SILVERWARE CAPTURE CONTINUES        5th  October

At the 2021 Craven & District League Annual Dinner and Awards Night  Oakworth Seniors have added to the trio of Team Cups, The Wynn, The Cowling and Manorlands Plate with our younger team members backing up the Chairman Michael. Information available confirms the following individual winners:

CUP KINGS                                                             5th  September

With the First XI having captured the Wynn Cup and Manorlands Plate, all eyes now switched to the T20 Cowling Cup Finals Day at Airedale CC. Oakworth 2nd Xl took their semi-final place and would  face Hepworth & Idle lls in the first match, before Embsay would overhaul the 179-7 posted by Riddlesden in the first semi-final.

Final vs Embay lls

Oakworth took on impressive second semi-final winners Embsay and on winning the toss inserted the Division Three high flyers. This time a caught & bowled for Ellis Marshall removed the dangerous Dom Kay [4] at 9-1. Two runs later the equally dangerous Jonno Coward was also out caught by Steve Powell for the impressive Tom Raby. Then came the fight-back from Josh Robinson and Caspar Bean with a 30-run stand but that was broken by the leg-spin of Bilaal Khan with s mart catch by keeper-Captain Jack Cawood to dismiss Bean for 11 at 41-3. But that brought in Ben Davy who with Robinson changed the complexion. 66 more runs were added before Davy was out for 29, caught by Jake Keslinke and bowled by Charlie Raby. Robinson was 52 not out but added only 5 more as he was a victim for Akeel Umar courtesy of the hands of Tom Raby. Jake Keslinke mopped up the tail to finish with 3-12 but the entire bowling attack had been fantastic in restraining Embsay to 126-8.

The loss of Charlie Raby [3] at 4-1 didnt phase our batting line up as Bilaal Khan [22], Jake Keslinke [23], the in-form Matty Lee [34no] and Ellis Marshall [16] belied their tender years and with Steve Powell also on 9 no the target was reached with 13 balls to spare and just 4 wickets down. It was our fourth Cowling Cup win, to add to 2006, 2008 & 2015. Superb team work. Jake Keslinke was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his 23 and 3-12.

Semi-Final vs Hepworth & Idle lls

The 6-man Oakworth bowling attack were arguably one of the youngest ever fielded with the eldest Ellis Marshall at 18 and the youngest Tom Raby at 13. But they were not in any way overawed as they tore into the H & I batsmen. And It was the youngest Tom Raby who started the ball rolling with the dismissal of Bentley [5] at 14-1. Bentley's opening partner Davies [5] was then smartly run out by  Rob Gumbley at 24-2. The spinners then got into the action with success for Charlie Raby  who cleaned bowled Bedford at 28-3. Not to be outdone fellow leggie Subhaan Ahmed joined the fray with a couple of run outs [Haigh - 0 and key man Newell for 20]. Kami-kazee running and desperation had set in and two more run outs [Dunne 21] for Rob Gumbley and a third for Subhaan [Mathews 6] left the Hepworth innings in tatters at 82-7. Only 1 run was added as Dave Mathews was caught by Ellis for Akeel Umar's wicket and yet another run out by Rob Gumbley [Moore 0] and Hepworth were all out for 84 as no 11 Pinkney did not bat. The fielding had been electrifying with 5 run outs.

The batting chase began badly with Charlie, Jake and Bilaal all back in the hutch with only 17 on the board. Matty Lee and Ellis Marshall stopped the rot at 47-4 when Matty was bowled by Pinkney for 20 to be followed by a Golden Duck for veteran Steve Powell to leave the match in the balance at 47-5.  When Akeel was bowled by young Pinkney the alarm bells began to ring [49-6]. But the calm head of Rob Gumbley [16no] and Ellis Marshall [37no] in a partnership of 35 won the place in the Final for our boys with 2 overs in hand.

MANORLANDS ADDED TO TROPHY SHELF   29th  August

Denholme CC were Oakworth opponents in the final of the 2021 Manorlands Plate T20 competition. Thanks to Harry Hollingsworth the 'Frogboilers' found themselves at 43-6 as Harry's 4 overs eventually brought him a magnificent 5-20 including the wicket of key batsman Toby Priestley. Then no 7 Adam Vaux [33] combined with Chris Dennison to add another 50 for their 7th wicket partnership to give their side a chance of a decent total. That reached 126 after a further 33 came from Dennison [20no] and Neil Spencer [29no]. Charlie Shimmin and Tom Fothergill added wickets to Harry's haul. The Oakworth batsmen chased steadily with Joel Gallagher [24], Jack Davison [17], Harry Hollingsworth [27] and skipper Rob Hollingsworth [34no] all pushing the total along. The target was reached with 6 down and 11 balls to spare.  Adam Taylor proved the Denholme top bowler with 3-40.

Earlier Denholme had overcome Division Two leaders and rivals Gargrave by just 2 wickets. Neil Spencer starred with 3-14 alongside Adrian Shires 2-16 whilst Dieter Kayley led the North Craven side batting with 29. The Denholme side had an early shock with a golden duck for danger-man Toby Priestley but the Gargrave 101-8 always looked vulnerable and Denholme cleared that hurdle with 102-4 with 7 balls in hand. Earlier still hosts Oakworth took on Skipton CI whose top three made 91 between them in around 16 overs but the pace fell away slightly to conclude at a still decent 126-5. Jack Davison grabbed 2-21 whilst young James Powell again shone with 1-18.  With the bat consistently quick scoring, 43 before a wicket fell, carried Oakworth to 80-4 before Jordan Powell rediscovered 2018-19 form to blast 46no from just 10 balls including six 6s and 2 fours. The target was reached after 76 balls at 132-4. Oakworth would face Denholme in the Final.

