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TWO MEN AND A BLOG
Cricket Diary 2009
Tony Hutton & Peter Davies
Foreword by Joe Sayers, Yorkshire CCC and England Lions
Two Men and a Blog charts the cricket-watching adventures of Tony Hutton and Peter Davies in 2009. Tony, who lives in Leeds, and Peter, based in Huddersfield, spent most of their summer on the boundary edge. Much of their cricket-watching took place in Yorkshire and Lancashire but they also ventured into the Midlands, the South of England, Wales and Scotland. While Tony concentrates on visiting some of the most obscure grounds in the country, Peter takes more than a passing interest in cricket teas.
60,000 WORDS, 176 PAGES, 16 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS – PRICE £5
All profits to ‘The Cricketing Heritage of Calderdale and Kirklees’ Project.
www.ckcricketheritage.org.uk - p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk
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Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Snow and Custard
Posted by Peter Davies
A new blogging year begins at North Leeds CC - the annual, and very bizarre, Boxing Day challenge match. This year the ground is covered in snow, except for a small, thin rectangular area: the wicket. Big hits pitch in the snow and then stop. Hence the low first-innings total of 70-odd. Ironically, the day was actually quite nice: blue sky, sunshine and nice crisp air. The pavilion was doing a good trade in rather delicate hot dogs and some gorgeous piping hot mince pies, plus tea and coffee. In attendance were 50-odd local cricket enthusiasts, many connected with the Northern Cricket Society. I arrived with David Thorpe and Brian Senior, and my 2009 blogging pal, Tony Hutton, was doing fine work publicising and selling Two Men and a Blog. We had a wander round the boundary edge but were disappointed that the Test match from South Africa wasn't on the pavilion TV. The NCS XI were vanquished on the field and David, Brian and myself headed off for lunch - a gargantuan carvery meal at a pub on Wetherby Road. £3.50 for the mammoth meal was amazing value and the £2 apple and blackberry pie (with custard) also hit the spot.
A new blogging year begins at North Leeds CC - the annual, and very bizarre, Boxing Day challenge match. This year the ground is covered in snow, except for a small, thin rectangular area: the wicket. Big hits pitch in the snow and then stop. Hence the low first-innings total of 70-odd. Ironically, the day was actually quite nice: blue sky, sunshine and nice crisp air. The pavilion was doing a good trade in rather delicate hot dogs and some gorgeous piping hot mince pies, plus tea and coffee. In attendance were 50-odd local cricket enthusiasts, many connected with the Northern Cricket Society. I arrived with David Thorpe and Brian Senior, and my 2009 blogging pal, Tony Hutton, was doing fine work publicising and selling Two Men and a Blog. We had a wander round the boundary edge but were disappointed that the Test match from South Africa wasn't on the pavilion TV. The NCS XI were vanquished on the field and David, Brian and myself headed off for lunch - a gargantuan carvery meal at a pub on Wetherby Road. £3.50 for the mammoth meal was amazing value and the £2 apple and blackberry pie (with custard) also hit the spot.
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Batley CC bonanza
The Batley CC presentation evening was a wonderful event to be invited to.
The Al-Hikmah Islamic Centre, in Mount Pleasant, had been hired out for the evening and there must have been more than 100 people in attendance - players plus friends of the club. Farid Karolia - who does lots of work for both BCC and nearby Mount CC - was on the top table alongside the swarve MC for the night, Mr Bhana.
The top performers of the year were awarded with cups and trophies and a number of VIPs made very strong and passionate speeches including Mike Wood MP, cricket goods tycoon Solly Adam, Yorkshire CCC official Tony Bowry, and a couple of local councillors. Farid also finished off the evening with some of his famous jokes!
Then for the food! Lots of curry - both savoury and sweet - with salad accessories and Coca-Cola. It was a night for Batley CC folk to feel very proud of their club. And it goes back a long way - to the late 19C when they were a major force in the Heavy Woollen Cup and when WG.Grace once played at Mount Pleasant...
The Al-Hikmah Islamic Centre, in Mount Pleasant, had been hired out for the evening and there must have been more than 100 people in attendance - players plus friends of the club. Farid Karolia - who does lots of work for both BCC and nearby Mount CC - was on the top table alongside the swarve MC for the night, Mr Bhana.
The top performers of the year were awarded with cups and trophies and a number of VIPs made very strong and passionate speeches including Mike Wood MP, cricket goods tycoon Solly Adam, Yorkshire CCC official Tony Bowry, and a couple of local councillors. Farid also finished off the evening with some of his famous jokes!
Then for the food! Lots of curry - both savoury and sweet - with salad accessories and Coca-Cola. It was a night for Batley CC folk to feel very proud of their club. And it goes back a long way - to the late 19C when they were a major force in the Heavy Woollen Cup and when WG.Grace once played at Mount Pleasant...
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Review of USA Lecture
Review of Professor Jeff Hill's lecture on Cricket in the USA - 9 December, University of Huddersfield Cricket Research Centre
Cricket in America? Yes, said Jeff Hill as he traced the fascinating history of the sport in the USA and Canada. This historical overview was the prelude to a detailed analysis of Joseph O'Neill's novel Netherland - a story of cricketing dreams, hatched by a Trinidadian and Dutchman, in post-9/11 New York. Jeff's argument was that America should not be ignored when it comes to cricket and the book was used as significant evidence. He was particularly interested in the way in which cricket was a 'solace' for protagonist Hans.
Jeff's thoughts were both provocative and expertly delivered. The audience included cricket historian Jack Williams, Northumbria University cricket resaercher Dean Allen, Derek Barnard of The Cricket Society, former University of Huddersfield vice-chancellor Brendan Evans and a range of local cricketing folk including Andrew Smith (Illingworth CC), Bob Horne (Lightcliffe CC), Dave Walker (Old Almondburians CC), veteran local player Peter Dibb and several cricket enthusiasts from the Leeds area.
Cricket in America? Yes, said Jeff Hill as he traced the fascinating history of the sport in the USA and Canada. This historical overview was the prelude to a detailed analysis of Joseph O'Neill's novel Netherland - a story of cricketing dreams, hatched by a Trinidadian and Dutchman, in post-9/11 New York. Jeff's argument was that America should not be ignored when it comes to cricket and the book was used as significant evidence. He was particularly interested in the way in which cricket was a 'solace' for protagonist Hans.
Jeff's thoughts were both provocative and expertly delivered. The audience included cricket historian Jack Williams, Northumbria University cricket resaercher Dean Allen, Derek Barnard of The Cricket Society, former University of Huddersfield vice-chancellor Brendan Evans and a range of local cricketing folk including Andrew Smith (Illingworth CC), Bob Horne (Lightcliffe CC), Dave Walker (Old Almondburians CC), veteran local player Peter Dibb and several cricket enthusiasts from the Leeds area.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Cricket in the USA Guest Lecture
Cricket in America - Guest Lecture
An expert on sport history will talk about cricket in America at a special University of Huddersfield event.
Professor Jeff Hill, who has written extensively on the history of leisure and sport, will be speaking about cricket in America and the award-winning novel Netherland by Joseph O'Neill.
In recent years, Professor Hill has authored several books, including Sport and Identity in the North of England and Sport, Leisure and Culture in Twentieth-century Britain, and has also written many influential articles about cricket history.
And his Huddersfield lecture will be entitled, 'Joseph O'Neill's Netherland and Cricket in America'.
'It will be a great pleasure to welcome Jeff to Huddersfield,' said Cricket Research Centre coordinator Dr Peter Davies.
'He is an acknowledged authority on cricket history and will be talking about a fascinating subject.'
Professor Hill is based in Shropshire and has worked at Leicester De Montfort University since 2001.
He has been a visiting researcher at the University of British Columbia (1994) and Visiting Professor in European Studies at Columbus State University, Georgia, USA (2006).
Dr Davies explained: 'Our Inaugural Lecture in October was a wonderful occasion and we are now looking forward to discovering more about cricket in the States.'
The lecture will take place on Wednesday 9 December, 5.15pm in Room W2/43 - West Building, Queensgate Campus, University of Huddersfield.
Admission is free and there is no need to reserve a place. There will also be a cricket bookstall and exhibition.
The Cricket Research Centre was established this year by Dr Davies and colleagues at the University of Huddersfield.
It holds monthly seminars and an annual conference in addition to the quarterly guest lectures.
Dr Davies and colleagues Dr Rob Light, Duncan Stone, Sean Reid, and Dennis O'Keefe have all published on cricket history.
Contact Dr Davies on 01484 472405 or via p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk. The Centre's website is at http://www2.hud.ac.uk/mhm/history/research/cricket.
An expert on sport history will talk about cricket in America at a special University of Huddersfield event.
Professor Jeff Hill, who has written extensively on the history of leisure and sport, will be speaking about cricket in America and the award-winning novel Netherland by Joseph O'Neill.
In recent years, Professor Hill has authored several books, including Sport and Identity in the North of England and Sport, Leisure and Culture in Twentieth-century Britain, and has also written many influential articles about cricket history.
And his Huddersfield lecture will be entitled, 'Joseph O'Neill's Netherland and Cricket in America'.
'It will be a great pleasure to welcome Jeff to Huddersfield,' said Cricket Research Centre coordinator Dr Peter Davies.
'He is an acknowledged authority on cricket history and will be talking about a fascinating subject.'
Professor Hill is based in Shropshire and has worked at Leicester De Montfort University since 2001.
He has been a visiting researcher at the University of British Columbia (1994) and Visiting Professor in European Studies at Columbus State University, Georgia, USA (2006).
Dr Davies explained: 'Our Inaugural Lecture in October was a wonderful occasion and we are now looking forward to discovering more about cricket in the States.'
The lecture will take place on Wednesday 9 December, 5.15pm in Room W2/43 - West Building, Queensgate Campus, University of Huddersfield.
Admission is free and there is no need to reserve a place. There will also be a cricket bookstall and exhibition.
The Cricket Research Centre was established this year by Dr Davies and colleagues at the University of Huddersfield.
It holds monthly seminars and an annual conference in addition to the quarterly guest lectures.
Dr Davies and colleagues Dr Rob Light, Duncan Stone, Sean Reid, and Dennis O'Keefe have all published on cricket history.
Contact Dr Davies on 01484 472405 or via p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk. The Centre's website is at http://www2.hud.ac.uk/mhm/history/research/cricket.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Joe Sayers Partnership
The CK Cricket Heritage Project has teamed up with Pongo Cricket - the brainchild of Yorkshire CCC opening batsman Joe Sayers.
And the agreement will cover a range of matters.
Research Centre coordinator Dr Peter Davies will contribute a regular blog to Pongo Cricket - entitled 'Dr Cricket' - and BA (Hons) Sports Journalism students at the university will be encouraged to write about cricket on Sayers' innovative website, http://pongocricket.com.
Meanwhile, the White Rose star has written the foreword to Two Men and a Blog: Cricket Diary 2009 - a new book written by Dr Davies and co-blogger Tony Hutton - and will also visit the Centre for a special Q&A session in 2010.
Dr Davies explained: "Joe has developed an excellent multi-platform website and we look forward to working with him and welcoming him to Huddersfield in the New Year."
Sayers is currently in South Africa with the England Performance Squad.
He said: "Pongo Cricket is a new and ground-breaking media platform especially for cricket.
"It allows players and cricket fans to contribute their own blogs, photos and videos about anything cricket-related.
"As the content is created by those who are closest to the game, it is the best possible reflection of cricket today.
"Pongo also acts as a virtual clubhouse - where fans can follow their favourite cricketers, and share their views with other fans - and media broker, which allows contributors to make a valuable income from the content they upload."
And the agreement will cover a range of matters.
Research Centre coordinator Dr Peter Davies will contribute a regular blog to Pongo Cricket - entitled 'Dr Cricket' - and BA (Hons) Sports Journalism students at the university will be encouraged to write about cricket on Sayers' innovative website, http://pongocricket.com.
Meanwhile, the White Rose star has written the foreword to Two Men and a Blog: Cricket Diary 2009 - a new book written by Dr Davies and co-blogger Tony Hutton - and will also visit the Centre for a special Q&A session in 2010.
Dr Davies explained: "Joe has developed an excellent multi-platform website and we look forward to working with him and welcoming him to Huddersfield in the New Year."
Sayers is currently in South Africa with the England Performance Squad.
He said: "Pongo Cricket is a new and ground-breaking media platform especially for cricket.
"It allows players and cricket fans to contribute their own blogs, photos and videos about anything cricket-related.
"As the content is created by those who are closest to the game, it is the best possible reflection of cricket today.
"Pongo also acts as a virtual clubhouse - where fans can follow their favourite cricketers, and share their views with other fans - and media broker, which allows contributors to make a valuable income from the content they upload."
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Yorkshire Cricket Collection
Yorkshire Cricket Collection:
Have you got any spare, duplicate or unwanted cricket books or magazines?
If so, why not donate them to the Yorkshire Cricket Collection?
This is a new collection established at the University of Huddersfield - and it is on the lookout for paperbacks, hardbacks, pamphlets, brochures, videos, DVDs and other material.
We're interested in items relating to cricket in Yorkshire (particularly club histories and biographies) and in other counties/countries.
The Yorkshire Cricket Collection will be housed in the newly refurbished University Archives in the University Library.
Contact the University's Archivist, Mrs E.A.Hilary Haigh via archives@hud.ac.uk / 01484 473168 or the Coordinator of the University of Huddersfield Cricket Research Centre, Dr Peter Davies via p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk / 01484 472405
Have you got any spare, duplicate or unwanted cricket books or magazines?
If so, why not donate them to the Yorkshire Cricket Collection?
This is a new collection established at the University of Huddersfield - and it is on the lookout for paperbacks, hardbacks, pamphlets, brochures, videos, DVDs and other material.
We're interested in items relating to cricket in Yorkshire (particularly club histories and biographies) and in other counties/countries.
The Yorkshire Cricket Collection will be housed in the newly refurbished University Archives in the University Library.
Contact the University's Archivist, Mrs E.A.Hilary Haigh via archives@hud.ac.uk / 01484 473168 or the Coordinator of the University of Huddersfield Cricket Research Centre, Dr Peter Davies via p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk / 01484 472405
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Review of David Frith's Inaugural Lecture
David Frith's 'Inaugural Lecture' at the University of Huddersfield Cricket Research Centre was a wonderful event.
Over 70 people were in attendance and the old-style West Building lecture theatre (W2/43) was packed to the rafters with standing room only. Coffee and biscuits were served beforehand, the bookstall was doing good business, and many local cricket enthusiasts seemed to be networking with long lost friends and contacts.
David took Yorkshire cricketers as his theme, exclusively those who he had got to know as a journalist, writer and magazine editor. He weaved together some excellent tales - and there were almost audible gasps in the room when he explained how he had chatted to Wilfred Rhodes about playing alongside W.G.Grace! In all, he picked out around 20 White Rose cricketers - from legends of the game to good county pros and occasional England players.
One major theme of his talk was declining standards: 21st Century cricketers not being willing to talk to the press, being mollycoddled, and not even writing their own autobiographies! At the end of his lecture he fielded a variety of questions - which touched on players he had left out(!!!) and also his favourite Yorkshire batsmen, bowlers and writers. He also signed a lot of books - with many audience members bringing their favourite D.Frith books with them to get autographed.
Audience members had come from all over - a cohort from Middlesbrough and also one chap from the South of France! Others in attendance were South Yorkshire cricket author Mick Pope, Dickie Bird Foundation official Eric Stephens, Todmorden CC historians Malcolm and Freda Heywood, cricket author Tony Bateman, Almondbury Wesleyans CC chairman Mark Binns, Scholes CC webmaster Paul Ibbotson, local cricket book dealer William Roberts, Lightcliffe CC stalwarts John Brooke and Bob Horne, and an array of Professional Cricket Watchers and local cricket enthusiasts.
All in all a wonderful night!
Over 70 people were in attendance and the old-style West Building lecture theatre (W2/43) was packed to the rafters with standing room only. Coffee and biscuits were served beforehand, the bookstall was doing good business, and many local cricket enthusiasts seemed to be networking with long lost friends and contacts.
