Wath and Melmerby v Dacre 2nd XI match report

Wath and Melmerby beat Dacre in low scoring match

In what was an incredible game of cricket, Wath and Melmerby made it 2 wins out of 2 and claimed a 6 point haul, beating Dacre by 73 runs. A total of 19 wickets fell for just 121 runs at this brand new ground which certainly saw a spectacular start to its life in the Nidderdale League. Banks did very well to restrict the hosts to 97-9, Shaun Marshall taking 5 wickets including a superb hat trick. At the half way stage it looked as though Dacre were in a fine position to claim victory, but it all went terribly wrong as they somehow ended up being bowled all out for just 24!

Both teams headed into the game on the back of victories last week so would’ve been confident. Banks welcomed back Callum McIntosh and Jonny Knocker, although Mark Reed and Bill Quarrie were forced to miss out through injury and illness respectively. Approaching its first ever game of cricket, the new ground was looking in good condition and had been prepared well (pictured). Of course there were many question marks as to how the wicket would play, nobody was sure but in general it looked decent enough and fairly flat. Upon winning the toss, Dacre skipper Shaun Marshall was taking no chances though and elected to bowl first.

Opposition captain, Richard Dale had scored century last week and it looked as though Dacre had made a serious error by dropping him on 0, but he soon gave another chance which was snapped up by Craig Francis at square leg. The visitors quickly took another couple of wickets to leave Wath in trouble at 21-3, but then they stabilised thanks to a 40 run partnership, Adam Newcombe top scoring with 31. However, the hosts weren’t prepared for what was to hit them next when Shaun Marshall took a sensational hat trick. First he bowled Newcombe with a beauty, then followed it up with a plumb lbw, and finally a great bouncer which was fended off poorly which the keeper caught. Marshall had look imperious during this spell of bowling showing superb control and a fiery aggression, quite simply he was in the zone.

From that moment on at 60-6, Wath and Melmerby were always struggling and adopted extremely negative tactics, just trying to obtain a point. They scored just 37 runs in the last 25 overs as Dacre’s bowlers produced miserly economical figures. Glyn Burgess finished with 7 maidens to his name whilst Jonny Knocker and Andy Merrill both had a decent number of them too. In the end, Wath did manage to achieve their objective, although only just! Some of their batsman deserve credit for digging in, but it was extremely boring and negative cricket and a surprising attitude which had been adopted.

Spirits were high in the Dacre dressing room after reducing the opposition to just 97-9 off 45 overs. Wath and Melmerby were unbeaten in their last 12 games but it surely looked as though that terrific run would end defending such a poor total. However, to their credit they picked themselves up and produced a stunning bowling performance which totally left Banks rocked to the core. Opening bowler Adam Newcombe was miles off target with his first delivery, bowling a bouncer, whist the next was a wide, but amazingly after that he conceded just one more run in 10 overs! The visitors had made it to 9 without loss when he struck first to remove Tim Carrington who played onto his stumps for the 2nd week running. He then found the edge of Steve Wyss’ bat to leave Dacre in trouble at 12-2.

Newcombe was certainly giving all his worth and flying into the crease with a full head of steam, reaching a decent pace and offering nothing loose. At the other end, skipper Richard Dale complimented his partner by bowling some vicious in-swing and he soon bowled Shaun Marshall with a jaffer and found the edge of Andy Merill’s bat. Dacre were severely wobbling at 18-4 and despite some decent resistance from Chris Eckford and Callum McIntosh, the bowling continued to be excellent, constantly maintaining the pressure. Inevitably more wickets fell as Dacre collapsed to 24 all out, a total of seven ducks were on the scorecard.

This was obviously a shock low score but a lot of credit must go to the two opening Wath and Melmerby bowlers. Adam Newcombe ended with ridiculous figures of 6-3 off 10 overs, Richard Dale finishing with 4-12. In comparison to the Ripon attack which Banks faced the previous week, this duo were miles better and it was one of those days where everything went right for them. Of course, Dacre will have to look at the batting performance and realise that they blew a very good position from where they were at the tea interval, but the collapse happened mostly because of terrific bowling. If Wath can keep certain players fit then they’ll definitely be a major candidate for promotion. Certainly Adam Newcombe belongs at a higher level than division 7 and could perhaps be classed as a big fish in a small pond in this league, he’ll take plenty of wickets this year.

Well done to Wath, they bowled and fielded extremely well deserving victory. For Banks, well it must be remembered that 6 points is already on the board and that this is only one match. A great performance was shown in the field and bowling was tight, there are still positives to be taken out of the affair. The team now needs to show some bouncebackability by beating Helperby 3rds next week down at Max Pullen.