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
On a day where cricketers grab vests and jumpers rather than sun lotion, losing the toss was a blow for the home side. The pitch had a tinge of green and moisture, making this a difficult day for the batsmen.
Murrills and Oldham batted assuredly, watching the ball onto the bat and punishing the bad ball, seeing York to 50 before Oldham leading edged a tame delivery to mid wicket. In the 16th over at 52/1, Vanner could not have asked for a better time to bat, with a great opportunity to plunder the middle overs bowling. Instead a limp half stride saw him plum LBW for a duck, the decision so obvious the square leg umpire could have dismissed him.
Barrat and Murrills then pushed on, rotating strike with ease, both passing the half century mark. Barrat then hit a huge six with a stroke surely against the spirit of cricket, before being caught in the outfield in a repeat effort. Murrills was then bowled attempting to up the ante, leaving Rupa and Emmerson for the final flurry. Emmerson tucked in to the St. John attack hitting shots dirtier than Jacqui Smith's DVD collection, bashing York up to 200/5 off their 40.
Martin and Butterfield began well, with Martin clean bowling one opener and extracting extravagant seam movement. Butterfield then too broke through with an LBW, bringing the much revered 'Sri Lankan' to the crease. York's fielding then became sloppy, with Emmerson drawing out the number 4, beating him in the flight, before Remington fluffed the stumping. Murrills too put down the 'Sri Lankan' off the bowling of Townson, as St. John gained the upper hand.
Then came the moment that changed everything. Townson, roaring in like Ambrose, from the pavilion end bowled a tremendous slower ball forcing the St. John talisman to chip to Vanner at mid on. Townson had single handedly rallied the team, and freshers Barrat and Oldham learnt from his experience hand, bowling vitally tight spells. The run rate gradually escalated and by the time Martin returned St John required 8 an over, which proved too steep as York won by 11 runs.
This was a tremendous win for the 1sts who showed their character when they couldn't rely on Hudson's runs. The form of Barrat, Murrills and Oldham with the bat will encourage Vanner as well as Martin's wickets and Emmerson's economy. Having said that, the fielding was school boyish throughout, with Remington looking like he couldn't catch swine flu in a Mexican pig farm and Vanner dropping a chance Harvey Price could have taken. Nonetheless it was an important win and the return of Cox and Hudson for the next round will make the 1sts an unpalatable proposition in round 2.
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