BRCC 1's earn 2 points against Otley

Ben Rhydding’s first outing in the A Division saw them earn a valuable two-point draw against a formidable Otley side.

In wet conditions, Rhydding skipper Nick Smith won the toss and put the away side into bat in a match reduced to 34 overs apiece.

They started brightly, with new recruit Henry Barrow claiming his first Rhydding scalp when he had Sam Smith caught behind with the score at only 6.

However, partnerships would soon be found difficult to break as Barrow and fellow opener Jason Wright struggled to adapt to the conditions. Alex Miller came on and produced a tidy spell of spin bowling in which he claimed 3-26 from his 10 overs, putting his side in a good position as they reduced Otley to 85-6.

Stewart Smith proved to be the major thorn in Rhydding’s side, and his long knock of 36* proved vital. Dropped catches and lackadaisical fielding let Otley off the hook, who finished their innings at 145-7 after some late fireworks from overseas professional Andrew Ross.

Henry Barrow ended with 2-42, Nick Smith 1-31, and Jason Wright 0-43.

The home side’s reply got off to a disastrous start when Lewis Bolton lost his middle stump with the score on 5.

This brought together Smith and young Robbie Miller, elevated to opener this season in a revised batting order. The two of them put on 69 for the second wicket, and put their side into a position of strength at 74-2 before Smith was dismissed for 32.

Wright provided fireworks and momentum in the form of two monstrous sixes but was sent packing by George Ross who bowled him for 15.

Miller fell soon afterwards, and a flurry of hasty shot selection meant that Rhydding were soon reduced to 111-6. With the overs dwindling, they chose to bat out the innings to achieve their first two points of the campaign, finishing at 113-6.

Despite the hashed run chase, Alex Miller remained upbeat after the performance: “We’d have taken that. To get off the mark with two points in our first game is a great start. We should have won the game in truth, but all credit to the boys who worked hard today and proved that we can and will be very competitive at this level.”

The first team continue their quest for points on Saturday when they visit Bilton.