21st June 2025 - HBCC 1st XI vs Normanton MIB CC (H)
Horbury Bridge CC 1st team match report Saturday 21st June vs Normanton MIB 1st team (H):
Unfortunately HBCC suffered their third loss of the season against a tough NMIB side.
First innings:
With far fewer pre-match antics this week, Nicholson won the toss and decided to have a bat. On a hot, overcast and windy day, the possibility of fielding for 46 overs was not appealing despite the clouds overhead and a decent amount of grass on the wicket. Waterson and Womersley opened up for HBCC. NMIB were on it with the ball straight from the off and got the early breakthrough of Womersley in the 2nd over, bowling him with a seed which snicked his outside edge on the way through, dismissing Womersley for 1. Mr consistent Baig joined Waterson in the middle, after a streaky edge between the keeper and slip, Baig clothed a big drive down mid-on’s throat departing for 4. It was then Waterson’s turn to cloth a drive to short cover an over or so later, out for 7, leaving HBCC reeling at 14-3. NMIB’s openers were bowling extremely well in very good areas, which was putting a lot of pressure on HBCC’s batters. The full balls were definitely easier to play, with lots of movement on offer on a good length, but HBCC were struggling to capitalise. Perkin and Shahid were out in the middle together and tried to rebuild, however, Shahid was cleaned up attempting to drive for just 3 leaving HBCC 26-4. Saleem strode out to the middle together try stabilise the innings with Perkin, with the top order failing for the first real time this season. Perkin started off in typically streaky fashion, edging a couple of boundaries through slips and was granted an extra life by the umpire after a questionable caught behind which was given not out (it was the cleanest he’d struck the ball all day…). A rain delay then halted proceedings and enabled HBCC to catch their breath and halt NMIB’s early momentum. After the delay, Perkin finally met his demise and was caught out in the gully area for an ugly 14. Thereafter, Grogan came and went quickly after getting bowled for a duck, leaving HBCC at 34-6 and in big trouble. It could have been worse for HBCC, with Saleem getting a second life in the exact same way as Perkin, but again the umpire was undeterred, likely due to NMIB’s incessant appealing. Terry was next to the crease, as Saleem started to play some shots and show some resistance, including an exquisite cover drive which was HBCC’s shot of the day. Terry soon departed, bowled out for 7 trying to come down the track leaving HBCC reeling. Hussain joined Saleem at the crease as they showed aggression to counter attack the superb NMIB bowlers. Hussain hit HBCC’s only six of the day with a booming strike down the ground. Saleem would eventually fall, with a miscued drive down long off’s throat, departing for 23, which was HBCC’s top score on the day. Hussain shortly followed suit going for 17 as he was caught out attempting an expansive slog. Nicholson hit a couple of commanding boundaries before he was caught out for 9. Waring was left stranded on 0 not out, which was unfortunate because he was adamant he was going on to get a 50, meaning HBCC were only able to set 86 all out from 30.4 overs, which didn’t earn any batting points. Kudos to Ahmed 5-31 and Masood 3-33 for NMIB, who bowled exceptionally well and were certainly the best opening bowlers we have faced this season.
Second innings:
Unfortunately the rain that had caused the earlier delay had settled the pitch down a bit, meaning NMIB got the better of the conditions. The deadly duo took the new ball, with both finding some early swing. The NMIB batters came out showing intent and played some nice shots from the outset. Waring made a breakthrough in his 3rd over, dismissing Farooq 3, following a decent catch from Waterson at long off. With HBCC lacking runs to bowl at, Nicholson decided to mix things up and brought Waterson on to replace Shahid to not let the batters settle. Shahid bowled in good areas and was economical as usual. Waterson continued his recent form with the ball and was expensive again from his couple of overs, as the NMIB batters enjoyed the extra pace on offer. Nicholson decided pace off might be the way forward and brought himself on in place of Waterson. At the other end, Waring continued his stellar season with the ball and continued to probe, he was rewarded with a mistimed drive from Khalid 20 which was snaffled up by Womersley in the covers, giving HBCC a glimmer of hope at 41-2. Waring then cleaned up Heer 30, following some swashbuckling shots, as NMIB were pegged to 56-3. NMIB’s middle order were in no mood for the game to last much longer and played aggressively against Nicholson as they neared in on the target. HBCC continued to fight to get a 4th wicket to try and gain a bowling point, this eventually came as Kotwani 19 tried to finish the match with one blow, but skied the ball to the moon, into the safe hands of Waterson at long off. It was a particularly amusing moment for Waterson, who had called Waring’s wicket to perfection in conversation with 2nd team captain Allatt just before the ball was bowled. The impressive Waring finished with 4-32 from his 8 overs, in what as another positive display. NMIB would hit the winning runs off Nicholson the next over (after messing about for a few balls trying to win it with a boundary…).
NMIB finished 90-4 and beat HBCC by 6-wickets, knocking it off in 16.5 overs. HBCC came away with just the 1-point on a difficult day against a good side.
Whilst it was a poor showing, NMIB are a very good side and there is no shame in losing to them. In hindsight HBCC probably should have bowled first rather than batting, but it was a collective decision to bat first and by no means Nicholson’s fault. Lessons will have been learned.
Player of the match:
The captain POTM was awarded to Donna Terry for delivering an unbelievable spread as always. On what was a scorching hot day, Donna Terry tailored the fully halal teas to perfection, substituting out some of the staple items (sandwiches) for lighter alternatives (tuna pasta, ceasar salad, etc). The amount of effort Donna Terry puts in every week is greatly appreciated by all and we are so lucky to have her at the club! Shoutout to Waring and Saleem who were HBCC’s key contributors on the field, but were pipped by Donna Terry.
Tool of today:
It was a difficult day without anyone truly standing out, Waterson, however, picks up the award for the second time in three weeks. Waterson has been awarded TOT for giving himself POTM in the previous game against Rossington. Nicholson (allegedly) awarded POTM to Smales Snr for his efforts getting to the game over Waterson’s 71 not out with the bat. Waterson also played a key role in deciding to bat first and went at 8 an over with the ball (may have actually improved his economy for the season…), which helped him scoop up the unwanted award.
The game was played in great spirit with plenty of laughter, NMIB are a fantastic bunch of lads, we wish them all the best for the season and hopefully can get revenge against them in the reverse fixture.
Report written by Waterson