COWLING PEGGED BACK BY OAKS        28th August

Anything Oakworth CC Second Xi could do was the wish for the First Xi andbatting first our boys made a challenging 176-9 in their 40 overs. Junior James Powell was the pivot around which the total was built as his 45 from 88 balls allowed Harry Hollingsworth to bat freely and rattle up 56 from 59 balls. Throw in 21no from Jack Davison and 20 from Mr Reliable Joel Gallagher with only star bowler Zahid Hussain 5-45 causing ripples. But at 95-4 after good knocks from was Hussain  [33] and Martyn Dalby [24] the Cowling boys were in with more than a chance of the points. When no 6 Naqi Hassan swung the bat the pendulum swiung toward the Pinnacle boys. But the breakthrough again came from James Powell with the key wicket of Hassan and as Tom Fothergill returned yet another five-fer [5-41] the Cowling tail was blown away at 154 all out. It was a sweet reversal of fortune for Oakworth who dented the Cowling Championship hopes.

Sadly teh Second Xi and 3rd Xl were both defeated at Riddlesden and by Skipton CI respectively.

  2NDS CRUSH COWLING AMIDST RAIN         21st August

Oakworth CC Second Xi continued its recent fine form when its bowlers wiped out Cowling lls for just 67 all out in under 22 overs. From the moment u13 Captain Tom Raby and U15 Captain Jake Keslinke opened with 0-8 and 2-4 in their respective 5 over stints, the visitors were under the cosh. New lad Alec Scott chipped in 2-13 from just 18 balls of which 9 were wides, and then Matty Lee and Noman Hassan cleaned up the tail with 3-7 and 2-11 to limit Cowling to 47 from the bat with the 'bonus' of 20 extras.

Batting openers Jake [21] and Bilaal Khan [20] had all but wiped out the deficit at 50-2 to leave Noman and Rob Gumbley to finish the job at 69-2 in just 13 overs.

At West End the Third XI were well on top against Glusburn lls when the match was halted by the rain. But the play had allowed a fabulous all-round performance for Sultan Khan who bashed 94 runs and then took 4-33 to leave Glusburn teetering at 138-5 still needing an unlikely 100 from 13.4 overs to take the points. This was chasing our impressive 237 all out. Oaks batting had provided excellent support to opener Sultan with fast-prospering Subhaan Ahmed making 30 and all-rounder Elis Jones a sterling 55 from just 54 balls.  The side remain just 2 points behind Bradley lls with 2 matches left to overhaul them.

The First XI did not make a start on potentially their last ever visit to Shires Lane.

MANORLANDS PLATE FINALS DAY                  15th August

Oakworth CC is again proud to host the Manorlands Plate T20 Finals Day on behalf of the Craven & District League. Proceeds from the day are to be donated to the Manorlands Hospice at Oxenhope.

The Annual event takes place on Sunday 29th August, commencing 10:00am with the first semi-final, which features Oakworth CC versus Skipton CI CC. The Second semi-final between Gargrave CC and Denholme CC is scheduled for a 1:00pm start, with the Final to be held at 4:00pm

The club announces the following information for all prospective spectators and participants:

Gates open from 9:00am. Entry only by main gates.
Games 10:00am, 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

EntryFee: Adult £2 includes raffle tickets, children £1.
Breakfasts available from 9:00am to 12
BBQ from 12:00 noon onwards.
Tea, coffee available. Cakes on sale in the afternoon.
Bar open lunchtime onwards
Raffle and tombola

TROPHY HOLDERS AGAIN                                       15th August

Boosted by a triple-win Saturday and having waited for a semi-final replay and then a week's weather delay, our First Team boys lined up against Barrowford for the 2021 Wynn Cup Final at Bingley Congs CC.

The Red Rose side won the toss and chose to bat but were soon in trouble with the loss of Freddie Bailey [4] nipped out by the pace of James Powell and the safe hands of Lucas Keslinke behind the timbers at 8-1. Shuja Rashid and Hamid Bushy added another 13 before Rashid was smartly run out by Jordan Powell to make it 21-2. Bushy wasn't yet off the mark and it was no 4 Aziz Iqbal who kick-started the Barrowford innings again. The pair carried the knock passed the 50 but at 51 Bushy was a first scalp for Harry Hollingsworth courtesy of more safe hands from Jake Keslinke. Jahangir Babar came and went at 53-4. and then Aziz' resistance ended with his score on 25 from 27 balls faced. It was Charlie Shimmin who had his stumps awry at 59-5. In tandem with Thomas Fothergill, their contrasting pace and off-spin proved too good for the Lancastrians who crumbled to 63-6, 65-7, 69-8 and 70-9 before the coup-de-grace came from Charlie with an lbw for 10th man Abdul Mannan [0]. There was a couple of catches for Bradley Powell and one for the skipper Rob Hollingsworth. With only 7 extras allowed by our lads the Barrowford total of 76 all out was 58 down on their score in the previous day's league encounter. Charlie proved irresistible with 4-15 from 34 balls whilst Thomas delivered 3-10 from his 6 overs to end the opposition innings in just 148 balls.

