The season started on time on the 20th, despite the mountain of snow that fell on Shepley & surrounding areas just a few weeks before. The first X1 had a convincing 6 pts victory against Hall Bower at Marsh Lane, the first 7 of the Bower wickets all falling to opening bowler Craig Glover, who returned the excellent figures of 7-28 in 15 splendid overs. Our new recruits all figured prominently in their first games for the Club, Josh Clarkson (Tiny) with 4 victims behind the stumps, South African Sean Savage with 2-1 & Danny Wood with 1-0 whilst opener Dan Wood led the home team to an 8 wicket victory with 27 not out. Our 2nd X1 didn’t fair quite as well against the same opponents, Shepley being dismissed for a disappointing 141 after an excellent opening century partnership between new captain Gary Bradley, 65 & the ever dependable Stuart Greaves, 39. In reply, Bower knocked off the required runs for the loss of 6 wickets, Chris Cox finishing with 3-31 & Stuart Greaves with 2-20.
The following day in the Crowther Cup, Bradford League team Baildon visited Marsh Lane & posted a total of 198 in their 50 overs, Young Tom James & the returning Ali Reza grabbing a couple of wickets each. Unfortunately, the visitors proved far too strong on the day, bowling out Shepley for a disappointing 59 for a heavy defeat. A much closer game took place at Baildon in the prestigious Heavy Woollen Cup. Baildon posted a competitive total of 228 all out in their 50 overs, Danny Glover & Liam Wiles both finishing with 3 wickets & Danny Wood with 2. The Shepley reply was anchored by the impressive Dan Wood who fell for 76 at a crucial stage of the game. Despite good contributions from Liam Wiles 33 & Oliver Cox 21, Shepley were dismissed to lose the closely fought tie by a mere 6 runs. Even the Baildon supporters thought we had not enjoyed all the best decisions including a caught behind for Sean Savage when the ball clearly appeared to hit him on his shoulder.
On the 27th, the 2nd XI entertained Delph & Dobcross who scored 134-2 in a rain affected game of 25 overs a side, Ali Reza taking both wickets to fall. The Shepley reply was positive & a 5 pt victory was secured by 6 wickets with valuable contributions from Rob Denton 47 & an undefeated knock of 46 from Chris Cox. The 1st X1 travelled to Barkisland & in a 40 over game, posted an excellent total of 231-6, the Wood brothers Dan & Greg scoring 47 & 56 respectively, being well supported by Josh Clarkson 40 & Liam Wiles 32. A 5 pts victory was achieved when Barkisland replied with a total of 188-5, captain Danny Glover finishing with 3-52.
The following day, the first team were again in action at home to near neighbours Shelley. Having won the toss & inserted the visitors, Shelley were all out for 40 Craig & Danny Glover finishing with 4-10 & 3-20 respectively. The dependable Dan Woods & Liam Wiles guided Shepley home to a victory by 8 wickets.
