Nidderdale won the toss and asked UAJCA to bat at mizzly Oakworth Wide Lane ground. A 55-run opening partnership from Archie Brooksbank [Crossflatts] and Noah Kennedy [Skipton] was ended with a catch for Weightman to dismiss Noah for a solid 24 [37 balls]. Number 3 Theo Reay [Sutton] picked up where Noah left off and helped carry the total on 72-2 when Archie copped an lbw for Crossland having made 32 from 71 balls. Oxenhope's Matthew Verdeyen came in for his debut and added 9 before being bowled by Crossland at 89-3. With five overs remaining an up-tick in the run-ate would be required to reach the pre-match targetted 150. Skipper Ed Fordham [Oxenhope] and a run-a-ball 13 helped that objective but both he and Theo [17] perished in the slog. Keeper Thomas Mountain [Sutton] [2no] and home ground debutant Logan Scarborough [5no] saw out the innings to 120-5. Nidderdale used 10 bowlers each delivering 3 overs with Crossland the pick with 2-10.

Our bowling attack was our principal weapon in our Yorkshire Festival triumph but now our strength in depth would be tested as four of that winning attack were not in the line up. Nidderdale openers Crabtree and Fotherby built a good start of 40 runs before Skipper Eddie had his middle stump for 26. Crossland now  assumed the stay-in role. Crabtree [19] was bowled by Noah at 60-2 after 11 overs and Niddderdale in prime position.  Diminutive spinner Ali Hussain [Sutton] made it 63-3 with Weightman gone for 1. Snowden [8] helped Crossland add another 20 before falling to another diminutive spinner Harry Middleton [Skipton] at 83-4. From here the Niderdale wheels came off and with only 14 added a further 3 wickets fell, one more each for the two tweakers and one for Theo. The pendulum had swung significantly although Crossland remained at the crease. The tail including Crossland [30 off 55 balls] were cleaned up with the score stuck on 103 and 9 balls remaining. Cleaned was smartly run out by a direct hit from Noah whilst, Ali took his third and Noah completed his great day with the final wicket lbw on the no 11.

Ali ended with 3-18 [4 overs] and Harry 2-11 [4 overs] and man-of-the match Noah 2-11 [5.3 overs].  It was a great win having defended a below par 120 without four key players. This year's squad proved its resilience and now look forward to the Bedstar T20 competition in Harrogate.

The YJCF semi-final got underway against East Yorkshire at Pocklington CC, with the boys fresh in the knowledge and boosted by news that skipper Sam Stoneman [left] had been called up from the Regional squad into the County squad.

The combination of bowler Subhaan Ali and Thomas Mountain behind the stumps produced 3 wickets as Subhaan stole the bowling honours with 4-6 in 34 balls. Bowling mates Sam Stoneman [2-12] and Mo Hassan [2-14] also shone with Zar Ali picking up 1-15 to add to a smart run out for Armaan Mahmood. East Yorkshire had crumpled to 50 all out in just 21.4 overs. The EY bowlers would have to at least match our bowling performance to prevent us reaching the Final, and true to the game's history Archie Brooksbank was caught first ball of our innings. Hassan and Armaan picked up cautiously and progressed to 17-2 when Armaan [3] was adjudged lbw.  Hassan and Subhaan continued to accumulate until Hassan was bowled for 14 at 44-3. 7 needed to win. Captain Sam joined Subhaan who completed his man-of-the-semi performance with 22no and we were in the FINAL on 54-3.

It has been  a marvellous programme fro UAJCA and the players have done us proud irrespective of how we fare in the Final. UAJCA must thank our two team managers Mark and Tony for their guidance and commitment. Well done for everyone!

At Marske-by-the-Sea, UAJCA bowlers smashed the N Yorkshire hosts batsmen to some tune. The home side's 51 all out was a terrific performance from all the bowlers. Eddie Fordham [3-4], Zar Ali [2-4], Subhan Ali [2-5] and Mo Hassan [2-8].  Archie also pinched one whilst skipper Sam was wicket-less his six overs went for just 6 runs. But it wasn't all plain sailing as we lost four wickets reaching the small total. Opener Archie Brooksbank top scored with 21 and skipper Sam Stoneman and Sutton team mate Tom Mountain saw it home with 7 no and 1 no. The semi-final is tomorrow [Jubilee day, Friday 2nd June] vs East Yorkshireat Pocklington CC [confirmed].

It was the proverbial game of two halves but augurs well for the Festival if the batting an make further strides in consistency.

Squad:

Mohammed Zar Ali [GHC], Subhaan Ali [B & B], Archie Brooksbank [Crossflatts], Edward Fordham [Oxenhope], Alex Hall [Earby], Callum Harrison [Crossflatts], Ali Hussain [Sutton], Ben Jolly [Earby], Noah Kennedy [Skipton], Hassan Khan [GHC}, Armaan Mahmood [GHC], Thomas Mountain [w/k Embsay], Sam Stoneman [Sutton], Sam Walker [Settle].

Reserves:

Louisa Hutchinson [Steeton], Ryan Lee [Skipton], Harry Middleton [Skipton], Theo Reay [Sutton] & Daniel Sergent [Oxenhope]

213-4

134 all out

CONTACT

UPPER AIREDALE JCA

SCARBOROUGH DISTRICT

UPPER AIREDALE JCA

NIDDERDALE LEAGUE