But the match wasn't won yet and a golden duck for hitherto prolific Bradley, caught behind off Rashid, sent out that early warning at 1-1. But fear not as Mr Reliable Joel Gallagher knuckled down to his job along with fast-emerging Jake Keslinke, the pair adding 30 runs before Joel was lbw to Bailey for 20. Jake ploughed on in company with Harry to add another 19 before Jake was caught for 17 off 54 balls off Rashid. At 50-3 our boys were well on course but a 6-ball duck for Jordan, also bowled by Rashid, once again brought any premature thoughts of an easy win to a halt. But that was to be the last hiccough as the usually solid Jack Davison [10no] combined with Harry [22no] to carry us safely over the line after 28.5 overs.  Shuja Rashid had been a real thorn in our side with 3-11 in 10 overs but the Barrowford back-up wasn't able to penetrate.

It was a great win by 6 wickets and Skipper Robert Hollingsworth gratefully received the Trophy in his first year as Captain, our first Wynn Cup silverware since 2014.

NOT A WICKET FELL                                                  1st August

The sublime batting form of Joel Gallagher and Bradley Powell, so evident last week, continued unabated on the last day of July. Potential Cup Final opponents Haworth Road came to Wide Lane and copped a real hammering. Quickie Harry Hollingsworth was a real menace picking up 5-19 in his 10 overs. James Powell 2-27 and Jack Davison 2-26 backed his demolition of the Shipley-based side who recovered mid-innings from 30-6 to 125-7 thanks to Fahrim Khan [77] and Andy Gudgeon [58]. But a total of 159 all out was brushed aside in just 110 balls by Joel and Bradley who steamrollered their attack. Joel added 89no to his maiden ton of last week whilst Bradley picked up another 68 from 43 balls to add to his growing reputation. The 160-0 sent a signal to both the tied semi-finalists.

At Denholme, the 2nd Xl inserted the 10-man home side and soon had them in difficulty at 11-3. A wicket each for left-armers Tom Raby and Ellis Marshall was followed by a smart run-out by Bilaal Khan to have them wobbling. Loanee from Long Lee Tom Butterfield rode his luck, being dropped twice but continued to run out of partners. Sajjad Razak 3-13 and Charlie Raby 2-32  finished them off with Butterfield last man out for 69, stumped by Jack Cawood. But the Denholme total had climbed to just 88 thanks to their loan player. Charlie played second fiddle to the symphony from Bilaal who rattled 51 no from 45 balls. Charlie's unbeaten 24 ensured that the Second Xl also won by 10 wickets with 5 fours and 3 sixes. The record  books are being scoured to see if this is a First.

Confirmed as First Ever. The closest to a similar event was on 18th August 2018 when the First Xl defeated neighbours Haworth by 10 wickets and the 2nd Xl defeated their 2nd by 9 wickets. A similar close call came way back in 1927 with a 10 & 9 wicket pair of wins against Braithwaite in the long defunct Keighley & District League.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES                   25th July

Yes 24 little hours after Oakworth were humbled at West Lane, Haworth, the boys returned to the same ground and smashed 326-6 to dominate the semi-final and reach the Wynn Cup Final. The amazing turn-round in fortunes was engineered by openers Joel Gallagher and Bradley Powell. The pair's opening stand of 168 came in just 137 balls. Bradley fell with his contribution on 96 given out lbw to Hudson. His knock came at rapid rate from just 66 balls and included 13 fours an 5 sixes. With a solid 30 [13 balls] from Bradley's brother Jordan Powell, the onslaught continued. At 242-5 the score-line looked pretty good but a further 61 came from Joel with Jack Davison [28] and yet another stand of 23 with Lucas Keslinke [15] to post a titanic 326-6.  A first ever century was a marvellous accolade for 33 year-old Joel Gallagher, whose 138no with 26 fours and 1 six out-stripped his unfortunate lbw on 99 two years ago. His knock sits 17th on the Oakworth all-time high innings list, and third highest for Oakworth in the Wynn Cup.

All the Haworth bowlers shipped heavy punishment, the best was former Oakworth junior Ollie Bishop with 2-44 from his 10 overs. Even renowned cricketers Jamie & Damian Rowell went for 75 runs from their combined 10-4 overs. But the job was not complete as Haworth strode out to bat. But with Jamie Rowell back in the hutch at 5-1 caught by Jack Davison for Harry Hollingsworth it was a lot nearer completion than 6 balls earlier. 61 came from James Roper and Dan Trowers but skipper Rob Hollingsworth halted their partnership with a smart run out. But at 101-6 when Damian Rowell was neatly caught by keeper Lucas Keslinke for 14, the challenge looked impossible with 10 per over already required. If Joel has set up the looming victory it was Tom Fothergill who hammered home the final nails. His 6-68 was a testament to his self-taught off-spinning skills. The Haworth tail wagged and kept the large crowd entertained until last man Neil Rollins was caught by Jake Keslinke for 32 at 214 all out.

