Wednesday 22nd November 2017
AGM Next Month
The Woodlands Annual General Meeting will be held at Albert Terrace on Wednesday 6th December with a 7.30pm start. All members are more than welcome to attend. The meeting is usually fairly brief so why not come along and get involved in shaping the club for the next 12 months and beyond
WCC 2017 Presentation Opening Video
Wednesday 22nd November 2017
Club Dinner & Presentation Report
With a record number of people attending, Saturday's club dinner at Cleckheaton was a great success. In the presentation which followed the dinner, there were some familiar names etched on the trophies along with some first time winners as well. The prestigous Lawton Johson Trophy was awarded to Jeremy Bleazard in recognition of his efforts once again this year.
The cricketing prizes were awarded as follows:-
1st XI Batting Prize - Greg Finn
1st XI Bowling Prize - Chris Brice
1st XI Players' Player Of The Year - Chris Brice
Freddie Marsh Trophy Winner - Chris Brice
2nd XI Batting Prize - Cieran Garner
2nd XI Bowling Prize - Jack Bleazard
2nd XI Players' Player Of The Year - Cieran Garner
John Burns Trophy Winner - Cieran Garner
Monday 9th October 2017
Junior Presentation Evening This Saturday
This Saturday evening from 7.30pm, it is our junior presentation evening at Albert Terrace. All our juniors and their parents / siblings are invited, including all the members of our 2017 "All Stars" group. The bar will be open and there will also be pizza, hot dogs, fries etc. available.
We'd love to see as many juniors attend as possible for what is always a good night - for any further info, please contact David on 07879 810234
Thursday 14th September 2017
Both Teams Finish In 2nd Place
Woodlands 1st XI claimed a big win at Batley on Saturday to sneak past Farsley by 1 point to finish runners up to Hanging Heaton in the final league table. In a game shortened by rain which affected the Bradford League heavily on the day, Woodlands batted first in a 22 overs per side match and with a half century for skipper Tim Jackson and good contributions from Sam Frankland (38), Jamie Pickering (28) & Scott Richardson (36) the visitors made 164-5.
Elliot Richardson ripped through the home side's batting as he claimed 4 wickets for 13 runs and a wicket each for Mark Lawson & Chris Brice, along with 2 run outs, meant that the home side closed on 65-8 to lose by 99 runs and, in the process had to endure the heartbreak of relegation.
There was heartbreak too for Woodlands 2nd XI as the rain put paid to their chances of retaining the league title they won 12 months ago which would have seen them claim all 3 trophies on offer to them in 2017. Going in to the day 1 point clear of 2nd place New Farnley, heavy showers throughout the morning meant the match was late starting and in the end was abandoned.
New Farnley meanwhile, made short work of their win at home against Pudsey Congs to claim a full 20 points and the 2017 title
Thursday 7th September 2017
WCC Retain Priestley Shield!
There was more silverware for Woodlands at Methley Cricket Club on Sunday as WCC 2nd XI overcame Bowling Old Lane to retain the Priestley Shield. This adds to the Crowther cup won a week earlier to make it a 2017 cup double for Woodlands 2nd XI. Add to this the fact that they sit top of the league with one game to play - they could be celebrating an unprecedented treble come Saturday evening!
Woodlands batted first on Sunday and in tricky conditions, got off to a decent start, putting on 33 for the first wicket. Opener Liam Brearley stood firm at one end to make a hard earned 63 as the scoring rate stayed low. Jack Carter (23) also contributed well but at one stage the cup holders looked like they would fall a way short of 200. Kieran Collins (38*) however had other ideas and hit 3 fours and 2 sixes as he shared in 2 partnerships at the end of the innings with Rob Medcalf (15) and Josh Griffin (10*) to help send his team to tea having reached 205-7.
In reply, Bowling Old Lane got about their business with no fuss - seemingly able to score easier that their counterparts and moving to 76 without loss. Woodlands needed a breakthrough to stop heads dropping if nothing else. Once they made that breakthrough, courtesy of Jack McGahan bowling Adeel Nazir (46), they did not have to wait long for the game to turn on it's head.
Old Lane went from 88-2 to 102-6 as their middle order just melted away and Woodlands could smell blood. The lower middle order of Bowling Old Lane however, showed real fight and started to rebuild the innings - meaning WCC could not afford to take their foot off the gas.
In the end however, the reigning champions had just too much on the day and managed to finish the game off at the start of the 47th over to spark the celebrations!
Thursday 7th September 2017
Atkinson Leads The Way Vs Farsley
Alex Atkinson hit a faultless 110 not out to lead WCC to victory over Farsley in their final Albert Terrace fixture of 2017. Farsley batted first and made a very competitive looking 241-9 with Ryan Cooper top scoring for the visitors with 77.
Elliot Richardson grabbed 6 wickets for Woodlands, finishing with figures of 53-6 from his 12 overs. In reply, despite the loss of a few wickets, Woodlands made short work of their target, mainly thanks to Alex Atkinson who hit as good a century as you could care to see. His 110 not out contained 11 fours and 8 sixes as he scored at will. In the end, Woodlands won with over 11 overs remaining to claim 19 league points and give themselves a chance of catching Farsley for the runners up spot on the final weekend.
Saturday 2nd September 2017
Farsley Visit Today
Woodlands face Farsley today in the final home game of the season for the 1st XI. Farsley still have a mathematical chance of winning the title this year, though it would take quite a dramatic series of events to see Hanging Heaton slip up from here.
Woodlands 2nd XI travel to Farsley for the first game of another massive weekend. A win today is needed as they fight for the league title and then tomorrow is the Priestley Shield Final at Methley CC against Bowling Old Lane,
All games in September start at noon.
Tuesday 29th August 2017
WCC Beaten At Townville
Woodlands 1st XI lost at Townville on Saturday while the 2nd XI beat Morley to move 2 points clear at the top.
Friday 25th August 2017
WCC Lift HW Cup & 2nd XI Go Top!
Woodlands once again lifted the Heavy Woollen Cup as they defeated Hoylandswaine CC in the final for the 2nd time in 3 years.
On a fine day at Hanging Heaton, who hosted a great afternoon of cricket, both on and off the field, Hoylandswaine, batting first made 213 all out, largely thanks to the efforts of Chris Holliday (51) and Gurnan Randhawa (57) with Elliot Richardson taking 3-39 & Chris Brice 2-23 for Woodlands, who bowled and fielded well.
The score, while competitive, looked a little below par if WCC batted well...this however, is not always a given and the Huddersfield League side would have felt they were in with a shout. Sam Frankland and Greg Finn both scored half centuries to guide Woodies to the edge of victory, along with a useful knock from Alex Atkinson and despite a slight wobble with a few quick wickets lost towards the end, Mark Lawson & Jack McGahan were there to guide home the Albert Terrace side and secure the famous old trophy for the 2nd time in 3 years.
A full report can be found on the Bradford League website by following the link.
https://www.bradfordcl.com/blog/heavy-woollen-cup-final-report-2017
A mixed Saturday saw Woodlands 1st XI slump to defeat at New Farnley while WCC 2ndXI moved back to the top of the table with a thumping home victory over title rivals New Farnley.
