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On Monday 7 July at Green Lane CC, the Crusaders Cricket Team, touring from Australia, were beaten by the Airedale-Wharfedale Senior Cricket League`s Overseas Player XI by 43 Runs.

The Senior League batted first and scored 223-9 in their allotted 40 Overs with Rob Winter (North Leeds) making 58, Hall Park`s Michael Elliott 54 and Chris Underwood of Guiseley 46. The Tourists` Rob Quiney took 6-26 in his 8 overs.

The Crusaders` reply was interrupted when Oliver Wilhelm, currently playing with Pool CC, pulled a ball into his face and had to retire hurt with a badly swollen cheek. He was on 14 at the time and going well.

Wickets fell regularly but solid contributions from Matthew Harrison (31), Grant Swift (29), Jarrad Loughman (32) and Brad Niemann (27) kept the pot boiling.

The wickets were shared, with Phil Valentine (North Leeds) taking 2-39 and Colin Myers 2-26.

Chris Underwood took 1-13 to earn himself the Man of the Match Award.

Selection for the League XI had proved somewhat problematic with many last-minute changes of personnel and so thanks are extended to those English players who turned out at the last minute.

Green Lane CC performed splendidly and the evening was marvelously finished by a barbecue and presentations of Crusaders and League ties to the opposition. .

Scores - AWSCL 223-9 (Rob Winter 58, Michael Elliott 54, Chris Underwood 46, Rob Quiney 6-26)

The Crusaders XI - 180 (Jarred Loughman 32, Matthew Harrison 31, Grant Swift 29, Brad Niemann 27. Colin Myers 2-26, Phil Valentine 2-39)

This was the Crusaders first defeat on this, their ninth tour of England.

 Chris Underwood and Rob Winter begin their opening stand on Monday.

And another quick single for the League`s intrepid opening partnership.

Andrew Burke of Otley CC bowls to the early Crusaders batsman at the start of their innings.

It is hard work, considering the finer points of anglo-antipodean relationships but (from Left to Right), the League President, Secretary and Umpires Appointments Secretary try their best. The President of Bilton CC, Mr Terry Wright, looks, not surprisingly, desperately embarrassed and who can blame him !!!.

Presentations held after the match. The League President and Secretary, together with Darrel Holt, one of the touring Umpires and Team Manager for the day, and The Crusaders captain, Grant Smith, currently playing with Honley CC in the Huddersfield CL, can be seen (just) at the back left corner of the photograph.

Umpires Tony Crowther (on the left) and Parry Brooksbank discuss the game at the close of play.

The Crusaders are in Yorkshire for the rest of this week as follows.

Tuesday 8 July v. The Bradford CL at Pudsey Congs CC

Wednesday 9/Thursday 10 v. Yorkshire II at New Rover and they also have a match at Barwick-in-Elmet CC on 9 July and then at Pateley Bridge CC on 10 July.

Friday 11 July v. Studley Royal CC