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.