Posted by Tony Hutton
Despite the recent bad weather, with more to come, which has led to the cancellation of several meetings and Christmas functions, we are able to bring you some good news.
The Northern Cricket Society's annual Boxing Day game at North Leeds cricket club has taken place for over 60 years, whatever the weather, but this year the game looked in jeopardy due to difficulties in raising a team.
However I am pleased to report that the NCS secretary Harry Jackson has been able to obtain a Wetherby cricket league eleven to represent the Society. The team will be captained by Richard Grogan, former captain of Church Fenton CC who has recently moved to Shadwell CC.
Please note that the game this year is being played on MONDAY 27th DECEMBER starting at 11 a.m. The North Leeds ground is at the Homestead,Old Park Road,Roundhay,Leeds.
Refreshments will be available and the bar will be open for what is an excellent social occasion for all cricket lovers.
Compliments of the season to all our readers.
Friday, 17 December 2010
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Cricket Research Centre
Posted by Tony Hutton
The winter season of talks organised by the Cricket Research Centre at th University of Huddersfield begins next Thursday 28th October at 5.15 p.m. in Room JMG/01 at the University.
The speaker will be Andrew Hignell, scorer and archivist of Glamorgan county cricket club, who has visited Huddersfield on several occasions and is an excellent and very knowledgeable speaker, as well as a prolific author of cricket books. The main topic of his talk will be cricket in Cardiff in the late 19th century.
All are welcome to this free event.
The winter season of talks organised by the Cricket Research Centre at th University of Huddersfield begins next Thursday 28th October at 5.15 p.m. in Room JMG/01 at the University.
The speaker will be Andrew Hignell, scorer and archivist of Glamorgan county cricket club, who has visited Huddersfield on several occasions and is an excellent and very knowledgeable speaker, as well as a prolific author of cricket books. The main topic of his talk will be cricket in Cardiff in the late 19th century.
All are welcome to this free event.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Northern Cricket Society
Posted by Tony Hutton
Tuesday 12th October 2010
The first meeting of the winter season took place in the Long Room at Headingley, once someone had managed to find the keys. Before the meeting all the members stood for a minutes silence in memory of John Ellison, a long standing and popular member of the Society, who died recently.
The annual general meeting re-elected all the existing officers for the coming year, with the proviso that the long serving secretary and treasurer, Harry Jackson and John Rex will be retiring at the end of the year. Any possible candidates will be welcomed with open arms and will hopefully receive 'on the job' training during the current session.
Our speaker's programme got off to an excellent start. The Reverend Canon Alan Haydock, who is a member of the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club committee, was an unknown quantity to most of his audience. However his very humorous talk ranging from his schooldays to his present position as Honarary Canon of Southwell Minster kept us all royally entertained. His stories took in experiences such as keeping wicket in league cricket and diocesan matches in the Church Times cup, working in some of the less salubrious areas of Nottinghamshire and his support of Notinghamshire county cricket and Notts County football club.
John Rex, in his excellent vote of thanks, revealed that Canon Haydock has over many years donated more then £50,000 to various church and sporting charities from his speaking fees.
The next meeting will be in the Headingley Long Room on Tuesday 2nd November at 7.45 p.m., when the speaker will be Ismail Dawood, former Yorkshire wicketkeeper and now hoping to become a first class umpire.
Tuesday 12th October 2010
The first meeting of the winter season took place in the Long Room at Headingley, once someone had managed to find the keys. Before the meeting all the members stood for a minutes silence in memory of John Ellison, a long standing and popular member of the Society, who died recently.
The annual general meeting re-elected all the existing officers for the coming year, with the proviso that the long serving secretary and treasurer, Harry Jackson and John Rex will be retiring at the end of the year. Any possible candidates will be welcomed with open arms and will hopefully receive 'on the job' training during the current session.
Our speaker's programme got off to an excellent start. The Reverend Canon Alan Haydock, who is a member of the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club committee, was an unknown quantity to most of his audience. However his very humorous talk ranging from his schooldays to his present position as Honarary Canon of Southwell Minster kept us all royally entertained. His stories took in experiences such as keeping wicket in league cricket and diocesan matches in the Church Times cup, working in some of the less salubrious areas of Nottinghamshire and his support of Notinghamshire county cricket and Notts County football club.
John Rex, in his excellent vote of thanks, revealed that Canon Haydock has over many years donated more then £50,000 to various church and sporting charities from his speaking fees.
The next meeting will be in the Headingley Long Room on Tuesday 2nd November at 7.45 p.m., when the speaker will be Ismail Dawood, former Yorkshire wicketkeeper and now hoping to become a first class umpire.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
A sad farewell to the cricket season
Posted by Tony Hutton
Sunday 10th October 2010 - Arthington v Hawksworth
After both Arthington games last weekend had been cancelled due to the wet weather, they did manage to play in cold and chilly conditions yesterday on a very wet wicket.
However today's last match of the season against Hawksworth took place in bright sunshine for much of the day. The biggest suprise for the very healthy crowd was the presence of two Sky Sports vans, complete with huge dishes and a cameraman and presenter for Sky Sports News.
Obviously word had got around that this was probably the last cricket match to be played anywhere in England this season. However on talking to the cameraman he thought they might be inundated by e-mails from clubs who play even later tomorrow morning. We await developments with interest.
The game itself was nothing to write home about. Hawksworth started badly and were 33-4 at one stage, so Arthington decided to transfer their star guest of the day, Mark McEneaney the prolific Blubberhouses batsman, to the opposition. This proved a masterstroke in prolonging the game as he made a rapid 56, including several sixes, which brought a respectable all out score of 157.
Main interest centred around the Sky interviews with luminaries Reg Parker, Brian Senior and Stephen Bindman. We hope to eventually see repeats of this on Sky Sports News or to obtain a DVD of their coverage.
Arthington's run chase started well, with Geoff Barker looking in good form and likely to play a long innings. However the rot set in following some good fielding by Hawksworth and some direct hits for run outs. The target was never in danger and the last few overs of the season were very quiet indeed with few runs being scored and Arthington ended on 98-8.
So a sad end for the spectators as they said their goodbyes and a presentation to groundsman Brian Meredith for all his sterling work and it was all over.
The other very sad note was the news of the recent death of John Ellison, who together with his wife Jennifer, was a very good friend to most of the cricket watchers present today. They were both regulars at all Yorkshire Academy and Second XI matches and great cricket enthusiasts. John was a real gentleman and all cricket watchers will miss his cheerful presence next season.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
Northern Cricket Society
Posted by Tony Hutton
Another reminder that the traditional Boxing Day game between North Leeds and the Northern Cricket Society will this year be played on Monday 27th December at North Leeds cricket ground, Old Park Road, Roundhay starting at 11.00. All welcome.
The Northern Cricket Society, which meets once a month during the winter period, has it's first meeting on Tuesday 12th October at 7.15 p.m. in the Long Room at Headingley cricket ground. Members new and old will be equally welcome.
Further meetings will be held on Tuesday 2nd November and Tuesday 30th November.
Another reminder that the traditional Boxing Day game between North Leeds and the Northern Cricket Society will this year be played on Monday 27th December at North Leeds cricket ground, Old Park Road, Roundhay starting at 11.00. All welcome.
The Northern Cricket Society, which meets once a month during the winter period, has it's first meeting on Tuesday 12th October at 7.15 p.m. in the Long Room at Headingley cricket ground. Members new and old will be equally welcome.
Further meetings will be held on Tuesday 2nd November and Tuesday 30th November.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
ANOTHER THREE MATCHES IN A DAY
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
The sun was shining as I set off for Adel where their third team were playing Guiseley.
Guiseley won the toss and batted. I spoke to one of the Guiseley players who said there was a large damp patch at one end and could not understand why they batted.Also met John Ridgway who I went on tour to Corfu in the 1980,s. Guiseley struggled to 95 all out.
Moving on to Harewood where the John Dews Cup Final was being played. It was a twenty over match between Yorkshire Press and Cambridge Methodist.The passengers to-day were Peter Mann and Mick from Idle.Mick had not seen cricket on this ground before. When we arrived Yorkshire Press had scored 111.Cambridge Methodist seem to relay on a overseas batsman. As soon as he was caught on the boundary they were never going to win the match. With the help of two good catches Yorkshire Print won by twenty runs.
Moving on to Arthington the temperature was a lot colder and there was a cold wind.Arthington had scored 211 in their forty overs with the help of a batsman who played in the Huddersfield Central League.They were playing a side from the North-East who started well but Denis Nash ,the seventy year old opening bowler,obtain some good wickets.They asked for cold orange juice after twenty overs. It would have been better if it had been warm tea as the temperature was so cold.
We left at six o,clock when Arthington had got six wickets and were lending by one hundred runs with ten overs to go.
Nice to get home to get warm and eat my Yorkshire Pudding.
The sun was shining as I set off for Adel where their third team were playing Guiseley.
Guiseley won the toss and batted. I spoke to one of the Guiseley players who said there was a large damp patch at one end and could not understand why they batted.Also met John Ridgway who I went on tour to Corfu in the 1980,s. Guiseley struggled to 95 all out.
Moving on to Harewood where the John Dews Cup Final was being played. It was a twenty over match between Yorkshire Press and Cambridge Methodist.The passengers to-day were Peter Mann and Mick from Idle.Mick had not seen cricket on this ground before. When we arrived Yorkshire Press had scored 111.Cambridge Methodist seem to relay on a overseas batsman. As soon as he was caught on the boundary they were never going to win the match. With the help of two good catches Yorkshire Print won by twenty runs.
Moving on to Arthington the temperature was a lot colder and there was a cold wind.Arthington had scored 211 in their forty overs with the help of a batsman who played in the Huddersfield Central League.They were playing a side from the North-East who started well but Denis Nash ,the seventy year old opening bowler,obtain some good wickets.They asked for cold orange juice after twenty overs. It would have been better if it had been warm tea as the temperature was so cold.