The previous day The First Xl has managed just 104 all out, with no 9 Jordan Powell rescuing sever blushes with 40 of the meagre total in the 168th derby. Damian Rowell returned 4-17 with 2 each for Ollie Bishop and Neil Rollins. There were also run outs for Bradley and James Powell. The bowlers did a great job trying to defend with pace-men Harry, James & Charlie Shimmin conceding just 49 from a combined 17 overs. Tom Fothergill nipped out 3-30 but Dan Trowers stayed resolute making 30no to steer the home side to 107-5.

2NDS BEAT HAWORTH TO STAY IN HUNT  24th July

A patient 78-ball 38 from Bilaal Khan was the cornerstone of Oakworth innings. He was fourth out at 67-4 after the Haworth bowling had been on top with Thomas Rowell in fine nick with Charlie Jackson. The introduction of himself by skipper Stuart Jackson maintained the pressure, unluckily denied a catch from Ellis Marshall, who was out lbw shortly afterwards. His 1-17 was countered by skipper Michael Scarborough [24], Liam Humphreys [20] and Steve Powell [19] and the Oakworth total climbed to 140-8. Thomas Rowell was the Haworth star performer picking up 10-4-23-4 with a fine 2-38 from Danny Spencer also prominent. A wicket-keeping injury kept Paul Stephens subdued and so the entry of Stuart Jackson at 28-2 to join Danny Spencer was a vital point in the Haworth reply. Stuart played himself in but his 8th ball from James Lee was reminiscent of the famous 'Gatting Ball' stunning everyone as the ball pitched well outside off stump and jagged bag as Jacko seemingly correctly shouldered arms, only to hear the death rattle. From 29-3 the Oakworth bowlers were well on top, none more so than the tireless James Lee who bagged 5-19 from 10 overs. Ellis Marshall had 2-6 and Charlie Raby wrapped things up with 2-7 and Haworth subsided to 57 all out.

FIRST WIN FOR THIRDS                                24th July

A disastrous start at picturesque Airedale Oval had Oakworth 3rds at 19-4. Juniors Subhaan Ahmed and Elis Jones combined to rebuild and did a grand job taking the total to 66 when Elis was caught for a sterling 19 with three 4s.  A third junior Asim Khan was next in the firing line and he partnered Subhaan to another 57 runs on the tally. Asim patiently scored 22 from 59 balls on the way to 123-6. The innings ended at 126-8 with Subhaan Ahmed unbowed still on 64 not out [81 balls], graced with 6 fours and a six. Skipper Keith Gilert described it as a 'coming of age' knock. Saqib Javaid did most to hold us up with 3-21. Saqib also proved Airedale second highest scorer with 13 following opener Akram Javed's 22. From 52-3 Airedale fell apart as Sultan Khan [3-24] and Amin Khan [2-16] took control. Guess who finished the job? Yes it was Subhaan Ahmed with 4 maidens and 2 wickets!! Airedale were all out for 79 in 34.4 overs and Oakworth had its first win of the 2021 season.

WORTH VALLEY DERBY DAY                                21st July

Oakworth's First Division campaign remains on song with the match vs Sutton to be replayed, and this week's fare is THE 168th WORTH VALLEY DERBY day on Saturday 24th July. The First Xl will skip across the burn whilst the 2nd Xl will host Haworth 2nd Xl at Wide Lane. Rob's lads will have their hands full with James Roper, Jamie Rowell and Oaks junior Jacob Stephens, whilst Michael's lads will be challenged by Stu Jackson, Paul Stephens and former Oaks junior Thomas Rowell.

What a great day for local cricket!

COVID KNOCKS OUT SUTTON FIXTURE              16th July

Oakworth's First Division CDCL match vs Sutton-in-Craven scheduled for Saturday 17th July is now POSTPONED due to the impact of the Pandemic.

COWLING CUP START NOW 12:00 NOON

Oakworth's Cowling Cup tie with Skipton CI will now be brought forward to 12:00 noon on Sunday 18th July, as agreed with CDCL. This is to enable the rain & covid-delayed Raleigh Hargreaves Memorial Cup Final for under-15s to be stage that afternoon at 3pm also at Oakworth. That match will feature Oakworth against Great Horton Church

WORTH VALLEY SEMI FOR FIRSTS                             11th July

Earlier in the year the Bingley Congs league fixture had been lost to the weather but the Wynn Cup Final was set to make up for it. The team was depleted with the loss of Bradley and Steve [holiday] and 2nd teamers Charlie Raby, Akeel Umar and Michael Scarborough were drafted in to face the former table-toppers. At 19-3 the Congs needed to dig in but only found the hole getting deeper. James Powell 3-15 and Harry Hollingsworth 1-27 continued their fine weekend form before the highest stand of the innings [24] came from Neil Copping [20] and Jamie Teals [11]. But then Tommy 'The Tweak' Fothergill played his aces and with 5-11 the Congs were routed for 62 all out, no 7 Matty Roberts stranded on 9no. As on Saturday batting wasnt easy and Harry Greenhalgh 2-12 and Neil Copping 3-12 exploited the pitch well. 17 runs from Jake Keslinke, 11 from Harry and a welcome 19 from Jordan Powell was enough to lead us to 63-5 in the 18th over.  Our reward is an away semi-final across the burn with Haworth for a place in the Final. Tasty...

