Stoic spectators

Posted by Peter Davies

Delph & Dobcross v Shepley...but lots of lunchtime rain meant a plethora of club officials were out mopping up and getting the ground ready for play. Lots of activity but judging from the black clouds hanging over Saddleworth, not that much possibility of play. So, on to Broad Oak where the sun was shining but the rain was also drizzling. The covers were off and on and catches were being taken, and also dropped, by the Clayton West fielders. A number of stoic spectators were undaunted by the weather - by the clubhouse bar, by the car park and on the top side of the playing area. A young couple were getting married at the nearby parish church - and one cricket-watcher, having spotted the bride and groom, was mumbling 'Don't do it!' under her breath! In the tea room, two Broad Oak women were working hard and dispensing teas and coffees. Cuppas were £1 each rather than the normal 50p because the club was helping to raise funds for Clayton West's Aussie pro - who had been viciously attacked during the week in a Leeds nightclub. Great solidarity. By the clubhouse, Huddersfield Examiner cricket correspondent David Lockwood was studying form and chatting with locals. A very quiet and tranquil afternoon - there was peace in the valley.

At Cartworth Moor v Mirfield, the away side were batting - easy to spot given the sky blue caps being worn by almost every Cartworth fielder. Teatime was approaching and the cricketers' food was tantalisingly under wraps on the main work surface in the tea room. So it was a hot drink and a Twix! Moor legend Dougie Thorpe was in attendance, as were posses of spectators by the entrance to the ground and by the new scorebox. Finally, a late tea at Shepley v Kirkburton. The second innings had just begun so there were tuna and egg mayo rolls left, plus pizza, pork pies, pasta salad and other gorgeous delicacies. The tea lady was in fact having a late tea herself in tandem with her mum, who was also helping in the kitchen. It was cold but sunny and Kirkburton 2nds were batting and doing a decent job of knocking off their target. The views out over Shelley Park and towards town were magnificent; the Kirkburtoners waiting to bat were either circling the playing area or sat in front of the scoreboard.