9th August 2025 - HBCC 2nd XI vs Whitley Bridge CC (A)

Whitley Bridge Vs Horbury Bridge - The Düsseldorf Dash

Due to an unwanted touchdown in Düsseldorf, the Smaleses were in a race against time to get to Whitley Bridge. It became apparent that they wouldn't be able to start the match, and the seconds would begin proceedings with nine players. This included the first appearance in the seconds this season for Horbury Bridge stalwart, Tim Lonsdale. In an uncontested toss, the Bridge batted first, knowing this was its best chance of winning the match.

1st Innings

Mick had decided that he would open with Phil Waring, only to realise that Phil had been moved out of the team... Because of this, Tim Heald was tasked with seeing off the new ball, having made a long awaited return to the team. Both batsmen knew they had to take some time out of the game, to ensure we didn't get skittled early, and to allow the Smaleses to bat later on. Both players looked solid in defence, but runs were hard to come by, due to some tight bowling from the hosts. Having gotten his eye in, Mick started to play some more attacking strokes, getting some much needed boundaries. Unfortunately, he had to depart for a well-made 22, as he was bowled by Richard Hayes. 

This brought Alex to the crease, who looked to push the scoreboard on. However, he was unfortunately runout for 0, following a slight mix up in the middle with his dad. The departure of one Heald brought another to the crease, as George came in at 4. Shortly after, drinks were taken at 32-2, and to much relief, the Smaleses arrived, fatigued, but ready to put a shift in for the Bridge. The bowling changes were then brought about, and Tim decided it was time to go after the bowlers. He looked to go downtown, but a thin inside edge was expertly caught by their keeper, meaning he had to depart for a gritty 9. 

Smales Jnr came in looking to add a much-needed impetus to the innings. He went after the bowlers from the word go, and played some nice strokes, including a clean hit down the ground, which was unfortunate not to go for four. At the other end, George picked up consecutive boundaries, having latched on to a couple of short deliveries from their change bowler. Dan fell for 6, as he continued to charge and was caught at mid-on. His dad looked to continue the momentum that was building, picking up regular singles, and punishing anything overpitched to the fence. George also pushed the field, as the pair built a meaningful partnership. George fell for 24, as a full delivery brought about a small snick, which was claimed well by the keeper. 

With a few overs to go, the score was 101-5 and the focus was on adding a few quick runs at the end. Ryan played well, with a couple of gorgeous looking shots to the offside, as well as a punch down the ground for four in the final over. Ryan finished 7* and Ian 25* as we fell just short of the second batting point, ending on 117-5. 

2nd Innings

We felt the wicket was a little tricky, with our batsmen struggling to time the ball as well as they would have liked. So despite the relatively low score, we felt that we could defend the total with a few early wickets. With an energetic and youthful team (plus a few older and less energetic fielders!), we knew we could apply some pressure in the field. Mic Rozanski made some sharp stops behind the stumps, backed up by his partner in crime, Steve Rozanski, fielding behind him. Alex opened the bowling with Mick M, looking to gain an early foothold. However, a strong opening partnership between the openers set the hosts up for what appeared to be a comfortable win. Ian came on and took our only breakthrough, as Richard Hayes was bowled for 30. Dan S bowled well, on a pitch without much turn on offer. Gribble unfortunately had a chance put down, which summed up our day, and the hosts wrapped up the innings with nine wickets to spare.

A disappointing result, but the circumstances were challenging, having started with a depleted number, which set us on the back foot from the get-go. Whitley Bridge thoroughly deserved the win, having put us under pressure throughout. This week’s MOTM goes to Ian Smales for his commitment to getting him and Dan to the match, followed up by a well made 25 not out and a wicket with the ball.

The seconds don't have a match next week, so will return to action in a couple of weeks time as the team host Glasshoughton, when it will look to get back to its winning ways!