DOUBLE OVER HEPWORTH                                           10th July

The roller-coaster of the First Xl season took another turn upwards vs Hepworth & Idle but it was yet again in the balance of a tense finish. A first innings tally of 117 all out was going to be a severe challenge against a team which defeated our boys at Wide Lane back in May. The meagre total owed much to 15 year-old Jake Keslinke who brilliantly held up the Hepworth attack for 71 balls, top-scoring with 39. He shared a 53 run stand with Skipper Rob Hollingsworth. Earlier opener Bradley Powell pummelled 27 before 7 wickets fell for single scores. Hepworth youngster Harvey Matthews did the damage with 5-22 in 31 balls. And then our young bowlers got to work with James Powell 2-13 and Harry Hollingsworth 4-23 leading the way. At 40-5 we were well in control but that lad Matthews pillaged 29 in a s many balls and the score shot up to 86-7 when he was out. But no10 Mark Harland really cranked up the tension with 14 runs after debut boy Tom Raby nicked his first scalp at 95-9. A run out by Harry sealed the Hepworth fate at 109.

The Second Xl were alos seeking to reverse the earlier result. Charlie Shimmin and James Lee both struck early and then Jacob Davies and Sajjad Razak got in on the act to have the visitors at 69-5 after Jacob got the prize scalp of McEvoy. But the fall of Mike Newell, run out by debutant Noman Hassan was a killer blow and their innings subsided to 107 all out.  Cracking bowling from Jacob 2-16 and Akeel Umar 2-12 were notable. The brothers Grimm, sorry Lee opened up but Matty was soon back in the hutch. James went on to make 25 and at 29-3 a close game was on the cards. A solid stand of 37 by Charlie and skipper Michael Scarborough got us back on track at 66-4. The Hepworth spin twins of Harry Pinkney and Mohammed Abdullah then turned the screw and even Michael's assault was stymied for a while. He eventually fell for 39 at 98-6 and then a by-then settled-in Noman blasted 20 no to seal a 4 wicket win with over 10 overs in hand.

CRASH                                                                                   3rd July

The drubbing of Foulridge paled into the past as the Firsts threw away a match that should have been won twice over. With the ball the two James, Powell and Lee ripped out the top order and ere long had Wilsden at 44-7. Enter Hasnat and Khawar Bukhari who took advantage of our bowing changes, adding 62 for the 8th wicket. The good work from the openers Powell [3-20] & Lee [2-21].and from spinner Tom Fothergill [3-39] was over-shadowed. Nevertheless the Wilsden tally of 139 all out should not have presented any problems. At 37-3 there was still no reason to fret and even at 102-6 the alarm bells were only just warming up. James Powell had top scored with 28 and Jordan Powell had regained a little form with 19. With 2nd teamers Matty Lee and Jake Keslinke, relatively fresh from a 200 stand, the win was still more likely for our boys. Matty copped a duck but Jake and Tom proceeded calmly adding 23 with just 3 runs needed for victory. Tom was caught for 16 leaving Jake on 19 no with last man Jimmy Lee. The pair added just 1 before Jimmy was caught for a duck and unbelievably we had lost by 1 run! Chris Longley [4-45] and Khawar Bukhari [3-40] had stuck at their task and trumped our earlier good bowling work. Top Hepworth bowler was opener Jenkins 2-15 and Pinkney 2-42.

BACK IN THE HUNT                                                        26th June

The strong form-line continued against basement club Foulridge at Wide Lane.  An opening stand of 117 from Bradley Powell [71] and Joel Gallagher [70] came up in rapid time and the pressure was maintained by Harry Hollingsworth [85] and James Powell [52no]. Foulridge used six bowlers but couldn't halt our juggernaut which carried us to 329-5. Our bowlers revelled in the cushion of so many runs and seven turned their arm in rotation. Harry was the pick with 3-21 whilst Joel finished off the Lancastrian's reply with 2-2 in 10 balls. Ellis Marshall tried out his bowling after his injury break and took 1-7 in 3 overs. James again impressed with 1-6 in 12 whilst Tommy the 'Tweak' Fothergill was again as solid as ever conceding just 26 in 10 overs. The team, now moves up to third place and following the defeat of Congs by Haworth are now again part of the title shakedown.  Next up Wilsden at Home.

The Second Xi enjoyed their day off but the Thirds cam a cropper at Gargarve, losing by a massive 190 runs. Gargrave owed everything to Tony Spensley who bashed 10 fours and 10 sixes in his titanic 140. Sultan Khan plugged away to take 3 wickets but like all our bowlers conceded plenty. Their tally of 268-6 was out of reach and we crumpled to 78 all out although it was again pleasing to see back-in-harness Louis Stephens as top-scorer with 21, just ahead of Subhaan Ahmed with 16.

INGROW HUMBLED                                                      19th June

The short trip across the valley to Ingrow proved a 3-pointer for our boys but a poor day for Ingrow. Batting first, two early wickets for Mohammed Arshad set us back before Bradley Powell [15] and Harry Hollingsworth [39] restored some solidity. Another good 17 from James Powell in probably his best position at no 5 augured well and Jack Davison continued his finer form with another 41. Jake Keslinke matched co-junior James with 17 and despite little tail-wagging we tallied 161 all out. All the Ingrow bowlers took wickets with Arshad impressive with 3-22 from 10 overs. But then the Ingrow wheels came completely off with 4 ducks at the top of the order and 5 at the bottom. Only Tom Tetley [15] and Wayne Exley [9] troubled the scorer. The collapse resulted in 29 all out as our two bowlers made hay. Harry Hollingsworth picked up an amazing 6 for 8 in 34 balls whilst young James Powell took the others for 19 runs in 5 overs in the 132 run win.

