookridge decided to bat. Skipper Hullah made the first breakthrough, however Cookridge started well as they made their way to the first batting point only 1 down. However the game swung in Congs direction as Lewis Gunner was brought into the attack. He proceeded to take a career best of 6-27 as he reduced Cookridge to 159 all out. Very well bowled Lewis.
In the chase, Congs got off to a perfect start as Evan Kettlewell and Congs debutant Andy Ball made a 50 partnership. The latter fell for a classy 34 and was replaced by Zulfikar Mohammed who played a typical aggressive knock of a run a ball 35. A couple more wickets did fall however opener Evan Kettlewell played a solid match winning knock of 60 not out as he and Daniel Metcalfe brought home the 20 point victory.
A big victory for Congs led by the young Congs skipper. Missing some senior players Daltrey Hullah stood up as skipper and he was well assisted with ball and bat from Lewis Gunner and Evan Kettlewell to bring home a much needed victory. Well played lads.
Macca Gaunt
3rd team Captain (normally)
Pudsey Congs Cricket Club