David took Yorkshire cricketers as his theme, exclusively those who he had got to know as a journalist, writer and magazine editor. He weaved together some excellent tales - and there were almost audible gasps in the room when he explained how he had chatted to Wilfred Rhodes about playing alongside W.G.Grace! In all, he picked out around 20 White Rose cricketers - from legends of the game to good county pros and occasional England players.
One major theme of his talk was declining standards: 21st Century cricketers not being willing to talk to the press, being mollycoddled, and not even writing their own autobiographies! At the end of his lecture he fielded a variety of questions - which touched on players he had left out(!!!) and also his favourite Yorkshire batsmen, bowlers and writers. He also signed a lot of books - with many audience members bringing their favourite D.Frith books with them to get autographed.
Audience members had come from all over - a cohort from Middlesbrough and also one chap from the South of France! Others in attendance were South Yorkshire cricket author Mick Pope, Dickie Bird Foundation official Eric Stephens, Todmorden CC historians Malcolm and Freda Heywood, cricket author Tony Bateman, Almondbury Wesleyans CC chairman Mark Binns, Scholes CC webmaster Paul Ibbotson, local cricket book dealer William Roberts, Lightcliffe CC stalwarts John Brooke and Bob Horne, and an array of Professional Cricket Watchers and local cricket enthusiasts.
All in all a wonderful night!
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Wednesday lecture
Wednesday 21 October 2009 - David Frith, 'Yorkshire Cricketers I Have Known: From Wilfred Rhodes to Fred Trueman'
David is a leading cricket writer and historian. He founded Wisden Cricket Monthly in 1979 and edited the magazine until 1996. He has written numerous books and specialises in Ashes history. Also, in association with the National Film and Television Archive, he has presented an annual Archive Cricket Film Evening at the National Film Theatre in London since 1981. In 2003 he became the first author to win the Cricket Society's Book of the Year award three times, and his Bodyline Autopsy won Wisden's book of the year.
David is a leading cricket writer and historian. He founded Wisden Cricket Monthly in 1979 and edited the magazine until 1996. He has written numerous books and specialises in Ashes history. Also, in association with the National Film and Television Archive, he has presented an annual Archive Cricket Film Evening at the National Film Theatre in London since 1981. In 2003 he became the first author to win the Cricket Society's Book of the Year award three times, and his Bodyline Autopsy won Wisden's book of the year.
Sunday, 11 October 2009
David Frith lecture - Wed 21 Oct
David Frith lecture - Wed 21 Oct
All welcome!
Parking should be available on campus
Light refreshments served 5.15; lecture starts 5.45
Room W2/43 - West Building
All welcome!
Parking should be available on campus
Light refreshments served 5.15; lecture starts 5.45
Room W2/43 - West Building
Sunday, 4 October 2009
David Frith Lecture - 21 Oct
Wed 21 Oct, 5.15pm - David Frith Cricket Lecture - Press Release
An acclaimed Ashes historian will deliver the inaugural lecture at the University of Huddersfield's Cricket Research Centre.
David Frith, who has written numerous books on cricket history, will be talking about Yorkshire cricket and cricketers over the decades.
His books include Bodyline Autopsy, The Fast Men and Caught England, Bowled Australia, and he has also produced cricket videos and hosted cricket film evenings at the
National Film Theatre in London.
His Huddersfield lecture will be entitled, 'Yorkshire Cricketers I Have Known: From Wilfred Rhodes to Fred Trueman'.
'It's a massive coup to get David to come to Huddersfield,' said Centre coordinator Dr Peter Davies.
'He is an acknowledged authority on cricket history and we are looking forward very much to welcoming him to Yorkshire.'
Frith is based in Guildford, Surrey, and has also lived and worked in Australia. He was the founding editor of Wisden Cricket Monthly in 1979 and is a regular contributor to its successor, The Wisden Cricketer.
Dr Davies explained: 'We have some big names lined up for our quarterly guest lectures and David is a major figure in cricket history circles.'
The Cricket Research Centre was established this year by Dr Davies and colleagues at the University of Huddersfield.
It holds monthly seminars and an annual conference in addition to the quarterly guest lectures.
Dr Davies and colleagues Dr Rob Light, Duncan Stone and Dennis O'Keefe have all published on cricket history.
Contact Dr Davies on 01484 472405 or via p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk. The Centre's website is at http://www2.hud.ac.uk/mhm/history/research/cricket.
An acclaimed Ashes historian will deliver the inaugural lecture at the University of Huddersfield's Cricket Research Centre.
David Frith, who has written numerous books on cricket history, will be talking about Yorkshire cricket and cricketers over the decades.
His books include Bodyline Autopsy, The Fast Men and Caught England, Bowled Australia, and he has also produced cricket videos and hosted cricket film evenings at the
National Film Theatre in London.
His Huddersfield lecture will be entitled, 'Yorkshire Cricketers I Have Known: From Wilfred Rhodes to Fred Trueman'.
'It's a massive coup to get David to come to Huddersfield,' said Centre coordinator Dr Peter Davies.
'He is an acknowledged authority on cricket history and we are looking forward very much to welcoming him to Yorkshire.'
Frith is based in Guildford, Surrey, and has also lived and worked in Australia. He was the founding editor of Wisden Cricket Monthly in 1979 and is a regular contributor to its successor, The Wisden Cricketer.
Dr Davies explained: 'We have some big names lined up for our quarterly guest lectures and David is a major figure in cricket history circles.'
The Cricket Research Centre was established this year by Dr Davies and colleagues at the University of Huddersfield.
It holds monthly seminars and an annual conference in addition to the quarterly guest lectures.
Dr Davies and colleagues Dr Rob Light, Duncan Stone and Dennis O'Keefe have all published on cricket history.
Contact Dr Davies on 01484 472405 or via p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk. The Centre's website is at http://www2.hud.ac.uk/mhm/history/research/cricket.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Quarterly Guest Lectures 2009/10
University of Huddersfield Cricket Research Centre
Quarterly Guest Lectures 2009/10
All lectures 5.15-7.15, Room W2/43 (2nd Floor, West Building)
Including light refreshments, bookstall and exhibition displays (refreshments will be served on arrival, with the lecture starting at 5.45pm)
Admission free - no need to book in advance; just come along! ALL WELCOME
Wednesday 21 October 2009 - David Frith, 'Yorkshire Cricketers I Have Known: From Wilfred Rhodes to Fred Trueman'
David is a leading cricket writer and historian. He founded Wisden Cricket Monthly in 1979 and edited the magazine until 1996. He has written numerous books and specialises in Ashes history. Also, in association with the National Film and Television Archive, he has presented an annual Archive Cricket Film Evening at the National Film Theatre in London since 1981. In 2003 he became the first author to win the Cricket Society's Book of the Year award three times, and his Bodyline Autopsy won Wisden's book of the year.
Wednesday 9 December 2009 - Professor Jeff Hill, 'Joseph O'Neill's Netherland and Cricket in America'
Jeff has worked at Leicester De Montfort University since 2001. He has been a visiting researcher at the University of British Columbia (1994) and Visiting Professor in European Studies at Columbus State University, Georgia, USA (2006). His academic interests are in the areas of sport and recreation. His most recent publications are Sport and the Literary Imagination and Sport, Leisure and Culture in Twentieth-century Britain. He has written about many aspects of cricket history.
Wednesday 24 February 2010 - Dr Philippa Velija, 'Women's Cricket, the Women's Cricket Association and the ECB'
Philippa is Lecturer in Sociology of Sport at York St. John’s University. Her research interests include gender and sport, sport and social exclusion, and sport and social theory. Her publications include, ‘'Look it’s a Girl: Cricket and Gender Relations in the UK’ (Sport in Society) and ‘Female Incursions into Cricket’s “Male Preserve”’ in Tribal Play: Sport Subcultures and Countercultures. She has also given papers at the Commonwealth Cricket Conference in London and in Montreal, Buenos Aires and Thessaloniki.
Wednesday 19 May 2010 - Dr Dan Burdsey, 'From Ranji to Ravi: The Emergence of the British Asian Cricket Star'
Dan teaches on a wide range of undergraduate modules related to the sociology of sport, leisure and popular culture at the University of Brighton, and is supervising doctoral students in the area of sport, race and ethnicity. During the late 1990s he was an original member of the Leicester City FC Anti-Racist Task Force which initiated the Foxes Against Racism scheme and is currently undertaking consultancy work with the Premier League and Asian Football Network regarding British Asian football fans.
Confirmed for 2010/11:
Dr Jack Williams – Cricket and Broadcasting
Prof Hugh McLeod – Cricket and Religion
Quarterly Guest Lectures 2009/10
All lectures 5.15-7.15, Room W2/43 (2nd Floor, West Building)
Including light refreshments, bookstall and exhibition displays (refreshments will be served on arrival, with the lecture starting at 5.45pm)
Admission free - no need to book in advance; just come along! ALL WELCOME
Wednesday 21 October 2009 - David Frith, 'Yorkshire Cricketers I Have Known: From Wilfred Rhodes to Fred Trueman'
David is a leading cricket writer and historian. He founded Wisden Cricket Monthly in 1979 and edited the magazine until 1996. He has written numerous books and specialises in Ashes history. Also, in association with the National Film and Television Archive, he has presented an annual Archive Cricket Film Evening at the National Film Theatre in London since 1981. In 2003 he became the first author to win the Cricket Society's Book of the Year award three times, and his Bodyline Autopsy won Wisden's book of the year.
Wednesday 9 December 2009 - Professor Jeff Hill, 'Joseph O'Neill's Netherland and Cricket in America'
Jeff has worked at Leicester De Montfort University since 2001. He has been a visiting researcher at the University of British Columbia (1994) and Visiting Professor in European Studies at Columbus State University, Georgia, USA (2006). His academic interests are in the areas of sport and recreation. His most recent publications are Sport and the Literary Imagination and Sport, Leisure and Culture in Twentieth-century Britain. He has written about many aspects of cricket history.
Wednesday 24 February 2010 - Dr Philippa Velija, 'Women's Cricket, the Women's Cricket Association and the ECB'
Philippa is Lecturer in Sociology of Sport at York St. John’s University. Her research interests include gender and sport, sport and social exclusion, and sport and social theory. Her publications include, ‘'Look it’s a Girl: Cricket and Gender Relations in the UK’ (Sport in Society) and ‘Female Incursions into Cricket’s “Male Preserve”’ in Tribal Play: Sport Subcultures and Countercultures. She has also given papers at the Commonwealth Cricket Conference in London and in Montreal, Buenos Aires and Thessaloniki.
Wednesday 19 May 2010 - Dr Dan Burdsey, 'From Ranji to Ravi: The Emergence of the British Asian Cricket Star'
Dan teaches on a wide range of undergraduate modules related to the sociology of sport, leisure and popular culture at the University of Brighton, and is supervising doctoral students in the area of sport, race and ethnicity. During the late 1990s he was an original member of the Leicester City FC Anti-Racist Task Force which initiated the Foxes Against Racism scheme and is currently undertaking consultancy work with the Premier League and Asian Football Network regarding British Asian football fans.
Confirmed for 2010/11:
Dr Jack Williams – Cricket and Broadcasting
Prof Hugh McLeod – Cricket and Religion
Sunday, 20 September 2009
263 not out!
Posted by Peter Davies
A Huddersfield Central League tour in the company of some legendary Yorkshire- and Lancashire-based Professional Cricket Watchers, including Mick Bourne, Brian Senior, Brian Sanderson, Peter Dixon and David Thorpe. First up, Cawthorne, on the fringes of Barnsley. A picture-postcard village - really very beautiful. The cricket ground was also very lovely: tree-lined, spacious and boasting an attractive new pavilion. And they serve a nice cuppa! Almondbury Wesleyans were the visitors and were batting first. Andrew Crawshaw, Chris Jones and other Wes loyalists were circling the boundary. A good scattering of spectators too. The ground brought back some very bad memories for me. In 1997, I hurt my back and knee while fielding at Cawthorne and ended up on morphine in Barnsley General Hospital. A horrible experience.
Then to Denby Dale where Denby Grange were the visitors. The ground looked a picture in the sun and the warmth. But bad planning: the two teams were at tea and for the first quarter of an hour all we saw were the guys who do the wicket doing their stuff. The Dale tea ladies are always very friendly and the new pavilion always looks handsome and elegant. A very good viewing ground too, with the boundary edge littered with some fairly sturdy benches. Lots of spectators and also lots of bowlers on the adajacent green, so much so that parking was a major problem on the main road. I had a little bit of a lie on the patch of grass close to where we were all sitting - very nice indeed. My Dad came back with an ice lolly - from goodness know's where - and then enjoyed a stroll round the boundary. I befriended one of the tea ladies and was able to sample some of their cheddar cheese sandwiches and quiche.
At Cumberworth, another case of bad timing. The players had just gone in for tea. Again, more work on the wicket to admire and lots of players doing stretching exercises on the outfield. Cumberworth secretary and Central League official Phil Senior was chatting on the boundary with spectators and the two tea ladies were relaxing inside the pavilion after doing their stuff at the interval. Photos were taken of the Professional Cricket Watchers in their element, with Brian Senior estimating that his watching tally for the season was '263 matches or parts of matches'. A very good effort, and of course he was still going strong. Some ham sandwiches were consumed along with some lovely lettuce. But we had arrived too late for a full tea. Crigglestone were the visitors.
Finally, Cartworth Moor, where the visitors in a top-of-the-table tussle were Woolley. The winners would be crowned Section 'B' champions. An amazingly big crowd - and because of this there was a totally different atmosphere than usual. The sun was still shining and the panoramic views over and around Huddersfield were as crisp and awesome as ever. But it was also getting cold and my Dad had to borrow David Thorpe's old jumper - the one that he uses for painting! Lots of interesting people on the boundary edge, including club stalwart Stuart Clayton and current 2nd XI player Steve Spooner. One guy, also, had just returned from Chester-le-Street (in an England replica top), where Australia had at last been beaten. He said it was all over as a contest in early afternoon so he didn't want to hang about. We kept on looking out towards Upperthong's ground -on the other side of the valley - but when Moor finally came out on top (winning by 15 runs or so - and causing widespread celebrations) we called it a day - for the weekend and, as regards Huddersfield league cricket, for the season.
A Huddersfield Central League tour in the company of some legendary Yorkshire- and Lancashire-based Professional Cricket Watchers, including Mick Bourne, Brian Senior, Brian Sanderson, Peter Dixon and David Thorpe. First up, Cawthorne, on the fringes of Barnsley. A picture-postcard village - really very beautiful. The cricket ground was also very lovely: tree-lined, spacious and boasting an attractive new pavilion. And they serve a nice cuppa! Almondbury Wesleyans were the visitors and were batting first. Andrew Crawshaw, Chris Jones and other Wes loyalists were circling the boundary. A good scattering of spectators too. The ground brought back some very bad memories for me. In 1997, I hurt my back and knee while fielding at Cawthorne and ended up on morphine in Barnsley General Hospital. A horrible experience.
Then to Denby Dale where Denby Grange were the visitors. The ground looked a picture in the sun and the warmth. But bad planning: the two teams were at tea and for the first quarter of an hour all we saw were the guys who do the wicket doing their stuff. The Dale tea ladies are always very friendly and the new pavilion always looks handsome and elegant. A very good viewing ground too, with the boundary edge littered with some fairly sturdy benches. Lots of spectators and also lots of bowlers on the adajacent green, so much so that parking was a major problem on the main road. I had a little bit of a lie on the patch of grass close to where we were all sitting - very nice indeed. My Dad came back with an ice lolly - from goodness know's where - and then enjoyed a stroll round the boundary. I befriended one of the tea ladies and was able to sample some of their cheddar cheese sandwiches and quiche.
At Cumberworth, another case of bad timing. The players had just gone in for tea. Again, more work on the wicket to admire and lots of players doing stretching exercises on the outfield. Cumberworth secretary and Central League official Phil Senior was chatting on the boundary with spectators and the two tea ladies were relaxing inside the pavilion after doing their stuff at the interval. Photos were taken of the Professional Cricket Watchers in their element, with Brian Senior estimating that his watching tally for the season was '263 matches or parts of matches'. A very good effort, and of course he was still going strong. Some ham sandwiches were consumed along with some lovely lettuce. But we had arrived too late for a full tea. Crigglestone were the visitors.
