10th May 2025 - HBCC 2nd XI vs Pledwick (H)
Match Report: Horbury Bridge vs. Pledwick
Game 3 of the 2025 Season | Home Fixture
Horbury Bridge hosted local rivals Pledwick in the third game of the season — a fixture that rarely disappoints in drama or intensity. Known for tight contests, this encounter followed that same familiar script with early promise and late frustration for the home side.
First Innings: Pledwick 161-9
Captain Dan Allatt put Pledwick in to bat under bright skies, and the decision paid off immediately. Leading the charge was Farzan, who delivered a fiery opening spell that dismantled the visitors’ top order with pace and precision. He was in unplayable form, finishing with exceptional figures of 5 for 12. Captain Allatt, making his first appearance of the season, bowled with control and consistency to claim 2 for 15, leaving Pledwick reeling at 71 for 7 and reinforcing The Bridge’s dominance. The bowlers were superbly supported in the field, particularly by Phil Waring, who rolled back the years with two sharp slip catches, showcasing safe hands and sharp reflexes.
However, the momentum began to shift as the sun beat down and fatigue crept in. Pledwick captain Paul Hanks seized the opportunity, counterattacking with a classy and composed 52 not out. His resilience turned the tide as the visitors recovered to post 161 for 9, more than doubling their total from 71-7 — a frustrating turnaround for the home side.
Second Innings: Horbury Bridge 90-6
The Bridge began their reply with Phil Waring and Al Heald opening the innings. After a composed start, Phil was the first to fall, caught for 4. That brought Leo Marshall to the crease to join Al, and the young pair began to rebuild with patience and intelligent running between the wickets.
Their partnership showed promise until an ambitious single saw Al run out for a well-constructed 31, a key knock in the chase. Farzan, fresh off his bowling heroics and playing under time pressure due to work commitments, came in swinging. Though his stay was brief, he managed to entertain the crowd and add a quick 10.
A mini-collapse followed, with skipper Dan Allatt (12) and Harry Hibbins (2) departing in quick succession. Leo Marshall remained composed, anchoring the innings with maturity well beyond his years. He found some support from another youngster, Dan Smales, who contributed 3 before falling.
In the closing overs, Leo (finishing 14 not out*) and Mick Rozanski (4* not out) scrambled a vital single to secure a batting point — a small consolation in what ended as a disappointing 90 for 6 in reply.
Summary
A match of two halves for Horbury Bridge — a dominant bowling display, led by Farzan’s exceptional 5-12, gave way to a batting effort that never quite took off. Despite bright moments from Al Heald and Leo Marshall, the middle-order collapse proved too costly.
Man of the Match: Farzan, for his devastating spell with the ball and entertaining cameo with the bat.