That’s How to clinch a final place in style!
Date published: 04 July 2011
A TALE OF TWO PROFESSIONALS... luckless Gulam Bodi’s appeal for leg before against Jamie How is turned down. Pictures by CHRIS SUNDERLAND
CRICKET: JAMIE How earned every penny of his match fee as stand-in pro for Royton as the Paddock outfit booked a place in the final of the John Willie Lees Wood Cup.
Sadly, from Walsden's perspective, the same cannot be said of his opposite number, Gulam Bodi.
The two deputies, playing in yesterday's semi-final due to the absence of Luke Procter (unavailable) and Duminda Perera (injured), produced performances which could hardly have been more contrasting.
While How hit a glorious 120 in Royton's 246 for seven, Bodi bowled six overs of dross for 41 runs and was dismissed by Matthew Hodson for a first-ball duck.
Their fortunes ultimately settled a one-sided semi-final at the Paddock yesterday, although Royton were the sharper, more aggressive side throughout and thoroughly deserved their 136-runs triumph which earned them a place in the final against Middleton on August 7 and put them on the brink of a first success in the Lake Garage CLL's premier cup competition.
How, professional for Kendal in the Northern League, showed the class which earned him a place in the New Zealand Test team with a beautifully-crafted century.
He was circumspect when he needed to be, but fluent for the majority of a knock which came off 109 balls and included five sixes and 11 fours.
None of those boundaries were slogs. How's timing was exquisite and proper cricket shots flowed from his bat. As centuries go, this was one of the finest I have seen in 30 years of watching CLL cricket.
How was given excellent support by Ryan Carruthers (48) and Chris Hutchinson (26), who played supporting roles as runs came at a healthy rate at the other end.
Carruthers, in particular, played some sweet shots. His cover driving was impressive and it was a shame he missed out on a half-century when he was bowled by Chris Dewhirst.
Hutchinson went when he offered a return catch to the dogged Elliott Gilford, but How carried on unfazed and deservedly reached three figures when playing a rare false shot down to the vacant third man area off Gilford.
When he was finally caught at cover by Bodi, How had already set Walsden a mountain to climb and some busy batting from Liam Brown (21 not out) merely added to the visitors' problems.
If Walsden were to have any chance of making a game of it, they needed a sound start to their reply. Instead, they were ripped apart by a superb and hostile spell of fast bowling from young Matthew Hodson.
The talented Matthew Dawson was caught superbly at slip by Mark Woodward, but it was the first-ball dismissal of Bodi, bowled comprehensively by a ripsnorter, which virtually ended this match as a contest.
Kristian Halstead became Hodson's third victim when he was caught neatly by Hutchinson at first slip, leaving Walsden's innings in tatters at 26 for three.
Walsden tried to establish a foothold in the game but, despite Jake Hooson's well-compiled 34, they never stood a chance.
Hutchinson's subtle spin netted him three wickets, while wily veteran John Punchard rounded things off with four victims for 30 runs as Walsden capitulated.
As semi-final wins go, this one was achieved with the minimum of fuss.
And if Royton hold their nerve in the final at Monton and Weaste, the class of 2011 can establish themselves in Paddock folklore.
