HOUGHTON Main came through the biggest game in their 51-year history to book a place at Lord’s in the final of the National Village Knockout. The Main men travelled to Derbyshire outfit Shipley Hall on a gloomy Sunday and had to contend with two stoppages for rain before wrapping up the victory. They are the first Pontefract League side to reach the final, which will be played at the home of cricket on Sunday, September 3, but league officials have dampened the celebrations by what Houghton Main believe is political pettiness. Houghton have a league fixture scheduled for the Saturday but because they have been invited to attend a function in their honour at Lord’s on that day, they have asked the league to rearrange the game.
Yet officials are insisting the game must be played or Houghton will be docked points. And with the Main men top of the league, five points clear, it seems their title hopes could be severely dented. Houghton are planning to join the South Yorkshire League at the end of the season – something that has undoubtedly reached the ears of Pontefract League officials. Captain Ernie Heseltine said: “We are top of the league and obviously want to play the game. We would be happy to play it on any other day but if the league insist in playing the fixture on September 2, we will have to send our second team. “It would be a shame to lose a league title because of that. The Bradford League, for example, have a rule that says you cannot change a fixture unless you are in a national final, because of course, it is great publicity for the league. “We haven’t even had a letter or a phone call from the Pontefract League congratulating us, despite being the first ever team from that league to reach the final. “We have also had players in the league select side for the last two years. I have even been the captain but, despite being top of the league and in a national final, this year we have no-one in there.”
Terry Bentham, chairman of the South Yorkshire League is surprised at the Pontefract League’s stance. “If this situation involved a South Yorkshire League side, I would expect our committee to do everything they can to help the team.” Pontefract League general secretary and results and fixtures secretary, Michael Crossland, was unavailable for comment. Meanwhile, on Sunday in the semi-final, home side Shipley took first knock at their picturesque country park venue but the visitors, backed by around 200 fans, got off to an excellent start. They reduced the hosts to six for two when opener Mark Starr was caught at mid-wicket by Chris Head off the bowling of Rob Jones (two for 34). Steffan Gamble was then caught at gully by Nick Bisby from Paul Wilkinson before another wicket had Shipley in trouble at 32 for three after just 12 overs.
This time captain James Cokayne (17) was caught behind by wicket-keeper Ray Collins from Nick Bisby. There was some respite for the home team with a six over break before the next wicket fell, for 52 in the 18th over when Neil Cox was trapped lbw by Bisby (two for 46). However, with Houghton in the ascendancy a 20 minute break for rain gave Shipley the break they needed and they returned with a couple of fruitful middle order partnerships. First, a 45-run stand took the score to 97 before a stunning, diving catch at cover from Heseltine, off the bowling of Rob Jones, brought that partnership to a close. John Buckley and Ryan North then came together to add 49 for the sixth wicket and take the score to 146 before Buckley (25) was bowled by Mick Townsend. Main gained a quick wicket to slow the run-rate when Wilkinson (two for 42) bowled David Farnsworth (10) but the big hitting North (61 not out from 48 balls) and Daniel Hansen (four not out) moved the hosts into a competitive 189 for seven at the close of play.
Despite the score being one Houghton knew they could chase, the main concern was the weather. If 20 overs of the second innings has been played, there will be a result regardless. If the game was hit by the rain, the winners will be determined from the run-rate of the two sides. Houghton knew they had to be scoring at no less than 4.75 runs an over in case the heavens should open and force the game to be abandoned. Openers Ernie Heseltine and Rob Jones opened and put on 37 for the first wicket before Rob was caught by Cokayne at mid-off for 12. Richard Jones then came in and took up the cudgels – smashing the bowlers to all parts of the ground. He added 57 from 34 balls and helped put on 85 for the second wicket inside 12 overs. Their partnership was ended briefly by rain as the two teams came off for another 20 minutes. Fortunately for Houghton, the rain gradually stopped and the teams returned to the field. When Jones was eventually out, after being caught at deep mid-on, he left with Houghton in the driving seat at 121 for two. Bisby and Heseltine then took their side to within sight of victory when Heseltine (50) was bowled with the score on 144 for three. And when Luke Jeffs treated the supporters to a cameo innings of 23 runs from 21 balls to become the fourth wicket down for 183, Houghton needed just 17 from the remaining six overs. Bisby (22 not out) and Paul Riley (eight not out) booked the team’s place in the final with just under four overs to go. Two successive fours from Riley ended the game in style.
The club will be providing transport for those fans wishing to travel. Tickets are £15 return per person and buses will depart at 6am on the day of the final and return after the match. Tickets will be on sale at the club house at Middlecliffe Lane on Tuesday and Thursday between 6pm and 9pm. The team will also be wearing new kit for the big day, anybody wishing to sponsor any of the clothing can contact Ernie Heseltine on 01709 761936 between 9am and 5pm.
