Wilkinson half-century sees off Harden

Mark Wilkinson’s side began the 2011 season in the best possible way after picking up a four-wicket victory at newly promoted Harden.

The skipper won the toss and chose to bowl on a green wicket that seemed to have missed out on the two weeks of solid sunshine that had been enjoyed in the rest of the country.

Liam Mulligan and Jamie Wilkinson were entrusted with the new ball, and it was Wilkinson who picked up the first scalp after Harden’s opener Allison chipped a full ball to debutant Lewis Bolton, who held onto a good catch.

Despite losing an early wicket, the home side’s young batsmen were looking to play some big shots and push singles.

However, this proved to be their downfall, as a superb ‘dummy’ from Charlie Davy confused the batsmen and left Paul Wilkinson with the relatively simple task of running out opener Wear for 33.

Harden lost their third wicket as Jamie Wilkinson swung one away from the new batsman and clipped the top of his off-stump.

Wickets continued to tumble as this time Davy ran out new batsman Trees for 9 to further show why he won the 2nd XI fielding prize in 2010, whilst Wilkinson picked up his third wicket as Bolton took his second catch of the match.

The final five wickets all fell to Mick Gray as Harden were bowled out for 170, which seemed a competitive if not a daunting total.

Otley’s reply began well with George Huntley and Graeme Wolfenden starting with boundaries, but Huntley soon fell after inexplicably shouldering arms to a straight ball when on ten.

Wolfenden and Paul Wilkinson soon followed him back to the pavilion after both were adjudged LBW, leaving the visitors on 34-3.

Captain Wilkinson and Bolton added 42 for the fourth wicket before the debutant was caught in the deep for 36.

Otley were soon five wickets down after Davy was run out after being left high and dry by his captain after a mix-up which saw both batsmen finish at the same end of the wicket.

Number 7 Mulligan dug in and supported Wilkinson before being bowled for 8 by a good Yorker which brought Jamie Wilkinson to the crease to join his captain.

The two shared in an unbroken stand of 62 to see Otley home with more than seven overs remaining.

Otley return to Cross Green next week to take on Kirkstall Educational.

Harden 2nd XI 170 (M .Gray 5-34, J. Wilkinson 3-75)
Otley 2nd XI 172-6 (M. Wilkinson 55*, L. Bolton 36, J. Wilkinson 31*)


The full scorecard can be found here.