As is always the case, winning the toss would be vital and our leader called correctly this week and invited Bilton to bat.

In an unusual move, we opened the bowling from the Practice end with spinner Barry Singleton who was hoping to continue where he left off against Harden last week where his six wickets were crucial in our victory.


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Amir Farooq took the new ball at the Old Park Road end and supported Barry with some good pace and accuracy.

Wickets fell at regular intervals and Bilton's total of 142 all out was never going to be enough against a strong North Leeds line up.

Barry finished with another 5 wicket haul, Andy Stevens took 3 wickets to finish the Bilton innings and Fadi Lak provided some good support with the ball.

Skipper Steve West won't be happy with the 45 extras we conceded but there was plenty of effort and a more professional approach was evident this week.

It was Tim Hales who once again faced the first ball of our reply, ably supported by Steve Plummer.

Our skipper had decided to tinker with the batting order, knowing that with holidays about to interrupt our selection it was important to get other batsmen out into the middle for some all important match practice. Unfortunately for him, Hales and Plummer had other ideas and another century opening stand put paid to his plans.

With 22 needed for victory, Tim departed for 77 which brought Guy Hollis to the crease and his brisk 22 not out saw The North home with more than 20 overs to spare. Steve Plummer hit an unbeaten 30-odd and a win by 9 wickets and 6 points was well deserved.

North Leeds CC 2nds visit Collingham next week hoping to continue our perfect start to the season.