Cricket: Scholes set their sights on Shield

Jun 18 2009 by David Lockwood, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SCHOLES installed themselves as favourites for the Paddock Shield after beating Holmfirth to reach the semi-finals, while Elland came unstuck at Slaithwaite.

And with Premiership Two leaders Kirkburton losing in the League programme, the Chapelgate club’s second team are now top of the table and chasing silverware on two fronts.

The Shield clash with close Holme Valley neighbours Holmfirth was far from easy despite dismissing their visitors for just 103.

Phil Birkhead top-scored with 27 as his teammates were undone by teenage spinner Joe Wood (four for seven) and Craig Marsh (three for 19).

However, it was anything but easy for Scholes in reply, as Birkhead struck with four for 23, while Ian Whiteley sent back three of Scholes’ top four batsmen, and from 67-2, they were suddenly 73-6 and struggling.

Anthony Coldwell struck a vital 19 however, which took them to the verge of victory which they achieved with two wickets to spare.

Slaithwaite produced probably the biggest surprise of the day when they knocked over Elland by five wickets at Hill Top.