Masham v Leyburn

Match Report/Information

Wacky Wednesdays Grand Finale: The Big Push

So it came to pass that Masham found themselves facing a bleak future. With rain in the air and some uncertainty in the points and league standing, nothing less than a win against second-placed Leyburn was acceptable. A strong team was assembled ahead of the clash, the sun shone briefly late afternoon and dried up the wicket a little.

Dawson called correctly and elected to bat and Masham were soon wheeling through at a terrific rate and with an eye on the glowering sky Smart and Broadley set to. With stand-in ‘keeper Jones having a blinder behind the stumps, Leyburn were reduced to 9-2 in the fifth over with dangerous Dawson and Clarkson back in the hutch contributing just 11 runs, both caught behind including a very difficult leg-side catch . Broadley bowled a very tight spell but Masham’s improved fielding performance last week continued and some excellent shots yielded nothing. Broadley carded a rare blank but in a runs game, six overs for just 10 runs put Leyburn under terrific pressure.

When Lincolnshire u13 Taylor entered the attack, Weedall and Metcalfe were dispatched in short order, again aided by excellent fielding, Taylor returned outstanding figures of 2 for 7 from four overs. Even when Metcalfe launched one right out of the middle he unfortunately found the veteran Hill at midwicket who showed the reactions of a wheelie bin as the ball thudded against his legs as if they were trunk of a mighty oak. No run. Heke and Hill chucked a mixture of meat ‘n’ potato and pork and pickle towards Man of the Match Hardisty who gobbled up the tasty snacks by lashing them boundaryward. Hardisty’s unbeated 42 gave Leyburn something to bowl at. Just.

Masham had bowled their 20 overs in a staggeringly brief time and openers Heke and Sturdy fairly sprinted to the middle where they put Hardisty and Clarkson to the sword. Ball after ball was despatched from the ground and into the swollen Ure. The clouds gathered; rain was in the air. The race was on; getting rained off this close to a win was not an option. Such was the ball shortage, at one point Hardisty was chucked a brand new cherry and hurled it towards Sturdy at a not inconsiderable pace, where it seamed and nipped and jammed Sturdy’s bottom hand. Next ball, normal service resumed as the new nut ended its flight in the river.

Just 5.1 overs saw Heke reach an unbeated 42 from 14 balls and Sturdy 28 from 16, Masham won at a canter in just 12 minutes. As the players were applauded off the park the heavens opened. It remains to be seen whether Masham have achieved the greatest of escapes and regardless of next year’s divisional status, Wacky Wednesday has once again proved enjoyable for most.

Perhaps 40 players have played showing Masham’s increasing strength in depth. There have been some outstanding performances from young and old, fielding ranging from grotty (to rival the Indian tourists) to Collingwoodesque. The juniors in particular have shown dedication, commitment and desire to play that should be noted by the older members of the club. They are the future. Of special note, Broadley’s scoring has been excellent and much appreciated, thank you. Averages will be duly posted and Man of the Season and Most Improved Player adjudicated. Thanks to the groundstaff, Derek, Tony and Andrew, who, between them have kept us playing even when things looked doubtful. Thanks to the home and travelling faithful; we’ve always played in front of a packed house and long may it continue!

Well done everyone.

Rog