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
York batted first and Leeds Met “3rds” openers started brightly reducing York to 45 for 3 with Hudson, Barrat and Oldham failing to build from starts. Martin departed shortly after seeing out the openers, with his hand injury looking more serious than previously thought. Wilson had a brief cameo before being dismissed in bizarre fashion, the ball keeping low under his attempted pull shot, clattering onto the top of his box spiralling in the air only to catch up with the bat upon completion of the stroke and scooping the ball to gully. Such misfortune was the last thing York needed as they languished at 87/5.
Meanwhile Kirkwood remained strong. This man may resemble the Michelin Man but he was in no mood to tire on this day. He was joined by Memon, recalled in place of Davies, to begin the York recovery. Quick singles may not have been the order of the day with these ably insulated men but boundaries most certainly were. Memon eased 46 and Kirkwood 84 as the York counter attack gathered pace. Despite only a fleeting entrance of the ‘Goose’, the home side fired themselves to 212/9 off their 50 overs.
York made a strong start with Skipper Martin producing one of his finest spells of the season and dismissing both openers. With Leeds Met two down early, Hudson and Oldham attacked the middle order with aplomb. Hudson pinning down the batsmen to less than two an over as he and Oldham chipped away at the wickets column. This game was far from over however, as Leeds Met had planted their ringers at 7, 8 and 9 who took advantage of York’s weak 5th bowler allocation. The opposition played intelligently, hitting the bad ball for four and mercilessly stealing ones in the ring. Although creeping closer to their target the required rate was always over seven which is notoriously difficult to maintain on York’s slow paced pitch. The return of Oldham brought two wickets and Felgate finished proceedings with their number 8 caught and bowled for 64 and York victorious by 30 runs.
The 1sts accession to the semi finals is a wonderful achievement with a side that has been relegated twice in the last four years. They face Newcastle 1sts in their next tie, who knocked them out of the tournament last year. It looks as if Martin’s batting days are over for the season but York can welcome back Davies after he rediscovers his masculinity and the quick runs of Memon are too welcome in the lower middle order. Whatever happens a semi final place is unprecedented for the Cricket Club and a final place would have to be one of the most impressive achievements of York Sport's clubs this year.
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