Allman is a historymaker for Pudsey
WHEN Jack Allman surpassed his previous highest score of 89 for Pudsey St Lawrence Second XI he knew he was on for a big score.
But the 18-year-old had no idea he would spank a history-making 258 runs off 141 balls as records tumbled in the first round of the Bradford Priestley Shield against Brighouse last Saturday.
His partnership of 459 runs with Harry Cullingford, who hit 206 from 112 deliveries, also eclipsed the previous league record as Pudsey made an astonishing 545-4 from 49.3 overs.
But the game took an even more remarkable twist as Brighouse opted to declare after just one delivery, a move which has sparked an investigation by the Bradford Premier League.
Allman, however, was just focussed on getting as many runs as he could and sensed that he could make a very good return on the day.
The right-handed batsman said: “It was an incredible feeling. I think when I got to 50 I could tell it was a nice pitch to bat on and it was good conditions to bat in as well.
“The opposition weren’t great because they didn’t have a new ball either and I came in around 60-1, and then once I got to 50 it sunk in that I could get quite a big score. I was dropped on 114, I don’t think I gave them another chance until I got out really.
“It only sunk in that the records were going to tumble when we got to around 400. We got there with about 12 overs left so we had plenty of time to get even more runs. We just wanted to get as many runs as possible and bat them out of the game completely.
“It’s a massive confidence booster. I had a poor season with the bat last year; I only scored 92 runs, so this year I’ve gone back to basics and started again.
“I’m going out there and just enjoying myself a lot more.”
Despite smashing 42 fours and seven sixes, the wicketkeeper felt the result was slightly tarnished by Brighouse’s declaration after one ball.
He said: “When we were on around 300, they tried to force the declaration by bringing all the fielders in but we didn’t want to declare, we wanted to get as many runs as possible.
“Their opening batsman then walked down the track first ball, hit a single and then walked off and that was it. I couldn’t believe it really. It was a bit unsporting because we just wanted to play a full day of cricket.
“You’d at least expect if they’d chased the ball around for 50-odd overs that they’d want to come out and have a bat on a decent pitch.”
David Young, Bradford Premier League chairman said:“All that I can say is that it is being investigated but in defence of Brighouse, it was a very hot day and nine or ten of their players are Muslim.
“They couldn’t eat or drink because of Ramadan, so after chasing leather for 50 overs, they probably decided to call it a day.”