Finally, Cartworth Moor, where the visitors in a top-of-the-table tussle were Woolley. The winners would be crowned Section 'B' champions. An amazingly big crowd - and because of this there was a totally different atmosphere than usual. The sun was still shining and the panoramic views over and around Huddersfield were as crisp and awesome as ever. But it was also getting cold and my Dad had to borrow David Thorpe's old jumper - the one that he uses for painting! Lots of interesting people on the boundary edge, including club stalwart Stuart Clayton and current 2nd XI player Steve Spooner. One guy, also, had just returned from Chester-le-Street (in an England replica top), where Australia had at last been beaten. He said it was all over as a contest in early afternoon so he didn't want to hang about. We kept on looking out towards Upperthong's ground -on the other side of the valley - but when Moor finally came out on top (winning by 15 runs or so - and causing widespread celebrations) we called it a day - for the weekend and, as regards Huddersfield league cricket, for the season.
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Solly and Scholes
Posted by Peter Davies
Amazing day at Wellhouse Lane, home of Mirfield Parish Cavaliers. Visitors Scholes needed to overhaul the home side's total of 222, but in so doing lose no more than six wickets. Otherwise they'd be relegated from the CYL Premier Division. And they did it - just! A seventh-wicket stand of 40-odd saved them, with nerves jangling aplenty on the boundary edge. The crowd was massive - around 150 - and this created a great atmosphere. The ground, anyway, is an atmopsheric one. You feel so close to the action - it's as if you're fielding at mid-wicket to every ball, even as a spectator.
As neutrals, we were pleased Scholes came out on top because we'd been sitting among the Scholes crew by the pavilion and the lookalike Jackson brothers were being very good companions. Two very nice guys. There were other VIPs in the crowd: Jack Carson, president of the HCCL, David Sykes of Moorlands, and Solly Adam, local sports goods tycoon. He sponsors the CYL so when he arrives at a game he can, frankly, do whatever he wants! He was doing a business deal on his mobile and then fielding a ball on the boundary edge that had been hit for four. As he quipped after throwing the ball back to the bowler: 'You never lose it!' My dad also fielded another ball that had been hit for four. Such a small ground - you're always in the game!
The food was sensational. Parish are will drilled when it comes to catering. They have good crowds and have a fine clubhouse, so the kitchen is a hive of activity. There always seems to be a very friendly couple, or some male-female combination, on duty. They take your order and then give you a shout 10 minutes later. Today was baguette day! I had cheese, my dad ham. And when the baguettes arrived they were gigantic - and took up almost all the space on my very large plate! Lots of salad accessories too. The ever-so-friendly tea lady also offered us three sweets each (ginger cake, cherry pie and toffee cake). Extraordinary.
Other interesting aspects of the afternoon? The fantastic electronic scoreboard that was glistening in the autumnal darkness; the number of Scholes fans cheering on their boys in this last-ditch away encounter; the Mirfield fielder on the boundary who (out loud to his mate watching the game) was bemoaning the fact that only a few of his teammates clapped when opposition batsmen reached their half-centuries; and the excellence of the Scholes pro's match-winning innings. At one point he was farming the bowling away from the no.8 batsman, and did this to great effect, with all fielders on the boundary for him - giving him a single - and the fielders up for the no.8. Can't remember the last time I saw this happening with only six wickets down. And finally, as a very kind last-match-of-the-season gesture, the hardworking Parish tea lady was offering free cookies and Twix-like chocolate fingers to all and sundry. A fine gesture.
NB. The final league tables showed that Scholes had, after all, been relegated! Very strange.
Amazing day at Wellhouse Lane, home of Mirfield Parish Cavaliers. Visitors Scholes needed to overhaul the home side's total of 222, but in so doing lose no more than six wickets. Otherwise they'd be relegated from the CYL Premier Division. And they did it - just! A seventh-wicket stand of 40-odd saved them, with nerves jangling aplenty on the boundary edge. The crowd was massive - around 150 - and this created a great atmosphere. The ground, anyway, is an atmopsheric one. You feel so close to the action - it's as if you're fielding at mid-wicket to every ball, even as a spectator.
As neutrals, we were pleased Scholes came out on top because we'd been sitting among the Scholes crew by the pavilion and the lookalike Jackson brothers were being very good companions. Two very nice guys. There were other VIPs in the crowd: Jack Carson, president of the HCCL, David Sykes of Moorlands, and Solly Adam, local sports goods tycoon. He sponsors the CYL so when he arrives at a game he can, frankly, do whatever he wants! He was doing a business deal on his mobile and then fielding a ball on the boundary edge that had been hit for four. As he quipped after throwing the ball back to the bowler: 'You never lose it!' My dad also fielded another ball that had been hit for four. Such a small ground - you're always in the game!
The food was sensational. Parish are will drilled when it comes to catering. They have good crowds and have a fine clubhouse, so the kitchen is a hive of activity. There always seems to be a very friendly couple, or some male-female combination, on duty. They take your order and then give you a shout 10 minutes later. Today was baguette day! I had cheese, my dad ham. And when the baguettes arrived they were gigantic - and took up almost all the space on my very large plate! Lots of salad accessories too. The ever-so-friendly tea lady also offered us three sweets each (ginger cake, cherry pie and toffee cake). Extraordinary.
Other interesting aspects of the afternoon? The fantastic electronic scoreboard that was glistening in the autumnal darkness; the number of Scholes fans cheering on their boys in this last-ditch away encounter; the Mirfield fielder on the boundary who (out loud to his mate watching the game) was bemoaning the fact that only a few of his teammates clapped when opposition batsmen reached their half-centuries; and the excellence of the Scholes pro's match-winning innings. At one point he was farming the bowling away from the no.8 batsman, and did this to great effect, with all fielders on the boundary for him - giving him a single - and the fielders up for the no.8. Can't remember the last time I saw this happening with only six wickets down. And finally, as a very kind last-match-of-the-season gesture, the hardworking Parish tea lady was offering free cookies and Twix-like chocolate fingers to all and sundry. A fine gesture.
NB. The final league tables showed that Scholes had, after all, been relegated! Very strange.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Cricket Diary 2009 - Celebrations at the end of the road.
Posted by Tony Hutton
Thursday 10th September - Lord's Taverners under 14s Yorkshire Final - Woodhouse Grove School v Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield at New Rover, Leeds
Yet another cup final at New Rover, the third this week and another pleasant occasion, although in the end a rather easy victory for Woodhouse Grove. A slightly late start, caused by traffic problems in the centre of Leeds which delayed not only the Wakefield team bus but many of the spectators too. However this gave us chance to read the excellent programme produced for the day.
The Wakefield team listed all the various club sides with which the players are affiliated whereas the Grove side's details looked as though they had been written by the players themselves, i.e. 'very talented, elegant left hander in the Gower mould' or 'steady batsman, wizard leg spin bowler'.
Woodhouse Grove's team of all the talents then proceeded to knock up 152-9 in 40 overs without anyone making a particularly big score and a close contest looked in prospect. However sadly QUEGS somewhat faded away and were all out for 84. Another pleasant presentation ceremony presided over by Dr Knowles and Schools secretary Harold Galley with prizes for everybody saw most people, apart from the losers, go home happy.
Friday 11th September - ECB/ESCA under 15s Twenty/20 finals day at Headingley.
Another schools final day this time on a grander scale with the four schools involved all pleased to be playing on a Test Match ground. This was Twenty/20 for the connoisseur, played in white clothing, with no music or distractions of any kind. The first semi-final was between Whitgift School from Surrey and Bradfield College, Berkshire.
Bradfield's 99-9 never seemed enough and so it proved when Whitgift got 100-6 with three overs to spare. Shrewsbury School then took on Manchester Grammar School, the only northern side, in the other semi-final. Shrewsbury looked a class act when they batted and raced to 163-5 with wicketkeeper Jack Bailey scoring a fine 50. In reply Manchester made 139-4, so plenty of wickets in hand but they just could not pierce the well set Shrewsbury field.
So onto the final which started on time, evidence of the satisfactory over rate throughout the day. Whitgift perhaps thought they had scored just over par with 132-5 but this proved no challenge at all to Shrewsbury, particularly Leach and Hudson Williams, who both scored half centuries and they strolled to a nine wicket victory with two and half overs to spare.
Another excellent day's cricket with well over 700 runs scored in 115 overs and to add to the all round satisfaction, one of the umpires asked if he could say a few words before the presentations and complimented all four teams on their sportsmanlike behaviour throughout the day. The perfect weather was the icing on the cake for all the spectators.
Saturday 12th September - Yorkshire Academy v Hull & YPI at Headingley and Kirkstall Educational v Adel
Last day of league cricket this season in most of the Yorkshire leagues. The Premier League clash between second club Yorkshire Academy and bottom side Hull, was all about whether the Academy could retain the runners up position by taking the maximum eight points, which meant they had to bowl Hull all out.
Sadly they were pipped on the post as Hull made 176-9 and despite an excellent bowling performance by left arm spinner Randhawa , with 7-61, they could not take the last wicket.
The victory came easily enough with Gary Ballance taking full advantage of some poor bowling to score a rapid 108 not out, partnered by Calum Geldart with 58 not out at the end. So a nine wicket victory with sixteen overs to spare, but only six points instead of eight and with Scarborough having obtained maximum points today, they finished in second place with the Academy third.
However a great effort by this very young side who have shown great consistency all season, despite the loss of Bairstow and Rafiq to first team cricket. Tomorrow sees them in action again with yet another confrontation with champions York in the league cup final.
Meanwhile just round the corner from Headingley, Kirkstall last season's Aire Wharfe champions were taking on Adel in their last match. It was fitting that two of Adel's longest serving players were the stars of the show. Adel, batting first, making 234 all out and left hander Dave Standring accelerating the scoring in the last few overs with 78. Then it was the turn of veteran spinner Jeff Shires who finished off Kirkstall with 6-50 despite Joss Siddall's 67.
A good end to the season for Adel but Kirkstall who have lost several leading players only a shadow of their championship side from last season. Again the sun shone almost to the end but a chill autumn breeze told us this was the end of the league season.
Sunday 13th September - Yorkshire Premier League cup final - Yorkshire Academy v York at Headingley.
This really was the end, certainly as far as my own cricket watching for the season was concerned. A larger than normal crowd to watch the Academy included good support from York hoping that their team would complete the league and cup double.
The Academy's only hope it seemed was to dismiss the York top three cheaply and they made an excllent start by getting rid of Aussie record breaker Wilson for only two thanks to a great catch behind the wicket by Jonathan Bairstow. The dangerous Snell made only 38, but then Simon Mason with 53 brought York back into the game.
Then it was the turn of Azeem Rafiq, who was so prominent for the Academy earlier in the season, to bowl a fine spell of 10-0-31-3 and turn the game. Even so York had made a competitive score of 207-7 in their 50 overs.
The Academy's opening pair of Ballance and Root, who have both done so well this season in their contrasting styles took no early chances and put on a splendid opening stand of 102 before Root was out for 38. Dan Wilson than put his imprint on the game - only a change bowler he took 3-21 in five overs. Bairstow though had played a valuable innings of 47 and Roebuck blasted a quick 40 to keep Yorkshire ahead of the rate and in the end it was a stroll when captain John Balain came out to join Jack Hargreaves, who made the winning hit for four with six overs left.
Great celebration in the Academy camp, the cup was their's and congratulations are due to all the players, to captain John Blain and coach Steve Oldham for providing such good cricket to watch all season, particularly for their most dedicated followers, home and away, John and Jennifer Ellison and Mollie Staines.
There is still cricket to be played but now it is time for me to depart to foreign parts to celebrate my two grandson's birthdays next week and leave you in the capable hands of Peter Davies and possibly Michael Bourne, to round up the end of season action.
Thursday 10th September - Lord's Taverners under 14s Yorkshire Final - Woodhouse Grove School v Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield at New Rover, Leeds
Yet another cup final at New Rover, the third this week and another pleasant occasion, although in the end a rather easy victory for Woodhouse Grove. A slightly late start, caused by traffic problems in the centre of Leeds which delayed not only the Wakefield team bus but many of the spectators too. However this gave us chance to read the excellent programme produced for the day.
The Wakefield team listed all the various club sides with which the players are affiliated whereas the Grove side's details looked as though they had been written by the players themselves, i.e. 'very talented, elegant left hander in the Gower mould' or 'steady batsman, wizard leg spin bowler'.
Woodhouse Grove's team of all the talents then proceeded to knock up 152-9 in 40 overs without anyone making a particularly big score and a close contest looked in prospect. However sadly QUEGS somewhat faded away and were all out for 84. Another pleasant presentation ceremony presided over by Dr Knowles and Schools secretary Harold Galley with prizes for everybody saw most people, apart from the losers, go home happy.
Friday 11th September - ECB/ESCA under 15s Twenty/20 finals day at Headingley.
Another schools final day this time on a grander scale with the four schools involved all pleased to be playing on a Test Match ground. This was Twenty/20 for the connoisseur, played in white clothing, with no music or distractions of any kind. The first semi-final was between Whitgift School from Surrey and Bradfield College, Berkshire.
Bradfield's 99-9 never seemed enough and so it proved when Whitgift got 100-6 with three overs to spare. Shrewsbury School then took on Manchester Grammar School, the only northern side, in the other semi-final. Shrewsbury looked a class act when they batted and raced to 163-5 with wicketkeeper Jack Bailey scoring a fine 50. In reply Manchester made 139-4, so plenty of wickets in hand but they just could not pierce the well set Shrewsbury field.
So onto the final which started on time, evidence of the satisfactory over rate throughout the day. Whitgift perhaps thought they had scored just over par with 132-5 but this proved no challenge at all to Shrewsbury, particularly Leach and Hudson Williams, who both scored half centuries and they strolled to a nine wicket victory with two and half overs to spare.
Another excellent day's cricket with well over 700 runs scored in 115 overs and to add to the all round satisfaction, one of the umpires asked if he could say a few words before the presentations and complimented all four teams on their sportsmanlike behaviour throughout the day. The perfect weather was the icing on the cake for all the spectators.
Saturday 12th September - Yorkshire Academy v Hull & YPI at Headingley and Kirkstall Educational v Adel
Last day of league cricket this season in most of the Yorkshire leagues. The Premier League clash between second club Yorkshire Academy and bottom side Hull, was all about whether the Academy could retain the runners up position by taking the maximum eight points, which meant they had to bowl Hull all out.
Sadly they were pipped on the post as Hull made 176-9 and despite an excellent bowling performance by left arm spinner Randhawa , with 7-61, they could not take the last wicket.
The victory came easily enough with Gary Ballance taking full advantage of some poor bowling to score a rapid 108 not out, partnered by Calum Geldart with 58 not out at the end. So a nine wicket victory with sixteen overs to spare, but only six points instead of eight and with Scarborough having obtained maximum points today, they finished in second place with the Academy third.
However a great effort by this very young side who have shown great consistency all season, despite the loss of Bairstow and Rafiq to first team cricket. Tomorrow sees them in action again with yet another confrontation with champions York in the league cup final.
Meanwhile just round the corner from Headingley, Kirkstall last season's Aire Wharfe champions were taking on Adel in their last match. It was fitting that two of Adel's longest serving players were the stars of the show. Adel, batting first, making 234 all out and left hander Dave Standring accelerating the scoring in the last few overs with 78. Then it was the turn of veteran spinner Jeff Shires who finished off Kirkstall with 6-50 despite Joss Siddall's 67.
A good end to the season for Adel but Kirkstall who have lost several leading players only a shadow of their championship side from last season. Again the sun shone almost to the end but a chill autumn breeze told us this was the end of the league season.
Sunday 13th September - Yorkshire Premier League cup final - Yorkshire Academy v York at Headingley.