No such outcome for the Second Xl though as  Thornton opener, returnee Rob Foster blasted 10 fours and 5 sixes in his titanic 98. He shared a 134 run stand with David Holt [37] and with backing from Jonny Martin and Mark Laycock we faced a 223 total for the second time. Leggie Charlie Raby again underlined his value to the team with 5-50 whilst his impressive younger brother Tom claimed 2 for 42 opening the bowling. But the irrepressible Laycock dobbed in 5-14 from his 10 over stint. With Ian Holden also frugal with 3-10 in his 10 we could only scrape 111-8. The skipper Michael Scarborough was again not out on 39.

At Sandy Lane the Congs Thirds were under the cosh from 'offie' Elis Jones [4-21] and Taz Khan [2-21] and skipper Keith Gilert smelled a first win of the season. Congs ended at 111 thanks primarily to Andrew Greenwood's 48 before Amin Khan [3-29] cleaned up the tail. Sultan Khan kicked us off with 15 and with solid contributions from Subhaan Ahmed [14] and Elis Jones [17] we were very much in the hunt. Andrew Copping usually takes wickets but this week it was only 3 as we zeroed in on the win. But the loss of middle order put the tail under pressure and they responded well with 13 from Amin Khan and 9 from last man, keeper Steve Cox with 9. But we fell shy by 9 runs. We'll never know if the first-ball Mankadding of young junior [14]  Mohammed Saad by the Home Captain Simon Webster had been withdrawn whether we might have edged over the line.

YOUNG GUNS OUST 'FORD FROM CUP               13th June

Oakworth's bowlers [all juniors] produced a scintillating performance in Round 2 of the Cowling Cup. Barrowford were held at 86-9 with top gun Jacob Davies bagging 3-12. He had great back up from Akeel Umar [2-19], Tom Raby [2-22] and Ellis Marshall [1-17] . The runs were knocked off with 8 balls in hand. Top scorers were Bilaal Khan 23, Matty Lee 23no and Jake Keslinke 12.

WYNN CUP WIN OVER DENHOLME                     6th June

Ben Burkill led the Denholme batters to 142 all out.  Their total was limited by Jack Davison with 7--1-24-4 who had strong support from youngsters Jake Keslinke 2-4 and James Powell 2-33. The Denholme knock was all over in the 32nd over. Our openers Joel Gallagher [29] and Bradley Powell [51] gave us another good start with 56 for the first wicket. It was the skipper Rob Hollingsworth who picked up their momentum with 31 no and the target was reached in 29.5 overs with 5 wickets down.

TWO HUNDRED PLUS FOR 1STS & 2NDS             5th June

The latest and last fixture at Wide Lane between Oakworth and Embsay unfolded with a terrific 97 from teenager Bradley Powell. His blistering knock with 13 fours and 4 sixes took Oakworth from 21-1 to 171-2. His partner was Lucas Keslinke who moved up the order to pick up a 57 [7 fours, 2 sixes] score. But only Jack Davison from the rest with 19no offered any further push to the innings which nevertheless concluded on 217-9. Arslam Hussain 4-21 and Ben Davy 3-52 did most of the damage. Embay opener Joe Holt put in 55 to their cause along w1th Mohsin Saghir 34, to take the visitors on to 107-2. The top 3 were all removed by promoted Charlie Shimmin who returned 3-30 from his 10 overs. Number 6 Jack Kitching held the reply together and kept his team in the hunt but Jack Davison and the Powell cousins, James and Bradley claimed the scalps to limit and end their challenge at 195 all out. Jack finished with 3-24, James 2-23 and Bradley 2-47.

Over at Cowling the bright sunny weather suited Matthew Lee and Jake Keslinke as they shared a 201 stand for the second wicket. Bilaal Khan had gone for 10 but the chanceless innings of the pair was joyous to behold. Matty claimed his second career century of 110no whilst Jake, despite some scoring confusion pocketed 97no on the way to a massive 241-1. A dispirited Cowling batting line up failed to fire and subsided to 122 all out. Attack leader was Akeel Umar with 4-for, backed up by wickets for Bilaal [2], Sajaad Razak [1] Jake [2] & Elis Jones [1]. Their efforts were supported in exemplary style by keeper Jack Cawood who smartly took home 3 stumpings in his quality display. A whopping 119 run win boosted or run-rate and pushed us back up to 3rd place in the Division.

Sadly, by contrast the Third Xl had a tough day at the office, facing Glusburn lls. A 39 all out had no-one in double figures as the four-man Glusburn attack picked up wickets regularly throughout the innings of 24.4 overs.  8.2 overs later the South Craven side were on their way home with the points, not having lost a wicket.

