The seemingly ageless Tim Orrell has signed off on a prodigious club career by winning the Johnny Hunter 1XI Award, with Cumberworth’s Richard Smith taking the 2XI version. Orrell has already confirmed his cricketing retirement but not without putting in an incredible batting performance to lead his side to a win.
Mirfield Parish Cavaliers’ talismanic former captain pulled his side over the line in a crunch bottom-of-the-table clash at home to Delph & Dobcross in June, from an almost hopeless position. The former Woodlands skipper dug in at 65-5 chasing a daunting 254 first innings total by visitors Delph, before proceeding to go on to make an unbeaten 135 from only 68 balls to take the wind out of their relegation rivals, succeeding with just two balls remaining.
Richard Smith pulled off another remarkable comeback in similar circumstances for Cumberworth United CC 2XI at home to promotion-chasing Elland 2XI in a late-July Championship Two fixture. Cumberworth were 60-6 in reply to the visitors’ 173 when Smith entered at no.8 and stood little chance of victory. Smith hit an unbeaten 90 from 72 balls to guide the lower order, wisely stealing the strike to protect his partner. Cumberworth’s reply was 175-8 which was achieved on the final ball of the match.
The Executive congratulate both Tim and Richard for their exceptional performances.Their respective trophies will be presented at a special awards gala at Elland Cricket Club on Thursday 25th November.
