12th July 2025 - HBCC 1st XI vs Notton CC (A)

Thankfully, Captain Kent won the toss and put us in to bat, leaving the Notton fielders to endure the scorching afternoon heat.

First Innings - The Bridge bat first 

The usual pair of Mick and Leo opened up, looking to get us off to a strong start. Leo looked strong off his pads, picking up two boundaries from clips off his legs. Mick punched one down the ground for four and looked as though he had got into his stride. However, he had to depart for 8, as he slapped the ball straight to the man close at cover, who clung on to take the catch after a bit of a juggling act. Unfortunately, Leo fell soon after for 11, as a small snick went through to the keeper. All of a sudden, we looked to be in a bit of a bother, as two quick wickets left us at 20-2. However, a crucial 87 run partnership between Smales Jnr and Alex brought us back into the game. The bowlers were bowling tight to the stumps, and alongside some really sharp fielding, it was difficult to score. However, the two youngsters remained patient and were able to pick off boundaries when the bowlers missed their mark. Smales Jnr was looking comfortable, hitting confidently on both the off-side and leg-side, as he built up his score. The bridge were well supported, with the Allatt's and Waring's in attendance, willing Dan on in pursuit of his half century. However, Dan was dismissed for 49 in devastating fashion. A short ball from their spinner kept low and snuck under the bat. An unfortunate ending, but it shouldn't take away from what was an outstanding innings, which put our batting innings back on track, at 107-3. 

At this point, fewer than 10 overs remained and the batters knew they needed to try and up the scoring rate. Harry batted with positive intent, targeting the leg-side boundary, and got a couple of fours away. The quick opening bowler had come back on to try and restle back momentum, which he was able to do, as he bowled Alex through the gate for 42. Much like Smales Jnr, Alex played an important part in building a platform for the rest of the team, with some strong hitting around the ground. As Harry continued to go hard at the ball, he was dismissed for 12, as he was caught, having top edged a slog sweep into the air. George tried to keep the score moving, picking up regular singles and rotating the strike. He then looked to discover his inner Bazball, charging down the wicket, only to pat the ball straight back to the bowler. At the other end, Ian looked to take down the spinner to the leg-side, as the Bridge closed in on the 150 mark. Unfortunately Ian had to depart for a quick-fire 11, as he continued to go for the big shot. John Kent had three balls to make an impact, but was unable to get a boundary away. George finished 7* and John finished 1*, as the Bridge finished narrowly short of a third batting point.

Second Innings - Notton chase 147 for the win

At last, the Bridge's opening bowling pair were reunited after a few matches apart. Farzan had put his homelife duties behind him, and intended to put on a show for the Bridge. Having spent most of the first innings serving out ice creams, Farzan wasn't looking to be quite as generous in his bowling spell. He quickly got into his work, picking up their opener cheaply for 2. From the other end, Alex applied the pressure, bowling a consistent line and length. However, the hosts began to build a meaningful partnership, and there was no further wicket until the bowling changes were brought about. Smales Snr was introduced into the action, and initially had no luck, with their opener remaining resolute. However, his hard work was rewarded as he picked up a crucial second wicket. The batsmen couldn't get under a fullish delivery, and Alex was there to pouch his seventh catch for the Bridge this season! Harry patiently probed with his bowling, and wasn't fazed by their new batters aggressive intent. He too picked up a wicket, as their batter was bowled for 8, following another big swing.

Alex came back on for a second spell and it proved to be an inspired change. He was able to remove their captain (and the current leading scorer in the league) for 6, following a thin edge, with Leo flying across the turf to take a good catch. Captain Kent and the rest of the team sensed an opening in the match, with the hosts at 76-4, still over 70 runs away from the required target.

With Notton slowly building again, the skipper turned to Smales Jnr for a bit of Warne-like spin. The decision was a good one. Having survived a big LBW appeal against Harry earlier (one which Farzan in particular wasn't too happy about), their number 6 would have no reprieve this time. Dan trapped him in front, and thankfully the finger was raised this time around.

As the game slowly began to drift away, Farzan dragged us right back into contention, as he bowled their number three batter for a well-made 57. Smales Jnr wouldn't let the new batter settle, and was quickly rewarded with a second wicket, to check Notton's progress at 125-7.

At this point, their number 7 batsmen had the responsibility of bringing his side home, and not to expose the tail. However, he continued to go after the bowlers, and Farzan was having none of it. Full and straight, he clattered the batsmen's middle stump and his brief cameo came to an end. All of a sudden, Notton's 9 and 10 were put under massive pressure, still 14 runs away from the win. The two new batters were tentative and the Bridge smelt blood. Unfortunately, things didn't quite go to plan from here. There were some close play and misses, as well as some edges that didn't go to hand, and Notton were soon within striking distance of the win.

A slap down the ground for four completed the chase, sparking huge celebrations from the home side. It was disappointing to come so close, but full credit has to go to Notton for holding their nerve at the death. To push top of the league as much as we did is an indication of the high standard to which we performed at, and shows that on our day, we can go toe to toe with the very best in the league. Dan Smales is this weeks MOTM following a classy 49 with the bat and 2 big wickets at the end of Notton's innings. Hopefully, it is a sign of even better things to come!

The Bridge return to Squirrel Park next week, as we play host to Featherstone, as the team look to return to winning ways!