1st X1 225-8 v Yorkshire Academy 228-6

After a comfortable win over the Academy on the opening day of the season, United travelled to Headingley in high spirits of getting back on winning ways.

The Academy won the toss and decided to make first use of what looked to be ideal batting conditions. The Academy got off to a flying start with Michael Lumb hitting a quick 34. Scoring slowed down after the dismissal of Lumb and United were able to put pressure on the middle order with tight bowling and fielding, led by Alex Osmond with 4-, supported well from Neil Longhurst. The Academy closed their innings on 228-6.

United’s response was a real nail biter. United lost Smallpiece early, which brought Trower (64) and Longhurst (10) to the crease. Although only a short partnership it settled the innings down whilst maintaining the run rate. With the loss of Longhurst, Martin Barlow carrying a side injury came to the crease and made a gritty 62 and with Trower gave United a platform to chase down the 228. Alex Osmond rounded off a very good day by making a well made 34, however every time it appeared United were taking the game by the neck we lost crucial wickets.

It came down to Matt King and Rob Taylor, to try and get United over the winning line. Needing 18 off 3 overs and then 6 runs off the last over, everyone thought United was clear favourites. However Stephen Patterson gave a good lesson on how to bowl at the death only conceding 2 runs from 5 balls. So it came down to the last ball of the game with United needing 4 for victory, 3 for a tie. Again Patterson was the difference bowling a perfect leg stump yorker to secure victory for the Academy.

Created by Thomas Steel 2005