York hammer Hallam

The epitomy of summer

Written by Sean Martin

Armed with their own coach and strict interpretations of the BUSA regulations Hallam appeared a far tougher outfit than Huddersfield the week before. However skipper Hudson’s tossing ability was proven and he asked the opposition to field in the summer sun.

Despite its appearance the wicket was not the “road” the Hallam players had suspected and T. Hudson and Vanner made a circumspect start. However the opposition bowling had the same effect on the innings as a Garden of India Jalfrezi: it didn’t seem that bad at the time but set the platform for serious runs later, as Vanner and Hudson put on 50 for the first wicket.

It then appeared as if Vanner had entered a few fields short as the shot for his dismissal was more appropriate for a farmyard than the arena of the gentlemans’ game. In came debutant Murrils who patiently played around with T. Hudson each stroking balls until they were comfortable they were ready to launch. Both achieved mature half centuries before Hudson was bowled and the out of form Townson fell for a duck soon after.

In strode Nick Hudson with 11 overs to go: no one would think that such a figure who would be firmly at home on a 3rd team Village green could rip apart the Hallam attack such a destructive fashion. He smashed the Hallam attack to all parts, with the final few overs raining sixes, as he reached 70* by the end. He was well supported by Hiley who made a tidy 24* leaving York on a strong score of 272/4 off their 50 overs.

With a confident batting performance the baton was handed to the bowlers who needed to make a confident start. The valetudinarian Smith was erratic and pulled up after a disappointing four overs, positing himself as the Darren Anderton of the York cricket club. Martin bowled tightly at the Pavilion end and dismissed Hallam’s flamboyant West Indian opener in an opening spell of 6-2-13-1.

Hallam’s number 3 was an accomplished player and this was not only displayed by his Carlsberg sponsored shirt but also by his technical strokeplay as he elegantly stroked Emmerson for two fours with nonchalant élan. However Emmerson and T. Hudson applied consistent pressure after a good spell by Hiley and kept the run rate manageable.

The two spinners chipped away bowling tightly but as long as the Hallam number 3 was in they could still chase 8 or 9 an over. Wickets at the other end fell and it seemed the shirtless coach would have to teach his team how to leave spin as well as the spirit of cricket on the field. However skipper Hudson denied the number 3 strike and his frustration eventually gave way with a horrific stroke leaving one thinking “ If Carlsberg made awful shots, they would be the worst in the world” as he trudged off for 46.

The run rate piled on Hallam and were eventually bowled out for over 150 runs short of their target thanks to two wickets from Emmerson and a Michelle Pfieffer for skipper T. Hudson.

It was a truly accomplished performance from York who dispatched Hallam with similar ease to an Andy Fordham pint. Professionalism was the buzz word of the day and York personified this on the field rather than boast about their professionalist help off the field. The first eleven is a team going places and if they can win against Leeds on Wednesday despite the loss of key all rounder Hiley, the BUSA knockouts will beckon.

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