Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
With the loss of key all rounder Hiley and the unavailability of junior seamers to exams or five minute first year tutor meetings, York had to play three spinners in a diluted bowling line up. Hudson lost the toss and York were asked to field which was not an undesirable prospect in such conditions.
York bowled tightly without much luck but kept Leeds down to 30/1 off their first ten overs. After the wicket fell the surprise introduction of part timer Mike ‘Military’ Walsh was inspired as he showed great command of line and length nicking himself a wicket. Emmerson and Hudson bowled well and pressured Leeds as they crawled along at 2/3 an over on a good cricket wicket.
However, York missed Hiley and the 5th set of ten overs were juggled between 3rd spinner Cox and Walsh, with the lack of a fourth seamer costing York in the last ten. Despite a slight resurgence and calamitous fielding in the closing overs Leeds only managed 175/4 off their 50 overs, still a job well done by the bowlers.
Hudson and Vanner started well passing 30 for the opening stand before Vanner received a “jaffer” and was clean bowled. In came ‘Major’ Mike who stoutly entrenched himself at the crease with Hudson scoring consistently beside him. Hudson reached a half century before receiving a dubious decision; however York required just under four an over with eight wickets in hand.
The next passage of play changed the game as Leeds off spinner bowled ten overs 3-9 as Walsh’s strokeplay resembled the attritional trench warfare of the Somme rather than the fluid rotation of the strike which was required to chase the runs. Murrils departed for one and the run rate continued to rise leaving York requiring almost seven an over in the last ten. N. Hudson could not replicate his earlier fine form and Walsh eventually was bowled. Lewin looked comfortable before he was given out caught, a decision that Stevie Wonder would have chuckled at.
Despite the atrocious umpiring York still had hope with Emmerson and Remington at the crease, however Emmerson then chipped back to the bowler and Martin was dismissed for a second ball duck. Remington battled and Smith tried to “rump” it for six but the spiralling run rate told and York fell 28 runs short of their required total.
The result was immensely disappointing as the severely weakened bowling attack had performed well but the batsmen, and peculiar umpiring, had failed to do their part. This was a strong team who could have gone far but with the BUSA season so short, one hour of cricket cost them a place in the knockout stages.
The core of the team remains next season, despite the notable departures of N. Hudson and J. Hiley, therefore with a good fresher intake I do not see why the cricket team cannot place itself as one of the premier sports clubs in the university.
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