This really was the end, certainly as far as my own cricket watching for the season was concerned. A larger than normal crowd to watch the Academy included good support from York hoping that their team would complete the league and cup double.
The Academy's only hope it seemed was to dismiss the York top three cheaply and they made an excllent start by getting rid of Aussie record breaker Wilson for only two thanks to a great catch behind the wicket by Jonathan Bairstow. The dangerous Snell made only 38, but then Simon Mason with 53 brought York back into the game.
Then it was the turn of Azeem Rafiq, who was so prominent for the Academy earlier in the season, to bowl a fine spell of 10-0-31-3 and turn the game. Even so York had made a competitive score of 207-7 in their 50 overs.
The Academy's opening pair of Ballance and Root, who have both done so well this season in their contrasting styles took no early chances and put on a splendid opening stand of 102 before Root was out for 38. Dan Wilson than put his imprint on the game - only a change bowler he took 3-21 in five overs. Bairstow though had played a valuable innings of 47 and Roebuck blasted a quick 40 to keep Yorkshire ahead of the rate and in the end it was a stroll when captain John Balain came out to join Jack Hargreaves, who made the winning hit for four with six overs left.
Great celebration in the Academy camp, the cup was their's and congratulations are due to all the players, to captain John Blain and coach Steve Oldham for providing such good cricket to watch all season, particularly for their most dedicated followers, home and away, John and Jennifer Ellison and Mollie Staines.
There is still cricket to be played but now it is time for me to depart to foreign parts to celebrate my two grandson's birthdays next week and leave you in the capable hands of Peter Davies and possibly Michael Bourne, to round up the end of season action.
Cricket Diary 2009 - League champions and cup winners
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 5th September - York v Yorkshire Academy at Clifton Park
A strange day in many ways. Good, dry weather all the way to York from Leeds. Cricket going on at Dringhouses on the south side of the city, but on the north side a long rain delay at Clifton Park for this vital game. York were three points ahead of the Academy with just two games remaining.
While waiting for the game to start there was plenty of counter attractions going on as not only were Clifton Alliance playing Thirsk in the York Senior League on the ground next door, but York Rugby Union's 2nd XV were also in action on the adjoining ground. The big new multi purpose sports pavilion is also taking shape and will be an added attraction next season.
Eventually, after rumours that York thought the conditions unfit to play, the game started on the basis of a 38 overs per side contest instead of the normal 55 overs. The Academy batted and perhaps had the worst of the conditions. In no time they were 48-4 with Root, Geldart, Roebuck and Rafiq all out. Ballance however held firm and together with Jack Hughes put on 38 for the fifth wicket. Ballance was eventually out for 39 which proved to be top score, but the tailenders put on valuable runs before skipper Blain ran himself out for a duck and the innings ended on 158-9.
York's opening bowlers Laidlaw with 2-33 and Bartram with 3-55 had
Saturday 5th September - York v Yorkshire Academy at Clifton Park
A strange day in many ways. Good, dry weather all the way to York from Leeds. Cricket going on at Dringhouses on the south side of the city, but on the north side a long rain delay at Clifton Park for this vital game. York were three points ahead of the Academy with just two games remaining.
While waiting for the game to start there was plenty of counter attractions going on as not only were Clifton Alliance playing Thirsk in the York Senior League on the ground next door, but York Rugby Union's 2nd XV were also in action on the adjoining ground. The big new multi purpose sports pavilion is also taking shape and will be an added attraction next season.
Eventually, after rumours that York thought the conditions unfit to play, the game started on the basis of a 38 overs per side contest instead of the normal 55 overs. The Academy batted and perhaps had the worst of the conditions. In no time they were 48-4 with Root, Geldart, Roebuck and Rafiq all out. Ballance however held firm and together with Jack Hughes put on 38 for the fifth wicket. Ballance was eventually out for 39 which proved to be top score, but the tailenders put on valuable runs before skipper Blain ran himself out for a duck and the innings ended on 158-9.
York's opening bowlers Laidlaw with 2-33 and Bartram with 3-55 had
bowled well and at the tea interval most of the large crowd would have put money on York's powerful batting line up to see them home to victory and the league title.
The prolific opening pair of Australian Dan Wilson, who last week broke the league's all time run aggregate record for a season, and Duncan Snell, who we have seen scoring runs galore in university cricket earlier in the season, put on 71 for the first wicket. When Rafiq bowled Wilson for only 38 the Academy perhaps felt in with a chance, but Snell continued on his merry way and even the fall of two more wickets could not prevent the inevitable York win.
Snell not only finished the season with 1,000 runs in Yorkshire League cricket but did it in style by hitting a six to end with 79 not out. So York once again became league champions and it must be said deservedly so with a very powerful all round side. The Academy youngsters deserve praise for their splendidly consistent season and no doubt much more will be heard about many of their players in the future.
Sunday 6th September - Jack Lee Memorial Trophy Final - Aire Wharfe under 17s v Heavy Woollen under 17s at New Rover, Leeds.
This final was between the two runners up in the Joe Lumb county wide under 17 competition and what a competitive final it produced. Aire Wharfe batted and their opponents took the unusual step of opening with a spin bowler. This proved to be skipper Chris Holliday from Methley who proceeded to bowl unchanged throughout the innings with figures of 24=4=69-3.
Aire Wharfe totalled 178-7 with their captain Josh Atkinson of Otley top scoring on 47. George Ross of Burley scored 29 and was later to earn the man of the match award with bowling figures of 5-69.
It was always going to be a close finish and in fact it went to the very last ball with the last pair together. Heavy Wollen required two to win but a run out resulted and Aire Wharfe won by the narrowest of margins - just one run.
This was a splendid advert for junior cricket, well organized at a pleasant venue with lots of proud parents, grandparents and professional cricket watchers in attendance. Full marks to all concerned.
Monday 7th September - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Hampshire 2nd XI - Second XI Trophy semi-final at Headingley and Yorkshire area Bunbury under 13s schools final - The Grammar school at Leeds v Cundall Manor at New Rover, Leeds.
The long established county second eleven one day trophy has this year turned to coloured clothing for the first time, thus discouraging many professional cricket watchers from attending these 50 overs a side games. I must admit this was the first game in this competition I had seen apart from a short visit to Warwickshire v Leicestershire at Stratford upon Avon.
Yorkshire faced a strong challenge from a Hampshire side with a host of England under 19 players and several like Tremlett and Dawson, who have been regular first team performers.
Hampshire got off to a brisk start against the opening bowlers Lee and Hannon-Dolby, but just when a big score looked on the cards, wickets began to fall. When Azeem Rafiq dismissed South African opener Kleinvelt for 40 (top score of the innings), the tail collapsed with the last five wickets going down for 36 runs. Rafiq ended with figures of 10-1-33-5 - a splendid effort.
During the lunch interval a trip up the road to New Rover took in the under 13s final which proved to be a very one-sided affair. Much interest surrounded the appearance of James Botham for Cundall Manor school. He is the son of Liam Botham and grandson of Ian, who were both in attendance to watch the game.
Sadly for them and for young James, Cundall Manor chasing 125-9 to win were bowled out for only 31 and every batsman was clean bowled. It just wasn't their day and Grammar School at Leeds took the trophy. However as Dr Bernard Knowles, the Yorkshire schools cricket chairman, said at the presentations, 'you will have your good days and your bad days, but remember you beat some very good sides to get to the final'.
So back to Headingley to see how Yorkshire 2nd XI were progressing in their pursuit of 181 to beat Hampshire. Things were indeed going well and the prolific left hander Adam Lyth and wicketkeeper Simon Guy, in perhaps his last Headingley appearance, put Hampshire to the sword. Lythe with 52 and Guy 28 gave a great display of running between the wickets, but it was left to bowling hero Rafiq to see Yorkshire home by four wickets with six overs to spare.
So Yorkshire progress to the final where they will meet Lancashire on 21st September.
Wednesday 9th September - Durham v Nottinghamshire (Riverside, Chester-le-Street)
First day of Durham's last home championship match. A win or sufficient bonus points from a draw would give them the title for the second year running against Notts the team currently in second place.
For once the sun was shining all the way from Leeds on the pleasant train journey, a nice restful change from driving. Durham batted first were immediately in charge of the game, the unlikely opening pair of Tasmanian Di Venuto, who has an Italian passport, and Scotsman Koetzer batted for nearly all the day without any trouble at all.
Koetzer went off like a house on fire while Di Venuto was initally more cirumspect, but in face of some rather dismal Notts bowling Di Venuto then took charge and raced ahead with runs galore, particularly through mid-wicket and mid on. They eventually broke the championship first wicket partnership record for Durham, putting on 214 before Koetzer was run out.
The large crowd, basking in the sunshine, were lapping it up and misfortune after misfortune dogged Notts throughout the day. Captain and wicketkeeper Chris Read had to leave the field with a dislocated thumb, Charlie Shreck sustained a leg injury in the field and later in the day Mark Ealham was also injured. So even after only one day it seemed apparent that Durham had the championship tied up.
I did not return for the rest of the game, but my first day companian Brian Senior saw two more days including the grand finale when Durham were presented with the championship trophy to great rejoicing all round. Another great team performance with a good mixture of local talent and overseas expertise all pulling together in the same direction under father figure Geoff Cook, who has been there since Durham became a first class county not all that long ago.
Monday, 14 September 2009
Cricket Diary 2009 - A wet bank holiday weekend
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 29th August - Yorkshire Academy v Scarborough at Weetwood, Leeds
The previous week, leading up to the Bank Holiday weekend had been wet and miserable - no cricket at all on Wednesday and Friday. The only bright spot was Thursday at Scarborough for the Yorkshire game.
However things had dried out well for today's important Yorkshire Premier league game involving the second and third sides in the table, both chasing leaders York for the title. The home side batted first and although never being fully in control made a workmanlike total of 196-7 in their 55 overs.
It all started very slowly perhaps in view of some suspicions about the wicket. Even the Scarborough Evening News on Thursday said the wicket at Weetwood was not satisfactory and that this game would be played at Headingley. Indeed some of the Scarborough players were on their way to Headingley when the call came to divert to Weetwood.
In the first 18 overs Ballance and Joe Root put on only 33 runs, but then things improved with Root, as so often this season, providing the backbone of the innings with 89. The former Academy spinners James Finch and Simon Tennant both worked hard and both took three wickets.
In reply Scarborough had current Yorkshire player Adam Lyth to open the batting. He has been in splendid form all season and many people feel he should have had more first team games with Yorkshire. Today, despite loosing partners fairly regularly, he dominated proceedings with a splendid 89 and had a good partnership with Finch who made 30, before Lyth was well stumped by young Chadwick off the bowling of Azeem Rafiq.
At 144-5 Scarborough were still in with a chance but two run outs, one a spectacular direct hit by Rafiq turned the tide and when the last over started in the gathering gloom Scarborough needed just seven runs for victory with two wickets to fall. Skipper John Blain took the responsibility to bowl the last over and two singles followed by another one and a run out going for the second off the third ball, still saw Scarborough heading for victory.
Blain then bowled two vital dot balls, so four to tie or six to win off the last ball of the match.
Simon Tennant swung but did not connect and a perfect yorker from Blain demolished the stumps and the Academy had a full eight point win. So the Academy are now second in the table behind York, where they play next Saturday in the title decider.
Sunday 30th August - Yorkshire over 50s v Cheshire over 50s at Savile Park, Castleford.
This game was the national semi-final for over fifties county cricketers for a place in the final at Derby this year and sadly not at Lord's. However two strong sides fought it out in very competitive style in front of a rather sparse crowd. The weather was fine early on but deteriorated later on.
Cheshire batted and made a useful score of 185-7 in their 45 overs. This was largely due to some late hitting by left hander and wicket keeper John Fennah with a fine 36 not out after Gary Cash had top scored with 40. Veteran Tong Park bowler Mick Scott bowled nine tidy overs for only 35 overs, without taking a wicket to add to his incredible career total. The other big name, Murphy Walwyn, a legend in Bradford League circles, bowled just four overs for only eight runs.
Cheshire had by far the best of the weather and soon after the start of the Yorkshire innings it was not only cold, but started to drizzle. People began to speculate as to how a result would be arrived at in the event of an early finish and it turned out that overall scoring rate applied rather than the dreaded Duckworth Lewis formula which only applies to computerised scoring apparently.
Cheshire's lady scorer had to shout to the umpires that the scorers were moving from outside on the pavilion terracing inside the building as their score sheets were getting wet. The players eventually had to follow when the rain got worse as indeed did the light. So with Yorkshire behind the rate, some of the spectators including myself went home to get warm.
Only the following day did we eventually learn that the players had bravely returned and opening batsman John Flintoff from Sessay in particular made a great effort to get Yorkshire in front with 63 not out when the weather drove the players off again for the last time.
When the scorers finished doing their sums, and probably after a re-count, it was discovered that Cheshire had won by 0.15 of a run. So they go through to play Derbyshire in the final on 20th September.
Monday 31st August - Ian Chappell Cup Final - Follifoot 3rd XI v Harden 3rd XI at Ilkley CC and Olicanian CC Twenty/20 competition.
These two grounds in Ilkley are separated only by the Ilkley outdoor swimming pool and lido.
There would not have been many customers there today as most of the water was lying on the two cricket grounds. Indeed the Olicanian cricket week had already been decimated by the bad weather, but today they were determined to play and got off to a prompt start at 10.30 during the morning with four competing clubs taking part.
The first semi-final was won by the home club against Apex cricket club (formerly Farnells).
Then it was time to walk round the corner for the main event, the Airedale and Wharfedale league's third teams cup final. Third teams they may have been, but the organization and facilities were excellent, stewarded car parking on the adjoining rugby club field, public address, programmes, refreshment marquees all adding to the occasion. The only problem being a large area of outfield having to be cordoned off in front of the scoreboard because of the wet conditions.
Follifoot made 187-6 in their forty overs, a total many of the local sages thought would be a winning one. During the tea interval it was of course back next door to see how the second T/20 semi final was going on. This produced a real cliff hanger with a last ball finish with Ben Rhydding(from just down the road) loosing out to the Jesters, a Sunday wandering side. Jesters in fact included many of the leading players from the Aire Wharfe's two top clubs Beckwithshaw and Rawdon. They won by 5 wickets with four off the last ball.
I was joined in my commuting between both grounds by Ian Cockerill from Lancaster for whom this sort of occasion is meat and drink, whereas Peter Mann from Burley stuck with the traditional cup final game, which by now was beginning to look a bit one sided. Harden were loosing wickets rapidly in their run chase of 188 to win and after being 23-4 then 114-7 looked out of it as the rain threatened yet again.
Back to the T/20 final - Olicanian were chasing Jesters' 138-7 and got to 47-5 in eight overs when the black rain clouds raced in over Ilkley Moor. You could see the heavy rain and Ian and I both raced for our respective cars. It absolutely poured down and to my amazement as I set off for home the Twenty /20 players were still out in the middle carrying on regardless.
Again it was next day before I was able to find out what eventually happened in both games.
The players at Olicanian did leave the field eventually and did not reappear. The result was determined by the tournament organiser thinking on his feet and using the count back method to establish what Jesters' score was in the first eight overs of their innings and they were declared winners by four runs.
The third eleven players were more resilient, waiting around until the rain eventually stopped and returning to play the game out to a conclusion, with Harden putting up a good fight until they were finally all out for 165 thus loosing by only 22 runs.
So a very long day for players and spectators but lots of good entertainment and a glimpse of every variety of British weather. A final word of thanks to the Ilkley Moor Vaults were my wife and I enjoyed an excellent lunch in between all this action.
Tuesday 1st September - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Lancashire 2nd XI at Headingley (day 1 of 3)
An important game as the winners or the side getting most points from a draw would win the northern group of the second eleven county championship and play a three day final against the winners of the southern group.
John Blain, the Academy captain and coach, was brought in to bolster Yorkshire's bowling and he obliged early on with three wickets. Lancashire fought back and Gareth Cross, who always gets runs against Yorkshire, made 77 and with Proctor (65) too Lancashire to 250-6 before rain ended play early.
