High praise for Inglis as majestic innings blasts 'Shaw into semi-final
By Rob Stanworth
BECKWITSHAW captain Ben Quick praised star batsman John Inglis after he powered them into the semi-finals of the Waddilove cup on Sunday.
This followed hot on the heels of a narrow maximum point win over close rivals Burley in Aire Wharfe Division One the previous day.
‘Shaw welcome mid-table side Otley tomorrow (1.30pm start) boosted by the return of spinner Richard Pearson and the current form of a number of key players.
With Beckwithshaw moving up into third place, Quick is looking forward to taking another six points and keeping the pressure on table-toppers Rawdon.
“It is the start of the second half of the season and there is everything to play for,” said Quick.
“We are going well in the league and through to the Waddilove semi-final which is pleasing.
“A number of players such as John Inglis and James Lilley are hitting form at the right time, and we also welcome back Richard Pearson after a knee operation.
“Otley are a decent side and we know quite a bit about them. They have picked up some good wins in recent weeks and they have got an excellent overseas in Dale Tormey and a good batsman in Sam Smith.
“However, we go there looking to take maximum points again and close the gap at the top.”
On Saturday ‘Shaw chased down 121 with one wicket to spare. The victory was set up by youngster James Lilley who took a hat-trick in his haul of 7-50 with Nick Louden taking 3-33.
“James bowled fantastically well on Saturday and James Ford also showed great application with the bat in the face of some quick bowling from Burley’s overseas.”
In the cup, a majestic knock from John Inglis (185) and good support from Phil Critchley (94) enabled Beckwithshaw to amass 329-2. Phil Thompson’s 5-37
ensured that Upper Wharfedale were never in the contest, finishing on 126 all out. ‘Shaw will play Burley away in the last four on July 19.
“John’s innings on Sunday was absolutely devastating and he showed his true class,” admitted Quick.
In Division Two BILTON are in confident mood ahead of tomorrow’s mid-table clash at home to Steeton after taking five points from their game against Colton last weekend.
Skipper Andy Walker is positive that his side can overturn the opening day reverse his side suffered as they start the second half of the season.
“They beat us in the first game of the season, so we really owe them one this weekend,” he said.
“We have got the same side out this weekend, only the second time this year that we have been able to do that, so I’m pleased that we are keeping some consistency.”
Last weekend saw Darren Blenkiron notch 80 in a competitive total of 205-9. In reply Colton could only manage 141-8 in the face of some miserly bowling by Darren Simpson (3-34) and captain Walker (3-27).
“Darren Blenkiron held the innings together for us and nearly all of the bowlers chipped in,” said Walker.
“Basically it was just a good all-round team performance.”
FOLLIFOOT batsman Mike Stanford has warned his side that they can’t have any more slip ups in the second half of the season if they are to achieve their promotion goals.
‘Foot suffered a losing draw at the hands of Steeton last weekend and Stanford has set his eyes on going unbeaten for the rest of the season, starting with tomorrow’s fixture at Upper Wharfedale.
“We were disappointed on Saturday. There is a lot of cricket left to play but we can’t afford to lose any more games until the end of the season,” he said.
“The top two are starting to pull away a little bit so there is no room for error.
“Wharfedale are a decent side and have a couple of good bowlers. It’s the start of the second half so we have to go again.”
Last weekend, Steeton notched up 238-7, despite been five wickets down before the 50 mark had been reached.
A league batting record sixth wicket partnership of 194 saved their blushes before an Oral Blackford (3-57) inspired performance put ‘Foot in control.
‘Foot’s main contribution in reply came from Stanford who scored 54 with Nick Robinson (47) and Steve Bowes (30no) also chipping in as they finished on 191-7 for two points.
“It was a game we could have easily have won but with that partnership we really let them off the hook,” added Stanford.
KNARESBOROUGH’s new signing Ross Sedgley admitted that his team will be keen to make amends away at Bardsey tomorrow after suffering defeat last weekend against Upper Wharfedale.
‘Boro’ will be without Sedgley’s services on Saturday, as they look to pick up maximum points against the team that are propping up the rest of the division.
The acquisition from Harrogate also said that he has enjoyed his first week with his new club and is looking forward to making a contribution.
“We’ve got a good set of lads and it has been good craic so far, I’m settling in really well,” he added.
It was Knaresborough’s batting that let them down on Saturday as they were bowled out for only 109. Jonathon Corcoran was the only batsman to make any impact with 25.
Upper Wharfedale eventually knocked off the total with four wickets to spare to claim the six points.
“It was disappointing on Saturday, things didn’t quite go our way with the bat,” said Sedgley.
“In reply we had them about four for three and we should have won but their captain came in and played really well to win the game for them.”
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Weather for Harrogate
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
