Latest Sports News: Northern Clergy Cricket event in Leeds is a huge success

The batsmen came out of the bell towers and broom closets for a great day of friendly cricket, reports rev. Phil Arnold, one of the organizers of the recent Northern Clergy 20/20 event.

Here’s revd Phil’s full match report, which contains some strong cricketing language and perhaps a bit of spin: “On a crisp day in Leeds, three teams played out a thrilling 2020 competition at the Pudsey Congs Ground in Leeds. Leeds, Sheffield and a combined team from Carlisle and Blackburn.

At the club where VVS Laxman, the great Indian batsman plied his trade in the Bradford League, Sheffield started brightly with Ovenden and Oatridge scoring quickly. The total of 137 looked healthy on a slow stretch.

After Carew retired on 35, Leeds fought back but a strong middle order brought it back to 35 runs in the last four overs. But this was not to be. However, ace left-arm spinner Gilmour came through to take a hat-trick. Leeds were bowled out for 120.

In the second game, Sheffield changed their batting order and allowed everyone to have a try. There were notable contributions from Gilmour (retired 35) and Graham (retired 35) who hit 26 off one over. Sheffield hit 138 in twenty overs. Sohail kept things limited with a spell of 2 for 14 alongside an economical effort from Brown (1 for 9 from his four overs).

Blackburn/Carlisle batted strongly but wickets came at regular intervals. Boundaries were hard to come by as the run rate increased and they finished with a respectable 89-5. There were a couple of wickets for Sheriden.

In the final match, Leeds batted first. In a match shortened by 15 overs, Leeds scored 94 with Harlow taking 38 quick runs. Blackburn/Carlisle batted steadily and rolled over the runs with an over to spare after a partnership between Brown and Fyfe, both retiring on 35 and 38 respectively.
It was a great day of cricket and the hope is that in the absence of the CT Cup we can revive some time in the middle playing cricket…”