Lancashire declared overnight, presumably to stop Yorkshire getting more bowling points but when Yorkshire's innings was also terminated by the weather they were 211-5. Their target was 250 to get another batting point to bring their points level with Lancashire. If this had happened they would have been declared divisional winners, having won more games than Lancashire.
When rain prevented any further play at all on day three therefore Yorkshire were just 39 runs short of being champions. It really is becoming a game for mathematicians. So Lancashire go into the three day final with Surrey and Yorkshire will try to beat Hampshire 2nd XI next week to go into the one day final.
Wednesday 2nd September - Nidderdale cricket league v MCC at Bishop Monkton
Another mixed forecast but needing a change from Headingley set off for distant Bishop Monkton a prosperous village, just south of Ripon for the annual match between the Nidderdale League (surely one of the biggest in both number of clubs and geographical area) and MCC.
Last season the league side were invited by MCC to play them on the Nursery ground at Lord's and a great time was had by all.
This year back to normal where the game is taken round different village grounds each season.
Bishop Monkton has a splendid new ground and clubhouse, which is also used by the local footballers, bowlers and croquet players as well as doubling as the village hall for many other community events.
So a very pleasant atmosphere and a strong MCC side greeted us on arrival despite the threat of bad weather later. MCC as usual batted first and the opening batsman turned out to be long serving Northumberland Minor Counties captain and wicketkeeper Phil Nicholson. He lost his opening partner and the number three batsmen early on but led the recovery from 5-2 by making a splendid 95 before being bowled. Some late hitting by Toby Drummond, once of the Bradford league but now playing in the Aire Wharfe league, took him to 51 not out with a total for MCC of 201-6 declared.
As the players and guests were entertained to lunch we made our way to the local village pub, the Lamb and Flag, where we learned from the landlord that his establishment had provided the forty lunches required at the cricket club. Obviously a cricketing flavour about the pub with a large picture of Yorkshire heroes of yesteryear, Trueman, Close, Illingworth and Boycott on the wall.
Back to the action with thick black clouds circling the ground. Who should we find opening the bowling for MCC but another Minor Counties stalwart, Adam Sydall of Cheshire. Only last week he took eight wickets in an innings to take Cheshire to the Western Division title. Today he also started well with two wickets in the first over. Nidderdale league 0-2 and soon 33-4. Then it drizzled for a while before turning heavier and the players went off.
We decided to call it a day and once again set off home early. Again thanks to the splendid league website we obtained the full scorecard of the match on the following day to discover that the rain did clear and they played on. The league's middle order did well and took them to a respectable total of 143. Surely it's time this weather improved.
Saturday 29th August - Yorkshire Academy v Scarborough at Weetwood, Leeds
The previous week, leading up to the Bank Holiday weekend had been wet and miserable - no cricket at all on Wednesday and Friday. The only bright spot was Thursday at Scarborough for the Yorkshire game.
However things had dried out well for today's important Yorkshire Premier league game involving the second and third sides in the table, both chasing leaders York for the title. The home side batted first and although never being fully in control made a workmanlike total of 196-7 in their 55 overs.
It all started very slowly perhaps in view of some suspicions about the wicket. Even the Scarborough Evening News on Thursday said the wicket at Weetwood was not satisfactory and that this game would be played at Headingley. Indeed some of the Scarborough players were on their way to Headingley when the call came to divert to Weetwood.
In the first 18 overs Ballance and Joe Root put on only 33 runs, but then things improved with Root, as so often this season, providing the backbone of the innings with 89. The former Academy spinners James Finch and Simon Tennant both worked hard and both took three wickets.
In reply Scarborough had current Yorkshire player Adam Lyth to open the batting. He has been in splendid form all season and many people feel he should have had more first team games with Yorkshire. Today, despite loosing partners fairly regularly, he dominated proceedings with a splendid 89 and had a good partnership with Finch who made 30, before Lyth was well stumped by young Chadwick off the bowling of Azeem Rafiq.
At 144-5 Scarborough were still in with a chance but two run outs, one a spectacular direct hit by Rafiq turned the tide and when the last over started in the gathering gloom Scarborough needed just seven runs for victory with two wickets to fall. Skipper John Blain took the responsibility to bowl the last over and two singles followed by another one and a run out going for the second off the third ball, still saw Scarborough heading for victory.
Blain then bowled two vital dot balls, so four to tie or six to win off the last ball of the match.
Simon Tennant swung but did not connect and a perfect yorker from Blain demolished the stumps and the Academy had a full eight point win. So the Academy are now second in the table behind York, where they play next Saturday in the title decider.
Sunday 30th August - Yorkshire over 50s v Cheshire over 50s at Savile Park, Castleford.
This game was the national semi-final for over fifties county cricketers for a place in the final at Derby this year and sadly not at Lord's. However two strong sides fought it out in very competitive style in front of a rather sparse crowd. The weather was fine early on but deteriorated later on.
Cheshire batted and made a useful score of 185-7 in their 45 overs. This was largely due to some late hitting by left hander and wicket keeper John Fennah with a fine 36 not out after Gary Cash had top scored with 40. Veteran Tong Park bowler Mick Scott bowled nine tidy overs for only 35 overs, without taking a wicket to add to his incredible career total. The other big name, Murphy Walwyn, a legend in Bradford League circles, bowled just four overs for only eight runs.
Cheshire had by far the best of the weather and soon after the start of the Yorkshire innings it was not only cold, but started to drizzle. People began to speculate as to how a result would be arrived at in the event of an early finish and it turned out that overall scoring rate applied rather than the dreaded Duckworth Lewis formula which only applies to computerised scoring apparently.
Cheshire's lady scorer had to shout to the umpires that the scorers were moving from outside on the pavilion terracing inside the building as their score sheets were getting wet. The players eventually had to follow when the rain got worse as indeed did the light. So with Yorkshire behind the rate, some of the spectators including myself went home to get warm.
Only the following day did we eventually learn that the players had bravely returned and opening batsman John Flintoff from Sessay in particular made a great effort to get Yorkshire in front with 63 not out when the weather drove the players off again for the last time.
When the scorers finished doing their sums, and probably after a re-count, it was discovered that Cheshire had won by 0.15 of a run. So they go through to play Derbyshire in the final on 20th September.
Monday 31st August - Ian Chappell Cup Final - Follifoot 3rd XI v Harden 3rd XI at Ilkley CC and Olicanian CC Twenty/20 competition.
These two grounds in Ilkley are separated only by the Ilkley outdoor swimming pool and lido.
There would not have been many customers there today as most of the water was lying on the two cricket grounds. Indeed the Olicanian cricket week had already been decimated by the bad weather, but today they were determined to play and got off to a prompt start at 10.30 during the morning with four competing clubs taking part.
The first semi-final was won by the home club against Apex cricket club (formerly Farnells).
Then it was time to walk round the corner for the main event, the Airedale and Wharfedale league's third teams cup final. Third teams they may have been, but the organization and facilities were excellent, stewarded car parking on the adjoining rugby club field, public address, programmes, refreshment marquees all adding to the occasion. The only problem being a large area of outfield having to be cordoned off in front of the scoreboard because of the wet conditions.
Follifoot made 187-6 in their forty overs, a total many of the local sages thought would be a winning one. During the tea interval it was of course back next door to see how the second T/20 semi final was going on. This produced a real cliff hanger with a last ball finish with Ben Rhydding(from just down the road) loosing out to the Jesters, a Sunday wandering side. Jesters in fact included many of the leading players from the Aire Wharfe's two top clubs Beckwithshaw and Rawdon. They won by 5 wickets with four off the last ball.
I was joined in my commuting between both grounds by Ian Cockerill from Lancaster for whom this sort of occasion is meat and drink, whereas Peter Mann from Burley stuck with the traditional cup final game, which by now was beginning to look a bit one sided. Harden were loosing wickets rapidly in their run chase of 188 to win and after being 23-4 then 114-7 looked out of it as the rain threatened yet again.
Back to the T/20 final - Olicanian were chasing Jesters' 138-7 and got to 47-5 in eight overs when the black rain clouds raced in over Ilkley Moor. You could see the heavy rain and Ian and I both raced for our respective cars. It absolutely poured down and to my amazement as I set off for home the Twenty /20 players were still out in the middle carrying on regardless.
Again it was next day before I was able to find out what eventually happened in both games.
The players at Olicanian did leave the field eventually and did not reappear. The result was determined by the tournament organiser thinking on his feet and using the count back method to establish what Jesters' score was in the first eight overs of their innings and they were declared winners by four runs.
The third eleven players were more resilient, waiting around until the rain eventually stopped and returning to play the game out to a conclusion, with Harden putting up a good fight until they were finally all out for 165 thus loosing by only 22 runs.
So a very long day for players and spectators but lots of good entertainment and a glimpse of every variety of British weather. A final word of thanks to the Ilkley Moor Vaults were my wife and I enjoyed an excellent lunch in between all this action.
Tuesday 1st September - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Lancashire 2nd XI at Headingley (day 1 of 3)
An important game as the winners or the side getting most points from a draw would win the northern group of the second eleven county championship and play a three day final against the winners of the southern group.
John Blain, the Academy captain and coach, was brought in to bolster Yorkshire's bowling and he obliged early on with three wickets. Lancashire fought back and Gareth Cross, who always gets runs against Yorkshire, made 77 and with Proctor (65) too Lancashire to 250-6 before rain ended play early.
Lancashire declared overnight, presumably to stop Yorkshire getting more bowling points but when Yorkshire's innings was also terminated by the weather they were 211-5. Their target was 250 to get another batting point to bring their points level with Lancashire. If this had happened they would have been declared divisional winners, having won more games than Lancashire.
When rain prevented any further play at all on day three therefore Yorkshire were just 39 runs short of being champions. It really is becoming a game for mathematicians. So Lancashire go into the three day final with Surrey and Yorkshire will try to beat Hampshire 2nd XI next week to go into the one day final.
Wednesday 2nd September - Nidderdale cricket league v MCC at Bishop Monkton
Another mixed forecast but needing a change from Headingley set off for distant Bishop Monkton a prosperous village, just south of Ripon for the annual match between the Nidderdale League (surely one of the biggest in both number of clubs and geographical area) and MCC.
Last season the league side were invited by MCC to play them on the Nursery ground at Lord's and a great time was had by all.
This year back to normal where the game is taken round different village grounds each season.
Bishop Monkton has a splendid new ground and clubhouse, which is also used by the local footballers, bowlers and croquet players as well as doubling as the village hall for many other community events.
So a very pleasant atmosphere and a strong MCC side greeted us on arrival despite the threat of bad weather later. MCC as usual batted first and the opening batsman turned out to be long serving Northumberland Minor Counties captain and wicketkeeper Phil Nicholson. He lost his opening partner and the number three batsmen early on but led the recovery from 5-2 by making a splendid 95 before being bowled. Some late hitting by Toby Drummond, once of the Bradford league but now playing in the Aire Wharfe league, took him to 51 not out with a total for MCC of 201-6 declared.
As the players and guests were entertained to lunch we made our way to the local village pub, the Lamb and Flag, where we learned from the landlord that his establishment had provided the forty lunches required at the cricket club. Obviously a cricketing flavour about the pub with a large picture of Yorkshire heroes of yesteryear, Trueman, Close, Illingworth and Boycott on the wall.
Back to the action with thick black clouds circling the ground. Who should we find opening the bowling for MCC but another Minor Counties stalwart, Adam Sydall of Cheshire. Only last week he took eight wickets in an innings to take Cheshire to the Western Division title. Today he also started well with two wickets in the first over. Nidderdale league 0-2 and soon 33-4. Then it drizzled for a while before turning heavier and the players went off.
We decided to call it a day and once again set off home early. Again thanks to the splendid league website we obtained the full scorecard of the match on the following day to discover that the rain did clear and they played on. The league's middle order did well and took them to a respectable total of 143. Surely it's time this weather improved.
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Moor and Macedonia
Posted by Peter Davies
More interesting occurrences on a three-ground Holmfirth tour. At Cartworth Moor, the views over towards Upperthong, Castle Hill and Hade Edge were as spectacular as ever. The weather was sunny but chilly. The new pavilion was in fine fettle with several spectators watching from the boundary edge. Moor were entertaining Birchencliffe and the visitors were banging on the runs as tea approached. Four sixes were smashed in one particular over and then - amazingly - a Pietersen-esque switch-hit, to much laughter and appreciation on the boundary. Gill Lane is an amazing venue: high in the clouds and miles from any other sign of civilisation. The players and umpires retired for tea - and that included Graham Parr (known to his pals in Golcar as the Leymoor CC Chief Executive). He was umpiring and exerting a calm authority. Tea included turkey rolls, some exotically-flavoured crisps and mini-sausage rolls. Steve Spooner is a very nice chap. He plays for Cartworth and always says a friendly hello when I visit. 'Are you going to get yourself a cuppa, Peter?' he said when he saw me today. Very friendly man.
Down in the valley bottom, Holmbridge were playing Bradley and Colnebridge. The Woodhead Road ground is tiny - hence the notice in the pavilion which explains the 'local rules'. My camera didn't require the zoom. Everything was so close anyway! Again, more big-hitting. Locals say that batsmen love the small boundaries so much that they get out playing too many shots. This seemed to be the case today - but only after a few major blows were struck. In the pavilion, the tea lady was packing up but had left some parkin and ginger cake under some cling film on the kitchen table. So I took some for my dad! The club noticeboard always features some fantastically designed colour posters advertising HCC events. Maybe one of the lads works in the poster business? The parish church on the main road was looking its Sunday best. As we left, the tea lady was getting into her car. 'That's me done!' she exclaimed to us, adding that she wasn't on duty on the 20th September so her season had now finished. She looked relieved and very happy!
Finally, Upperthong v Durkar. Again, stunning views down the Holme Valley and a very melancholy end-of-season feel to everything. In the pavilion, Mr and Mrs Upperthong, Mr and Mrs Dave Sutton, were manning the bar and tea room respectively. Really cute premises and some interesting photos on the wall, including one of an Upperthing XI in Macedonia playing cricket, I think, in the snow. A good excuse for an East European booze-up, said a laughing Mr Sutton! A few sausage rolls were left from tea and Mrs Sutton brewed up for us (she said she drank coffee herself and her tea wasn't fantastic but we had no complaints). Lots of interesting things on the boundary edge. A dedicated scorebox building that is in the process of being constructed - the club's 'winter project' - and some new and very handsome benches, all dedicated to local folk and very sturdy in their design. And on the far side of the playing area, a new set of practice nets - very smart indeed and a plaque explained how the club was able to fund them (a local charity, I think). Upperthong is a very friendly place and the club is doing lots in the way of building work and development.
More interesting occurrences on a three-ground Holmfirth tour. At Cartworth Moor, the views over towards Upperthong, Castle Hill and Hade Edge were as spectacular as ever. The weather was sunny but chilly. The new pavilion was in fine fettle with several spectators watching from the boundary edge. Moor were entertaining Birchencliffe and the visitors were banging on the runs as tea approached. Four sixes were smashed in one particular over and then - amazingly - a Pietersen-esque switch-hit, to much laughter and appreciation on the boundary. Gill Lane is an amazing venue: high in the clouds and miles from any other sign of civilisation. The players and umpires retired for tea - and that included Graham Parr (known to his pals in Golcar as the Leymoor CC Chief Executive). He was umpiring and exerting a calm authority. Tea included turkey rolls, some exotically-flavoured crisps and mini-sausage rolls. Steve Spooner is a very nice chap. He plays for Cartworth and always says a friendly hello when I visit. 'Are you going to get yourself a cuppa, Peter?' he said when he saw me today. Very friendly man.
Down in the valley bottom, Holmbridge were playing Bradley and Colnebridge. The Woodhead Road ground is tiny - hence the notice in the pavilion which explains the 'local rules'. My camera didn't require the zoom. Everything was so close anyway! Again, more big-hitting. Locals say that batsmen love the small boundaries so much that they get out playing too many shots. This seemed to be the case today - but only after a few major blows were struck. In the pavilion, the tea lady was packing up but had left some parkin and ginger cake under some cling film on the kitchen table. So I took some for my dad! The club noticeboard always features some fantastically designed colour posters advertising HCC events. Maybe one of the lads works in the poster business? The parish church on the main road was looking its Sunday best. As we left, the tea lady was getting into her car. 'That's me done!' she exclaimed to us, adding that she wasn't on duty on the 20th September so her season had now finished. She looked relieved and very happy!