We left at six o,clock when Arthington had got six wickets and were lending by one hundred runs with ten overs to go.
Nice to get home to get warm and eat my Yorkshire Pudding.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
THREE MATCHES IN ONE DAY IN SEPTEMBER
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
After a telephone call from Brian Senior I set off to Glen Road about one and half miles from home.It was a match between two side from Yorkshire Post.Ian from Lancaster was a sit in front of a hedge watching cricket. He said this was the only new ground he had watch cricket for this season.This is astonishing fact as he watches cricket every day of the season.
It was forty over match between two sides from The Yorkshire Post and music also.When I arrive a women was bowling lob balls to the batsmen.After a few minutes later Brian Senior turn up to watch the first match.The first side reached 184 in forty overs when the final batsman was caught near the boundary.
Moving on to Harewood were there was The Northern Game Show was on. The match was St. Georges Church against Cookeridge Hospital.This was also a forty over match with Cookeridge batting first.Behind the cricket ground a helicopter was taking off every ten minutes.It did not seem to bother the batsmen who reached 139 in the final over. Steve Bindman managed to get three wickets in his four overs. He is a very keen cricketer who players for numerous clubs through the season.He also bowls lob bowls.
The final batsman was a lady who did not manage to score. Mick Bourne turn up after been delayed due to problems at home.
We moved on to our third match three miles away at Arthington who were playing the Jesters.They had scored 268 in forty overs.Mc Eneaney had scored 72. He plays for Blubberhouses and had a batting average last season of 94.35 scoring 1604 runs.He also bowls with average of 12.89 however he was wicket-keeping to-day.Tony Hutton was there with Brian Cobb and Harry.Also there was Nigel Pullan together with Mick from Idle.
After a cup of tea Arthington starting batting and were never going to reach the total.They lost wickets consistency without scoring enough runs. When we left they were 65 for 6 with only 8 over to bowl.
A cold day but good to see three matches at the end of September.
After a telephone call from Brian Senior I set off to Glen Road about one and half miles from home.It was a match between two side from Yorkshire Post.Ian from Lancaster was a sit in front of a hedge watching cricket. He said this was the only new ground he had watch cricket for this season.This is astonishing fact as he watches cricket every day of the season.
It was forty over match between two sides from The Yorkshire Post and music also.When I arrive a women was bowling lob balls to the batsmen.After a few minutes later Brian Senior turn up to watch the first match.The first side reached 184 in forty overs when the final batsman was caught near the boundary.
Moving on to Harewood were there was The Northern Game Show was on. The match was St. Georges Church against Cookeridge Hospital.This was also a forty over match with Cookeridge batting first.Behind the cricket ground a helicopter was taking off every ten minutes.It did not seem to bother the batsmen who reached 139 in the final over. Steve Bindman managed to get three wickets in his four overs. He is a very keen cricketer who players for numerous clubs through the season.He also bowls lob bowls.
The final batsman was a lady who did not manage to score. Mick Bourne turn up after been delayed due to problems at home.
We moved on to our third match three miles away at Arthington who were playing the Jesters.They had scored 268 in forty overs.Mc Eneaney had scored 72. He plays for Blubberhouses and had a batting average last season of 94.35 scoring 1604 runs.He also bowls with average of 12.89 however he was wicket-keeping to-day.Tony Hutton was there with Brian Cobb and Harry.Also there was Nigel Pullan together with Mick from Idle.
After a cup of tea Arthington starting batting and were never going to reach the total.They lost wickets consistency without scoring enough runs. When we left they were 65 for 6 with only 8 over to bowl.
A cold day but good to see three matches at the end of September.
Monday, 20 September 2010
Truth is stranger than fiction
Posted by Tony Hutton
Sunday 19th September - county finals for over 50s and over 60s
The weather in the south of England must have been better than in the north as two finals took place for senior cricketers, both with amazing results.
In the over 50s final at Sir Paul Getty's ground at Wormsley, Oxfordshire batted first and made 196-7 in their 45 overs. The best bowler for Middlesex was Micky Stafford who took 4-47.
Middlesex then proceeded to knock off the runs without losing a wicket and the aforementioned Micky Stafford made 112 not out in the total of 198-0 in 41 overs. Not much doubt about the man of the match !
The over 60s final at Letchworth was even more sensational. Cheshire, who some of us saw beat Yorkshire early in the season at New Rover, batted first and made a good score of 219-9 in 45 overs. Ted Williams batted at number three and was run out for a duck.
However his moment of glory came later, during the last over of the game in fact.
With the scores level he took a hat trick to make Sussex, who had beaten Yorkshire at Honley in the semi-final, 219 all out in 44.5 overs. Cheshire thereby won the match, with the scores tied, by losing less wickets.
What an amazing end to the season.
Sunday 19th September - county finals for over 50s and over 60s
The weather in the south of England must have been better than in the north as two finals took place for senior cricketers, both with amazing results.
In the over 50s final at Sir Paul Getty's ground at Wormsley, Oxfordshire batted first and made 196-7 in their 45 overs. The best bowler for Middlesex was Micky Stafford who took 4-47.
Middlesex then proceeded to knock off the runs without losing a wicket and the aforementioned Micky Stafford made 112 not out in the total of 198-0 in 41 overs. Not much doubt about the man of the match !
The over 60s final at Letchworth was even more sensational. Cheshire, who some of us saw beat Yorkshire early in the season at New Rover, batted first and made a good score of 219-9 in 45 overs. Ted Williams batted at number three and was run out for a duck.
However his moment of glory came later, during the last over of the game in fact.
With the scores level he took a hat trick to make Sussex, who had beaten Yorkshire at Honley in the semi-final, 219 all out in 44.5 overs. Cheshire thereby won the match, with the scores tied, by losing less wickets.
What an amazing end to the season.
BOURNE GOES CONKERS.
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
After a number of telephone calls myself and Mick Bourne set off to pick up David Thorp and Peter Davies.The weather forecast said it would become fine in the afternoon. It had rained all night and morning. We were going to see some matches in the Central Huddersfield League.
The rain was still however when we arrived Old Almondburians they were batting against Calder Grove.Calder Grove had reached five points for the season and would be relegated.We watched six overs when the rain returned. No wickets had fallen and Mick decided to try and find some conkers for the young children.He was in luck and was given a cup of tea from Peter.
We decided to see if we could see some cricket elsewhere.The first ground was Woodfield Park were a wicket had been cut but nobody was about. We walked across the ground were we could see Armitage Bridge ground however we could not get through the fence.
We went passed The Monkey Club to the Armitage ground. They are in the Huddersfield League. David played numerous occasions and said it was a slow wicket. They had finished their season yesterday.
Moving up the hill to Almondbury West who were playing Cumberworth.There was no play due to rain and Cumberworth were 38 for 3.They were lending the league by one point from Almondbury.We could see a rainbow in the distance however the rain kept falling. The match was abandon with Cumberworth winning the League.
End of the Leagues for 2010 but there is still Arthington.
After a number of telephone calls myself and Mick Bourne set off to pick up David Thorp and Peter Davies.The weather forecast said it would become fine in the afternoon. It had rained all night and morning. We were going to see some matches in the Central Huddersfield League.
The rain was still however when we arrived Old Almondburians they were batting against Calder Grove.Calder Grove had reached five points for the season and would be relegated.We watched six overs when the rain returned. No wickets had fallen and Mick decided to try and find some conkers for the young children.He was in luck and was given a cup of tea from Peter.
We decided to see if we could see some cricket elsewhere.The first ground was Woodfield Park were a wicket had been cut but nobody was about. We walked across the ground were we could see Armitage Bridge ground however we could not get through the fence.
We went passed The Monkey Club to the Armitage ground. They are in the Huddersfield League. David played numerous occasions and said it was a slow wicket. They had finished their season yesterday.
Moving up the hill to Almondbury West who were playing Cumberworth.There was no play due to rain and Cumberworth were 38 for 3.They were lending the league by one point from Almondbury.We could see a rainbow in the distance however the rain kept falling. The match was abandon with Cumberworth winning the League.
End of the Leagues for 2010 but there is still Arthington.
Saturday, 18 September 2010
THIRD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
By Brian Sanderson,
The forecast was showers however decided to go down the M1 with Ron Stansfield.Coming off at junction 36 and followed the Deane Valley road and turn left at B6096.We arrived at Wombwell Main Cricket Club who are in the second division of the Pontefract League.The ground is a large area with a slope up to the wall next to the entrance and a football pitch next to it.
When we arrived Wombwell had only eight men with another coming.They were playing Hatfield Town who were tenth in the league.Hatfield batted first and were progressing well against some good bowling. Suddenly another Wombwell player arrived and a wicket fell to a catch at second slip.I found out later that Hatfield reached 103 but Wombwell won with seven wickets down.
Going back to the motorway we came off at Junction 38 to go to Darton.The entrance to the ground is not sign posted but there is a recycling symbol pointing to the entrance.Going up a winding dirt road we arrived at the match. The pitch is next to the motorway and so is very noisy. It is a large flat ground with trees surrounding it.They were playing Whitley Bridge and they were bowling.The bowling was very gentle and Darton were 100 for 3 as we left.The final score was Darton 205 and Whitley Bridge winning with four wickets down.
Travelling cross country we went passed New Millerdam we noticed a cricket match on so we pulled in. It was Plewick against Hundhill Hall. The first person I saw was John Taplin scoring in his book.Another large ground with a new pavilion.A bonus ground for us.They were in the fifth division.
Moving on we arrived at Crofton who were playing Ackworth who were the league lenders by one point from Conisbrough.The ground is on the right hand side from Walton and is another large area.The pavilion acts as changing rooms for the soccer who were playing .Ackworth reached 247 for 9 which was a excellent total. There were telephone messages coming from the Conisbrough match and it would that Ackworth would win the league if Crofton did not reach their total.
