OPENING MATCH 2023

I managed to pop down to the opening match of the 2023 season where our 1st Xi were entertaining Denby II's. The Shipley side included two newcomers in JAKE CHERRY and DIVAN MEYER, a South African replacement for the homebound Timo. After a wet Friday, which resulted in several League cancellations, Saturday dawned dry but decidedly chilly. The covers had done their job and play was able to get away on time wirth Denby inserted. A green tinge to the wicket ( image 1) promised help for the bowlers A slow start against accurate fast bowling from Reece and Charlie( image 4) with the first wicket going down at 30. A good knock of 58 from Morgan Torr (I remember that surname) was the highlight of Denby's batting but some vital runs from the tailenders was to prove vital. Shipley's bowling and fielding was tidy but a skyer was dropped by one of our youngsters ( nameless to avoid mum's wrath) Shipley's openers GEORGE ESSEX and OWAIN PARKIN seemed happy enough as they walked out( image 2) with Owain particularly anixious to score against his Denby mates and his brothers club. Not to be. the ginger lad left a straight one. Meanwhile a slimmer George played some excellent pull shots- I don't think he knows where the offside is!) before sticking his pad in front to be palpably LBW. Its no good banging on to him about HEAD-FEET -HANDS you would probably need to tattoo this on his kit to make him remember. Talent wasted? JAKE CHERRY on debut was sound in defence and lookd set. He was joined by DIVAN also on debut but he had no answers to a Shipley low bounce wicket and his 4 ball misery ended with him clean bowled. Asking a bit much of him only 48 hours after his flight in and an ENGLISH chilly April day to boot. There will be better days and he might even get some South African warmth and bounce - come July. Probably still a bit sleepy (I really do apologise for that). Two big lads share a drink (3) JC and Jake looked in control but they both went in quick succession to be followed equally quickly by Charlie and Mark(the real veteran who should know better than play cricket in April). Reece provided the best of the Shipley batting with 42 proving what an excellent all-rounder he has become. Although our later batsmen rallied round him the Denby score was beyond them and an all out score of 144 left us 22 short. There will be better and warner days but the maxim "Cricket in April is HOPE above EXPECTATION rings as true today as ever was !! Man of the Match : REECE WIDDOWSON