Finally, Upperthong v Durkar. Again, stunning views down the Holme Valley and a very melancholy end-of-season feel to everything. In the pavilion, Mr and Mrs Upperthong, Mr and Mrs Dave Sutton, were manning the bar and tea room respectively. Really cute premises and some interesting photos on the wall, including one of an Upperthing XI in Macedonia playing cricket, I think, in the snow. A good excuse for an East European booze-up, said a laughing Mr Sutton! A few sausage rolls were left from tea and Mrs Sutton brewed up for us (she said she drank coffee herself and her tea wasn't fantastic but we had no complaints). Lots of interesting things on the boundary edge. A dedicated scorebox building that is in the process of being constructed - the club's 'winter project' - and some new and very handsome benches, all dedicated to local folk and very sturdy in their design. And on the far side of the playing area, a new set of practice nets - very smart indeed and a plaque explained how the club was able to fund them (a local charity, I think). Upperthong is a very friendly place and the club is doing lots in the way of building work and development.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Doing a Dilshan!
Posted by Peter Davies
An amazing day! At Stones, Denholme Clough were the visitors. It was a blazing hot afternoon with visiting sun-worshippers using the word 'tan-tastic' to describe the Ripponden climate! Stones were in the field and the bulky seam bowler pounding in from the far end put in an amazing spell - capturing four wickets in seven balls including a hat-trick (balls 5 and 6 in one over, and ball 1 in his next). Wild scenes of jubilation followed - I can't remember the last time I witnessed a hat-trick in the flesh. Swift Cross and its new redeveloped pavilion were looking resplendent in the late-afternoon sunshine. The tea ladies were panicking because the Denholme innings looked as if it might fade away before the food had been prepared. They were selling flapjack, parkin and chocolate buns to spectators, as well as hot and cold drinks. And the players seemed to be getting the 'drinks' treatment every few overs! The local scenery was magnificent, with the M62 high on the horizon. I was also - very nearly - stung by a wasp!
Down the road at Outlane, more amazing action. The home side were rattling up a massive score against local rivals Augustinians with boundaries flying everywhere, and one ending up on the hard shoulder of the nearby M62. The Outlane innings finished on an extraordinary note: the batter 'doing a Dilshan' and scooping the ball up over his own head to where a very fine third man was fielding. The fielder made a heroic effort to grab the ball but to no effect. The ball went for four and I had seen my first ever 'Dilshan' in local league cricket. Outlane is a very well organised club and have recently been 'Clubmarked'. Their teas are also excellent: cheese, egg mayo and turkey and tomato slices, followed by raspberry-flavoured Swiss rolls and some donuty-type delicacies. Local cricket artist Martin Farrar said hello (I'd bought one of his M.S.Dhoni paintings in early season) and revealed that he'd now moved on to painting animals. He also told me that Lancashire wicketkeeper Luke Sutton was doing a Q&A at Glodwick CC in Oldham this Friday coming - and I thought I must try and get a ticket.
From then on, something of a let-down. At Stainland, no game. At Greetland, no game and a few people drinking in front of the pavilion. At Brighouse, no game and a few people still socialising. At Lightcliffe, no game and a hardworking groundsman in a very chatty mood as me and my dad reflected on our tragic luck. So back in the direction of Huddersfield, and Rastrick where Hall Bower 2nd XI were the visitors. A beautiful evening there, with long shadows casting darkness onto the playing area but the ground looking radiant in the sunshine. Rastrick is one of my favourite grounds: lots of character on account of the motorway and the amazing mound that is Round Hill; lots of banter on the terrace near the pavilion (with the same bloke keen to make me laugh with his jokes each time I'm there); a good bar with two TVs; and the club also have our 2005 exhibition boards framed to wonderful effect in the snooker room. It's also very accessible - always close by when we're travelling back from Halifax or even North Kirklees. The barmaid served me an ice-cool orange and lemonade and the pavilion seemed to be hosting an engagement party, post-cricket match, with lots of excellent food laid out for guests. Rugby league was on the TV and Man United were playing Spurs on the car radio. A young lad biffed a few late boundaries to ensure that Hall Bower won the game, but it was a decent climax.
Finally, Blackley, where the game was going on well past 7pm. Again, gorgeous autumnal conditions. There is a real melancholy about the dying days of the season: the long shadows, the end-of-season, nothing-to-play-for feel to some games, and the realisation that football and chilly evenings are back. A really lovely time of year, but also, in a strange way, quite sad.
An amazing day! At Stones, Denholme Clough were the visitors. It was a blazing hot afternoon with visiting sun-worshippers using the word 'tan-tastic' to describe the Ripponden climate! Stones were in the field and the bulky seam bowler pounding in from the far end put in an amazing spell - capturing four wickets in seven balls including a hat-trick (balls 5 and 6 in one over, and ball 1 in his next). Wild scenes of jubilation followed - I can't remember the last time I witnessed a hat-trick in the flesh. Swift Cross and its new redeveloped pavilion were looking resplendent in the late-afternoon sunshine. The tea ladies were panicking because the Denholme innings looked as if it might fade away before the food had been prepared. They were selling flapjack, parkin and chocolate buns to spectators, as well as hot and cold drinks. And the players seemed to be getting the 'drinks' treatment every few overs! The local scenery was magnificent, with the M62 high on the horizon. I was also - very nearly - stung by a wasp!
Down the road at Outlane, more amazing action. The home side were rattling up a massive score against local rivals Augustinians with boundaries flying everywhere, and one ending up on the hard shoulder of the nearby M62. The Outlane innings finished on an extraordinary note: the batter 'doing a Dilshan' and scooping the ball up over his own head to where a very fine third man was fielding. The fielder made a heroic effort to grab the ball but to no effect. The ball went for four and I had seen my first ever 'Dilshan' in local league cricket. Outlane is a very well organised club and have recently been 'Clubmarked'. Their teas are also excellent: cheese, egg mayo and turkey and tomato slices, followed by raspberry-flavoured Swiss rolls and some donuty-type delicacies. Local cricket artist Martin Farrar said hello (I'd bought one of his M.S.Dhoni paintings in early season) and revealed that he'd now moved on to painting animals. He also told me that Lancashire wicketkeeper Luke Sutton was doing a Q&A at Glodwick CC in Oldham this Friday coming - and I thought I must try and get a ticket.
From then on, something of a let-down. At Stainland, no game. At Greetland, no game and a few people drinking in front of the pavilion. At Brighouse, no game and a few people still socialising. At Lightcliffe, no game and a hardworking groundsman in a very chatty mood as me and my dad reflected on our tragic luck. So back in the direction of Huddersfield, and Rastrick where Hall Bower 2nd XI were the visitors. A beautiful evening there, with long shadows casting darkness onto the playing area but the ground looking radiant in the sunshine. Rastrick is one of my favourite grounds: lots of character on account of the motorway and the amazing mound that is Round Hill; lots of banter on the terrace near the pavilion (with the same bloke keen to make me laugh with his jokes each time I'm there); a good bar with two TVs; and the club also have our 2005 exhibition boards framed to wonderful effect in the snooker room. It's also very accessible - always close by when we're travelling back from Halifax or even North Kirklees. The barmaid served me an ice-cool orange and lemonade and the pavilion seemed to be hosting an engagement party, post-cricket match, with lots of excellent food laid out for guests. Rugby league was on the TV and Man United were playing Spurs on the car radio. A young lad biffed a few late boundaries to ensure that Hall Bower won the game, but it was a decent climax.
Finally, Blackley, where the game was going on well past 7pm. Again, gorgeous autumnal conditions. There is a real melancholy about the dying days of the season: the long shadows, the end-of-season, nothing-to-play-for feel to some games, and the realisation that football and chilly evenings are back. A really lovely time of year, but also, in a strange way, quite sad.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Cricket Diary 2009 - County Championship cricket
Queens Park, Chesterfield
Posted by Tony Hutton
Trying to catch up with the second half of August brings the County Championship into focus.
One thing I can't catch up on however, is the amount of food Peter Davies seems to have consumed in recent weeks !
Wednesday 14th August - Derbyshire v Northamptonshire at Chesterfield.
I missed the first county match here earlier in the season at yet another of my favourite grounds, so it was with some relief that I made it for day one of this game. The ground looked spick and span, a large marquee for the sponsors guests and a good sized crowd, bigger than any at Derby all season I was told.
Apart from the fact that a large proportion of the players on both sides were of overseas origin, mostly South African - even with Northants captain Nicky Boje not playing, it was something like an old fashioned county match. Chesterfield in the good old days was always a green wicket on which Les Jackson and Cliff Gladwin bowled out the opposition for very few.
The highest innings score in this match was 255 by Derbyshire on day one. Northants were then dismissed for nine runs short of this, proceeded to bowl out Derby again for 233 and then in an exciting finish on the last day Northants won by two wickets finishing on 245-8.
On day one Derbyshire lost wickets at regular intervals and only the efforts of Gary Park, another South African recruited from Durham this season and wicketkeeper James Pipe, once of the Yorkshire Academy, who both made half centuries kept them afloat. Pipe in particular played with aggresive intent, particularly against the pace of Van der Wath (you guessed it, another South African). He carved him through or over the slips for four on several occasions causing the poor bowler to express his disgust in no uncertain manner.
In fact it was a young man making his debut for Northants, 25 year old Jack Brooks, who finished with the best figures of 4-76. Van der Wath had to settle for 3-92. When Northants batted the following day yet another South African, this time Tim Groenewald stole the honours with 6-61. So it was a relief to many that the match was won in the end by a fine innings of 42 by a true blue Englishman in the form of David Willey, son of non-other than former England all-rounder and current umpire Peter Willey. Willey, who isonly 19, shared in an important partnership with Alex Wakely, another local product who has played for England under 19s. So there are still some local lads playing in this game after all.
The highlight of the afternoon for me came when I suddenly realised how quiet and peaceful it all was, unlike the bangs and crashes of the permanent building site at Headingley. The only noise of note was the toot-toot of the minature railway engine going round the lake in Queens Park.
Thursday 20th August - Yorkshire v Lancashire at Headingley.
So back to the building site, with the two huge cranes building the vast new pavilion working away all day long, a totally different world from Queens Park, Chesterfield. This was day two of the Roses match, with Lancashire having made 226-7 on the first day which was rather slow going apparently. Former captain Mark Chilton was the mainstay of their innings with 73 not out overnight.
Lancashire put on another 50 runs during the morning, with Chilton going to a well deserved century and finishing on 111 not out out of the total of 276. The bowling honours went to the young leg spinner, Adil Rashid, whose two wickets this morning took him to 5-97.
Yorkshire started badly when Rudolph, their leading batsman, was out to the very first ball of the innings. It soon went from bad to worse - Yorkshire moving on to 35-3 then 131-5 at close of play on day two. The man doing the damage was the on loan signing from Derbyshire, Tom Lungley, with three early wickets. Lancashire have so many bowlers on the injured list that they had been forced into recruiting a player who has never been a regular in the Derbyshire first team, but he did them proud today.
The following day was a totally different story after Bresnan was out without adding to his overnight score, Brophy and Adil Rashid proceeded to bat Lancashire out of the game. They put on 168 for the seventh wicket before Brophy was unluckily out for 99. Brophy had batted for five hours in a very workmanlike display.
Young Rashid went from strength to strength now putting on a partnership of 100 for the eighth wicket with Ajmal Shahzad and going to his highest ever score of 157 not out before the innings ended at 429 all out. With some time lost to the weather Yorkshire did not have time to bowl Lancashire out again and the game petered out into a tame draw on Saturday with Lancashire finishing on 196-2. However some positive performances at last for Yorkshire who need every point they can get to avoid relegation.
Thursday 27th August - Yorkshire v Warwickshire at Scarborough
Another change of scene for Yorkshire's next match with fellow relegation strugglers Warwickshire. Cricket by the seaside is always a pleasure and with the sun shining after a cool, wet day yesterday there was an excellent crowd in for the second day. Only 22 overs were bowled yesterday and Warwickshire were struggling on 53-4.
Not so today, the runs came thick and fast it has to be said thanks to some very poor stuff from the Yorkshire bowlers. They seemed to feed Tim Ambrose in particular with a series of long hops and full tosses out side leg stump which saw him race to 113 with no less than 21 fours.
Neil Carter, coming in at number eight, joined in the fun and scored a quickfire 67 off only 59 balls, including ten fours and two sixes. So 320 was a good total after yesterday's poor start.
It went from bad to worse for sorry Yorkshire and at the end of day two they were on the ropes at 100-7. The first over from Indian test player Sreesanth was a disaster, with Rudolph going for another first ball duck and McGrath also out in the same over again without troubling the scorers. Only the reliable Brophy (28 not out) and the last three of Wainwright, Hoggard and Kruis remained at close of play. So the drive home was of mixed emotions, a grand day out in the sun with plenty of action, meeting a lot of acquaintances from all over the north of England, but everything going against Yorkshire.
I did not travel the next day, but it is well worth recording that Yorkshire got themselves out of trouble on day three with Brophy and Wainwright putting on 144 for the eighth wicket, Wainwright and Hoggard 48 for the ninth wicket and Wainwright and Kruis 37 for the tenth wicket. Yorkshire finishing just eight runs ahead with the heroic Wainwright 102 not out.
So Warwickshire then finished day three on 111-2 and hopes were high that a quick break through on the last day could bring a rare and much needed victory, but it was not to be. The bowling, without Adil Rashid and Tim Bresnan, both on England one day duty, could not get wickets quickly enough and the game fizzled out yet again into a draw. An eventful game none the less, the big crowds suggesting that Scarborough is here to stay as a county venue, despite recent criticisms.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Lancashire hot-pot
Posted by Peter Davies
A Lancashire hot-pot of an afternoon - Todmorden of the Lancashire League followed by Walsden of the Central Lancashire League. Tod were playing Lowerhouse on a very autumnal day - windy and pretty cold. Centre Vale is a lovely ground and the views - of the cricket, town and nearby park - are great from all angles. ITV were filming at the ground for a special programme on Roses rivalry (Todmorden is famous for having a block of public conveniences where you can stand with one foot in Yorkshire and one in Lancashire!). The camera crew left as we arrived but then returned later in the afternoon.
Club historians Malcolm and Freda Heywood were in the tea room with many other hungry locals. Malcolm was eating some bilberry crumble - made out of local bilberries, he said - and Freda said that local plums were also used by the club tea ladies. We contented ourselves with a cuppa and some rhubarb pie. The Heywoods told us about the soon-to-be-published second volume of their club history and all their HLF-aided plans to bring the cost of the book down so as to make it more accessible to potential buyers. Tod's Sri Lankan pro was enjoying himself out in the middle - one of his sixes landed on the main road! Malcolm told me our 2005 exhibition boards were up in the pavilion - and I went over to have a look. They looked great, as did all the other photos and documents on the walls. Got talking to Malcolm later about the history of junior cricket and how, in the mid twentieth century, juniors were almost viewed as an annoyance by clubs. A far cry from today with U9s, U11s, U13s, U15s and U17s!
At Scott Street, Walsden, Unsworth were the visitors. Again, pretty drab weather and a few specks of rain. Another attractive ground with some beautiful greenery round about. The home side were about to lose but the stoic supporters on the boundary edge were staying put. Some blocks of flats - named after WCC stalwarts - were recently demolished close to the ground and the club went to great trouble to ensure that the replacement avenues and courts were given the same monikers. But club stalwart - and after-dinner speaker extraordinaire - Alan Stuttard told me that only two of the three cricketers' names were used again. However, he was pretty satisfied with that! Alan took me up to the old committee room to show me some club memorabilia and there was also plenty to photograph on the walls of the bar.
