Farsley v Gomersal

Date: Saturday, September 6
Scores: No play possible
Points: Farsley 2 – Gomersal 2
Weather: Fine but ground unfit
Venue: Red Lane

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If ever a team could be happy about an abandoned game without a ball being bowled it must be surely be Gomersal who were lying in second place to the Rams, 11 points ahead of third placed Idle who, in turn, were also5 points ahead of Keighley.

Undercliffe's own promotion hopes had recently been scuppered much to the disappointment of the Intake Road Club.

If it had been Gomersal's wish – and cricketers prefer to settle matters on the field whatever the occasion – then it was certainly granted by the Powers who look after these sort of things, which, one suspects, is not the JCT Bradford League Management who nevertheless, were here in force, complete with "wellie boot" for what should have been the season's last game.

In truth, there was never much chance of the final game going ahead, the week long, nay summer long, rain having left small lakes around the ground which at least Raymond Illingworth was able to exploit by selling off several fishing rights for the autumn season ahead. League President Keith Moss was not too impressed. Both sets of players hung around however for over three hours, many with an ear to their mobiles simply wanting to know whether Idle's own game against Morley was going down the pan as well.

Before the eventual abandonment however at around 3.00pm, League Officials presented the Farsley Club with their Second Division Waddilove Trophy and individual awards to each of the Farsley players who had at least changed into their pristine whites for the variety of photographers present and the actual presentation of course. They were each warmly received by Club and players.

Keith Moss spoke short but eloquently about the Rams' early return to Division One after their 2007 season's relegation and Officer Graham Reid (League Chairman) and David Young (Treasurer) helped present the various Championship Trophies in, ironically, warm weather and occasional bright sunshine.

It was an unsatisfactory way to finally finish the season but the Rams at least remained unbeaten at Red Lane, 9 victories and 2 abandonments making a large part of their season's success which also included 8 away victories, one abandonment (also at Gomersal) and only 2 defeats – at Undercliffe and Keighley. Their final points total is also a record in a 22 match season at 309, an average of over 14 points a game albeit recent changes and additions to batting and bowling bonus points have helped of course. It will take a bit of beating, non-the-less.

At the end of it all, the club will be sorry to say goodbye to Big Will Kitchen who is leaving the area and, inevitably, there will be other changes and a few additions to the First Xl squad ahead of next season's return. This team as not only been a successful one however, but a very happy one – the two elements often go together of course – and skipper David Syers will want this to continue in 2009 as part of the Club's ambitions to become a leading light in the higher Division.

Finally, club news will be released during the close season as and when available and the Club's Committee, through this last 'match report', wish to thank all our members, supporters, well wishers, sponsors and advertisers for their various and respective assistance during the season 2008.