Contrasting fortunes for our senior teams as the 1XI secured their first win of the season in a thrilling encounter against Shepley, a team they've faced the most times during the Huddersfield League era. Unfortunately our second team slumped to a convincing defeat at a strong Barkisland team to make it two defeats from two.
Hussain Anchors Batting Fightback for the Firsts
We found ourselves under pressure for much of the first innings after electing to bat first on a warm, sunny afternoon. However, a crucial half-century from Arman Hussain (52) steadied the ship. Hussain showed his growing importance to the team, anchoring an innings that threatened to unravel. He found valuable support from Isaac Davis (18) during a 30-run partnership before Isaac Jones (21no) joined him later to push the score towards a defendable total. Max Joice eventually accounted for Our man, Arman, who played a brilliant innings against his former team.
A superb fielding display from Delph kept Shepley in check early on in the reply, restricting them to 14-2. Nayyar Abbas continued his fine form with another regulation tight spell, taking 2-36 from his 15 overs as Shepley put their gameplay of keeping him quiet into action. Shepley looked to be cruising towards victory thanks to a classy innings from overseas player Sahaj Chada (36) and a brutal knock from Wayne Hughes (50). However, skipper Nathan Jones swung the match decisively in Delph's favour by taking the final four Shepley wickets. A brilliant catch by Stevel Rodney to dismiss Chada sparked a dramatic collapse, as Shepley lost their last four wickets for just 17 runs to finish on 151ao.
Disappointing Day for Danny’s 2nd XI
Delph's 2nd XI were dealt a harsh lesson on the road, falling to defeat at a shrewd and experienced Barkisland side. Despite a strong showing from Archie Davis with the ball (3-29), Barkisland set a daunting target of 209-5, built around a solid opening partnership of 91 runs. A terrible start saw us lose quick wickets and fall to 41-4 in reply. Max Leaver compiled a bold innings, falling just five runs short of a maiden senior half-century (45). Ultimately, wickets fell too frequently thereafter as Delph were bowled out for 139ao.
