Ilkley win sets them up for derby clash (From Ilkley Gazette)

Ilkley win sets them up for derby clash

12:03pm Thursday 11th June 2009

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With the second XI fixture cancelled it was looking ominous for Ilkley as they hoped to move up the table with an away trip to Skipton.

They needn’t have worried though; upon arrival the pitch was dry and the outfield cut short to facilitate the batsmen in their quest to produce a healthy score.

This was an important match. Unbeknown to the players both the matches at Menston and Alwoodley were affected by the rain, which meant promotion contenders Woodhouse and Bolton Villas were disappointed with a point apiece. Ilkley fielded first and were rewarded after the third delivery with the prized wicket of the left handed opener Owens.

Mark Coldwell was the protagonist with a gem of a delivery which had the batsman beaten for pace, Owen's middle stump flying from the turf as Coldwell yelped with glee.

It was the perfect start, especially as Owens has historically been a particularly stubborn thorn in the Ilkley side. So with Owens gone, Ilkley looked set to get stuck into the Skipton line-up.

However Ilkley were inexplicably jittery for the next ten overs. The bowling was tight enough but non-claimed catches and nervous thrown-ins resulted in the home side reaching the 70 mark without losing any more wickets.

A highly controversial decision, that went in Skipton’s favour, didn’t help their cause either. Rob Spivey caught brilliantly, swooping at mid-on, but after a conference between the umpires it was decided the ball had been grounded. A judgement that left the Ilkley contingent utterly dismayed.

Ilkley simply required another wicket to settle down, and this was immediately provided by Nick Cockcroft. The Ilkley skipper was bowling well at the rugby club end and after a top edge was snaffled up by Jo Varley behind the stumps, a well disguised quicker delivery had his man trapped plumb in front of leg stump. Solid work from the skipper.

Rob Spivey was brought in to the attack to add some pace to the proceedings. A thin nick behind did the initial damage and Skipton were spiralling into self destruction.

Then Andy Wheeler was introduced and a well pitched up ball got rid of dangerman Rob Walker, again caught behind by wicketkeeper Varley.

Skipton would be content with 170 but fell a long way short when they were all out for 151 with 12 overs remaining.

The story of the innings was an improved fielding display in the second half coupled with accurate bowling. Skipton had something to bowl at but Ilkley were the more content team as they settled down for a sumptuous tea. Jordan Harrison was given the chance to open the batting alongside Rory Kroon. Expectations were high given the talent on offer. Kroon, however, departed early to allow Jake Bezzant to seize the initiative. The run rate was of no concern to Ilkley - the away team just needed to keep the score ticking over without losing too many wickets. If they batted sensibly, the six points were there for the taking.

Bezzant used his head - as well as his bat, of course - to silence the Skipton team. Once Harrsion was stumped and Taz Malik departed after a quick-fire 20, the New Zealander and new partner Cockcroft used their experience to guide Ilkley home with a stand that was impeccably timed and free of risk.

The running between the wickets was also outstanding, being both well-communicated and decisive in equal measure. When Bezzant raised his bat to salute his second consecutive half-century, it was hardly brash to think the game was already won.

Meanwhile Cockcroft was having a blast. Forceful flicks off his legs are bread and butter to the number five and any slim chances that Skipton could get something from the match were defiantly laid to rest when Cockcroft punished a half volley for four over mid-on.

Bezzant played beautifully. Most of his shots went smoothly along the ground, proof indeed that a quick, flat wicket helps his graceful style. Ilkley won the game with several overs to spare, with Bezzant cover-driving to the boundary to round off a great innings.

The victory saw Ilkley leap-frog into third place on 31 points. They have now won five from their eight games and look forward to a crunching tie against leaders Olicanians on Saturday.

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