Follifoot gunning for Bilton after Harden demolition job
By Andrew Groves
AFTER Saturday’s demolition of promotion rivals Harden, Follifoot overseas Dale Bradley has now set his sights on eating down Bilton’s lead at the top of the Aire Wharfe Division Two pile.
It promises to be an exciting end to the 2010 season with the two title rivals battling it out for the right to play in the top flight next year.
‘Foot’s commanding nine-wicket win away at Bilton’s nearest rivals sent a warning shot that Paul Angove’s men are back in the hunt after a mid season slump in form.
However Bradley knows they must maintain a strong run of form from now until the season’s climax to have any chance of pipping Harden and Paul Cannings’ men.
Tomorrow ‘Foot are at home to struggling Bolton Villas.
“Everyone is playing their role in the team and the team is really starting to come together well,” he said.
“It’s probably due to the tough training regime we have and the no drinking policy enforced by the captain on the players! If we can string a few more wins together it will put us in good shape to push for promotion as we are only one win now off second place.
“We finally have a fully fit bowling attack which will hopefully win us games and the batters are starting to click too. Nick Robinson in particular.”
On Saturday Bradley (4-34) and Ronnie Procter (4-31) did the damage with the ball as Harden were bowled out for 132.
Mike Halmshaw (42no) and Nick Robinson (68no) then did the business with the bat to see ‘Foot home.
‘Foot will be missing Halmshaw and Liam Ford for tomorrow’s important clash.
BILTON’S in form wicketkeeper/batsmen Chris Dawson has praised his fellow men as they look to build on a successful first half to the campaign.
On Saturday Cannings’ men picked up five points away at Tong Park Esholt to move further clear at the top of the table.
Dawson is currently averaging 40 coming in at number six and cracked 108 in the Evening League last week.
His side welcome Upper Wharfedale to Bilton Lane tomorrow.
“It’s been a superb first half to the season,” he said.
“We are top by ten points and in the semis of the Waddilove Cup. We are gelling so well as a team and with Paul Cannings in charge the team spirit is very high.
“We’ve just got to keep it going now. There’s a lot of tough games to come up in the next few weeks.”
On Saturday Darren Blenkiron (55) and Jarrod Leggett put 75 on for the first wicket. Daz Simpson (51) and Cannings (48no off 20 balls) saw them up to a competitive 245-8.
In response Phil Timmens (3-57) and Sam Thompson (2-36) held Tong at arm’s length for Bilton to pull off a 5-1 win.
“It was a good team performance,” added Cannings.
“We batted well and did well to set a competitive target. Tong were looking good for two points in response but an excellent catch by Andy Groves on the boundary got rid of Fawad Maqsood who was looking dangerous and that was it after that.”
KNARESBOROUGH will be wary of the wounded beast tomorrow when they gear up for the trip of Harden.
Jonathon Corcoran’s men meanwhile will be eager for a response after Saturday’s defeat away at Olicanian.
‘Boro’ started their weekend clash strongly restricting the home side to 233-8. However despite Adam Pryor’s fine 75 Bernard Hughes (8-94) produced a steller spell to skittle the Aspin Lane side out.
In Division One BECKWITHSHAW are back on the horse in their quest for back to back title wins.
Saturday’s commanding victory over relegation haunted North Leeds has put them in good stead for tomorrow’s home clash against Otley with Ben Quick’s side hunting down Burley at the top of the tree.
On Saturday ‘Shaw skipped over the winning line thanks in part to a knock of 52 from John Inglis.
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Weather for Harrogate
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