At tea-time Nigel Pullan arrived to see the match after being at Allerton Bywater and Frinkley Colliery.Crofton started slowly against good bowling. The first wicket fell with the batsman playing on.The pitch had a uneven bounce and was hard to score runs quickly.Crofton managed 114 for 9 with the opening batsman getting 62. So Ackworth won the league.
Another good day with four new grounds and another Championship win.
The forecast was showers however decided to go down the M1 with Ron Stansfield.Coming off at junction 36 and followed the Deane Valley road and turn left at B6096.We arrived at Wombwell Main Cricket Club who are in the second division of the Pontefract League.The ground is a large area with a slope up to the wall next to the entrance and a football pitch next to it.
When we arrived Wombwell had only eight men with another coming.They were playing Hatfield Town who were tenth in the league.Hatfield batted first and were progressing well against some good bowling. Suddenly another Wombwell player arrived and a wicket fell to a catch at second slip.I found out later that Hatfield reached 103 but Wombwell won with seven wickets down.
Going back to the motorway we came off at Junction 38 to go to Darton.The entrance to the ground is not sign posted but there is a recycling symbol pointing to the entrance.Going up a winding dirt road we arrived at the match. The pitch is next to the motorway and so is very noisy. It is a large flat ground with trees surrounding it.They were playing Whitley Bridge and they were bowling.The bowling was very gentle and Darton were 100 for 3 as we left.The final score was Darton 205 and Whitley Bridge winning with four wickets down.
Travelling cross country we went passed New Millerdam we noticed a cricket match on so we pulled in. It was Plewick against Hundhill Hall. The first person I saw was John Taplin scoring in his book.Another large ground with a new pavilion.A bonus ground for us.They were in the fifth division.
Moving on we arrived at Crofton who were playing Ackworth who were the league lenders by one point from Conisbrough.The ground is on the right hand side from Walton and is another large area.The pavilion acts as changing rooms for the soccer who were playing .Ackworth reached 247 for 9 which was a excellent total. There were telephone messages coming from the Conisbrough match and it would that Ackworth would win the league if Crofton did not reach their total.
At tea-time Nigel Pullan arrived to see the match after being at Allerton Bywater and Frinkley Colliery.Crofton started slowly against good bowling. The first wicket fell with the batsman playing on.The pitch had a uneven bounce and was hard to score runs quickly.Crofton managed 114 for 9 with the opening batsman getting 62. So Ackworth won the league.
Another good day with four new grounds and another Championship win.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Dramatic end to County Championship
Posted by Tony Hutton
Thursday 16th September, 2010 - Yorkshire v Kent at Headingley (day 4)
The County Championship reached it's conclusion today and attention focused on three grounds - Old Trafford, Riverside and here at Headingley. If Yorkshire could force an unlikely victory out of this rain interrupted game and the other two games ended in draws, as seemed likely, it was possible for Andrew Gale's young side to snatch the title at the last gasp.
Yorkshire initially needed quick runs with the hope of a declaration to set Kent a target in their own bid to avoid relegation. At first the partnership of Lyth and McGrath prospered with boundaries coming thick and fast, but when McGrath was caught behind off a lifter from Nel the tide began to turn. Yorkshire at 93-2 were just 52 runs ahead.
To the amazement of the hopeful Yorkshire supporters their dreams of possible glory were sadly shattered when the next eight wickets fell for the addition of only 37 runs. The chief destoyer was the unlikely figure of off-spinner James Tredwell, who took the amazing figures of 7-22, including a hat-trick spread over two overs.
The crowd were in a state of shocked silence as the wickets fell so rapidly, but there was to be a twist in the tail and the spectators were brought to life again as Kent were suddenly reduced to 6-2. A target of only 90 to win seemed a long way off at this stage.
The two old hands, captain Robert Key and South African Martin Van Jaarsveld, steadied the ship, putting on 62 for the third wicket. Then another surge of support, all was still not lost as Jones and Blake, century maker in the first innings, both went for ducks. Soon after lunch it was all over with the winning hit appropriately coming from that man Tredwell. Yorkshire were well beaten in the end but their efforts were rewarded with a great ovation from the crowd as they left the field for the last time this season.
In retrospect perhaps we should realise just how young most of this side are and the pressure just seemed to get to them this morning. Having said that they have exceeded all expectations this season and with more young talent in the pipeline, such as Moin Ashraf demonstrated here, hopes must be high for next season.
The game might have been over by 2 o'clock, but thanks to Sky Sports the drama continued with action from both Old Trafford and Durham taking us through to the conclusion of the season at about 5 o'clock. The pendulum swung one way then the other. The advantage seemed to be with Somerset as they bowled Durham out and set off in pursuit of 181 at over ten an over, but after loosing early wickets they gave up the chase and settled for a draw.
Notts forced themselves back into the picture at Old Trafford, their last pair securing the vital final batting point and then needing another bowling point to finish level, dramatically reduced Lancashire to 11-3 in no time at all. So Notts and Somerset finished level on points with Notts declared champions by having most wins.
Congratulations to Notts, commiserations to both Yorkshire and Somerset, but a great day for County Championship cricket. Perhaps Sky might be persuaded to show even more next season.
Thursday 16th September, 2010 - Yorkshire v Kent at Headingley (day 4)
The County Championship reached it's conclusion today and attention focused on three grounds - Old Trafford, Riverside and here at Headingley. If Yorkshire could force an unlikely victory out of this rain interrupted game and the other two games ended in draws, as seemed likely, it was possible for Andrew Gale's young side to snatch the title at the last gasp.
Yorkshire initially needed quick runs with the hope of a declaration to set Kent a target in their own bid to avoid relegation. At first the partnership of Lyth and McGrath prospered with boundaries coming thick and fast, but when McGrath was caught behind off a lifter from Nel the tide began to turn. Yorkshire at 93-2 were just 52 runs ahead.
To the amazement of the hopeful Yorkshire supporters their dreams of possible glory were sadly shattered when the next eight wickets fell for the addition of only 37 runs. The chief destoyer was the unlikely figure of off-spinner James Tredwell, who took the amazing figures of 7-22, including a hat-trick spread over two overs.
The crowd were in a state of shocked silence as the wickets fell so rapidly, but there was to be a twist in the tail and the spectators were brought to life again as Kent were suddenly reduced to 6-2. A target of only 90 to win seemed a long way off at this stage.
The two old hands, captain Robert Key and South African Martin Van Jaarsveld, steadied the ship, putting on 62 for the third wicket. Then another surge of support, all was still not lost as Jones and Blake, century maker in the first innings, both went for ducks. Soon after lunch it was all over with the winning hit appropriately coming from that man Tredwell. Yorkshire were well beaten in the end but their efforts were rewarded with a great ovation from the crowd as they left the field for the last time this season.
In retrospect perhaps we should realise just how young most of this side are and the pressure just seemed to get to them this morning. Having said that they have exceeded all expectations this season and with more young talent in the pipeline, such as Moin Ashraf demonstrated here, hopes must be high for next season.
The game might have been over by 2 o'clock, but thanks to Sky Sports the drama continued with action from both Old Trafford and Durham taking us through to the conclusion of the season at about 5 o'clock. The pendulum swung one way then the other. The advantage seemed to be with Somerset as they bowled Durham out and set off in pursuit of 181 at over ten an over, but after loosing early wickets they gave up the chase and settled for a draw.
Notts forced themselves back into the picture at Old Trafford, their last pair securing the vital final batting point and then needing another bowling point to finish level, dramatically reduced Lancashire to 11-3 in no time at all. So Notts and Somerset finished level on points with Notts declared champions by having most wins.
Congratulations to Notts, commiserations to both Yorkshire and Somerset, but a great day for County Championship cricket. Perhaps Sky might be persuaded to show even more next season.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Sunday soap operas
Posted by Tony Hutton
If you thought Saturday's wanderings were a bit weird, stand by for even more eccentricity much closer to home on Sunday. I had decided not to venture far today with the chance of watching the later stages of the one day international from Headingley and Leeds Rhinos vital rugby league play off game with Wigan on TV during the early evening.
My internet researches came up with no less than three games in very close proximity in the Horsforth area. First stop the Clariant ground, just off the Leeds ring road, a huge field, once belonging to the adjacent factory now being demolished.
It is now the home of friendly club Cambridge Methodists who were entertaining Yorkshire Post cricket club. They have had an outstanding season in the Wetherby League and won promotion. The Posties as they call themselves batted first, which was just as well as it turned out. They were piling up the runs at a rapid rate and perhaps the fielders were confused by the new markings on the outfield, which suggests three or four soccer grounds will soon be in operation here.
The ultimate cricket enthusiast Steve Bindman, eventually tried his luck with the ball but although he proudly informs everyone he is top of the club's bowling averages, he was out of luck today. Yorkshire Post eventually made 263-7 in 40 overs.
Not until the following day, when I encountered Mr Bindman during a rain break at Headingley, did I discover that it had been the Methodists worst display of the season as they were dismissed for a paltry 44 all out. However they will get their chance of revenge in the Joe Dews Cup Final between the same two teams to be played on Sunday 26th September.
Just up the road in the normally pleasant surroundings of Horsforth Hall Park, a more serious game of cricket was going on. Hall Park 3rd XI were playing Adel 3rd XI in the semi-final of the Aire Wharfe 3rd XI play offs. There seems to be a recurring theme of third eleven cricket this weekend.
However, if the skateboard park just to the side of the pavilion was not enough to put off the discerning cricket watcher, a vast fairground was in full swing on the other side of the ground, just behind the scoreboard. Loud music and screams from the people brave enough to visit the scary looking rides drowned out the sound of bat upon ball completely. Needless to say I did not linger long, Hall Park seemed to be putting up a good score.
It turned out that Adel won by six wickets and will now stage the final against Guiseley next Sunday, 19th September. By strange coincidence Brian Senior had been watching the other semi-final at Ilkley.
