21st June 2025 - HBCC 2nd XI vs Normanton MIB CC (A)
The bridge lost the toss and were put into field on a scorching Saturday afternoon. However, with a tricky wicket and overhead skies, the bowlers still fancied some early breakthroughs. Alex took the first over, and started well, bowling consistent lines and lengths. With the ever-reliable Farzan missing, there was big shoes to fill for the replacement opener Harry Hibbins. However, he took to his new position like a duck to water, backing up Alex's good start from the other end. The Normanton openers were unable to get the ball away early on, and the pressure told. The big shot finally came, and so did the wicket, with Alex bowling the opener. There was much admiration from the fielders for the way middle stump was sent cartwheeling, and many wondered whether we were watching a young Stuart Broad. From this moment, the wheels completely fell off for the hosts, with a Bridge-like collapse. Harry's speedy spin bamboozled the top order, taking a wicket virtually every over. Alex took a second wicket in his spell, finishing with tidy figures of 2/9, before being replaced by captain Dan Allatt from his end. Despite an early loosener, Dan quickly got into his work, with a mistimed effort from the batsman, caught expertly by Leo, to get him a wicket. Fittingly, Harry took the final wicket, ending with fantastic figures of 6/11 from his 8.4 overs. It was a much-deserved five wicket haul, which completely turned the game in our favour.
The two youngsters Leo and Dan quickly scurried off the field, with a quick restart expected. Unfortunately, Smales Jnr was unable to get a bowl, and was desperate to deliver with the bat instead.
A tricky spell by Normanton's opening bowlers was expertly managed by the pair, with any loose deliveries being pounced upon. There was only one real opportunity for the home side, one which they failed to capitalise on. One popped straight into the air from Leo, and while the bowler was busy celebrating, he was shocked to see the chance go down, much to the amusement of the Bridge dressing room. This didn't affect Leo, as he made Normanton pay, picking up two elegant boundaries to end the contest, finishing 13 not out.
The man of the match has to go to Harry, his relentless spell was too much for the Normanton batters, and set up a fantastic win. A special mention has to go to Dan Smales, in his first stint as opener for the Bridge, he managed the chase brilliantly, and deservedly carried his bat through to the end (15 not out).
Back-to-back wins for the Bridge sends the team up to sixth in the table, with a difficult test next up against Garforth.