BLANK WEEKEND                                          29th May

The trip to Barrowford provided our first defeat of the season. At 120-8 the home side looked on the ropes but Farooq and Mudassar pushed their total on to 170. Skipper Rob used 7 bowlers with Harry and Bradley each nabbing a brace. Bradley was also joint top-scorer with Lucas on 25. With a number of players absent elsewhere Jake, Bilaal and Stevie were drafted in to help but we finished well short on 107 all out, Rashid taking 4 for 6

At Home the 2nds entertained Division leaders Embsay 2nds. Michael lost the toss and we were inserted on a damp deck. Gareth Marshall made his first appearance for 5 years to hopefully bat with his son Ellis on his 18th birthday. It didn't happen.  But Ellis celebrated a top score of 31 in a disappointing knock of 107-8. 17 Year old Henry Ellison picked up a five-for. Former Oakworth player Gareth Wooler found it hard to score but partner Caspar Bean got into the 30s. But the telling knock came from Dom Kay who rapped three sixes in an over to propel the Skipton side to victory by 7 wickets.

The Third Xl faced Keighley llls at West End. It too proved unsuccessful. A poor batting display was brightened only by the return of Subhaan Ahmed who made 10 and the debut for Lauren Hunter. 57 all out was unlikely to disturb Keighley but Subhaan did nip in with a wicket before the visitors cruised to the win  in 12 overs.

2NDS STUN GLUSBURN FIRSTS

No dressing rooms, no drinks, no snacks were on the menu at sunny Glusburn, but our 2nds devoured the points in a cracking match at Park Field. Batting first regular openers Bilaal Khan [16] and Charlie Raby [25] gave us a steady platform of 51 for the first wicket. A fifty run partnership for Michael Scarborough and Matty Lee [26] took the tally passed 150, the skipper finishing on 59no. 156-6  was posted despite tight bowling from Irfan Khaliq with 10-4-14-1. Glusburn newbie Zaheer Abbas chipped in 10-2-35-2.

Dangerman Matt Lloyd opened and was in form. He was also dropped twice on the way to 60 before Sajjad Razak induced a catch to Michael at gully.  Lloyd had though consumed 74 balls. At the 30-over mark, Glusburn required 42 to win, with 4 wickets down and strong favourites to take the points. But our bowlers and fielders responded superbly, giving absolutely nothing away. There were huge contributions from Jake Keslinke conceding just 30 from his 10 overs and Sajjad with 29 from his 9. Leggie Charlie Raby had gained the breakthrough wicket of Iain Beattie and posted 2-22 from his 5 overs. But it was Charlie Shimmin [1-35] and Josh Kiteley [1-22] along with Jake that kept Glusburn under the cosh. Desgranges & Parkin were penned back tallying just 21 from their combined 76 balls as the pendulum swung our way. The penultimate over was reached with the Home side still needing 22 to win. Charlie Shimmin snuffed out any hope conceding just 1 run and Josh finished the job in style. The enthusiastic out-fielding produced two excellent run outs, the only blemish was the catching as four chances were spilled. The team now move up to second place in the Division.

CONGRATULATIONS JOEL 1st May

Former Captain Joel Gallagher may have scored 24 against Sutton but he and his team-mates would not have realised it was Joel's 250th First Xl league appearance for Oakworth. Joel has made a total of 326 appearances in all competitions for Oakworth First Xl, scoring 5,231 runs since his debut in 2004. Its a fantastic achievement which places him 8th on the all-time First Xl appearances list. His tally is just 5 fewer than 7th placed Steve Hartley.

Congratulations Joel.

CHAIRMAN's MESSAGE RE SUBSCRIPTIONS  13th May

Hi All 

Great to see a lot of you back at the club and cricket being played or training commenced.

 

A number of you have already been keen to pay your subs and asking for details so thank you for this.

 

We as a committee are keen to improve our existing facilities and have projects in the pipeline to do this and membership supports these improvements.

Subscriptions are as follows:

• Full playing member - £30
• Junior aged 5 or under at 1st May 2021 - free
• Junior aged 6 or 7 at 1st May 2021 - £5 includes 1 x parent social member 
• Junior up to school year 7 - £20 includes one social membership, any additional adult family members to pay social membership of £5
• Junior school year 8 and above - £25 includes one social membership, any additional family members to pay social membership of £5
• Student full time higher education - £25
• Social - £5
• OAP (65 and over) - £5

Match Fees are also payable as follows and will be collected on each match day.

• Senior games £5 per match
• Junior games £1 per match

Your support in paying subs is appreciated so we can continue to reap the benefits from our club.
 

Payments can be paid by cash card or direct into the bank. Bank details are 20-45-14 70676934. Please ensure you quote your name as a reference so we can identify the member. Thank you in anticipation.
 

Michael Scarborough 

Chairman

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JAMES, TOM, LIAM & HARRY SEE OFF SUTTON 1st May

Young opening bowler James Powell removed both Sutton openers at 43-2. He went on to pick up a third scalp in a good day with the ball with 3-19 in 8 overs. He also grabbed a run out at 103-7. Tom Fothergill continued his fine run taking out the Sutton middle order and his 10-1-35-3 broke the back of their innings. Harry Hollingsworth finished the first half job job with 2-36. Sutton had posted 139 all out in the 37th over. With Bradley Powell out at 31-1 and Joel Gallagher at 49-2 it was game on. But it didn't prove that way as an unbeaten 93 run stand from now finding his feet Liam Humphreys [47] and all-rounder Harry Hollingsworth [50] comfortably took the points with 64 balls in hand. Three out of three with next week's Worth Valley derby looming is a great start.