So another short journey to the ground of Horsforth cricket club behind the Old Ball pub. They were playing a friendly against one of the few remaining Sunday wandering sides - The Jesters, a team full of characters and some very good cricketers. See their excellent website (jesterscc.netfirms.com) for more details.
Today proved to be a one man show. That man was youngster Josh Atkinson from Otley cricket club who has had an excellent season. He completely dominated the Jesters innings against some rather friendly bowling, with sixes galore, and ended with 150 not out as Jesters were all out in the final over (only 35) for 228. The next highest scores were two players with 19.
It turns out that the young Horsforth side won the game by three wickets with only one ball remaining. Their main contributor was Oliver Hardaker with 90. He is the young man who hit the national headlines earlier in the season with an innings of over 300 for Horsforth's third team.
One final twist in the tale on my way home for a late tea and some sport on TV, I called in on the off chance of a game at Cookridge cricket club and sure enough a game was going on. Yet again in the lower reaches of league cricket, this time in Division C (East) of the Dales council league. Amazingly the weekend's theme of third teams recurs again, Cookridge C as they are known, against Pudsey St Lawrence third team.
The game is nearing its end as I arrive, Pudsey made 182-9 in their 45 overs and amazingly Cookridge level the score off the final ball. 182-6 means that the game ends in a tie - eat your heart out Mick Bourne !
The day's drama continued by curtesy of Sky Sports. England winning a high scoring one day game with Pakistan at Headinley in the last over, thanks to some bat swinging and good fortune from Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan - and finally as they say, Leeds Rhinos winning an all action play off game at Wigan by just one point, thanks to a late Kevin Sinfield drop goal and a missed penalty kick by Wigan in the last minute.
Perhaps it's a good thing that the end of season is approaching - after all that I think I need a long rest !
If you thought Saturday's wanderings were a bit weird, stand by for even more eccentricity much closer to home on Sunday. I had decided not to venture far today with the chance of watching the later stages of the one day international from Headingley and Leeds Rhinos vital rugby league play off game with Wigan on TV during the early evening.
My internet researches came up with no less than three games in very close proximity in the Horsforth area. First stop the Clariant ground, just off the Leeds ring road, a huge field, once belonging to the adjacent factory now being demolished.
It is now the home of friendly club Cambridge Methodists who were entertaining Yorkshire Post cricket club. They have had an outstanding season in the Wetherby League and won promotion. The Posties as they call themselves batted first, which was just as well as it turned out. They were piling up the runs at a rapid rate and perhaps the fielders were confused by the new markings on the outfield, which suggests three or four soccer grounds will soon be in operation here.
The ultimate cricket enthusiast Steve Bindman, eventually tried his luck with the ball but although he proudly informs everyone he is top of the club's bowling averages, he was out of luck today. Yorkshire Post eventually made 263-7 in 40 overs.
Not until the following day, when I encountered Mr Bindman during a rain break at Headingley, did I discover that it had been the Methodists worst display of the season as they were dismissed for a paltry 44 all out. However they will get their chance of revenge in the Joe Dews Cup Final between the same two teams to be played on Sunday 26th September.
Just up the road in the normally pleasant surroundings of Horsforth Hall Park, a more serious game of cricket was going on. Hall Park 3rd XI were playing Adel 3rd XI in the semi-final of the Aire Wharfe 3rd XI play offs. There seems to be a recurring theme of third eleven cricket this weekend.
However, if the skateboard park just to the side of the pavilion was not enough to put off the discerning cricket watcher, a vast fairground was in full swing on the other side of the ground, just behind the scoreboard. Loud music and screams from the people brave enough to visit the scary looking rides drowned out the sound of bat upon ball completely. Needless to say I did not linger long, Hall Park seemed to be putting up a good score.
It turned out that Adel won by six wickets and will now stage the final against Guiseley next Sunday, 19th September. By strange coincidence Brian Senior had been watching the other semi-final at Ilkley.
So another short journey to the ground of Horsforth cricket club behind the Old Ball pub. They were playing a friendly against one of the few remaining Sunday wandering sides - The Jesters, a team full of characters and some very good cricketers. See their excellent website (jesterscc.netfirms.com) for more details.
Today proved to be a one man show. That man was youngster Josh Atkinson from Otley cricket club who has had an excellent season. He completely dominated the Jesters innings against some rather friendly bowling, with sixes galore, and ended with 150 not out as Jesters were all out in the final over (only 35) for 228. The next highest scores were two players with 19.
It turns out that the young Horsforth side won the game by three wickets with only one ball remaining. Their main contributor was Oliver Hardaker with 90. He is the young man who hit the national headlines earlier in the season with an innings of over 300 for Horsforth's third team.
One final twist in the tale on my way home for a late tea and some sport on TV, I called in on the off chance of a game at Cookridge cricket club and sure enough a game was going on. Yet again in the lower reaches of league cricket, this time in Division C (East) of the Dales council league. Amazingly the weekend's theme of third teams recurs again, Cookridge C as they are known, against Pudsey St Lawrence third team.
The game is nearing its end as I arrive, Pudsey made 182-9 in their 45 overs and amazingly Cookridge level the score off the final ball. 182-6 means that the game ends in a tie - eat your heart out Mick Bourne !
The day's drama continued by curtesy of Sky Sports. England winning a high scoring one day game with Pakistan at Headinley in the last over, thanks to some bat swinging and good fortune from Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan - and finally as they say, Leeds Rhinos winning an all action play off game at Wigan by just one point, thanks to a late Kevin Sinfield drop goal and a missed penalty kick by Wigan in the last minute.
Perhaps it's a good thing that the end of season is approaching - after all that I think I need a long rest !
Monday, 13 September 2010
Reassuring Rain
Monday 13 September
Posted by Peter Davies
Old Trafford for Lancashire v Nottinghamshire - the championship decider probably. Arrived at lunchtime to be greeted by a typically grey and rainy Manchester day. Obviously very annoying but, strangely, there is something reassuring and almost natural about seeing Old Trafford in such a wet state. That's how it often is and how I've seen it so often before.
They'd bowled an over right at the start of the day - Mahmood went for eight runs in these six balls - but during my stay (12.00-2.30pm) there was no play and no likelihood of play. But I enjoyed myself nevertheless. Old Trafford is a special place for me and I like being there regardless of whether there is cricket on or not.
So I kept myself busy: a cup of tea, a visit to the club shop (where I bought a new biography of Jack Bond), a wander round The Point (very swish), a couple of purchases at the Old Trafford second-hand bookshop, and the purchase of two tickets for the Player of the Year evening on Wednesday 22nd.
Sky TV were at Old Trafford and Messrs Allott and Willis were being beamed onto the big screen in the pavilion bar. The bar was very full with folk trying to avoid the rain. For lunch I had a cup of tea and a cheese salad that I'd bought in Sainsbury's on Manchester Piccadilly station.
By 2.30 the writing was on the wall with play unlikely. So I got the tram back into the city centre. I checked my emails in Manchester Central Library (the temporary facility while the St. Peter's Square building is being renovated), had a cup of tea in the Midland Hotel, and popped into the Cornerhouse cinema - one of my favourite places in the world. Here I bought books about Mexican and Brazilian cinema: two of my preferences as a budding World Cinema fan.
Posted by Peter Davies
Old Trafford for Lancashire v Nottinghamshire - the championship decider probably. Arrived at lunchtime to be greeted by a typically grey and rainy Manchester day. Obviously very annoying but, strangely, there is something reassuring and almost natural about seeing Old Trafford in such a wet state. That's how it often is and how I've seen it so often before.
They'd bowled an over right at the start of the day - Mahmood went for eight runs in these six balls - but during my stay (12.00-2.30pm) there was no play and no likelihood of play. But I enjoyed myself nevertheless. Old Trafford is a special place for me and I like being there regardless of whether there is cricket on or not.
So I kept myself busy: a cup of tea, a visit to the club shop (where I bought a new biography of Jack Bond), a wander round The Point (very swish), a couple of purchases at the Old Trafford second-hand bookshop, and the purchase of two tickets for the Player of the Year evening on Wednesday 22nd.
Sky TV were at Old Trafford and Messrs Allott and Willis were being beamed onto the big screen in the pavilion bar. The bar was very full with folk trying to avoid the rain. For lunch I had a cup of tea and a cheese salad that I'd bought in Sainsbury's on Manchester Piccadilly station.
By 2.30 the writing was on the wall with play unlikely. So I got the tram back into the city centre. I checked my emails in Manchester Central Library (the temporary facility while the St. Peter's Square building is being renovated), had a cup of tea in the Midland Hotel, and popped into the Cornerhouse cinema - one of my favourite places in the world. Here I bought books about Mexican and Brazilian cinema: two of my preferences as a budding World Cinema fan.
The Great Escape and other stories
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 11th September - Beckwithshaw v Adel and one or two others.
Before I set off on my wanderings on the last main Saturday of league cricket - I have updated the PCW fixture list for what is left of September - please see fixtures posted on 3rd September for latest information.
The relegation battle from the top division of the Airedale and Wharfedale league involved Adel's visit to Beckwithshaw, the league's second placed side, and the two other candidates for the drop met at Rawdon where Pool were the visitors. Whatever the result at Rawdon it seemed that only a full six point victory could save Adel.
A handful of regular Adel supporters (there aren't many more) had made the trip, but not number one supporter Reg Parker, who presumably could not stand the tension and stayed at home to watch the 2nd team ! His presence would no doubt have only resulted in yet another rant about the lack of practice, lack of dedication and almost everything else you could think of.
However when Adel, batting first, had slumped to 69-6 they looked doomed, but some lusty hitting from the tailenders took them to almost respectability with 131-9.
At this point I must admit I feared the worst and set off for a tour of nearby grounds to ease the tension.
