31st May 2025 - HBCC 2nd XI vs Pledwick CC (H)
Horbury Bridge 2nds won the toss and elected to field first, delivering a disciplined and often inspired performance with the ball and in the field.
Opening bowlers Al Heald and Farzan were miserly with the new ball, giving nothing away and keeping the Pledwick openers tied down. Despite a couple of missed chances, their control set the tone early.
The introduction of spin brought immediate impact. Captain Dan got the breakthrough with a sharp catch behind the stumps from Leo Marshall, and soon after, Dan Smales removed the dangerous Joe Hanks, shifting momentum firmly in Horbury Bridge’s favour. Captain Dan finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 9, while Smales ended with an excellent 2 for 33.
Smales senior struck quickly to reduce Pledwick to 75 for 6, and Chris Eastwood delivered a welcome return to form with 3 for 26, claiming his first wickets of the season thanks to catches from Al Heald, Dan Smales, and Mick Rozanski. Behind the stumps, Leo Marshall was fantastic, with two catches and a stumping, completing a strong fielding effort that restricted Pledwick to a modest total of 111.
The Chase: From Cruise to Collapse
With confidence high, Leo Marshall and Al Heald opened the innings and made an immediate impact. Playing with freedom and precision, they looked entirely untroubled by the new ball and compiled a fluent 50-run opening partnership. A particularly elegant straight drive from Al brought up the milestone, and things appeared to be progressing smoothly.
But cricket is a game of sudden turns.
At this point, Pledwick introduced two wily spinners, and unfortunately, Al (20) chipped one to square leg, ending the impressive opening stand. Just one over later, Leo (27) fell in almost identical fashion — leaving Horbury Bridge at 52 for 2 and the dressing room nervously shifting in their seats.
Still, with wickets in hand and time on their side, the target remained well within reach. But what followed was an unforeseen collapse.
Sam departed for a duck, as the innings began to wobble into the drinks break at 63 for 3.
After the break, Dan Smales, who had shown promise with two lovely boundaries, was controversially run out for 8 — a moment that deflated the already faltering chase. Moments later, Captain Dan fell for a duck to an outrageous one-handed wonder catch — and suddenly the middle order was in tatters.
Farzan, known for bringing a good time rather than a long stay at the crease, unfortunately managed neither before departing swiftly to attend work.
The lower order showed spirit but couldn’t reverse the momentum. Smales senior’s eyes lit up at a short ball — but hopes of a late rescue dimmed just as quickly when it flew harmlessly into the keeper’s gloves. The innings ended with the final wicket of Chris Eastwood, leaving Horbury Bridge all out for a disappointing 80.
From 50 without loss to 80 all out, it was a collapse that will sting for a while.
Final Thoughts
A match that began with so much promise — from tight bowling, sharp fielding, and a confident start to the chase — unravelled in the space of a dozen overs. While there were standout individual performances and glimpses of brilliance, Horbury Bridge 2nds will rue the missed opportunity and look to bounce back stronger next week.
Man of the Match:
The award goes to Chris Eastwood, affectionately known as Gribble, for his excellent performance with the ball — claiming his first wickets of the season at a crucial stage. His celebratory dance following that first wicket was truly something to behold, lifting team spirits and energizing the field.