Spin King Dendle takes Academy to 1st Victory

The Academy XI hosted Gilberdyke 2nd XI at Westfield on Sunday and having lost the toss were asked to bat on a damp wicket. After a reasonable start to the innings from Franks and Eastwood Goole lost their first wicket with the score on 33. The dismissal of Franks brought Guy Richardson to the crease with his East Yorkshire team mate Eastwood. The two district players took their time and patiently built a 50 run partnership as the score progressed well into the 90’s before Eastwood was caught for and excellent 39. Richardson was joined by Declan Greaves who quickly got on with the scoring and hit a quick-fire 23 as Richardson rotated the strike well and went into the 40’s. Unfortunately he lost his wicket with his score on 43, just seven short of his maiden senior 50. Goole continued to push the score along and ended their innings on 155 for 6, which was an excellent performance taking into account the damp conditions.

Gilberdyke in reply got off to a quick start with M Eastwood scoring 52, but as wickets fell at the other end Goole knew that they had a chance of victory. Young leg spinner Ralf Dendle was the pick of the Goole bowlers taking 4 for 10 from 5 overs alongside Ollie Ounsley who took 2 for 1, which included the wicket of Gilberdyke’s 1st team player, who looked dangerous, but was brilliantly caught by the keeper (Franks) with a low diving catch to his right. Dendle’s contribution with the ball was the difference between the sides. His control and spin made it very difficult for Gilberdyke to score and his excellent line bowling meant he was a constant threat to their wickets. Gilberdyke finished up being bowled out for 71 from 26 overs, which was an excellent performance from the Goole side that was made up of 9 under 15 players. The Academy play North Ferriby at home on Sunday where they will hope to build on their maiden win in senior cricket.