This led me into unchartered territory in more ways than one. First to Ripon where in the York Senior League, visitors York 2nd XI were bowling out the home side, including former Yorkshire veteran Peter Squires, quite cheaply. On the adjacent rugby union ground Ripon were making mincemeat of Old Rishworthians.
Just round the corner, at Ripon Grammar School ( a new ground for me !) I discovered Ripon's third XI taking on the might of Helperby's third XI in Division 7 of the Nidderdale League. A very large field, with the impressive school buildings complete with clock tower made me forget what might be happening back at Beckwithshaw.
Looking at my dog-eared fixture list I saw the possibility of yet another new ground, Wath & Melmerby were entertaining Sessay third XI. Off I went - a pleasant new ground for this recent addition to Nidderdale League cricket. A reasonable crowd watching lots of quick runs. I took my photographs and departed.
Much later in the day, I learned from the league website that Sessay had in fact conceeded the game, as most of their players were travelling to London to see their first eleven play in the national village cup final at Lord's the following day.
So what had I been watching ? Presumably some sort of friendly game. I am still in the dark, although have e-mailed the club secretary in an effort to find out.
Onwards and upwards, I could still not face the prospect of returning to see Adel's humilation and went to Newby Hall for some first team cricket, or so I thought. On arrival Newby Hall had been dismissed for 45 and lost by ten wickets. Cricket however was going on at their second ground - not in Division one but in the depths of Division 8.
This turned out to be Burton Leonard thirds against Spennithorne and Harmby and I was just in time to see the end of the B/L innings with two youngsters trying to bat out the final over to achieve one point. Sadly they failed to do so being all out from the penultimate ball. Later I learned that S & H won comfortably by nine wickets.
I was really feeling somewhat punch drunk after all this excitement and decided to head for home and leave Adel to their fate while I watched the end of the two CB 40 semi-finals, including Yorkshire at Scarborough on TV.
Of course I could not resist going to the league cricket round up on Radio Leeds when a long wait ensued before any news of the Aire Wharfe League. Amazingly the first news revealed that Beckwithshaw, remember chasing only 132 to win, were 90-8.
Another long wait until eventually Howard Clayton revealed that Beckwithshaw were all out for 101. Adel had their six points and the great escape was complete.
Mark Shires, who had done so well in recent weeks, again the match winner with 5-62, well supported by skipper Tim Grey who took 3-14.
Just for the record - Yorkshire lost at Scarborough, but Sessay won at Lord's the next day.
Saturday 11th September - Beckwithshaw v Adel and one or two others.
Before I set off on my wanderings on the last main Saturday of league cricket - I have updated the PCW fixture list for what is left of September - please see fixtures posted on 3rd September for latest information.
The relegation battle from the top division of the Airedale and Wharfedale league involved Adel's visit to Beckwithshaw, the league's second placed side, and the two other candidates for the drop met at Rawdon where Pool were the visitors. Whatever the result at Rawdon it seemed that only a full six point victory could save Adel.
A handful of regular Adel supporters (there aren't many more) had made the trip, but not number one supporter Reg Parker, who presumably could not stand the tension and stayed at home to watch the 2nd team ! His presence would no doubt have only resulted in yet another rant about the lack of practice, lack of dedication and almost everything else you could think of.
However when Adel, batting first, had slumped to 69-6 they looked doomed, but some lusty hitting from the tailenders took them to almost respectability with 131-9.
At this point I must admit I feared the worst and set off for a tour of nearby grounds to ease the tension.
This led me into unchartered territory in more ways than one. First to Ripon where in the York Senior League, visitors York 2nd XI were bowling out the home side, including former Yorkshire veteran Peter Squires, quite cheaply. On the adjacent rugby union ground Ripon were making mincemeat of Old Rishworthians.
Just round the corner, at Ripon Grammar School ( a new ground for me !) I discovered Ripon's third XI taking on the might of Helperby's third XI in Division 7 of the Nidderdale League. A very large field, with the impressive school buildings complete with clock tower made me forget what might be happening back at Beckwithshaw.
Looking at my dog-eared fixture list I saw the possibility of yet another new ground, Wath & Melmerby were entertaining Sessay third XI. Off I went - a pleasant new ground for this recent addition to Nidderdale League cricket. A reasonable crowd watching lots of quick runs. I took my photographs and departed.
Much later in the day, I learned from the league website that Sessay had in fact conceeded the game, as most of their players were travelling to London to see their first eleven play in the national village cup final at Lord's the following day.
So what had I been watching ? Presumably some sort of friendly game. I am still in the dark, although have e-mailed the club secretary in an effort to find out.
Onwards and upwards, I could still not face the prospect of returning to see Adel's humilation and went to Newby Hall for some first team cricket, or so I thought. On arrival Newby Hall had been dismissed for 45 and lost by ten wickets. Cricket however was going on at their second ground - not in Division one but in the depths of Division 8.
This turned out to be Burton Leonard thirds against Spennithorne and Harmby and I was just in time to see the end of the B/L innings with two youngsters trying to bat out the final over to achieve one point. Sadly they failed to do so being all out from the penultimate ball. Later I learned that S & H won comfortably by nine wickets.
I was really feeling somewhat punch drunk after all this excitement and decided to head for home and leave Adel to their fate while I watched the end of the two CB 40 semi-finals, including Yorkshire at Scarborough on TV.
Of course I could not resist going to the league cricket round up on Radio Leeds when a long wait ensued before any news of the Aire Wharfe League. Amazingly the first news revealed that Beckwithshaw, remember chasing only 132 to win, were 90-8.
Another long wait until eventually Howard Clayton revealed that Beckwithshaw were all out for 101. Adel had their six points and the great escape was complete.
Mark Shires, who had done so well in recent weeks, again the match winner with 5-62, well supported by skipper Tim Grey who took 3-14.
Just for the record - Yorkshire lost at Scarborough, but Sessay won at Lord's the next day.
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Cheese Savoury Heaven
Sunday 12 September
Posted by Peter Davies
Denby Dale v Cawthorne on the penultimate Sunday of the season. A beautiful day and the Wakefield Road ground was looking even more gorgeous than usual. The home side posted 180; the visitors were pretty slow to get going and looked way off the pace by the time we left.
An amazing day food-wise and I would like to nominate Denby Dale as a shining example of how to ‘do catering’ at a cricket match:
- They have a nice spacious kitchen/tea room
- The food is always available early and they’re very happy for spectators to buy their food during the first innings, unlike some clubs
- They make a great cup of tea
- The salad spread is always very very nice
- There are always two tea ladies on duty
- You can nip back for extras if you so desire
The food today was awesome: cheese savoury/tuna sandwiches, mini-Scotch eggs, mini-sausage rolls, quiche, salad and the rest. I loved it! I was even disciplined enought to stay off the dessert options (except melon, which I thought was very healthy to have).
We stayed about three hours with me preferring the shade and Dad the sun. Dad wandered round to a few different vantage points, while I amused myself with The Observer, Clive James’ fifth volume of memoirs and The New Yorker.
Without knowing it, we have created a ‘Golden Triangle’ of grounds this summer: Denby Dale, Skelmanthorpe, Kirkburton – three massive favourites and they do have something in common: good seating and good food. It reminds me of Professional Cricket Watcher Brian Senior’s Leeds ‘Golden Triangle’ – New Rover, Kirkstall Educational and St. Chad’s (I think).
Posted by Peter Davies
Denby Dale v Cawthorne on the penultimate Sunday of the season. A beautiful day and the Wakefield Road ground was looking even more gorgeous than usual. The home side posted 180; the visitors were pretty slow to get going and looked way off the pace by the time we left.
An amazing day food-wise and I would like to nominate Denby Dale as a shining example of how to ‘do catering’ at a cricket match:
- They have a nice spacious kitchen/tea room
- The food is always available early and they’re very happy for spectators to buy their food during the first innings, unlike some clubs
- They make a great cup of tea
- The salad spread is always very very nice
- There are always two tea ladies on duty
- You can nip back for extras if you so desire
The food today was awesome: cheese savoury/tuna sandwiches, mini-Scotch eggs, mini-sausage rolls, quiche, salad and the rest. I loved it! I was even disciplined enought to stay off the dessert options (except melon, which I thought was very healthy to have).
We stayed about three hours with me preferring the shade and Dad the sun. Dad wandered round to a few different vantage points, while I amused myself with The Observer, Clive James’ fifth volume of memoirs and The New Yorker.
Without knowing it, we have created a ‘Golden Triangle’ of grounds this summer: Denby Dale, Skelmanthorpe, Kirkburton – three massive favourites and they do have something in common: good seating and good food. It reminds me of Professional Cricket Watcher Brian Senior’s Leeds ‘Golden Triangle’ – New Rover, Kirkstall Educational and St. Chad’s (I think).
No Tea!
Thursday 9 September
Posted by Peter Davies
An afternoon out in the company of David Thorpe: Lascelles Hall for a Huddersfield-Leeds junior game. Super weather and the young lads were looking very keen as they warmed up. They were under-13s.
A smattering of supporters – parents, Professional Cricket Watchers, Lascelles Hall folk – but no catering! This was a surprise because usually these games are all very ‘official’, with caterers hired and a good impression always being sought by the organisers. But today a woman in the pavilion confirmed there was to be no food. And of course, because it was an afternoon game only – 30 overs a side – there was no elongated tea interval. Hence no food!
But still disappointing as cricket matches tend to lose some conviviality if cups of tea and sandwiches are not available – well, that’s my view anyway! The bar was open, so I could buy David and Tony Hutton an orange J20, but the only food on sale were Quavers and cheese and onion crisps.
I went on a couple of walks and located a good sturdy bench on the other side of the ground – the one dedicated to club stalwart Mike Pamment, who sadly died a couple of years ago. Almost fell asleep at one point.
Then Tony appeared on my side of the ground and said I shouldn't really lie on the ground INSIDE the boundary edge! A fair cop I thought. He then showed me his latest scrapbook – very impressive.