Woodlands suffered a three-wicket defeat at the Barry Jackson Ground as they were dismissed for 138. James Middlebrook took 4-29 in his 15 overs with Dave Cummings taking 3-11.
New Farnley opener Simon Lambert lead the home side's reply with 78 and despite the best efforts of former New Farnley skipper Mark Lawson, who took 4-47, the home team ran out comfortable winners.
At Albert Terrace, it was a top of the league clash, with reigning Champions Woodlands, looking to keep their title hopes alive in a game against leaders New Farnley.
A 115 run victory for the home side was a massive win for WCC and saw the draw level on points at the top.
Woodlands made 214-8 in their innings with Jack McGahan (39), Jack Bleazard (35), Cieran Garner (34) and Nicky Rushworth (32) all chipping in.
Kieran Collins (4-21) and Jack Bleazard (3-11) lead the way as New Farnley were bowled out for 99 in reply.
Saturday 19th August 2017
Massive Weekend Ahead!
A big weekend ahead sees a top of the table clash for WCC 2nd XI on Saturday with the Heavy Woollen Cup Final on Sunday.
WCC face New Farnley in league action on Saturday with the 1st XI away, looking for a win to keep alive their league season. At Albert Terrace it's a 2nd XI top of the league clash with 2nd placed WCC facing leaders New Farnley knowing that a loss could spell the end of their league title challenge for 2017.
Sunday is cup final day for WCC 1st XI with Hoylandswsaine CC providing the opposition just as in the 2015 final. WCC came out on top 2 years ago at Ossett. This year the final takes place at Bennett Lane, home of Hanging Heaton CC and starts at noon.
Thursday 17th August 2017
Weekend Review
A successful weekend saw 3 wins out of 3 for WCC, 2 centuries scored and qualification for the Priestley Shield final with victory for the 2nd XI at Batley in Sunday's semi final.
Lightcliffe provided the league opposition on Saturday, with the 1st XI game at Albert Terrace. WCC batted first and Sam Frankland carried his bat to guide his side to 210-6 from their 50 overs with Skipper Tim Jackson also weighing in with 33.
In reply, the visitors never really looked like reaching the required total and slipped from 143-6 to 143 all out as the home side grabbed 19 valuable league points. Kez Ahmed took 3-21.
At Lightcliffe, WCC also took the honours thanks to 64 from the bat of Nick Rushworth and 4 wickets for Jack Bleazard. Woodlands finished on 197-9 with the home side falling short on 183-8.
Sunday saw the 2nd XI travel to Batley for their Priestley Shield semi final and the current cup holders made it through to September's final.
Cieran Garner, standing in as Skipper in the absence of Steven Pearson, played a captains knock with an innings of 102. He then took 3 wickets as his team sealed a 31 run win and will now face Bowling Old Lane in the final.
Thursday 10th August 2017
Weekend Preview
A busy weekend of cricket again this weekend, with both senior teams in league action on Saturday, followed by a visit to Batley CC for the 2nd XI as they try to make it through to their 2nd cup final of the season.
The penultimate home game of the year for Tim Jackson and his men sees the visit of Lightcliffe. Lightcliffe have had a mixed season but sit 8th in the table and are well clear of the fight for survival.
Alex Stead has been the leading light with the bat for Lightcliffe this year and has scored 519 runs at an average of 34.60. However, the undoubted highlight of Lightcliffe's batting this year is the Bradford League record of 227 not out, scored in one of only 3 Lightcliffe innings played by Yorkshire's Alex Lees this year.
Woodlands 2nd XI, will look for an improved performance after losing at home to Bowling Old Lane last weekend. Leaders New Farnley have now opened up a 13 point gap in the chase for silverware, and WCC can not afford to lose any more ground to the leaders. Lightcliffe 2nd XI sit at the opposite end of the table in 11th place and will need a result just as badly as the visitors.
On Sunday, it is back to cup action for WCC 2nd XI. Already through to the Crowther Cup final, they aim to repeat the feat in the Priestley Shield. Batley CC stand between WCC and a 2nd cup final and, with home advantage, will make Woodlands fight all the way.
Thursday 10th August 2017
Bradford & Bingley Beaten
Woodlands got straight back on the horse to register a win at Bradford & Bingley on Saturday after their home reversal at the hands of Hanging Heaton 7 days earlier. Woodlands batted first, and minus skipper Tim Jackson, lost early wickets again, to find themselves 16-3. Thankfully, the middle & lower order helped to rebuild the innings, Scott Richardson top scoring with 43 and Alex Atkinson, Liam Collins and Elliot Richardson all making useful contributions.
The visitors closed on 196 all out from their 50 overs and Yassir Abbas taking 4 wickets was the highlight of the home team's attack.
The home team lost wickets all too regularly to ever look like challenging the total set for them and though several players got starts, nobody could push on as Mark Lawson, Chris Brice and Elliot Richardson were all in the wickets.
Bradford & Bingley were eventually bowled out for 115 as WCC wrapped up a comprehensive victory.
At Albert Terrace, Woodlands lost out to Bowling Old Lane. Woodlands would have felt they had a good chance of victory as Tom Clee (60*), Cieran Garner (44) and Jack Carter (43) helped reach 202-6.
The visitors had different ideas though and Zubair Najeeb (47), Shahid Alishan (37), Ahsan Alishan (30), and an unbeaten 39 from Sajid Khan helped them to a win with one ball to spare.
Friday 4th August 2017
Bradford & Bingley Up Next
Woodlands travel to Wagon Lane this weekend as they try to get back to winning ways following last Saturday's home defeat at the hands of Hanging Heaton. Bradford & Bingley of course, are not to be taken lightly, as their win at Albert Terrace earlier this season proved. That day, only a last wicket stand of 61 between Elliot Richardson & Jack McGahan saw Woodlands post any kind of total as they were dismissed for 165. In reply, the visitors wrapped up a 6 wicket victory inside 36 overs.
While last weekend's defeat does not spell the end of WCC's hopes in the league, Tim Jackson's men will know they are now outsiders in the race for league honours. The top 2 meet at Bennett Lane however & this offers a chance to make up some of the ground lost last week.
In the 2nd XI premier division, Woodlands have a home game against Bowling Old Lane, who currently sit in 9th place in the league.
Friday 4th August 2017
WCC 2s Into Priestley Shield Semi
Woodlands 2nd XI continued their great cup form this season with a home win against Azaad CC on Sunday to move into the last four of the Priestley Shield. Azaad batted first and were dismissed for 105, thanks largely to some great bowling from Josh Griffin who ended up with figures of 5-15 from 6.1 overs.
The reply from the home team was not as straight forward as they might have expected and they were made to work hard for their victory, eventually getting over the line with 6 wickets down. Tom Clee top scoring with 29.
Woodlands now face a trip to Batley CC in the semi final, the winners to meet either Yeadon or Bowling Old Lane in the final on Sunday 3rd September.
Saturday 29th July 2017
Big Clash For Both Senior Sides!
Today is a big day for both WCC senior teams with important top of the table clashes for both against Hanging Heaton. At Albert Terrace, it is the 1st XI clash with the visitors currently sitting in 2nd place – 1 place & 3 points above Woodlands.
Hanging Heaton have had the upper hand in meetings between the 2 sides this year, once in the league at Bennett Lane in a rain shortened 20 overs game and a few weeks later, again at Hanging Heaton, when WCC were knocked out of the Priestley Cup.
