Raffle success

Posted by Peter Davies

Sunday 2 August

The Parish Cup final at Sowerby Bridge: Booth v Mytholmroyd - a real Calder Valley local derby. Halifax League officials are always proud of the fact that the first Sunday in August rarely lets them down in terms of weather, and this year was no exception. Overcast at the start, but red hot towards the end. Booth batted first but would have been disappointed to hobble to only 154-9. They had a good start, lost wickets in the middle, and then the lower order slogged a few towards the end. But Mytholmroyd began badly and only some dogged late batting gave their total some respectability (they ended up 96 all out) - Booth running out easy winners ultimately. It was a fine occasion with league officials resplendent in their designer dark blue coats, the whole ground being ringed by spectators, and a burger stall doing good business at the top end. Dick Rodger - a lovely man - was umpiring and the PA system was extremely audible. In fact, the host club's tip-top organisation was a key feature of the day - with the parking superbly managed, an early raffle and two sittings for tea. I think I also spotted SBCC tea ladies and club officials communicating by walkie-talkie - a military operation! I was fortunate to be invited for an official cup-final tea with league officials (second sitting) and it was an extravaganza: different types of meat, salmon, curried chicken, quiche plus many salad accessories. Awesome! With mini-cheesecakes, fruit salad and an endless supply of other desserts to follow. Awesome! The Parish Cup final is a meeting-point for cricket players and fans from all over. I spotted Peter Jowett and Ian Uttley (Southowram), Andrew Oates and Alan Sutton (Warley) and many many others. And I also chatted with Mrs Keith Goulden - what a lovely lady! As per a few weeks ago, my digital radio didn't like the airwaves around Sowerby Bridge so I was devoid of Radio 5 Live Sports Extra for the afternoon, so I had to make do with common-or-garden Radio 5. England were totting up the runs in the 3rd Test at Edgbaston with Flintoff and Prior very much in the mood. And I won the raffle - two bottles of wine after buying £5 worth of tickets. But I donated them to someone whose need was greater than mine...