The game finished about 4.30, with Dave and Tony going on to the Lee Booth ‘Cricket and the Internet’ seminar at the university and me returning to Shelley.
Posted by Peter Davies
An afternoon out in the company of David Thorpe: Lascelles Hall for a Huddersfield-Leeds junior game. Super weather and the young lads were looking very keen as they warmed up. They were under-13s.
A smattering of supporters – parents, Professional Cricket Watchers, Lascelles Hall folk – but no catering! This was a surprise because usually these games are all very ‘official’, with caterers hired and a good impression always being sought by the organisers. But today a woman in the pavilion confirmed there was to be no food. And of course, because it was an afternoon game only – 30 overs a side – there was no elongated tea interval. Hence no food!
But still disappointing as cricket matches tend to lose some conviviality if cups of tea and sandwiches are not available – well, that’s my view anyway! The bar was open, so I could buy David and Tony Hutton an orange J20, but the only food on sale were Quavers and cheese and onion crisps.
I went on a couple of walks and located a good sturdy bench on the other side of the ground – the one dedicated to club stalwart Mike Pamment, who sadly died a couple of years ago. Almost fell asleep at one point.
Then Tony appeared on my side of the ground and said I shouldn't really lie on the ground INSIDE the boundary edge! A fair cop I thought. He then showed me his latest scrapbook – very impressive.
The game finished about 4.30, with Dave and Tony going on to the Lee Booth ‘Cricket and the Internet’ seminar at the university and me returning to Shelley.
A Grand Old Place
Saturday 7 August
Posted by Peter Davies
A North Kirklees afternoon. Initially, Gomersal in the sun where I had arranged to meet Mike Lowden, a History student who lives in Gomersal and who had just graduated with a superb 1st Class degree. Mike was at the bar when I arrived, ordering his drink so he also bought me a J20. We went to sit outside and he explained how he had never been to the cricket ground even though he lived only a few hundred yards away. He is now weighing up getting a job v carrying on with some kind of postgraduate study.
Gomersal’s ground was looking good in the August sun – very trim and well appointed. Always very busy in the bar area with many people, it appears, using the club as a social club – watching the racing, for example – rather than a cricket club specifically. Dad joined us and had a chat with Mike too. Mike is also a big New York fan, having visited the city many times in recent years. Lucky him – I’m very jealous.
After an hour or so we moved on to Cleckheaton. We parked for a change on the ‘other side‘ of the ground – near the enormous roundabout rather than the changing rooms. We had arrived at teatime – how convenient – but there was little food available. So we contented ourselves with a cup of tea and a nice sit-down just outside the tearoom area.
Finally, Hartshead Moor, always one of my favourites on account of its slightly dated feel: the old scorebox, the old pavilion, and even old and now disused turnstiles and signage. Always feels pretty spacious too – a grand old place now trying to acclimatise to the twenty-first century. We had a nice sit in front of the pavilion and then caught the football results as we got into the car to head back to Huddersfield.
Posted by Peter Davies
A North Kirklees afternoon. Initially, Gomersal in the sun where I had arranged to meet Mike Lowden, a History student who lives in Gomersal and who had just graduated with a superb 1st Class degree. Mike was at the bar when I arrived, ordering his drink so he also bought me a J20. We went to sit outside and he explained how he had never been to the cricket ground even though he lived only a few hundred yards away. He is now weighing up getting a job v carrying on with some kind of postgraduate study.
Gomersal’s ground was looking good in the August sun – very trim and well appointed. Always very busy in the bar area with many people, it appears, using the club as a social club – watching the racing, for example – rather than a cricket club specifically. Dad joined us and had a chat with Mike too. Mike is also a big New York fan, having visited the city many times in recent years. Lucky him – I’m very jealous.
After an hour or so we moved on to Cleckheaton. We parked for a change on the ‘other side‘ of the ground – near the enormous roundabout rather than the changing rooms. We had arrived at teatime – how convenient – but there was little food available. So we contented ourselves with a cup of tea and a nice sit-down just outside the tearoom area.
Finally, Hartshead Moor, always one of my favourites on account of its slightly dated feel: the old scorebox, the old pavilion, and even old and now disused turnstiles and signage. Always feels pretty spacious too – a grand old place now trying to acclimatise to the twenty-first century. We had a nice sit in front of the pavilion and then caught the football results as we got into the car to head back to Huddersfield.
April 2011 'Cricket & Community' Conference
http://www.ckcricketheritage.org.uk/docs/CricketConference2011.pdf
‘Cricket and Community’ Conference at the University of Huddersfield, April 2011
The University of Huddersfield will be hosting an international conference on cricket history in April 2011.
'Cricket and Community’ will be the major theme – and speakers and delegates will be attending from around the world.
The conference is being organised by the university’s Cricket Research Centre - which was established last year.
It is the first such body at a UK university.
Conference organiser Dr Peter Davies said: ‘It will be a very exciting event for us to host.
'Our keynote speaker, Dr Boria Majundar, is coming from Bombay and we also have contributors coming from America.’
Other speakers include Dr Dean Allen (Cricket in Colonial South Africa), Dr Tony Bateman (James Joyce and Cricket), Dr Rob Ellis (Cricket and Madness) and Dr Jack Williams (Cricket and Community in the North of England 1900-39).
The conference is a two-day event with study sessions on a variety of themes including race, society, village institutions, cricket overseas and cricket literature.
It will also investigate the nature of cricket in Yorkshire, in the North and South of England, and in Wales and Ireland.
The event will take place on Thursday 14th & Friday 15th April 2011 in the Castle Hill Suite at the University of Huddersfield.
It will be officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, Professor Bob Cryan.
At the end of proceedings on Thursday 14th, delegates will be taken on a special visit to the historic Lascelles Hall CC, Huddersfield - a famous club that supplied many Yorkshire and England cricketers in the nineteenth century.
The conference fee is £50 (institutional) and £25 (individuals/concessions).
For more details contact event organiser Dr Peter Davies on 01484 472405 or via p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk.
‘Cricket and Community’ Conference at the University of Huddersfield, April 2011
The University of Huddersfield will be hosting an international conference on cricket history in April 2011.
'Cricket and Community’ will be the major theme – and speakers and delegates will be attending from around the world.
The conference is being organised by the university’s Cricket Research Centre - which was established last year.
It is the first such body at a UK university.
Conference organiser Dr Peter Davies said: ‘It will be a very exciting event for us to host.
'Our keynote speaker, Dr Boria Majundar, is coming from Bombay and we also have contributors coming from America.’
Other speakers include Dr Dean Allen (Cricket in Colonial South Africa), Dr Tony Bateman (James Joyce and Cricket), Dr Rob Ellis (Cricket and Madness) and Dr Jack Williams (Cricket and Community in the North of England 1900-39).
The conference is a two-day event with study sessions on a variety of themes including race, society, village institutions, cricket overseas and cricket literature.
It will also investigate the nature of cricket in Yorkshire, in the North and South of England, and in Wales and Ireland.
The event will take place on Thursday 14th & Friday 15th April 2011 in the Castle Hill Suite at the University of Huddersfield.
It will be officially opened by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, Professor Bob Cryan.
At the end of proceedings on Thursday 14th, delegates will be taken on a special visit to the historic Lascelles Hall CC, Huddersfield - a famous club that supplied many Yorkshire and England cricketers in the nineteenth century.
The conference fee is £50 (institutional) and £25 (individuals/concessions).
For more details contact event organiser Dr Peter Davies on 01484 472405 or via p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
When I set off to-day to go to the Bankfoot it started to rain heavily but it stopped when I reached Ron Stansfield at Horsforth. The match we were going to was Bankfoot against Pudsey Congs.Bankfoot were bottom of the league and will be playing in the second division next year.Congs required 15 points to win the league.
When we arrived the umpires were looking at the pitch as it was very wet however they said they would be playing in an hour.The wicket had not been cut and was very green.
The match was reduced to a 32 over match and Bankfoot won the toss. They decided to field first with the sun shining.The two opening bowlers were Greg Colehan and Nigel Hanson.Greg is the favorite bowler of Andrew from London and has been in the league for a number of years.Nigel Hanson used to play at Bowling Old Lane with Ralph Middlebrook over twenty years ago.
The ball was moving off the pitch with the batsmen struggling.The only batsman to stay there was Burzler who scored 36.Congs managed to reach 162 for 8 with the help of Butt scoring 44 off 30 balls.Congs got two bonus points but sill 13 required.
After tea Ralph Middlebrook sat with us and was very nervous about the match.Bankfoot lost four quick wickets with two brilliant catches. They were 14 for 4 and Congs got two more bonus points.A partnership brought the score to 65 when two quick wickets fell.Bruce Moss the Bradford League Chairman arrived with the cup.
The last wicket fell with a excellent catch my Matthew Doidge playing his final match for Congs. Bankfoot had been bowled out for 96 in 18.1 overs and Congs were Champions and Ralph could enjoy the day.
When I set off to-day to go to the Bankfoot it started to rain heavily but it stopped when I reached Ron Stansfield at Horsforth. The match we were going to was Bankfoot against Pudsey Congs.Bankfoot were bottom of the league and will be playing in the second division next year.Congs required 15 points to win the league.
When we arrived the umpires were looking at the pitch as it was very wet however they said they would be playing in an hour.The wicket had not been cut and was very green.
The match was reduced to a 32 over match and Bankfoot won the toss. They decided to field first with the sun shining.The two opening bowlers were Greg Colehan and Nigel Hanson.Greg is the favorite bowler of Andrew from London and has been in the league for a number of years.Nigel Hanson used to play at Bowling Old Lane with Ralph Middlebrook over twenty years ago.
The ball was moving off the pitch with the batsmen struggling.The only batsman to stay there was Burzler who scored 36.Congs managed to reach 162 for 8 with the help of Butt scoring 44 off 30 balls.Congs got two bonus points but sill 13 required.
