The Ben Rhydding First X1 travelled to Alwoodley on Saturday knowing that points had to be won in this gargantuan lower-table clash. The young team, led by the experienced Paul Barton, were clearly under pressure, eager to end a run of 4 consecutive league defeats, and to record a second win against Alwoodley in as many seasons.

The Alwoodley wicket, at a glance, would certainly favour the seamers, and it was apparent the toss would be vital in deciding the result of this match. Skipper Barton lost the toss, and the over-dressed opposition captain shocked no-one when he elected to bowl first. It appeared to be a huge setback for the Rhydding boys, but the batsmen were desperate to overturn a reportedly weak Alwoodley attack, albeit on a terribly green and bowler-friendly track.

The talented, if inexperienced, pair of Oliver 'Dale' Musgrave and Alex 'Spiky' Miller set about restricting the opening bowlers, and reducing the potency of the new ball. Overs came and went, and although Miller fell for a slow 2, at 14-1, Musgrave began taking the attack to Alwoodley with booming cover drives. Jack 'Bozza' Marchant paced to the middle, and followed Muzzy's example, with some clean strikes penetrating the infield and racing for 4. When he was on the recieving end of a dubious LBW decision, the Ben Rhydding scoreboard was beginning to look increasingly fragile. Laurie 'Deep in thought' O'Connor played a typically responsible innings, perfectly supporting aggresor Musgrave, and seeing him to his eventual score of 36.

Senior professionals Nick 'Valance' Smith and Paul 'Big Bird' Barton both fell victim to the bowler-friendly wicket, coming and going for low scores. O'Connor did the same, but resistance from exciting prospect Robbie 'Texas' Oldham, complemented by the clean striking of Andrew 'Buffer' Brown, kept the score ticking over. Brown began taking the leg spinner apart, reportedly reducing him to tears. The bowler had the last laugh however, and had him caught at gully for a brisk 22. The breakthrough brought the newest addition of the team to the crease, and the young Robbie 'he taught me everything' Miller was eager to build on last weeks undefeated innings of 28. He and fellow under15 Oldham provided a solid and sturdy partnership. Oldham was caught on the hook, and Miller jnr was out for 10, brilliantly caught at second slip. Ben 'Final Furlong' Cater ended 7 not out, after Matthew 'TFC' Holdsworth was out for 3.

Rhydding had finished 117 all out, and handed Alwoodley 7 overs.

Smith was handed the new ball, and set about defending the fragile total, swinging the ball down the hill and into the right handed Alwoodley openers. He opened with u17s skipper Marchant, who, although struggling with a comfortable line, bowled with real pace and aggression. Smith broke the opening partnership, which settled the young Ben Rhydding fielders and gave them a real sense of belief. Miller replaced Marchant, and was told to bowl flighted off-spinners, instead of the spiky medium pacers the Rhydding supporters so dearly love. Barton's decisiveness paid dividends, and a run out was secured in Miller's first over, Marchant staying calm under pressure and brilliantly tossing the ball to Oldham, who whipped the bails off.

It was clearly Rhydding's day, with wickets falling at regular intervals, and with the Alwoodley batsmen showing no sense of confidence, or any desire to get on top of the bowlers. Miller and Smith continued in a tight partnership, and runs were difficult to come by. The top and middle order were dismissed very cheaply, and it seemed extras may end up the top scorer with Alwoodley 17-6. Eventually they struggled to 38 all out, Smith taking 2 wickets in his final over, to finish with figures of 6-12. Miller finished with 3-6.

6 points were deseved by the young Ben Rhydding team, who showed real steel in the batting department, and who bowled tightly, while reaping the rewards of some strong fielding. The result takes them into 9th place, ahead of old rivals Ilkley, defeated Alwoodley and Addingham.

Next week the boys face a much tougher task, at home to Skipton. Sources close to the team tell me that the confidence in the team has never been higher, and that they are relishing the opportunity to take points off higher-place opposition.