As we continue to edge back towards normal life it is great to see the Mirfield Bowls League back in full swing…well, almost! There’s plenty of interest in Ossett, Horbury and surrounding villages, with Mirfield League regarded as the country’s best.
If you are wondering why the league is ‘almost’ back in full swing, it’s because we didn’t quite get a full set of games. Around tea-time we tend to see dark clouds brooding overhead.
Why does it always bloody rain on Tuesdays?!
Evidently the torrential downpour was too much for the green up at Pudsey Bowling Club, with the match called-off and the visitors from Dearne Sports sent back whence they came, dry as a bone, to the Deep South (of Yorkshire).
It’s unusual for a Mirfield League game to fall foul of the weather. We bowlers generally get on with it and, in some cases, we relish the puddles. Particularly if you happen to be playing away, with the home team’s green advantage dumped by the downpours.
A short ride down the hill at Pudsey Littlemoor that’s exactly what happened, with a visit from one of our local sides, Denby Grange. There wasn’t much between the teams overall, with Littlemoor coming away 8-4 to the good.
In a waterlogged first four blocks Jack Bowes and Alex Wolfenden starred for the Pudsey side, winning to 7 and 8 respectively. For the second week running that Overton publican with a strange kneeling delivery, Danny Walker, top-scored for the Grange. He finished 21-13 to the good and with one very very wet knee.
Our other local side in the top-flight, Ossett Flying Horse, entertained visitors from Crossgates at Dewsbury Road. Ex-British Junior Champion, Danny Towning, was the best card for the Fly with a really impressive 21-10 against a tough opponent. Special mention too to Darren ‘Eagle’ Atkinson with a 21-11.
Two big wins from the first two games; the Eagle has landed at the top of the league averages! With a 21-10 victory of his own, Kev Siddle was the pick of the Crossgates winners. The final score – 7-5 to the Fly in a tight-fought contest.
Over in Huddersfield the local derby between Thongsbridge and Crosland Moor ended in a 9-3 triumph for the home team from the Holme Valley. Mark Bramall revelled in the rain, taking the sweep for the title favourites, Thongs, with a 21-8.
Yorkshire stalwart Wayne Moseley replied with 21-11. This being ‘Last of the Summer Wine Country’ rumour has it that Crosland Moor’s three winners were later seen rolling down a hill in a bathtub in search of Nora Batty’s wrinkled stockings.
Talking of local derbies, it doesn’t get more local than Lower Hopton ‘A’ versus Lower Hopton ‘B’. Hopton’s ‘A’ team love it when a plan comes together, beating their clubmates 9-3. Stuart King was the best winner for Hopton ‘A’ with a 21-9. Jimmy Senior played a belting 21-7 for the club’s second string.
Standings after week 2:
|
Played |
Points |
| Thongsbridge C & BC |
2 |
18 |
| Crossgates BC |
2 |
14 |
| Lower Hopton WMC ‘A’ |
2 |
14 |
| Denby Grange BC |
2 |
13 |
| Littlemoor |
2 |
11 |
| Ossett Flying Horse |
2 |
10 |
| Crosland Moor |
2 |
10 |
| Dearne Sports |
1 |
7 |
| Lower Hopton WMC ‘B |
2 |
6 |
| Pudsey BC |
1 |
5 |
In Division 3 last week’s pacesetters, Ossett C&AC had to sit out for a week with a bye due to teams pulling out of the league pre-season. Meanwhile, over at Horbury WMC their tough start to the campaign continued with a 9-3 home defeat at the hands of a strong-looking Cleckheaton Sports. Callum Fennel’s 21-10 against a very experienced Yorkshire county legend was Horbury’s best card on the night. The pick of the Cleck wins was John Wilson with 21-8.
It didn’t go to plan up in Overton either, with Denby Grange ‘B’ suffering a 10-2 home defeat to Broad Oak. Mark Rushworth and Richard Quarmby banged in 21-7 wins for the visitors in the wet. Denby’s Darren ‘Snake’ Pitchforth slithered to his own 21-7 for the home team.
As I write this the result of our other local side in Division 4 is still a mystery. Ossett Flying Horse ‘B’ were away at Kirkheaton. I know that’s out in the sticks, a bit short of internet signal maybe. Never mind – maybe the carrier pigeon will arrive in time for me to report on that game next week!
If you enjoyed this Mirfield round-up, folks, join me every week at the Horbury & Ossett Community News. Why not follow us on Facebook to get the latest news. But for now……roll on the next rainy Tuesday!!