After tea Ralph Middlebrook sat with us and was very nervous about the match.Bankfoot lost four quick wickets with two brilliant catches. They were 14 for 4 and Congs got two more bonus points.A partnership brought the score to 65 when two quick wickets fell.Bruce Moss the Bradford League Chairman arrived with the cup.
The last wicket fell with a excellent catch my Matthew Doidge playing his final match for Congs. Bankfoot had been bowled out for 96 in 18.1 overs and Congs were Champions and Ralph could enjoy the day.
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
ANOTHER FULL CAR
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
This morning I set off with Bob Procter, Brian Senior and Jeff Wilson to Trent Bridge. The match was Yorkshire against Nottingham on the second day. On the first 18 wickets had fallen.Yorkshire were 260 for 8.The weather on the way down was misty and the match did not start until 11.15.
Trent Bridge is the best Northern Test Ground with excellent facilities.We sat out side the pavilion to watch Yorkshire final two wickets fall quickly however Gale reached 151 , his highest first class score.
During lunch we went to Nottingham Cricket Library to show Bob the numerous cricket books and to meet Peter Wynne- Thomas who runs the library.Whilst we were there Hales was out for 24.Wagh came in next for his final innings at Trent Bridge before he joins his new job outside cricket.
Franks was next out caught by Rudolph off Rashid for 79.Rashid then got Wagh caught by Pyrah for 90. He marched off the pitch very angry.The Australian Voges was then out for 72.
At the end of the day Nottingham were 357 for 6 with Reed and Pattinson batting.
To-morrow will be very interesting and both sides can still win.
This morning I set off with Bob Procter, Brian Senior and Jeff Wilson to Trent Bridge. The match was Yorkshire against Nottingham on the second day. On the first 18 wickets had fallen.Yorkshire were 260 for 8.The weather on the way down was misty and the match did not start until 11.15.
Trent Bridge is the best Northern Test Ground with excellent facilities.We sat out side the pavilion to watch Yorkshire final two wickets fall quickly however Gale reached 151 , his highest first class score.
During lunch we went to Nottingham Cricket Library to show Bob the numerous cricket books and to meet Peter Wynne- Thomas who runs the library.Whilst we were there Hales was out for 24.Wagh came in next for his final innings at Trent Bridge before he joins his new job outside cricket.
Franks was next out caught by Rudolph off Rashid for 79.Rashid then got Wagh caught by Pyrah for 90. He marched off the pitch very angry.The Australian Voges was then out for 72.
At the end of the day Nottingham were 357 for 6 with Reed and Pattinson batting.
To-morrow will be very interesting and both sides can still win.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
JUST MISSED THE RAIN
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
It had been raining very hard overnight but the sun was out in the morning.I went in the afternoon to New Rover to see Lord Taverners under14 School County Final. The two teams were Richmond against Shelley. Shelley had scored 145.
The Richmond team started slowly and Mick Bourne stated they would not reach the total.They started to lose wickets and were about thirty runs short with seven wickets down.The Richmond side wore the Durham tops. However they reached their total with six overs to spare. Mr Hassell give the speech at the end of the match.
Next match was Yorkshire Seconds against Lancashire Seconds at Weetwood.Yorkshire were batting with Lee and Rhandwana.Lee was out for 35 and the score was just over 200 for 8. Lowe was next out .There was the sound of thunder in the distance and black clouds coming so I went home.
Just as I got home it started to rain.
It had been raining very hard overnight but the sun was out in the morning.I went in the afternoon to New Rover to see Lord Taverners under14 School County Final. The two teams were Richmond against Shelley. Shelley had scored 145.
The Richmond team started slowly and Mick Bourne stated they would not reach the total.They started to lose wickets and were about thirty runs short with seven wickets down.The Richmond side wore the Durham tops. However they reached their total with six overs to spare. Mr Hassell give the speech at the end of the match.
Next match was Yorkshire Seconds against Lancashire Seconds at Weetwood.Yorkshire were batting with Lee and Rhandwana.Lee was out for 35 and the score was just over 200 for 8. Lowe was next out .There was the sound of thunder in the distance and black clouds coming so I went home.
Just as I got home it started to rain.
Monday, 6 September 2010
Was Your Journey really necessary ?
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
After shopping I went to the New Rover ground to watch the Yorkshire under13 Bunbery Final. The two teams were Ryburn Valley, Calderdale and St. Aidens, Harrogate.I arrived there at 11.30 and saw Jenny and John.Also Mollie Staines was picking blackberries or she called them black pearls.
St. Aidens batted first and were soon in trouble.Tony Hutton arrived at about 12 o,clock and were six wickets down.He arrived at 11.00 and was told the match would start at 12.00. The bowler at the Ring Road End took 5 wickets for eleven.They struggled to 53 with 13 overs to spare.
At lunch time I had to explain to a number of people that the first innings was completed. The time was 12.45.At this time Mick Bourne arrived after his visit to his daughter at the weekend.
Ryburn won the match with no wickets fallen at 2.10.Jeff Cresswell arrived with one over to go hoping to see some cricket.He complain that in future could I please let him know when the match would finish early.
Arrived home to see the Wombwell speakers for the winter.It includes Philip Paine, Peter Bowler and John Shepherd.Sounds good.
After shopping I went to the New Rover ground to watch the Yorkshire under13 Bunbery Final. The two teams were Ryburn Valley, Calderdale and St. Aidens, Harrogate.I arrived there at 11.30 and saw Jenny and John.Also Mollie Staines was picking blackberries or she called them black pearls.
St. Aidens batted first and were soon in trouble.Tony Hutton arrived at about 12 o,clock and were six wickets down.He arrived at 11.00 and was told the match would start at 12.00. The bowler at the Ring Road End took 5 wickets for eleven.They struggled to 53 with 13 overs to spare.
At lunch time I had to explain to a number of people that the first innings was completed. The time was 12.45.At this time Mick Bourne arrived after his visit to his daughter at the weekend.
Ryburn won the match with no wickets fallen at 2.10.Jeff Cresswell arrived with one over to go hoping to see some cricket.He complain that in future could I please let him know when the match would finish early.
Arrived home to see the Wombwell speakers for the winter.It includes Philip Paine, Peter Bowler and John Shepherd.Sounds good.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
ANOTHER EXCITING MATCH
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
I set off on my own down the M62 to see Woodlands against Pudsey St. Lawrence in the Bradford First Division.Before the match Pudsey were lending the division by 1 point from Pudsey Congs.Woodlands were fifth and twenty-four points behind.
Woodlands were batting first with Scott Richardson and Sam Frankland who was the lending run scorer in the side. How ever he was soon out L.B.W to Severn who bowled a good opening spell taking the first three wickets.Richardson and Swanepoel put on a stand of 77 to take the score to 114 for 3.Then Swanepoel tried to hit Marsden for a six and was caught out.Ken from Blackpool was there after visiting a Cheshire League match yesterday.
Scott Richardson, ex Yorkshire player,produced a excellent century to enable Woodlands to reach 198.Some of the Pudsey supporters thought they would not reach the target .
Pudsey opening batters were Mark Robertshaw and Alex Stead.Robertshaw was soon run out and stormed off the field.When Stead reached his fifty Brice obtained his wicket with a catch by Scott Richardson.Earlier in the innings Scott had injured his figures attempting a catch.Pudsey at this stage was 113 for 4.However the light became dark and Sarfraz bowled quick.His spell was 15-7-16-1.Excellent figures which slowed Pudsey down.With the help of three run outs Pudsey only reached 191 for 7 so not winning the match.
Pudsey Congs and Bradford and Bingley won their matches so putting Lawrence fourth in the league.Congs have to go to Bankfoot and win to win the Championship next Saturday.
I set off on my own down the M62 to see Woodlands against Pudsey St. Lawrence in the Bradford First Division.Before the match Pudsey were lending the division by 1 point from Pudsey Congs.Woodlands were fifth and twenty-four points behind.
Woodlands were batting first with Scott Richardson and Sam Frankland who was the lending run scorer in the side. How ever he was soon out L.B.W to Severn who bowled a good opening spell taking the first three wickets.Richardson and Swanepoel put on a stand of 77 to take the score to 114 for 3.Then Swanepoel tried to hit Marsden for a six and was caught out.Ken from Blackpool was there after visiting a Cheshire League match yesterday.
Scott Richardson, ex Yorkshire player,produced a excellent century to enable Woodlands to reach 198.Some of the Pudsey supporters thought they would not reach the target .
Pudsey opening batters were Mark Robertshaw and Alex Stead.Robertshaw was soon run out and stormed off the field.When Stead reached his fifty Brice obtained his wicket with a catch by Scott Richardson.Earlier in the innings Scott had injured his figures attempting a catch.Pudsey at this stage was 113 for 4.However the light became dark and Sarfraz bowled quick.His spell was 15-7-16-1.Excellent figures which slowed Pudsey down.With the help of three run outs Pudsey only reached 191 for 7 so not winning the match.
Pudsey Congs and Bradford and Bingley won their matches so putting Lawrence fourth in the league.Congs have to go to Bankfoot and win to win the Championship next Saturday.
Chilling Out at Kirkburton
Posted by Peter Davies
Saturday 4 September Part 2
From Skelmanthorpe we journeyed the two miles or so to Kirkburton, another undoubted 2010 favourite.
It's always very relaxed and chilled out at Riley Park - very spacious and a real feel of 'Englishness' all around with the church and the very green environs. Again, like Skelmanthorpe, it's a very well appointed ground and, ditto again, I always sit on the same handsome and sturdy bench between the garage and the scorebox.
I liked the climate on Saturday as well. Just right for me: cool, bright and very English in all respects. I don't need heat, sun or, for that matter, rain or the cold. Having come out of hospital, the climactic conditions and the lovely and leisurely atmos at the ground was so perfect.
