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
Fielding first, York had to start with ten men as opener Martin had to sprint Boltesque (in physique and pace) from an exam in central hall, to take the fifth over after a steady start from veterans Butterfield and Townson. Butterfield struck first with a snick behind to Remington, a fine reward for running into a considerable gale. Martin hurtled in from the top end, reminiscent of Devon Malcolm’s ’94 Oval spell, only thirty miles an hour slower. He tore the Lancaster top order apart, despite a nearly telling drop from award winning catcher Townson, taking 4 wickets in a seven over spell. Lancaster were reduced to 80-7 with Emmerson and Hudson taking over the reins.
Still no sign of a haircut for Emmerson, who minced, fully ponytailed, into the wind, controlling his length well and trapping the opposition opener LBW. At the top end Hudson was tremendously tight, only conceding 9 runs from 10 overs whilst snaring 2 wickets for the home side. Lancaster rallied briefly, despite a good spell from Cox, and after a short delay for rain Butterfield returned and took the last wicket (followed by a haunting ‘truffle shuffle’ celebration) to bowl Lancaster out for 123.
The elements counted against York further, as after a good start from Murrils and Hudson rain again delayed play. A revised target was set of 111 from 43 overs but the wicket gained extra zip and movement from the newly laid moisture. Murrils fell after a stoic knock with 35 on the board, sending skipper Vanner to the crease. Both he and Hudson played vigilantly and put away the bad ball when it came, before a rush of blood saw Vanner stumped with 37 more runs needed and 8 wickets left. The York middle order seemed to have put their recycling out early, as there was no sign of any bottle in their fractious play. Townson was dismissed quickly, followed by the mercurial Emmerson caught at cover. Rupa in at 6 had a close LBW shout before a much more certain claim sent him back to the pavilion. Wilson too was caught in the field for just four, leaving the lower order scrabbling in the dressing room to get their pads on in time.
By the time Remington came in at 8, York needed 20 runs to win off four overs, but with Hudson holding on having reached another half century, the home team could still salvage another horrendous collapse. Hudson struck two boundaries taking twelve off the 40th over but in such a high profile fixture, the bottoms of Martin, Butterfield and Cox were still well and truly squeaking. Then in the 41st over Remington took a decisive stride down the wicket and struck a devastating cover drive to the boundary fence, leaving only four to win. Finally in the penultimate over Hudson drove through mid on – quite literally- as the Lancaster fielder dove over the ball and gave York the match, starting huge cheers of relief from those still to bat.
This was a vital victory for the 1sts who have performed poorly so far in their BUCS campaign. Vanner will hope that Martin’s figures of 4/22 will recur and compliment the studious line and length of spinners Emmerson and Hudson. Despite a great bowling performance York’s batting again lacked intelligence and numbers 4,5,6, and 7 failed under pressure. The 1sts cannot rely on a Hudson half century on every outing, and others have to stand up and be counted to score. But with a win finally under their belts, confidence will be high going into their crucial BUCS game with Sheffield Hallam on Wednesday.
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