Bradford’s Bulls Power to Victory!
The Lindum Sports Ground was once again the venue for the annual Banks Long & Co and Lindum Group Corporate Six-a-Side Cricket Tournament.
On a cold and wet summer’s day, the combination of the green wicket and orange ball seemed to be favouring the swing bowlers as many an early wicket was taken despite a few wides. With the Ashes on the big screen in the background, some inspirational cricket was being played, James Rigby of Dave’s Demons took the early plaudits for a dazzling 29 runs off 10 balls against Sizers Sizzlers. As the blue sky faded, the group stages drew to a close.
The downpour came just as the 5th/6th play-off, between Baradell’s Bandits vs Gouldthorp’s Gunners commenced. A dynamic opening partnership from Alan Linwood and captain Andy Baradell helped the bandits to a healthy score of 169 runs. With it all to do opposing captain, John Gouldthorp, smashed his way to 32 runs off 11 balls, however good bowling allowed for regular wickets resulting in the Gunners falling short by just one run to finish sixth.
A high scoring 3rd/4th play-off saw Mitul Shah of Sizers Sizzlers rewrite the record books with a high scoring innings of 43 to lead his team to a seemingly unassailable 206 runs. James’ Jokers batted on bravely in the driving rain to achieve a very respectable 182 leaving the Jokers 24 runs short.
The final was to be contested between the pre-tournament favourites, Bradford’s Bulls, a well oiled unit that had annihilated all comers, amassing 344 runs in their two innings. They were to face the fury of Dave’s Demons, a skillful outfit with consistency throughout the side. The rain was getting heavier as the Demons strode out to bat first. Tidy bowling from the Bull’s ensured the run rate was kept to a minimum; however wickets were proving hard to come by with only one falling throughout their innings of 140 runs. The Bull’s then batted with the intensity demanded by their captain and without a single wicket falling they took a well earned victory from the clutches of the Demons, to end a great day of cricket.
As a hearty dinner and a few beers were consumed, tales of cricketing genius from the day’s play were relayed back and forth, as thoughts began to turn to how the lads at Lords would fetch the remaining five Aussie wickets. Freddie Flintoff!!!!
1st Bradford’s Bulls
2nd Dave’s Demon
3rd Sizers Sizzlers
4th James’ Jokers
5th Baradell’s Bandits
6th Gouldthorp’s Gunners