With another big game, over at Farsley, where Pudsey St Lawrence are the visitors, it promises to be a crucial day in the hunt for league honours!
WCC 2nd XI travel to Bennett Lane to face Hanging Heaton 2nd XI in another important match. WCC 2nd XI are in 2nd place in the league, 1 point behind leaders New Farnley. Hanging Heaton sit 10 points behind Woodlands in 3rd spot.
Saturday 29th July 2017
Milestones Approach For Rob Medcalf!
Rob Medcalf is his 17th season of senior cricket at Woodlands and he is about to achieve a milestone of 5,000 runs and 300 wickets in the BCL 2nd XI. WCC 1st team scorer & BCL records keeper, Mike Rhodes said "Rob needs 5 wkts and 128 runs so should easily achieve this in the next month and unusually both in the same season. As records keeper for the BCL, I use 5,000 runs and 300 wickets as targets for players' careers and Rob will be only the 3rd player to reach both targets in the period since 1982."
The others to record these figures are Philip Walker also of Woodlands who took 12 seasons to get the wkts and 13 for the runs, and Mathew Anderson of East Bierley who took 17 and 15 seasons respectively.
Sunday 23rd July 2017
WCC Through To Crowther Cup Final!
Woodlands 2nd XI today won through to next months Solly Sports Crowther Cup Final which is to be played at Scholes on August 28th (Bank Holiday Monday). Strangely enough, it was at another Scholes CC this afternoon where the semi final, albeit a truncated affair, was played.
With rain threatened in the forecast, and Sunday's in short supply, the umpires took the decision to reduce the game to 25 overs each in an attempt to ensure the game was played to a finish.
Woodlands batted first and made 182-6 with an outstanding 50 from just 13 deliveries for Kieran Collins! In reply, the hosts pushed all the way but finished an agonising 3 runs short as Woodlands qualified for the final for the 2nd time in 3 seasons.
Sunday 23rd July 2017
WCC Win Crucial Encounter
Woodlands won a crucial match at Tofts Road on Saturday to stay right in the mix up at the top end of the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League.
After a delayed start due to heavy morning rain, the match was reduced to 37 overs each and the home side batted first. In conditions that were obviously not easy to bat in, St Lawrence made steady if not spectacular progress and at 68-1 would have been feeling like they would be able to push on.
Once Charlie Best was caught by Jamie Pickering off the bowling of Chris Brice however, wickets began to fall and, Adam Waite (62) apart, Pudsey could not pick up any momentum.
Chris Brice and Scott Richardson picked up 3 wickets each, including 2 in an over for the latter as the sides went to tea with the visitors being set 146 to win and St Lawrence finishing with 8 down.
Woodlands got off to a terrible start, losing skipper Tim Jackson for a duck with the score on just 1. Sam Frankland looked comfortable though and by the time he departed, he had scored 57 and the match was all but over. Greg Finn was another who batted well and also made a half century, finishing 50 not out.
Alex Atkinson, who hit a quick-fire 24 from 12 was there with Greg Finn at the end as WCC wrapped up a convincing win. At Albert Terrace in the 2nd XI fixture, a score of 82 from Nick Rushworth was the mainstay of the home innings as they batted first and made 225-8 with Jack Carter also finding some form with 33. In reply, the visitors were bowled out for 202 with 3 wickets for Jack McGahan.
The top of the 2nd XI table is very tight, with just 11 points separating the top 3! - WCC sit 2nd, 1 point behind leaders New Farnley.
Friday 21st July 2017
WCC Visit Tofts Road
Woodlands travel to the home of the current All Rounder Bradford Premier League Champions, Pudsey St Lawrence tomorrow as the race at the top end of the table continues. Going into this latest round of matches, WCC occupy third spot in the table, with St Lawrence snapping at their heels in 4th place.
With Farsley & Hanging Heaton showing great form, WCC & PSL will know that a positive result is a must if they are to stay in the mix. Having both won trophies over the last couple of seasons, these sides both know how to win when it is required, so tomorrow is an intriguing clash which should be great to watch.
Woodlands 2nd XI, having lost at East Bierley last week, will want to make the most of home comforts when they entertain Pudsey St Lawrence 2nd XI at Albert Terrace.
Friday 21st July 2017
WCC 2nd XI - Crowther Cup Semi Final
WCC 2nd XI are in cup action again this Sunday, in the Solly Sports Crowther Cup semi final, away to Scholes of the Huddersfield league.
Sunday 16th July 2017
WCC 2nd XI Progress In Priestley Shield
Cieran Garner scored 119 not out to guide Woodlands through to the quarter finals of this season's Priestley Shield. The opener anchored his side's innings as he carried his bat. He was well supported by fellow opener Liam Brearley (63) and Rob Medcalf, who scored a quickfire 41 to help push the total to 270-4 at tea.
Despite the early loss of opener Joe Suggitt, clean bowled by Tom Clee for 5, the visitors set about their innings with purpose, with a useful 43 for Aidan Langley and half centuries for Reece Thompson (75) and Chris Sowden (86). Once the Thompson was out though, the visitors couldn't find anyone who could stick around with Sowden and in the end WCC bowled the visitors out for 255 to wrap up a 15 run win and seal their place in the next round.
Sunday 16th July 2017
7 Up For Bricey As East Bierley Beaten!
Chris Brice proved the inspiration for the latest Woodlands victory as he took 7-17 against East Bierley on Saturday. With the visitors batting first, when they were 64-1 there was no sign of what was to follow! On came Chris Brice and wickets began to tumble. The visitors simply had no answer to him and but for a dropped chance & a mis-field, his figures could have been even better.
For the visitors, opener Adal Islam top scored with 40, including 7 fours but received too little support as his side were dismissed for 100.
In reply, Sam Frankland (37) & Tim Jackson (42) put the result beyond any doubt with an opening stand of 88 and although the visitors grabbed 3 quick wickets, Woodlands sealed a 7 wicket victory, reaching their target inside 21 overs.
At East Bierley in the 2nd XI fixture, WCC suffered defeat in a close game. Only a knock of 78 from home skipper Dan Abbott gave his side anything to bowl at as they were dismissed for 144 with Jack Bleazard took 4-28. The visitors fell 8 runs short however, bowled out for 136 with Dan Abbott again leading the way for his side with 4-31. Tom Clee top scored for the visitors with 51.
Friday 14th July 2017
Weekend Preview - East Bierley
East Bierley provide the opposition at Albert Terrace for WCC 1st XI this coming weekend. The South View Road outfit sit in 9th place at the moment, on the same number of points as 8th placed Lightcliffe, but do have a 20 point cushion between themselves and the bottom 3. 20 points is a margin than can be more than halved of course, should results go against a team, so Bierley will be looking to grab a result to stay out of trouble.
Shaaiq Choudary is East Bierley's leading run scorer so far this year with 313 runs at an average of 34.78. With three 50's to his name from his 10 innings. With the ball, the danger man is Umer Yaqoob who is the league's 4th highest wicket taker, having 27 scalps to his name.
As far as WCC are concerned, a win is a must to stay in the chase for honours this year and Tim Jackson will be pleased to have racked up a big score last Sunday and will want to continue that good form into the next few weeks.
