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So Whitehall lined up as follows: M Wright, D Wright, M Palmer, A Dunne, J
Bainbridge, S Mace, R Francis, C Thompson, P White, D Bond, and A Petch.

Report by Martin Palmer

Whitehall’s hopes of making a proper game of it were all but washed away as the April
showers arrived during tea, soaking the players and diluting our spirits. Cookridge would
have loved to have had a real go at our batting after they had surmounted an impressive
total of 232 and they took every break in the weather to rattle through the overs as best they
could. However, eventually the captain’s had to shake hands as the clouds promised no let
up and all were sent home early.

The game started relatively well for the “Whites”, but the two early wickets ironically proved
to be our undoing as that brought the talent of Danny and Khalid to the crease and they
both hit quick-fire totals before slogger Ollie stepped up with his customary left handed
whirlwind of runs. Although we fought well in the field, the home side enjoyed their innings
and it was a shame the weather denied both teams what could have been a real battle in the
second half. Cookridge once again played the game in its true spirit, their youngster (or
“young-star”, if you will) Danny Hanley was unquestionably man of the match and they
provided a very warm welcome in the club house which was appreciated as the rain tried its
best to spoil the afternoon.

To try and critique our batting in this instance would be unfair as everyone could see that a
bore draw was imminent and Cookridge would be intent on dragging it out to the last if the
sun could eventually find its hat. However, young villains of the week, Aidan and Joe
obviously had a jelly and ice-cream party to get to as they both went for ducks (quack,
quack) and then jumped straight into the getaway car with some bird. Their antics were
frowned upon by the travelling support of both teams and words have been had behind
closed doors with club captain, Woody, who could not be at the game as he was at a pop
concert which with the Dales Council being a Saturday league, decided to sell his tickets for
the Saturday gig, and buy some for the Sunday gig, trying to be the best clubman her could
be. Enough said.

Cookridge, clearly strengthened by their recent signings, should provide a challenge for any
team in this league and Whitehall will need to be at full strength at the reverse fixture at
Becketts Park in (hopefully) sunnier climes. However, looking only as far as the next game
for now, Whitehall should come out all guns blazing to ensure 6 points from the visit of
Wisbey Park Chapel in front of a big crowd at Headingley.