The WCC facilities are really top-notch - a very nice club to visit and be impressed by. On the TV in the bar, England were on their way to a second successive ODI defeat at Australian hands. The bar was also advertising a forthcoming 'Ladies Night' and end-of-season fancy dress party (with Cowboys and Indians as the theme!). Went on a nice lap of the playing area and I think Walsden may win the 'Most Plaques and Dedications on the Boundary Edge Award'. They're everywhere - due testimony to the number of long-serving club folk they have had over the decades.
A Lancashire hot-pot of an afternoon - Todmorden of the Lancashire League followed by Walsden of the Central Lancashire League. Tod were playing Lowerhouse on a very autumnal day - windy and pretty cold. Centre Vale is a lovely ground and the views - of the cricket, town and nearby park - are great from all angles. ITV were filming at the ground for a special programme on Roses rivalry (Todmorden is famous for having a block of public conveniences where you can stand with one foot in Yorkshire and one in Lancashire!). The camera crew left as we arrived but then returned later in the afternoon.
Club historians Malcolm and Freda Heywood were in the tea room with many other hungry locals. Malcolm was eating some bilberry crumble - made out of local bilberries, he said - and Freda said that local plums were also used by the club tea ladies. We contented ourselves with a cuppa and some rhubarb pie. The Heywoods told us about the soon-to-be-published second volume of their club history and all their HLF-aided plans to bring the cost of the book down so as to make it more accessible to potential buyers. Tod's Sri Lankan pro was enjoying himself out in the middle - one of his sixes landed on the main road! Malcolm told me our 2005 exhibition boards were up in the pavilion - and I went over to have a look. They looked great, as did all the other photos and documents on the walls. Got talking to Malcolm later about the history of junior cricket and how, in the mid twentieth century, juniors were almost viewed as an annoyance by clubs. A far cry from today with U9s, U11s, U13s, U15s and U17s!
At Scott Street, Walsden, Unsworth were the visitors. Again, pretty drab weather and a few specks of rain. Another attractive ground with some beautiful greenery round about. The home side were about to lose but the stoic supporters on the boundary edge were staying put. Some blocks of flats - named after WCC stalwarts - were recently demolished close to the ground and the club went to great trouble to ensure that the replacement avenues and courts were given the same monikers. But club stalwart - and after-dinner speaker extraordinaire - Alan Stuttard told me that only two of the three cricketers' names were used again. However, he was pretty satisfied with that! Alan took me up to the old committee room to show me some club memorabilia and there was also plenty to photograph on the walls of the bar.
The WCC facilities are really top-notch - a very nice club to visit and be impressed by. On the TV in the bar, England were on their way to a second successive ODI defeat at Australian hands. The bar was also advertising a forthcoming 'Ladies Night' and end-of-season fancy dress party (with Cowboys and Indians as the theme!). Went on a nice lap of the playing area and I think Walsden may win the 'Most Plaques and Dedications on the Boundary Edge Award'. They're everywhere - due testimony to the number of long-serving club folk they have had over the decades.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Strawberries and Stones
Posted by Peter Davies
Interesting day! Was involved in a workshop session on churches and cricket at All Souls Church, Haley Hill, Halifax at lunchtime - as part of a Church Conservation Trust event on the Victorian era. Then on to Stones where the weather was wild - as normal! In fact I think Stones - high above Ripponden - has its very own eco-system: cold, very cold, blustery, gale-force or permutations thereof. It was the official opening of the new pavilion redevelopment: lots of junior matches going on outside, a meal in the pavilion, and an array of VIP guests and speeches. Guests included club officials and friends, the builders who worked on the development, club sponsors, development officer Steve Archer, league treasurer Bob Airey and many others. A really wonderful occasion.
Over the past few weeks I've had a few comments from the select band of people who read this blog. They've basically said the same thing: Your blog is all very well, Peter, but it seems to be more about food than cricket! I've been a little bit upset by this!!! But I'll keep going!!! Anyway...on to the food. It was spectacular!!! Several lovely meats, salmon, quiche, pasta, mini-pork pies, lots of gorgeous salad accessories, and the rest! For dessert I stuck to strawberries and fruit salad but others involved themselves with a variety of chocolate delicacies, pies and trifles. Sensational!
The three speeches were excellent. Club chairman Peter McDonnell set the scene, explained the context and thanked the key people. He also made a link between the birth of Stones CC in 1884 with the founding of Marks & Spencer and his beloved Tranmere Rovers - in the same year! He was looking very smart in a dapper beige suit and spoke extremely well. League president and Stones treasurer David Normanton was next. It was a very special moment for him - he actually became quite emotional and said that the club's founding fathers in the nineteenth century would have been very proud, and also startled, if they knew how the club had developed. Then Andrew Watson, YCB Director of Development, said that Stones and Calderdale in general were setting a fine example in cricket development. In fact, they were setting the pace! Really impressive stuff - and it put the whole day into perspective.
I had good chats with Matt Jones (1st XI captain) and Graham Mellor - really nice guys and 100% Stones. Our heritage exhibition boards were on display all day as well - great to see! The journey back took me past Barkisland's ground - but surprise, surprise: no play because of the rain!
Interesting day! Was involved in a workshop session on churches and cricket at All Souls Church, Haley Hill, Halifax at lunchtime - as part of a Church Conservation Trust event on the Victorian era. Then on to Stones where the weather was wild - as normal! In fact I think Stones - high above Ripponden - has its very own eco-system: cold, very cold, blustery, gale-force or permutations thereof. It was the official opening of the new pavilion redevelopment: lots of junior matches going on outside, a meal in the pavilion, and an array of VIP guests and speeches. Guests included club officials and friends, the builders who worked on the development, club sponsors, development officer Steve Archer, league treasurer Bob Airey and many others. A really wonderful occasion.
Over the past few weeks I've had a few comments from the select band of people who read this blog. They've basically said the same thing: Your blog is all very well, Peter, but it seems to be more about food than cricket! I've been a little bit upset by this!!! But I'll keep going!!! Anyway...on to the food. It was spectacular!!! Several lovely meats, salmon, quiche, pasta, mini-pork pies, lots of gorgeous salad accessories, and the rest! For dessert I stuck to strawberries and fruit salad but others involved themselves with a variety of chocolate delicacies, pies and trifles. Sensational!
The three speeches were excellent. Club chairman Peter McDonnell set the scene, explained the context and thanked the key people. He also made a link between the birth of Stones CC in 1884 with the founding of Marks & Spencer and his beloved Tranmere Rovers - in the same year! He was looking very smart in a dapper beige suit and spoke extremely well. League president and Stones treasurer David Normanton was next. It was a very special moment for him - he actually became quite emotional and said that the club's founding fathers in the nineteenth century would have been very proud, and also startled, if they knew how the club had developed. Then Andrew Watson, YCB Director of Development, said that Stones and Calderdale in general were setting a fine example in cricket development. In fact, they were setting the pace! Really impressive stuff - and it put the whole day into perspective.
I had good chats with Matt Jones (1st XI captain) and Graham Mellor - really nice guys and 100% Stones. Our heritage exhibition boards were on display all day as well - great to see! The journey back took me past Barkisland's ground - but surprise, surprise: no play because of the rain!
Monday, 31 August 2009
Elland and Eminem
Posted by Peter Davies
To Elland for the Anthony McGrath 20/20 testimonial year bonanza - or what we thought would be the Anthony McGrath 20/20 testimonial year bonanza! A notice greeted all those entering the Hullen Edge ground to the effect that McGrath's Yorkshire team had given backword and there was now no charge for the day's cricket - which would now comprise a 40- (not 20-) over game between the Huddersfield and Halifax leagues. Poor do! The McGrath event had been advertised widely and the Elland club felt very let down. Word had come through at 8.40pm the night before to the effect that McGrath and his boys wouldn't be showing up. Club officials looked very embarrassed with Stuart Fletcher trying to explain the situation to disgruntled folk. Elland had produced a nice programme, lots of food, and the no-show had inconvenienced them massively. The event was supposed to be raising money for McGrath's benefit year. 'He must already have enough money!' sighed various spectators near the clubhouse. McGrath and Co. had claimed that they needed some extra rest after consecutive days' county cricket and were fearful of players getting injured in a benefit game with the county struggling on the relegation front. But this explanation hadn't gone down very well. Elland had also hired a huge sound system which was churning out Eminem and Stereophonics every time there was a boundary or a wicket. It was far too loud! We stayed until tea, sampled some pasta twirls and yummy pizza - and then left.
At Hanging Heaton the Crowther Cup final was being played out in front of a good crowd in fine weather: Woodlands v Barnsley. The Bradford side chalked up 160 - and the South Yorkshire side reached their target in pretty comfortable fashion. Bennett Lane is one of my favourite grounds on account of the excellent facilities and the 22 tall, handsome trees at the far end of the ground. A great sight - and I love the fact that there are exactly 22, as if the cricketing gods decreed it! The food is also excellent. The club have a huge kitchen and dispense a variety of meals. My dad says it's the only place in the area where you are guaranteed to be able to order a good, hot square meal - seemingly at any time in the day. Today we had steak and onion pie, chips and peas, and for the rest of the day I could hardly walk it was that filling! Heaton also possess wonderful club stalwarts in Nat Lawrence and Mel Dearden - always very friendly and very chatty. Many Heavy Woollen League and Bradford League VIPs were in attendance and a very vocal set of Barnsley fans. A good stumping was executed by the Woodlands keeper and a few lusty blows by the middle-order Barnsley batters. One of the umpires, I overheard, lives in a house about 20 yards away from Barnsley's football ground. Headingley-based Professional Cricket Watcher Brian Sanderson was at the game - he had watched Scholes-Golcar on Saturday and was enjoying the Batley sun. He was sat, studiously, behind the bowler's arm at the pavilion end like the connoisseur of the game that he is.
To Elland for the Anthony McGrath 20/20 testimonial year bonanza - or what we thought would be the Anthony McGrath 20/20 testimonial year bonanza! A notice greeted all those entering the Hullen Edge ground to the effect that McGrath's Yorkshire team had given backword and there was now no charge for the day's cricket - which would now comprise a 40- (not 20-) over game between the Huddersfield and Halifax leagues. Poor do! The McGrath event had been advertised widely and the Elland club felt very let down. Word had come through at 8.40pm the night before to the effect that McGrath and his boys wouldn't be showing up. Club officials looked very embarrassed with Stuart Fletcher trying to explain the situation to disgruntled folk. Elland had produced a nice programme, lots of food, and the no-show had inconvenienced them massively. The event was supposed to be raising money for McGrath's benefit year. 'He must already have enough money!' sighed various spectators near the clubhouse. McGrath and Co. had claimed that they needed some extra rest after consecutive days' county cricket and were fearful of players getting injured in a benefit game with the county struggling on the relegation front. But this explanation hadn't gone down very well. Elland had also hired a huge sound system which was churning out Eminem and Stereophonics every time there was a boundary or a wicket. It was far too loud! We stayed until tea, sampled some pasta twirls and yummy pizza - and then left.
At Hanging Heaton the Crowther Cup final was being played out in front of a good crowd in fine weather: Woodlands v Barnsley. The Bradford side chalked up 160 - and the South Yorkshire side reached their target in pretty comfortable fashion. Bennett Lane is one of my favourite grounds on account of the excellent facilities and the 22 tall, handsome trees at the far end of the ground. A great sight - and I love the fact that there are exactly 22, as if the cricketing gods decreed it! The food is also excellent. The club have a huge kitchen and dispense a variety of meals. My dad says it's the only place in the area where you are guaranteed to be able to order a good, hot square meal - seemingly at any time in the day. Today we had steak and onion pie, chips and peas, and for the rest of the day I could hardly walk it was that filling! Heaton also possess wonderful club stalwarts in Nat Lawrence and Mel Dearden - always very friendly and very chatty. Many Heavy Woollen League and Bradford League VIPs were in attendance and a very vocal set of Barnsley fans. A good stumping was executed by the Woodlands keeper and a few lusty blows by the middle-order Barnsley batters. One of the umpires, I overheard, lives in a house about 20 yards away from Barnsley's football ground. Headingley-based Professional Cricket Watcher Brian Sanderson was at the game - he had watched Scholes-Golcar on Saturday and was enjoying the Batley sun. He was sat, studiously, behind the bowler's arm at the pavilion end like the connoisseur of the game that he is.
Exhibition switch
The Cricket Heritage Project display about cricket in Dewsbury, which we donated to Ravensthorpe Library, has been found a temporary home at Garden Street Community Centre, Ravensthorpe, while Ravensthorpe Library is being re-developed. When the library re-opens, the display will move back to Ravensthorpe Library.
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Cuppas and collisions
Posted by Peter Davies
A five-star afternoon! First, Kirkburton - cold and blustery but sunny. A second-team game against Skelmanthorpe and there was a strong Shat presence on the boundary edge. In the pavilion, club stalwarts Steve Ireland and Mike Nicholas were in evidence with everyone trying to keep up to speed with the Giants in their Wembley final against Warrington Wolves (not good news for the locals). I had a new camera which I was testing out - about as big as a mobile phone, slimline, with a top-notch zoom facility. The results were good - with video to experiment with at a later date. Tea was early because of Skelmanthorpe's poor batting display and even so the head tea lady was in good spirits. I enjoyed a cheese sandwich with salad accessories (including a rather bolognese-esque pasta dish). The tea lady was in such a buoyant mood that she was handing out free egg custard slices (with chocolate trim). Kirkburton's ground somehow feels quite a long way from the centre of the village - the greenery and the handsome church tower offer the visitor a very attractive scene.
At Lepton it was very windy with Rastrick the visitors. It always seems to be when I go there - it always feels very exposed. The views from the Wakefield Road ground are exceptional and the new pavilion - shared with the footballers - is exquisite in a very modern, state-of-the-art way. The scorebox also seemed to be new. The football results were coming in, the Giants having lost, and Liverpool had just gone 3-2 up against Bolton. A couple of windswept strolls round the boundary and I'd had enough so off we went to Dalton & Edgerton, based high up in Dalton amid lots of roads with Lake District-themed names - Coniston, Buttermere etc. Again, more wind and blustery conditions - at a ground that is very high with some amazing panoramas out over Huddersfield town centre and Leeds Road. Denby were the visitors but it was teatime when we arrived and not a soul could be seen. So I wandered in the tea room - for the first time ever - and got the impression it was shared with the local bowling club. The sole tea lady on duty was working hard, with cuppas appearing at regular intervals and the D&E players on good form in one corner of the room. There were some framed photos of the old Dalton CC on display and a rather cute bar in the far corner. Sandwiches and a variety of sweets were on offer - jam tarts and a variety of choclatey delicacies. I kept asking if D&E legend Johnny Bradbury was around but he had seemingly stayed at home to watch the Giants in the comfort of his living room. He turned up just as we were leaving. A true legend. If it wasn't for him, there wouldn't be a club.
We headed for Brighouse, one of our favourite grounds, mainly because of its superb new clubhouse. The game had finished so we sped to Rastrick, where their match was coming to a close with them trying to defend 150 or so. They did so - just - but it was a close call. The evening was drawing in and autumn felt just around the corner as we watched the action from outside the pavilion. It also got cold. The pavilion was a hive of activity with lots of punters knocking about and at least two people serving behind the bar. I took some photos of some of the framed photos on the wall and took a slight interest in the 'leftovers' that were now going for free on the long table by the windows. The egg mayo slices and the mini-sausage rolls were particularly appealing! Out on the boundary, Rastrick veteran John Edge was having a torrid time - dropping two chances and then colliding with a young Rastrick player while trying to field the ball (think Steve Waugh and Jason Gillespie). The young lad was OK but it looked nasty.
We skirted past Badger Hill - game over - and ended up at Elland, where the 1st XI fixture against Scholes was reaching a climax, in the visitors' favour. Again cold and dark but plenty of chatter among the Scholes fielders. We tried Blackley on the way back into Huddersfield but game over there too.