WCC 2nd XI got back to winning ways last Saturday to close the gap on New Farnley at the top and will travel to East Bierley for the reverse of the 1st XI game.
Friday 14th July 2017
Heavy Woollen Cup Final - 2015 Repeat!
Following last Sunday's win at Townville in the Heavy Woollen Cup semi final, news filtered through that in the other semi, Hoylandswaine had beaten Kirkburton. This of course means that this year's final will be a re-run of the 2015 final played at Ossett, which you will remember ended up with a Woodlands win thanks to a gritty half century for Logan Weston and a match winning 5fer for Scott Richardson.
The date of this year's final has been changed from its original scheduled date of Sunday 6th August to a fortnight later on the 20th August. This is because the original date clashed with Sykes Cup (Huddersfield League) and as Hoylandswaine are in the semi-finals and so potentially the final of that competition, the HW final has been moved to its reserve date.
To refresh your memory, and to whet your appetite for this year's final, why not click here to look back on that final from 2015!
Friday 7th July 2017
Cleckheaton Test Next Up
Tim Jackson takes his side back to his old stomping ground this Saturday with a short trip down the road to face Cleckheaton. The Moorend outfit find themselves in the unfamiliar situation of being in the wrong half of the league table after a string of poor results just recently. However, Woodlands, looking for a victory to keep up their recent momentum, are fully aware how good 'Cleck' can be on their day and will take nothing forgranted against a team that will be eager to get one over on the neighbours and prove a point to themselves and the rest of the league.
For WCC 2nd XI, a home game against Yeadon offers a chance to repair the damage done to their title challenge by last week's heavy defeat at Pudsey Congs. Woodlands dropped from 1st to 3rd following the loss but sit only 5 points behind new leaders New Farnley.
Sunday 2nd July 2017
Pudsey Congs Beaten By 1 Run
It was a case of get out of jail free on Saturday for Woodlands as they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against struggling Pudsey Congs at Albert Terrace. The home side batted first and, as against Batley 7 days before, got off to a good start, with Sam Frankland making a useful 40 before being given LBW off the bowling of Josh Wheatley.
Again though, as against Batley, the middle order seemed to get bogged down and found it tough going as runs became hard to come by. Mark Lawson (35) & Scott Richardson (29*) came together with the score on 129-6 and managed to kick start the innings and they pushed the total up to 201 with Mark Lawson being dismissed on the last ball of the innings.
In reply, Congs lost opener Josh Wheatley with no score on the board, but his fellow opener James Ford hit 49 runs as the visitors built their innings with purpose. At 139-3 Pudsey looked well set but then a quick flurry of wickets put the match in the balance. Despite wickets falling at the other end, Danish Hussain held firm and looked like he would win the game for his side, but with the visitors on 200-9, with an over and a half remaining, Scott Richardson bowled Hussain to claim his 3rd wicket of the afternoon but, more importantly, a victory for his side when it looked like they were going to be beaten!
It was a bad day at the office for WCC 2nd XI who lost by eight wickets in the reverse fixture at the Brittania Ground.Woodlands never found any momentum in their innnings as Chris Doey (4-54) helped the home side restrict them to 151-9. Rob Medcalf & Cieran Garner top scoring for the visitors with 30 runs each. Congs never looked in any trouble as James Lindley-Dawe (67*) and Max Backhouse (56) made half centuries to guide the home team to a win in just over 30 overs. Due to results elsewhere, WCC dropped to 3rd in the league table as New Farnley took over top spot.
Friday 30th June 2017
Pudsey Congs Preview
Woodlands CC welcome Pudsey Congs to Albert Terrace in a game that marks the start of the 2nd half of the 2017 campaign. Congs have had a tough season so far and find themselves 2nd from bottom with only Premier League new boys Batley below them. They have a young team however who are gaining experience along the way and will want to push on now and start to pull away from trouble.
For Woodlands, it is the 2nd in a clutch of matches against teams at the wrong end of the table and a crucial period if they are to keep pace with the top 3. Despite a lot of rain over the last few days, the forecast looks promising & hopefully a full day's play can take place.
Sunday 25th June 2017
New Signs At HQ
If you paid a visit to Albert Terrace over the weekend you will have noticed our new signage around the ground. As well as the new sign at the entrance to the ground (pictured left) and the new matchday sign (pictured right) there is now also a new sign adorning the sports hall and a club crest/shield on the scorebox.
Many thanks go to both Reg Nelson and Leading Edge Signs for helping to make this happen.
Sunday 25th June 2017
Batley Go Down Fighting
Batley were beaten at Albert Terrace on Saturday as Woodlands claimed maximum league points but the bottom of the table side showed real fight and pushed Tim Jackson's men all the way. Woodlands got off to a flyer and scored freely in the first six overs or so. Skipper Tim Jackson however, was bowled for 8 and then Sam Frankland & Greg Finn soon followed him back into the hutch. Jamie Pickering and Jack McGahan pushed on though with the latter showing great confidence for a youngster with his attacking style of play.
3 quick wickets for Muhammad Hafeez brought the home side's progress almost to a stop and it didn't look like WCC would reach the 225 required for maximum batting points. Another late flurry from Scott Richardson though, alongside a similar innings from Chris Brice, ensured that Woodlands finished up on 229-8.
Hafeez also showed good form with the bat, underpinning the visitor's reply with a well made 56. The fighting spirit shown by the Batley batsmen, belied their lowly league standing and some of the home support were starting to think that the first innings total may not quite be enough. Woodlands kept their nerve though and eventally took the game & a welcome 20 league points when Elliot Richardson claimed his 4th victim of the afternoon to dismiss Batley for 211.
Woodlands 2nd XI still lead the way at the top of the league after a five-wicket win at Batley. The returning Tom Clee took 3 wickets on his return as the home team made 193-6. In reply, Rob Medcalf made 61no to see his team over the line while Jack Bleazard (37) and Tom Clee (34) also contributed well.
Saturday 24th June 2017
Welcome Back TC!
Woodlands old boy Tom Clee has rejoined WCC after a season and half away. Tom left after the end of the 2015 season to join Northowram Hedge Top CC in the Halifax league. He has now rejoined WCC and goes straight into the 2nd XI line up to face Batley at Purwell Hall Road.
Tom will add strength to a bowling line up weakened since the unfortunate injury to Kieran Rodger. He is also, as most of you will know, a more than capable batsman and I'm sure everyone connected with WCC will be delighted to see Tom, and his dad Aidy, back at Albert Terrace.
Friday 23rd June 2017
Batley Visit Albert Terrace
Tomorrow sees Batley visit Albert Terrace in the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League. Batley have found the going tough since their promotion to the top flight, but wins over Woodlands & Pudsey St Lawrence in the T/20 cup, coupled with a first league victory over New Farnley last week, shows that the new boys may be starting to find their feet at this level.
Tim Jackson's side will be looking to get a result to try take advantage of the fact that the top 4 are all involved in games against each other this weekend. Pudsey St Lawrence travel to Bennett Lane to take on leaders Hanging Heaton while Farsley entertain Townville so a win for WCC could see them move into the top 3.
Woodlands 2nd XI also face Batley as they look to maintain their position at the top of the table. They face a side in Batley though who are having a good season themselves and sit in 4th place with only 2 defeats from their 10 league games this season.
