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The third round of matches in the third tier of the Wetherby League saw a resounding victory for Bramham & Clifford C.C. that will have sent a shock wave through the division. Previously unbeaten Sicklinghall were left standing in the stalls as buoyant Bramham raced past a meagre total like a Tadkebab rushing through the digestive system after several pints of Sam Smiths Ale.

Having won the toss and electing to bat on a friendly wicket, a total of at least 250 should have been achievable. However, bowling that was as tight as a camel’s ring piece in a sand storm restricted the home side to only 128 runs. For the first time in the history of Bramham C.C. a game plan had been devised and was actually acted upon. The main strike bowler had only finished a late shift of taxi driving at 7am that morning but still managed to bowl straight through to the half time drinks interval without a break – although his turrets syndrome kicked in on several occasions. Some impressive fielding, notably from Glover even though he has ginger hair, admirably supported all the other bowlers who rarely strayed down the leg side and hence kept the byes down to zero. The champagne moment in the field came with the not so co-ordinated Turner caught a ‘skier’ from the first ball of Jason ‘Harry Potter’ Westerman’s short spell. Only the taxi-driving opening bowler could have been more confident of swallowing the catch.

Sicklinghall were demoralised by the attacking nature of the opening Bramham pair. The vertically challenged opener Lloyd, who is taller when lying down than when he is stood up, caused the only moment of controversy during the game. A beamer struck him on his left ‘man-boob’ to which he suggested should have been a no ball to the umpire. A video replay would have shown that in fact the ball was actually shin height to any normal human being and the umpire had made the correct decision.

Lloyd carried his bat to record the highest score so far this season and the game was wrapped up in majestic fashion by the shot of the day from creepy Crawley – an exquisite cover drive off the back foot smashing the real corky on the up through the covers for four runs.

Well done to all the players.

Man of the Match – Andy Lloyd

Best Supporting Ginner – Pete Glover

In week 2 of the new Season, Bramham & Clifford capitalised on their outstanding 4 run win over Oulton by turning in their worst performance in nearly 10 years.

Having lost the toss again, B&CCC were this time asked to field on what looked to have been a belter for batting on. As it turned out, the track was one that you got belted for batting on it. At 9 for 2 (Westy taking 2 quick wickets) it all looked good. Even the mini-revival looked shaky with Westy hitting their best batsman (Simon Partridge) twice in the face. It was really only the efforts of Wicketkeeper Clews (32 byes out of 45 extras) that was generously keeping Scholes in the game. At 127 for 9 (Andy Robson taking 5 wickets in a superb spell of left-arm round) and a somewhat dodgy looking pensioner waddling out to bat with 10 overs left, the beer fridges were going on. On that basis, 187 for 9 at the close could be described as a little disappointing. At least we held it together and it was very encouraging to have Dave Baker hurling support from the boundary as usual!

In reply it all looked good. None of the previous week’s shyness as the openers raced to 33 off the first 6 overs. On that basis, 33 for 3 could be described as a little disappointing. After that, the white flag went up with only Dave Robson looking like he had batted before when he ran out of partners on 37.

Probably best not spoken about again!

Man of the Match – Andy Robson