A five-star afternoon! First, Kirkburton - cold and blustery but sunny. A second-team game against Skelmanthorpe and there was a strong Shat presence on the boundary edge. In the pavilion, club stalwarts Steve Ireland and Mike Nicholas were in evidence with everyone trying to keep up to speed with the Giants in their Wembley final against Warrington Wolves (not good news for the locals). I had a new camera which I was testing out - about as big as a mobile phone, slimline, with a top-notch zoom facility. The results were good - with video to experiment with at a later date. Tea was early because of Skelmanthorpe's poor batting display and even so the head tea lady was in good spirits. I enjoyed a cheese sandwich with salad accessories (including a rather bolognese-esque pasta dish). The tea lady was in such a buoyant mood that she was handing out free egg custard slices (with chocolate trim). Kirkburton's ground somehow feels quite a long way from the centre of the village - the greenery and the handsome church tower offer the visitor a very attractive scene.
At Lepton it was very windy with Rastrick the visitors. It always seems to be when I go there - it always feels very exposed. The views from the Wakefield Road ground are exceptional and the new pavilion - shared with the footballers - is exquisite in a very modern, state-of-the-art way. The scorebox also seemed to be new. The football results were coming in, the Giants having lost, and Liverpool had just gone 3-2 up against Bolton. A couple of windswept strolls round the boundary and I'd had enough so off we went to Dalton & Edgerton, based high up in Dalton amid lots of roads with Lake District-themed names - Coniston, Buttermere etc. Again, more wind and blustery conditions - at a ground that is very high with some amazing panoramas out over Huddersfield town centre and Leeds Road. Denby were the visitors but it was teatime when we arrived and not a soul could be seen. So I wandered in the tea room - for the first time ever - and got the impression it was shared with the local bowling club. The sole tea lady on duty was working hard, with cuppas appearing at regular intervals and the D&E players on good form in one corner of the room. There were some framed photos of the old Dalton CC on display and a rather cute bar in the far corner. Sandwiches and a variety of sweets were on offer - jam tarts and a variety of choclatey delicacies. I kept asking if D&E legend Johnny Bradbury was around but he had seemingly stayed at home to watch the Giants in the comfort of his living room. He turned up just as we were leaving. A true legend. If it wasn't for him, there wouldn't be a club.
We headed for Brighouse, one of our favourite grounds, mainly because of its superb new clubhouse. The game had finished so we sped to Rastrick, where their match was coming to a close with them trying to defend 150 or so. They did so - just - but it was a close call. The evening was drawing in and autumn felt just around the corner as we watched the action from outside the pavilion. It also got cold. The pavilion was a hive of activity with lots of punters knocking about and at least two people serving behind the bar. I took some photos of some of the framed photos on the wall and took a slight interest in the 'leftovers' that were now going for free on the long table by the windows. The egg mayo slices and the mini-sausage rolls were particularly appealing! Out on the boundary, Rastrick veteran John Edge was having a torrid time - dropping two chances and then colliding with a young Rastrick player while trying to field the ball (think Steve Waugh and Jason Gillespie). The young lad was OK but it looked nasty.
We skirted past Badger Hill - game over - and ended up at Elland, where the 1st XI fixture against Scholes was reaching a climax, in the visitors' favour. Again cold and dark but plenty of chatter among the Scholes fielders. We tried Blackley on the way back into Huddersfield but game over there too.
Project news
Posted by Peter Davies
We've had contact recently with some interesting people:
- Nigel Stockley of the lancashireleague.com website is (hopefully) creating a Lancashire League heritage museum, maybe in Oswaldtwistle. So we have passed onto him a set of display boards we inherited from Brian Heywood - which told the history of the league and were originally housed in a Lancashire exhibition venue (and which might have been thrown out if Brian hadn't rescued them).
- Just before the Leeds Test match, we were contacted by the organisation which was planning a huge Ashes-themed cricket festival in Millennium Square, Leeds. They wanted to borrow an 'old-fashioned' cricket scoreboard from a local club to use at the festival.
- We've also been asked to help Blackley Ladies CC fix up some extra fixtures - from contacts we've made through the project.
We've had contact recently with some interesting people:
- Nigel Stockley of the lancashireleague.com website is (hopefully) creating a Lancashire League heritage museum, maybe in Oswaldtwistle. So we have passed onto him a set of display boards we inherited from Brian Heywood - which told the history of the league and were originally housed in a Lancashire exhibition venue (and which might have been thrown out if Brian hadn't rescued them).
- Just before the Leeds Test match, we were contacted by the organisation which was planning a huge Ashes-themed cricket festival in Millennium Square, Leeds. They wanted to borrow an 'old-fashioned' cricket scoreboard from a local club to use at the festival.
- We've also been asked to help Blackley Ladies CC fix up some extra fixtures - from contacts we've made through the project.
Monday, 24 August 2009
Cricket Diary 2009 - Another Saturday, another league
Mulgrave cricket club (above)and Castleton cricket club (below)
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 15th August - Eskdale Cricket League.
Another window of opportunity opens following a recent trip to Whitby with the family on a non-cricketing day (yes, such a thing does exist, however rarely). My wife and sister in law decide on another trip there this time to sample the shops. So after doing some research about the Eskdale Cricket League, including some valuable information and league handbook from secretary Alan Thompson, off we go into the unknown again.
After a roller coaster ride in convoy over the North Yorkshire Moors from KirbyMoorside to Castleton, a major village in the dale, and a very pleasant pub lunch we go our separate ways.
The ground at Castleton is a large one, in the valley bottom, and I assume probably the best as the local cup final is held there. I have a feeling that groundsman par excellance Keith Boyce started his long career here, before moving on to Middlesborough (then a county ground), Headingley and his present post at New Rover in Leeds.
Great scenery, a running stream, a pub and even a railway station are in close proximity to the ground. Castleton are playing near neighbours Danby which does not seem to have aroused much local passion certainly at the start of the game anyway. The handful of spectators include quite a few tourists in what is popular walking country in the North Yorkshire Moors national park.
However a tight schedule awaits if I am to meet my early evening deadline. So on to Lealholm where Alan Thompson lives. However we could not arrange to meet this time round as he is umpiring the game. His very precise directions bring my to within earshot of the game - bat on ball and a few appeals. However the final direction 'go through a garden gate' is like a multiple choice question. Several garden gates obviously just lead into gardens, but soon I found the right one where the path sidesteps a garden with a left and a right into an alleyway which brings you out alongside the pavilion.
The ground itself is ringed with trees, a bit more shut in than Castleton which has open vistas on both sides, but none the worse for that. Lealholm are playing Grosmont the busy village nearer the coast which sees the junction of the two railway lines which serve the area, one of them the privately run North Yorkshire Moors line from Pickering. Runs seem to be flowing a bit more quickly here but soon time to move on again to Glaisdale.
This proves to be yet another valley bottom ground almost next to the well known Beggars Bridge, an old packhorse bridge, and again adjacent to the railway station. My friend Brian Senior may well do all these grounds at some future date by train. Glaisdale are playing the
quaintly named Fryup, which is a side dale off the main valley and a place for further exploration another time. Rumour has it that their ground is rather basic and probably just a farmer's field but no doubt in wonderful scenery. What I did not find out until some time after the event was that I was watching history in the making. Fryup's batsmen certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves but eventually from the website of the Whitby Gazette I discovered that a record score had been made.
Fryup's Andy Raw opened the innings and lost his opening partner for a duck to the second ball of the match. He then proceded to to make a club record score, and probably a league record score, of 214. He batted for the full 40 overs, hitting 15 sixes and 20 fours. It sounds to me that he should be playing in a higher grade of cricket, particularly as he took eight wickets for no runs earlier in the season. Apparently he also took all ten wickets a few seasons ago.
Onwards and upwards up a steep hill and a brief flirtation with the main Whitby to Middlesborough road, until the turn off for another unusual name - the village of Ugthorpe.
Again Mr Thompson's directions are immaculate, with ample parking on a wide grass verge.
Entering the gate to a very big open field you realise that you are in fact on a hill top rather than in a valley and there is a marvellous view across the fields to the sea in the distance. Wickets fall rapidly during my visit and the first innings ends. So it must be getting near tea time.
Another few miles down the lane bring me to the village of Lythe, again on the hill top above the seaside village of Sandsend, adjacent to the large Mulgrave estate. Indeed the village team is known as Mulgrave and they are entertaining Goathland, the village which has become famous from the TV series 'Heartbeat'. Their fame does them no good as they are bowled out for 127.
The ground is only two seasons old, a grand palatial new pavilion serves both village cricket and football teams. An excellent playing area too with lots of space. The sun shines with a strong breeze, almost a gale off the sea. A gentleman who has lived in the village all his life told my how the first match of the season was played in a hail storm in April. Soon after that when all the other teams played, their game was abandoned due a thick sea fret where the visibility made it improssible to play.
So a splendid introduction to a new league, which doesn't get much publicity but which is obviously well run, very competitive with lots of local derbies and all in such admirable scenery.
There are only eleven teams so one of them has a day off every week, but certainly one I will return to next season for some further exploration.
The Alternative Ashes in verse
Posted by Tony Hutton
This may be a little out of sequence in the grand scale of things, but obviously yesterday's events deserve some special treatment.
The umpire's practising his swing, third man's perfecting his putts,
Ian Bell looks a little bit nervous, but KP has sent out for some nuts.
Bopera's gone to the opera, where Strauss is composing again,
Colly's gone racing at Blaydon, while Freddie plays on through the pain.
Everything comes without Onions, so Johnathan's gone to the trots
and Harmie's gone home for his tea, where Anderson's cracking no pots.
Getting ready to be night-watchman, he's even been out for a duck.
Swanny's been sold down the river, by a letter from Alastair Cook.
With runs and wickets galore, a new hero emerges in Broad,
just forget all those MBEs, they might even make him a Lord.
Monty's not even playing but Prior, the man no one loves,
has at the end of the season got one to stick in his gloves.
The day get's longer and longer and we're all going around the bend,
when the Aussies collapse and those Ashes come back home in the end.
This may be a little out of sequence in the grand scale of things, but obviously yesterday's events deserve some special treatment.
The umpire's practising his swing, third man's perfecting his putts,
Ian Bell looks a little bit nervous, but KP has sent out for some nuts.
Bopera's gone to the opera, where Strauss is composing again,
Colly's gone racing at Blaydon, while Freddie plays on through the pain.
Everything comes without Onions, so Johnathan's gone to the trots
and Harmie's gone home for his tea, where Anderson's cracking no pots.
Getting ready to be night-watchman, he's even been out for a duck.
Swanny's been sold down the river, by a letter from Alastair Cook.
With runs and wickets galore, a new hero emerges in Broad,
just forget all those MBEs, they might even make him a Lord.
Monty's not even playing but Prior, the man no one loves,
has at the end of the season got one to stick in his gloves.
The day get's longer and longer and we're all going around the bend,
when the Aussies collapse and those Ashes come back home in the end.
Cricket Diary 2009 - A real mixed bag
Stainborough v MCC (top), Middleton Tyas (middle) and Eryholme (below)
Posted by Tony Hutton
Tuesday 4th August - Yorkshire under 17s v Cheshire under 17s (Hullen Edge, Elland)
Not a game of any great memories or indeed individual performances but important in terms of the result which meant that the Yorkshire side qualified for the nation semi-finals of this one day cup competition.
Yorkshire opened steadily with Calum Geldart and the younger of the two Root brothers, Billy.
The laid a sound foundation but apart from Alex Lees who top scored with 47 the others never really found the momentum for a big score and they settled for 207-8 off 50 overs.
Cheshire also batted confidently but not particularly quickly, loosing wickets at regular intervals and it wasn't until a rain interruption reduced their target to 183 in 44 overs, that they seemed to be in with a chance. In the end they fell only nine runs short.
During the rain interval one or two of us left for pastures new and arrived at Spen Victoria, where another Lord's Taverners under 15 game was just resuming after rain there. Another delightful ground, with good raised vantage points and excellent refreshment facilities which would satisfy even the galloping gourmet Peter Davies.
Bradford under 15s bowled out Halifax for only 115 and knocked them off to win by seven wickets. A young man by the name of Kang scoring an impressive 88 not out, but nobody seemed to know who he was.
Wednesday 5th August - Stainborough v MCC and Yorkshire under 17s v Cheshire under 17s at Clifton Lane, Rotherham - day 1 of 2.
Another wet and showery morning which resulted in a change of plan around lunchtime. Along with Brian Senior we set off intending to make a brief stop at Stainborough, who were celebrating their 150th anniversary with a game against MCC befofe moving on down the motorway for an afternoon at Worksop College where Notts 2nd XI were playing Durham.
The first bit went according to plan. Despite some light drizzle we were welcomed at the gate with a complimentary programme , which not only listed the teams but gave an interesting history of the club. In addition play started on time at 11.30 with team photographs taken,
refreshments available and everything very well organized. So after an hour or so we left rather reluctantly to press on to Worksop.
Here we were greeted with a sad site. Covers still on after heavy overnight rain and a half-hearted attempt at mopping up on the edges of the square going on. Brian decided to partake of the school dinners, while I had my picnic in the car, but the prospects were still poor, with lots of head shaking from the ground staff.. So we decided to try our luck elsewhere and headed for
Rotherham.
Here at the ground shared with Rotherham Rugby Union club the sun was shining and the two day game in the under 17s county championship was in full swing. As on Monday Cheshire batted consistently, but seemed to feel unhappy with one or two umpiring decisions. One young man was heard to say 'You can tell were playing in Yorkshire'.
Thanks to a fine second spell from opening bowler Moin Ashraf, who took 5-22, the tail did not last long and Cheshire were all out for 223. The following day Yorkshire managed to get first innings points thanks to a century from captain Geldart, but did not manage sufficient bonus points in the second innings to qualify for the national play off final.
Although we were not there on day 2 it apparently ended with Cheshire declaring and leaving Yorkshire the unlikely target of 100 runs off only six overs to achieve the number of points they required. They did make a very creditable 76-5 in that time, but sadly not enough.
Saturday 8th August - Darlington and District cricket league.
This is a league I knew nothing about at the start of the season. When viewed from afar Darlington is probably a town most people associate with railways and industry. In fact this league not only straddles both sides of the Tees, i.e. North Yorkshire and Durham, but contains some of the most picturesque village grounds you could wish to see. After a brief foray earlier in the season to such places as Raby Castle, Aldborough St John and Cliffe, which are all paradise for photographers, I decided to extend my knowledge with a few more grounds today.
So in just under an hour's drive up the A1 arrived at the starting point of Scotch corner. For those of you with knowledge of the motorway services here you will see a sign before you turn into the service area to Middleton Tyas. Go through the village and turn left towards Barton (another ground there by the way). On the right hand side you turn into the grounds of Middleton Lodge. You will find a beautiful tree-lined ground, with cattle grazing at the far end, a perfectly rural scene such a short distance from the busy A1 and it's roaring traffic. Wickets fell
regularly in what was to be a low scoring game, the home side 118 all out winning by 42 runs.
Back into the village, turn left and head for Croft-on-Tees home of a motor racing circuit.
Cross the river and turn immediately right, follow the road round to a tree lined avenue on the right where you will find the ground of Rockcliffe Park cricket club, which is adjacent to the Middlesborough FC training grounds. Again still very rural with lots of trees on the pavilion side of the ground, but much house building taking place in the vicinity. Still a good place to watch cricket. Runs a plenty being scored by the home side against local rivals Middleton St George.
Back over the bridge, heading south towards Northallerton, until you see a left turn signposted Eryholme. Having studied the map to find the ground, I could see this road was a dead end and the ground itself was situated in one of the huge loops of the River Tees. So it proved through a quiet village with no shops or pub, just a small church, until you eventually arrive at a closed and gated bridge across the Tees no longer in use. Keep going just a little while longer, past a sign that ominously says 'Ford only' and you arrive at this long narrow ground bordered by the tree lined Tees on one side and fields of crops on the other.
Runs were being scored at a rapid rate by the visitors. Aldborough St John, with long delays while the ball was retrieved from the farmer's fields. Later research revealed that Eryholme were bottom of the league and the visitors ran up the impressive score of 319-5, with their opening batsman, J. Stapleton making 128 not out. Needless to say Eryholme came a bad second, but a place to savour all the same. This really was cricket off the beaten track with a vengence.
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