Friday 23rd June 2017
Holders Through In Priestley Shield
Holders Woodlands set up a second round home tie against New Farnley as they defeated Townville by 70 runs. Jack McGahan (60), Jack Bleazard (49) and Kieron Collins (40) helped Woodlands reach 257-8 in the sunshine at Poplar Avenue. in reply, Townville were dismissed for 187 with Steve Walton top scoring with 49. Rob Medcalf (4-25) and John Hill (3-50) were the pick of the Woodlands attack.
Friday 16th June 2017
Farsley Beaten As WCC Recover
Woodlands recovered from a terrible start to inflict the first defeat of the season on in-form Farsley. Woodlands batted first and in no time at all were in real trouble with Sam Frankland out very first ball and when Alex Atkinson fell without scoring, WCC were 20-4. Greg Finn (72), who had been moved up the order to try and add a steadying influence in such situations found himself in the thick of the action even quicker than anyone could have anticipated!
However, along with Liam Collins (52), he managed to help pull the visitors back into the game. The WCC stumper also built useful partnerships with Mark Lawson (19) & Scott Richardson (45) to help move the score up towards the 200 mark. By the close of the innings, the visitors had posted an unlikely 221-9.
In response, the home team also lost an opener to the very first ball as Jim Pickles was caught behind off the bowling of Mark Lawson. Farsley built steadily though and half centuries from James Logan and Ryan Cooper seemed to be laying the platform for a home win. The match turned again though, through the bowling of Mark Lawson, who's 5-64 accounted for most of the home team's lower order as they went from 149-3 to 190 all out.
At Albert Terrace, league leaders Woodlands 2nd XI maintained their position with a 122-run win over Farsley 2nd XI. In form opener Liam Brearley top scored with 83 and together with Cieran Garner (59) shared an opening stand of 110 which helped the home team reach a total of 248-3. Jack McGahan built on their good work with an unbeaten 54. Farsley were bowled out for 126 with Nick Rushworth taking 2 wickets in 3 balls to finish the game.
Friday 16th June 2017
Farsley Up Next
WCC 1st XI face a tough trip to Red Lane tomorrow to take on in-form Farsley. With 6 wins and 3 games abandoned so far in 2017, Farsley currently sit in 2nd place in the table, just 11 points behind leaders Hanging Heaton. Woodlands sit in 5th place a further 18 points behind and will certainly need a result if they are to stay in touch with the leaders.
Woodlands 2nd XI also face Farsley (at Albert Terrace) with Steven Pearson's side looking to stay on top of the pile with another win. Farsley 2nd XI have not had the strongest of seasons so far but will be dangerous opponents who will be searching for a crucial win to move them up the league ladder.
Wednesday 14th June 2017
High Praise For WCC Teas!
After their visit last Sunday in the Solly Sports Crowther Cup, Rastrick were obviously very impressed by the hospitality they received at Albert Terrace.
The match report on their website was an excellent piece of writing and can be read by clicking here
The match report contains a particularly complimentary section about the teas on the afternoon, rating them as "10/10" and also
says that they were "The best this season by far".
High praise in deed for Jan Griffin & Sue Brearley who were the tea ladies "on duty" that afternoon and our thanks, as always, go to all our tea ladies who work so hard throughout the summer!
Sunday 11th June 2017
Both Teams Progress In Cups
It was a good afternoon of cup cricket today for Woodlands with wins for both senior sides. WCC 1st XI had a comfortable win away to New Farnley, winning by 78 runs, though it wasn't all plain sailing. Despite a decent opening stand of 41, the visitors were soon in a spot of bother at 44-3. A 4th wicket stand of 67 between Alex Atkinson and Liam Collins helped Woodlands get back on track, only for another 3 quick wickets to fall.
At 121-7, WCC needed the tail to wag and Scott & Elliot Richardson slowly accelerated as they put on 41 and pushed the score past 160. Chris Brice and Kieran Collins were there at the end and nudged the total over 200, a score that seemed unlikely at drinks!
The home side, in reply, got off to the worst start possible, with their leading run scorer, Simon Lambert, lasting only 2 deliveries before being caught by Mark Lawson off the bowling of Elliot Richardson. The home team never really found any momentum in their innings, with only Craig Russell (45*) and Lee Goddard (25) making any real impact.
Wickets were spread around the visiting attack with Liam Collins grabbing 3 victims to mop up the tail and see his side into the semi finals.
In the Crowther Cup, Woodlands proved too strong for Rastrick with a 207 run victory at Albert Terrace. Cieran Garner (148*) and Liam Brearley (113) both hit centuries as the home team scored 287-3.
In reply, Rastrick were bowled out for 81 with 3 wickets each for John Hill, Jack Bleazard & Josh Griffin.
Saturday 10th June 2017
Townville Game Abandoned
Woodlands 1st XI game at home to Townville this afternoon was abandoned due to rain just 2.2 overs into the 2nd innings of the match. Despite heavy rain being forecast for all afternoon, the match made it to just after tea before the rain finally came and put paid to any chance of a result.
Saturday 10th June 2017
7 Wickets For Jack Bleazard
Woodlands 2nd XI scraped home at Morley today by one wicket to get back to winning ways after last week's defeat. They were inspired by a 7 wicket haul for Jack Bleazard who finished with fine figures of 7-28 from 13.4 overs as the home side were dismissed for 123.
In reply, Jack Mcgahan (29), Kieron Collins (19) & Josh Griffin 17 were the main contributors for WCC who reached their target in just over 42 overs.
Saturday 10th June 2017
Cup Action This Sunday
Sunday sees a return to cup action for both senior sides this week. WCC 1st XI travel to face New Farnley in the Heavy Woollen cup, just over a week since the teams met in league action at Albert Terrace.
Friday 9th June 2017
Townville Test For WCC
Woodlands welcome Townville to Albert Terrace tomorrow for a top 4 clash in the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League. The Premier League new kids on the block have had a strong season so far and sit in 2nd place in the table, two places & 13 points in front of Tim Jackson's side.
With the bat, Townville's leading lights have been Jack Hughes & Jonathan Booth, while Conor Harvey is the league's joint leading wicket taker with 19 so far, while Hughes is just one behind him on 18.
WCC 2nd XI look to return to winning ways after they suffered their first defeat of the season at New Farnley last week. They still sit top of the table but Hanging Heaton are now just 2 points behind them in second place.
Sunday 4th June 2017
Holders Out Of Priestley Cup
Priestley Cup holders Woodlands were today beaten at Bennett Lane by Hanging Heaton as their run in this year's competition came to an end.
In what was always likely to be a tough test against the current league leaders, Woodlands actually saw off most of the home team's big guns without them inflicting too much damage. Joe Fraser however, stood firm and scored 79 to help his team push up to a respectable 230 before they were bowled out in the 49th over.
Elliot Richardson (3-43) & Jamie Pickering (3-50) were the leading wicket takers for Woodlands with 3 victims each. Jamie Pickering was required following an injury to opneing bowler Mark Lawson after he had bowled just one over, though he was able to take the field again later in the innings.