The Second Xl lost an early wicket but the immense potential of Bilaal Khan and Jake Keslinke shone through in a 4 per over partnership of 124. Jake was first to fall for a stylish 48 [8 fours] off 69 balls. Two balls later,  Bilaal who had ridden his luck with three dropped catches from Sutton also went with 67 from 82 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes. At 128-3 a decent score was a distinct possibility and Charlie Shimmin [51] and Captain Michael Scarborough  [35] added 90 more without further loss to post 218-3. It was time for 13 year old Tom Raby to make his senior debut and what a debut it was. His pace, line and length were exemplary and his 1st senior wicket [Wallace] was well deserved in his 8-5-14-1. Only George Blackwell troubled Oakworth five bowlers with a sterling 65 in an otherwise average batting display from Sutton at 129-9. The four other Oaks bowlers: both Charlies, Elis and Matty each bagged a brace.

The view from Golden View at the break may have been looked on as a little Tarnished, facing a chase of 250 after Long Lee lls were led by Steve Tempest [94] and Phil Atkinson [77]. But the positives taken were the tidy bowling from youngsters Mohammed Saad [0-38] and Asim Khan [0-41] in the face of the onslaught. But our gallant Thirds batsmen gave it a go, superbly marshalled by Captain Gilert with an amazing 15 fours and 2 sixes in his 82 no. Mohammed opened the batting and chipped in a very encouraging 34 [7 fours] to the eventual 163-2 reply. A defeat but lots to be pleased about and a successive score in excess of 150.

JACK & LUCAS EDGE FIRSTS HOME 24th April

Another excellent performance with the ball had visitors Hepworth & Idle all out for 124 at a sunny Wide Lane.  Bowlers James Lee 3-27 and Tom Fothergill 3-27 set the stage for Jack Davison to clean up the tail with 4-10 in just 4 overs of his leggies. Only H & I keeper Luke Harland with 33 troubled the attack. But a disastrous start with the bat had our tally at 51-7. Enter Lucas Keslinke to partner form-man Jack and a 64 run stand bridged the gap to 115-8 before Jack was out for 32 [five 4s and a six]. Lucas had 8 boundaries in his eventual 42no with James on 3no as we got over the line with 2 wickets in hand in the 31st over.

The Second Xl had the shackles on H & I 2nds for much of their innings. At 62-6 with a man also retired hurt a sub-3 figure score was on the cards but 17 year old Harvey Matthews chipped in a run-a-ball 42no and with his dad Dave [15] added 41 for the 8th wicket. Josh Kiteley found a good line and had a great 10 over spell taking 4-15 but an injury to Jake Keslinke after just 3 overs didn't help but Charlie Shimmin did get back into action with 2-37. The H & I 137 was still within reach but at 33-4 the pendulum had swung towards the Home side. Charlie [15] dug in for 54 balls and a late effort from Jake with an excellent 21 and some tail-wagging from Elis and Jack could take us only to 111 all out and a 26 run loss. Dave Matthews 4-16 was telling and 3-37 for young 'offie' Harry Pinkney sealed the loss.

The Third Xl were the first league visitors for H & I new Third Xl. The H & I top order carried themselves to 140-4 and a large score looked on the cards. Matt Davies [50] and Dan Moore [40] did most damage. But opening bowler Dave Picton stuck at it and grabbed 4-49 to halt their progress,  backed by a brace from Amin Khan. Nevertheless the 175-7 was a stiff target. But a good knock of 28 from skipper Keith Gilert set the tone and Keighley loanee Zahid Bashir live up to his name with 47 in 49 balls to pave the way for a cracking 34 from Steve Cox. This all added up to a game riposte that came to an end at 158 all out with 9 balls left. It was a really entertaining match that just might have produced a win, but the bowling of Azami 3-8 and Moore 3-38 made the difference.

DOUBLE WIN START 17th April

The First Xl demolished the Wilsden bowling attack with a dominant batting display. The tone was set by opener Bradley Powell with 72. The huge total of 289-7 was boosted by an unbeaten stand of 88 between Jack Davison [65] and Lucas Keslinke [39]. The batsmen's top work was backed up with 5-22 from Tom Fothergill and a brace of wickets each for Harry Hollingsworth and James Powell. Wilsden were all out 94. It is now 15 matches since the First Xl lost a match on 24th August 2019.

The Second Xl also started with a win after restricting Wilsden ll to 129-5 with 3 wickets for 13 from Charlie Raby. A steady innings of 32 from back-in-harness Bilaal Khan was brought to fruition by skipper Michael Scarborough who ended on 49 no. Oakworth reached 130-4 in 37 overs.

CHAIRMAN's PRE-SEASON NEWSLETTER

Chairman Michael Scarborough again welcomes all friends old and new to Oakworth Cricket Club in 2021. His pre-season welcome and comments are attached ... NEWSLETTER

CRAVEN LEAGUE CUP DATES CHANGED

The Craven & District League have switched the Cowling Cup Semi-Finals and Final to Sunday 22nd August to allow Airedale CC more duty personnel. Accordingly the Manorlands Plate Finals day will now be held at Oakworth CC on Sunday 29th August.

SENIOR 2021 FIXTURES ANNOUNCED

The Craven & District League have announced a 'back to normal' programme of 2021 fixtures.