The visitor's reply got off to a terrible start when skipper Tim Jackson was trapped LBW by David Stiff without troubling the scorers. By the time the score reached 26, Sam Frankland & Jamie Pickering had also followed him back into the hutch. Liam Collins and Alex Atkinson came together and put on 79 to give some hope to the Woodlands followers but once Atkinson was dismissed, several quick wickets followed to leave the tail far too much to do. Greg Finn, Elliot Richardson & Chris Brice tried in vain, but in the end, they had been left with little chance of reaching the target
Saturday 3rd June 2017
WCC Back To Winning Ways
Woodlands returned to winning ways this afternoon at Albert Terrace with a 4 wicket victory over New Farnley. Chris Brice grabbed 6 wickets to inspire the home team after the visitors had come out of the blocks very quickly.
Saturday 3rd June 2017
Hanging Heaton Vs WCC Preview
The Priestley Cup holders Woodlands travel to Bennett Lane tomorrow for what promises to be a cracking cup tie against current league pace-setters Hanging Heaton.
WCC of course, lost out at the same venue just a couple of weeks ago to see their unbeaten start to the season come to an end but will take confidence from a win against New Farnley to get get their season back on track.
Hanging Heaton, with a formidable batting line up, will certainly be a tough nut to crack and brushed aside a struggling Pudsey Congs side this afternoon.
The game starts at 1pm and, as always, the WCC boys would appreciate your support if you can get to the match.
Saturday 3rd June 2017
New Farnley Next Up
The All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League sees its 2 leading run scorers this season go head to head today with the visit of New Farnley.
Home skipper Tim Jackson leads the way with 359 league runs in 2017 but New Farnley's Simon Lambert is just 9 runs behind him.
The visitors sit just a couple of places behind WCC going in to today's round of matches and will want to try close the points gap that has opened up between the top 5 and the rest of the table.
For Woodlands, after a solid start to the season, they need to regain momentum after 3 straight losses and a washout have seen the side slip to 5th in the league.
Woodlands 2nd XI also face New Farnley, over at the Barry Jackson ground.
Sunday 28th May 2017
Bank Holiday Cricket
Woodlands 1st XI make the short trip to Lightcliffe's Wakefield Road tomorrow looking to put the last week behind them. After an unbeaten start to the season, 3 defeats have followed with league losses at Hanging Heaton & at home to Bradford & Bingley, together with an early exit from the T/20 cup at the hands of Batley.
Woodlands now sit in 5th place, 13 points behind leaders Hanging Heaton. Lightcliffe are one place behind WCC in 6th, though the gap is 21 points.
Lightcliffe 2nd XI make the trip in the opposite direction to face an unbeaten Woodlands 2nd XI who are riding high at the top of the league. This is in stark contrast to Monday's visitors who are struggling near the foor of the table with just 1 win so far this term.
Sunday 28th May 2017
Bradford & Bingley Win At Albert Terrace
Jack Hartley grabbed 6 wickets for Bradford & Bingley on Saturday to inspire his side to a victory at Albert Terrace on Saturday. Woodlands, who were bating first, were reduced to 26-3 when a heavy thunderstorm struck. The ground was extremely wet following the storm, but play was eventually resumed, although with reduced overs.
Tim Jackson made 26 and Mark Lawson 25 but when Kez Ahmed became Hartley's 6th victim, with the score on just 104-8, things looked ominous for the home team. A last wicket partnership of 61 from Elliot Richardson (39) and Jack McGahan (27*) who was deputising for the absent Chris Brice, showed good fighting spirit & at least gave the home side something to bowl at.
The visitors were in no mood to roll over & die however and chased down the required total in a comfortable fashion for the loss of just 4 wickets. Joe Greaves top scored with 43 and was well backed up by opener Jack Edgar (39) and Gareth Phillips (31).
No problems for Woodlands 2nd XI however, who remain unbeaten after a 6 wicket win at Bowling Old Lane in another rain affected fixture. 3 wickets each for Jack Bleazard & Cieran Garner helped dismiss the home team for 132.
WCC reached their target in just 22 overs with an unbeaten half century for Liam Brealey and 46 for Nick Rushworth.
Saturday 27th May 2017
WCC Look To Get Back On Track
After 2 defeats in a week in 20 over shoot outs, Woodlands will be hoping to avoid the rain today & return to the 50 over format and to winning ways!
Bradford & Bingley are the visitors to Albert Terrace this afternoon. The Wagon Lane outfit have not had the best of starts this year with only one victory so far but, with dangerous players such as Noman Ali in their side, they can not be underestimated.
Frustratingly, after such a sunny week, the forecast for today is for thundery showers...Hopefully we can avoid the worst & get a game played, though the match could become a Duckworth Lewis affair if the rain does hit!
WCC 2nd XI, who's game last week never got started, travel to Bowling Old Lane.
Thursday 25th May 2017
T/20 Cup...Blink & You Missed It!
WCC missed out on the chance to progress in this season's T/20 cup as they slipped to a defeat at Batley on Tuesday evening. Woodlands lost out on a chance
Thursday 25th May 2017
Hanging Heaton End Unbeaten Run
Woodlands 1st XI lost their first game of the season at Bennett Lane on Saturday with a 77 run defeat in a rain curtailed game.
Rain throughout the afternoon had looked like there may be no play at all, but eventually, the rain stopped and allowed a 20 overs per side match to take place.
Bowling first against a strong Hanging Heaton batting line up, Mark Lawson took a couple of wickets but the home side scored at over 8 an over with Nick Connolly (45) and Joe Fraser (41*) leading the way.
Their total of 161-4 was always going to be a tough one to chase. The early loss of in-form skipper Tim Jackson didn't make the task any easier as the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals.
Only Sam Frankland (33) and Chris Brice (30*) made it in to double figures and Woodlands were dismissed for 84 in 16 overs as Hanging Heaton moved to the top of the league.
At Albert Terrace, there was no play possible in the 2nd XI fixture between the 2 sides.
Thursday 18th May 2017
Hanging Heaton Test Next Up
After coming out on top last week against unbeaten Pudsey St Lawrence, WCC face another stern test this Saturday when they travel to Bennett Lane to take on another unbeaten side in the shape of Hanging Heaton.
Along with Farsley & WCC, Hanging Heaton make up a trio of teams still to suffer a league defeat so far in the 2017 All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League. As with last weekend however, something has to give and while Hanging Heaton have a much vaunted batting line up which is capable of racking up big scores, Tim Jackson's men will also be confident in their ability following their strong start to the year.
For Woodlands 2nd XI, a home match with Hanging Heaton 2nd XI should be just as hard fought with both sides in the top 3 of the early league ladder.
Cup Draws - Latest News
Woodlands 1st XI have been drawn away to New Farnley in the next round of the Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup with the tie to be played on Sunday 11th June. In the T/20 cup, the reward for the winners of the Batley Vs Woodlands tie, which was postponed on Tuesday due to rain, will be a home tie against Pudsey St Lawrence in the 2nd round.
Sunday 14th May 2017
WCC Beat Mirfield Parish Cavaliers
Woodlands this afternoon beat Mirfield Parish Cavaliers by 212 runs to go through to the next round of the Heavy Woollen Cup.
Batting first, Woodlands made 301-8 from their 50 overs with Sam Frankland top scoring with 70, while Liam Collins added 60 and skipper Tim Jackson 38 in a solid all round batting performance.
In reply, without their captain, Tim Orrell, the visitors struggled against the home attack and were dismissed inside 30 overs, with Kez Ahmed claiming 5 wickets and Mark Lawson also getting 3.
Sunday 14th May 2017
Jackson Leads From The Front
Tim Jackson's great form with the bat continued as he scored a 2nd consecutive league century to lead WCC to a win over Pudset St Lawrence on Saturday. After an unbeaten start to 2017 for both teams, something had to give, and a calm and measured innings from the home team skipper tipped the balance.
Batting first, the visitors survived an early scare with a big LBW claim against Mark Robertshaw. The St Lawrence opener was given out though with the score on 49. Adam Waite however, dropped anchor at one end to prove the cornerstone of the champion's innings. He scored a well made 88 before eventually being bowled by Elliot Richardson.
Waite was backed up well by Barrie Frankland (40) and Chris Marsden (34*) as Pudsey made steady progress but they could never get away from the home attack and when the innings closed at 227-5, the feeling was that it was a decent but reachable target.
Woodlands lost 2 wickets early on as Sam Frankland (8) and Jamie Pickering (4) were dismissed in quick succession by Josh Wilson. Liam Collins was trapped LBW by Chris Marsden for 19 with the decision taking an age to come from the umpire.
Alex Atkinson then joined the skipper at the crease and their 107 run partnership was decisive. Atkinson was eventually out for 45 to briefly raise St Lawrence hopes but Mark Lawson then raced to 37 from 19 deliveries to push WCC over the finishing line with 4.2 overs to spare - Tim Jackson carried his bat to finish on 112*.
Over at Tofts Road in the 2nd XI fixture, Pudsey St Lawrence also batted first and scored 195-8 with Josh Priestley top scoring with 60.
Jack Bleazard claimed 3-41 for Woodlands and Rob Medcalf and Jack McGahan both taking 2 wickets.
The Woodlands reply seemed to be heading to an easy win as Cieran Garner (79) & Liam Brearley (47) put on 129 for the first wicket. Once the wickets started to fall however, the match started to swing towards the home team and they had Woodlands at 188-8 but Kieran Collins came in and hit the winning runs to preserve his team's unbeaten start to the season.
Thursday 11th May 2017
League Champions Up Next
It's a double weekend at Albert Terrace with Mirfield Parish visiting in the Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup on Sunday, but first up it is league action on Saturday, with the visit of Pudsey St Lawrence.
St Lawrence have won back to back titles and have also started this season well with 3 straight league victories and a win at Cleckheaton in the Priestley Cup.
WCC however, are also unbeaten and hopefully Saturday will deliver a cracking match between 2 of the early season pace-setters.
Woodlands 2nd XI also face St Lawrence on Saturday with a trip to Tofts Road as they look to maintain their own unbeaten start to 2017 which sees them top of the fledgling league table.
Both games start at 1pm and after the 1st XI fixture at Albert Terrace, there will be a BBQ - all welcome!
Wednesday 10th May 2017
Holders Through To 2nd Round
Priestley cup holders Woodlands set up a tough second round tie away to Hanging Heaton in this year's competition with a first round victory at Bradford & Bingley on Sunday.
Greg Finn, moved up the order in the absence of Sam Frankland, made the most of the opportunity, to register a half century.
Jamie Pickering (37) and Scott Richardson (36*) also contributed well before Chris Brice inflated the total to 261-8 with 40* from just 23 deliveries.
In reply, the home side lost a few quick wickets with Elliot Richardson doing the damage early on. Noman Ali showed his usual fight scoring 60 before being caught & bowled by Kez Ahmed. The only other home batsman to go past 20 was Yassir Abbas who finished unbeaten on 31 and Woodlands ran out winners by 90 runs, dismissing the home side in 39 overs.
Saturday 6th May 2017
Priestley Cup Defence Starts Tomorrow
Woodlands beging their defence of the Priestley Cup on Sunday with an away tie against Bradford & Bingley
Saturday 6th May 2017
East Bierley Next Up
Woodlands visit South View Road today to take on East Bierley in the All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League. East Bierley lost on the opening day of the season against Lightcliffe, but had a convincing win against New Farnley last weekend so will be full of confidence going in to this afternoon's clash.
Tim Jackson's men, without Sam Frankland this afternoon, are unbeaten so far this term and will be keen to keep up the good start.
Sunday 30th April 2017
Good Start To 2017 Continues
Woodlands 1st XI continued their unbeaten start to the season on Saturday with a 147 run win over neighbours Cleckheaton. Woodlands were put in to bat by first as John Wood elected to bowl. Sam Frankland was dismissed early but unlike at Pudsey Congs 7 days earlier, the Woodlands batting line up all contributed with 48 for Tim Jackson, 40 for Jamie Pickering and 48 for Liam Collins laying a good foundation for what was to come.
A flurry of wickets, as WCC approached 200, looked to signal the visitors were going to go in to the interval the happier, however Elliot Richardson had other ideas. A late onslaught saw him hit 47 from just 35 balls to wrestle the momentum back from the visitors who must have wondered quite how they were now looking at a total 268 to chase down!
After the interval, the visiting openers set about their task with purpose
and Andy Gorrod hit 3 fours before being trapped LBW by Mark
Lawson with the score on 36. Visiting skipper John Wood was next out,
also LBW to the WCC new man and his departure brought about a
couple of further quick wickets as the home team started to dominate.
Cleckheaton vice captain Mally Nicholson (18) and Sam Wilson (27)
offered some resistance, but the day belonged to the home side as
Mark Lawson & Chris Brice claimed 3 wickets each to dismiss 'Cleck'
for 121 in 43.1 overs.
Woodlands 2nd XI also registered a 2nd league win of the season with victory at Yeadon. An opening stand of 79 got the home side off to a good start but WCC took wickets at regular intervals once the partnership was broken and they closed on 183-7 with 2 wickets each for Jack Bleazard & Cieran Garner. n Reply, Cieran Garner (68) and Liam Brearley (34) started the chase well and, after a quick loss of 3 wickets, it was left to experienced pair, Nick Rushworth (29*) and Rob Medcalf (10*) to steer the ship home as WCC reached their target in just over 43 overs.
Friday 28th April 2017
Cup Draw Means A Return For Tim Orrell
The draw for the second round of the Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup has been made and WCC were handed a home tie against Mirfield Parish CC.
They are captained by former WCC captain Tim Orrell who needs no introduction at all! This adds extra spice to the tie, scheduled to be played Sunday 14th May.
Friday 28th April 2017
Local Derby This Weekend!
Games against Cleckheaton are always eagerly anticipated and this season is no different. 'Cleck' opened the season with a defeat on home soil at the hands of New Farnley but are strengthened this weekend by the arrival of their new overseas, all-rounder, Qaiser Ashraf.
Woodlands look to make it back to back home wins following victory at home last Sunday in the Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup against Yeadon.
Yeadon are the opponents for WCC 2nd XI tomorrow with Steven Pearson's men making the trip to the White Swan Ground.
Sunday 23rd April 2017
WCC Beat Yeadon To Progress In HW Cup
WCC 1st XI moved into the 2nd round of the Solly Sports Heavy Woollen Cup this afternoon with a 129 run win over Yeadon CC. Batting first in warm spring sunshine, Woodlands made 287-9 from their 50 overs with Jamie Pickering making 87 on his Albert Terrace debut. He was well supported by another AT debutant in the shape of all-rounder Mark Lawson (63) and Liam Collins (38).
In reply, despite losing a couple of early wickets, the visitors showed some real fight and frustrated the efforts of the Woodlands attack for some time with a well made 61 for opener Jake Wray & 44 for middle order batsman Damon Gormley. Once Liam Collins (4-33) had removed Gormley however, wickets came quickly as the visitors slumped from 144-4 to 158 all out.
Saturday 22nd April 2017
2 Wins To Start The Season!
There was a winning start to the season for both WCC senior teams this afternoon with victories over Pudsey Congs - 1st XI at the
Strikes CS Brittania Ground and the 2nd XI at Albert Terrace.
In Pudsey, Woodlands 1st XI batted first and lost opener Sam Frankland (12) with the score on 16. A further 14 runs were added before Woodlands new boy Jamie Pickering was dismissed without scoring. 30-2 soon turned in to 73-6 as the visitors middle order put up little resistance, with skipper Tim Jackson watching wicket after wicket fall at the opposite end.
Jackson finally found someone who could build a partnership with him as Kez Ahmed came in and scored 44 from just 51 deliveries and the pair put on 63 to take the score to 136-7. A brief cameo from Elliot Richardson (10*) pushed the final score to 153 all out from 42.2 overs.
After tea, Congs started their innings in much the same fashion as Woodlands had as Elliot Richardson removed both openers cheaply. Irfan Amjad & Ryan Gibson appeared to have steadied the ship however and pushed the score to 68-2. At this stage, the home side must have felt the target was well in reach, but then Scott Richardson produced a great spell of bowliing to take 5 wickets for just 9 runs from his 9 overs to rattle through the home side's batting order.
Chris Brice chipped in with a couple of wickets to help mop up the tail and see Woodlands to a 65 run victory that was perhaps bigger than they could have hoped for at tea!
At Albert Terrace in the 2nd XI game, Woodlands also batted first and Liam Brearley wasted no time finding his feet in 2017 as he hit 16 fours and 2 sixes on his way to an unbeaten 125. Well backed up by Jack Bleazard (45) and the returning Nick Rushworth, Woodlands closed on 235-4.
In reply, Pudsey Congs also had a centurion, in the shape of Ashley Slater (104). Slater had put on 95 for the second wicket with Max Backhouse and the visitors looked a real threat. Backhouse was dismissed for 61 with WCC debutant Josh Griffin taking an excellent catch off the bowling of Rob Medcalf.
Once the partnership was broken, wickets came at regular intervals and Rob Medcalf was the pick of the home attack, finishing with figures of 5-52 as the visitors were dismissed for 199.
Friday 21st April 2017
Season Kicks Off This Weekend
A long winter is now behind us and, after all the training, nets & pre-season friendly games, the real action starts this Saturday.
Woodlands 1st XI begin the season with a trip to Pudsey to face a much changed Congs line up from last season's side who finished in 8th place. This term, the new look team are captained by Congs 'legend' Babar Butt, who did retire at the end of 2015 but, after a few appearances at the back end of last year, has agreed to skipper the Congs team this season and adds bags of experience to the youthful new-look side.
For Woodlands, starting a season without Sarfraz Ahmed for the first time in almost a decade seems rather unusual! New men
Mark Lawson, Jamie Pickering & Liam Collins are the additions to the side for this season and all will want to hit the ground running as they look to make their mark early!
Woodlands 2nd XI kick off the defence of their league title at Albert Terrace against Pudsey Congs 2nd XI. A couple of changes for the 2016 champions, as descibed in Steven Pearsons recent column, will hopefully slot straight into the side and help them push for more silverware this year.
A decent weather forecast should mean a full afternoon's play - both matches start at 1pm.
There are some rule changes for 2017 - you can read all about them by clicking here
Sunday 9th April 2017
Ramsbottom Goes Well
A glorious day at Acre Bottom saw both sides enjoy
a useful pre-season game yesterday.
On a day that wouldn't have been out of place in mid August, Woodlands batted first and made 222-3 from their 40 overs with half centuries for Sam Frankland, Alex Atkinson and 1st XI new boy Liam Collins.
After the tea interval, a rather youthful WCC bowling attack managed to take wickets at regular intervals, with Liam Collins taking 4. Tom Parton batted valiantly for the home side for 75, but in the end, Ramsbottom were dismissed for 155.
Friday 7th April 2017
Ramsbottom Friendly Game
As reported earlier this week, we have a game at Ramsbottom this Saturday. The game will be 40 overs per side and will start at 12.30pm.
Sunday 2nd April 2017
Thanks To All Who Have Helped!
WCC would like to thank all those who have volunteered over the last 3 weekends to help get Albert Terrace ready for the start of the new season.
There have been a good number of people willing to give up a few hours and a good selection of jobs ticked off the "to do" list!
Hopefully we can continue to grow this event in the next few years and get even more people volunteering! - Many hands make light work!
Saturday 4th March 2017
NatWest CricketForce - We Need Volunteers
Do you have some time to spare to help out around Albert Terrace? We are looking for volunteers to help get lots of jobs done around the ground & clubhouse before the season gets underway. While the official CricketForce weekend is 1st & 2nd April, we are also looking for volunteers on the weekends of 18th/19th March & 25th/26th March. We feel by holding our event over 3 weekends, that gives everyone a chance to get down for a few hours to help out.
We have plenty of jobs that need doing - Something that will suit everyone, from 1st XI players to junior players, from brand new members to people who have been involved with Woodlands for years!!
Sunday 22nd January 2017
New Signings Announced
Woodlands are pleased to annouce that we have now completed our 2017 line up, with 2 new signings and a move up from the 2nd XI for one of the club's most promising youngsters. Mark Lawson has been signed from fellow Bradford Premier League side New Farnley and is well known around the league. Having played first class cricket, Mark has talent with both bat and ball as 25 wickets and 4 half centuries in 2016 goes to prove.
The second new signing is Jamie Pickering, a batsman who is signed from Airedale & Wharfedale outfit Otley. Jamie scored a magnificent 948 runs last season for Otley with a high score of 154 not out and is chomping at the bit to prove himself in the Bradford Premier League.
The final piece of the 2017 jigsaw is young all-rounder Liam Collins who is well known already at Albert Terrace as he has spent several seasons with our 2nd XI. Having made several appearances for the 1st XI last year, the step up is made permanent for the coming season.
You can read Tim Jackson's thoughts on the new arrivals by clicking here
There is only room for new signings because people move on. Of course, Saffy retired at the end of last season and his departure has been well documented. The other departures are Logan Weston and Jordan Laban. Logan has returned to Australia after a few seasons with WCC and is currently playing for Manly Warringah in New South Wales. Jordan leaves us after 2 seasons but has not gone quite as far! He has joined former WCC team mate Grant Soames at Bradford League Championship One side Methley.
Woodlands would like to put on record their thanks to both Logan and Jordan for their efforts during their time at Albert Terrace which were greatly appreciated.
WCC 2nd XI will also have a few changes for 2017 and we will feature news of their ins and outs in the near future.
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