Had a couple of cups of tea with my Dad, with the extremely helpful tea lady happy to brew up AFTER it looked as if she had done her stint in the kitchen. I always seem to see Steve Ireland in the bar area: really nice guy and someone who is obviously trying to steer his club into a very bright future - see, for example, the planning drawings etc that are always very visible on the clubhouse walls.
It was such a nice afternoon that we decided to stay right to the end of the game - something we should do much more often. Kirkburton cantered home with a few wickets to spare with their young batsmen showing virtually no nerves in the final half hour. In fact, it was all very easy.
The club's scorebox seemed to be out of order so a makeshift one had been erected near the garage, with both scorers sat outside. A lovely afternoon - just what the doctor ordered!
Saturday 4 September Part 2
From Skelmanthorpe we journeyed the two miles or so to Kirkburton, another undoubted 2010 favourite.
It's always very relaxed and chilled out at Riley Park - very spacious and a real feel of 'Englishness' all around with the church and the very green environs. Again, like Skelmanthorpe, it's a very well appointed ground and, ditto again, I always sit on the same handsome and sturdy bench between the garage and the scorebox.
I liked the climate on Saturday as well. Just right for me: cool, bright and very English in all respects. I don't need heat, sun or, for that matter, rain or the cold. Having come out of hospital, the climactic conditions and the lovely and leisurely atmos at the ground was so perfect.
Had a couple of cups of tea with my Dad, with the extremely helpful tea lady happy to brew up AFTER it looked as if she had done her stint in the kitchen. I always seem to see Steve Ireland in the bar area: really nice guy and someone who is obviously trying to steer his club into a very bright future - see, for example, the planning drawings etc that are always very visible on the clubhouse walls.
It was such a nice afternoon that we decided to stay right to the end of the game - something we should do much more often. Kirkburton cantered home with a few wickets to spare with their young batsmen showing virtually no nerves in the final half hour. In fact, it was all very easy.
The club's scorebox seemed to be out of order so a makeshift one had been erected near the garage, with both scorers sat outside. A lovely afternoon - just what the doctor ordered!
End of season nostalgia
Posted by Tony Hutton
Sunday 5th September 2010 - Pudsey Congs v Baildon
An exciting title race is going on in the Bradford League and after today's win over
Baildon, Pudsey Congs are top with 326 points, Bradford & Bingley second with 319 points, Pudsey St Lawrence (beaten by only 7 runs today at Woodlands) have 312 and East Bierley are fourth with 309.
So all to play for next week in the final round of matches. Congs travel to Bankfoot, B & B entertain Cleckheaton, St Lawrence are home to local rivals Farsley and East Bierley face Undercliffe.
Today however Congs looked very determined to bring home one final championship title for retiring former skipper Matthew Doidge. Having lost two very early wickets, Barbar Butt and Adam Patel laid the foundations with a partnership of 109. Patel made 60 and Butt 57. Burzler went for a duck and then the fireworks started.
The stage was set for Matthew Doidge for his final innings on the Britannia Ground and given a resounding welcome as he joined Andrew Bairstow he did not disappoint.
The pair put on 115 runs in only eleven overs, with sixes out of the ground and fours galore against the bewildered Baildon bowlers.
Bairstow went first with 72 but Doidge carried on into the last over before he was brilliantly run out by a direct hit for an amazing 60 runs in only 35 balls, with six fours and four sixes. A fitting way to say goodbye for a man who has led the Congs to so many successes over the years and has always come good when they have been in trouble. He will be sadly missed next season.
Baildon looked totally demoralised facing a target of 266 and were never in the hunt.
A few scores from the middle order but from 168-5 they fell away to 176 all out.
Glen Roberts took 4-28, Burzler 3-60 and Hewitt 3-21 in a great team performance.
When the news came in of St Lawrence's narrow defeat the odds on Congs taking the title must have shortened considerably. Again all will be revealed next week in one thrilling last instalment.
Sunday 5th September 2010 - Pudsey Congs v Baildon
An exciting title race is going on in the Bradford League and after today's win over
Baildon, Pudsey Congs are top with 326 points, Bradford & Bingley second with 319 points, Pudsey St Lawrence (beaten by only 7 runs today at Woodlands) have 312 and East Bierley are fourth with 309.
So all to play for next week in the final round of matches. Congs travel to Bankfoot, B & B entertain Cleckheaton, St Lawrence are home to local rivals Farsley and East Bierley face Undercliffe.
Today however Congs looked very determined to bring home one final championship title for retiring former skipper Matthew Doidge. Having lost two very early wickets, Barbar Butt and Adam Patel laid the foundations with a partnership of 109. Patel made 60 and Butt 57. Burzler went for a duck and then the fireworks started.
The stage was set for Matthew Doidge for his final innings on the Britannia Ground and given a resounding welcome as he joined Andrew Bairstow he did not disappoint.
The pair put on 115 runs in only eleven overs, with sixes out of the ground and fours galore against the bewildered Baildon bowlers.
Bairstow went first with 72 but Doidge carried on into the last over before he was brilliantly run out by a direct hit for an amazing 60 runs in only 35 balls, with six fours and four sixes. A fitting way to say goodbye for a man who has led the Congs to so many successes over the years and has always come good when they have been in trouble. He will be sadly missed next season.
Baildon looked totally demoralised facing a target of 266 and were never in the hunt.
A few scores from the middle order but from 168-5 they fell away to 176 all out.
Glen Roberts took 4-28, Burzler 3-60 and Hewitt 3-21 in a great team performance.
When the news came in of St Lawrence's narrow defeat the odds on Congs taking the title must have shortened considerably. Again all will be revealed next week in one thrilling last instalment.
St Chads win the Wetherby League
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 4th September, 2010 - St Chads Broomfield v Shadwell and Adel v Thackley
The end of season is almost upon us, but lots of reasons to celebrate.
The good news is led by the fact that Peter Davies is back watching cricket after a long illness. All professional cricket watchers will wish him well.
Then as Brian Sanderson reports Burley-in-Wharfedale have won the Airedale and Wharfedale league despite giving life long supporter Peter Mann a few butterflies along the way. Congratulations to Burley and to Peter !
Today I commuted the short distance between Adel and St Chads determined to see history made preferably with Adel avoiding relegation and St Chads winning the Wetherby League.
Win it indeed they did and in fine style too against Shadwell, the Fred Fleetwood cup winners, and a strong side including dynamic young West Indian Ryan Hercules.
Shadwell batted first and in no time had 60-1 on the board in only eight overs, with Hercules looking set for a big score. He hit nine fours out of 37 before being well caught on the long off boundary off spinner Dan Izzard. A vital wicket indeed.
A fifth wicket partnership of 64 put Shadwell back in the game at 131-4, but then wickets fell regularly and Izzard took three more wickets to demolish the tail and the visitors were all out for 167.
Back to Adel to find that the home side had ground their way to 185-7 in 50 overs thanks mainly to a solid 31 from Stuart Howie and some fine hitting from David Standring at the end which brough him 51. The handful of regular supporters were not unduly impressed (when are they ever !) and some had repaired to the clubhouse to watch Leeds Rhinos at Hull on the big screen.
A little later I had to wait until the celebrations which greeted Danny Maguire's try to put the Rhinos ahead had ceased to inform Reg Parker (Adel's number one supporter), that Thackley were 48-6 and Adel in sight of victory. He returned to the cricket in time to see quick bowler Mark Shires finish off Thackley for just 76 with amazing figures of 8-26.
By then I had already returned to St Chads for the coup de grace. When I left St Chads had been 60-3 chasing 168 to win and the game was in the balance. However when I got back the pendulum was swinging towards the home side with a stand of 88 between Mark Bailey and Howard Johnson.
When Bailey was out for 45 including nine fours, Stevens soon followed, but by then St Chads were in sight of a famous victory. No time for nerves as Howard Johnson continued to punish the bowlers, finishing with 67 not out, including eleven fours and one six.
However the man who brought the title to St Chads was Amraze Mahmood who finished it off in style with a huge six over long off which only just missed the two lady scorers trying desperately to keep up with the rapid scoring rate.
St Chads and their small band of supporters celebrated as well they might and scorer
Hilary Oliver just managed to stop shaking in time to join the team picture which shows a lot of very happy smiling faces. Well done St.Chads - their first ever league title.
When the dust had settled it became apparent that Adel's great win had perhaps been in vain as their relegation rivals Pool had also won and collected six points.
So the position at the bottom of the Airedale Wharfedale league table, with North Leeds already relegated, is that Adel have 41 points, as do Pool and Rawdon have 45 points.
Rawdon play Pool in the final match next week and Adel are away to league runners up Beckwithshaw. Apparently if Adel and Pool finish level Pool will stay up as they have won more games. What is clear is that a six point win for Adel means they will stay up. All will be revealed next week.
Saturday 4th September, 2010 - St Chads Broomfield v Shadwell and Adel v Thackley
The end of season is almost upon us, but lots of reasons to celebrate.
The good news is led by the fact that Peter Davies is back watching cricket after a long illness. All professional cricket watchers will wish him well.
Then as Brian Sanderson reports Burley-in-Wharfedale have won the Airedale and Wharfedale league despite giving life long supporter Peter Mann a few butterflies along the way. Congratulations to Burley and to Peter !
Today I commuted the short distance between Adel and St Chads determined to see history made preferably with Adel avoiding relegation and St Chads winning the Wetherby League.
Win it indeed they did and in fine style too against Shadwell, the Fred Fleetwood cup winners, and a strong side including dynamic young West Indian Ryan Hercules.
Shadwell batted first and in no time had 60-1 on the board in only eight overs, with Hercules looking set for a big score. He hit nine fours out of 37 before being well caught on the long off boundary off spinner Dan Izzard. A vital wicket indeed.
A fifth wicket partnership of 64 put Shadwell back in the game at 131-4, but then wickets fell regularly and Izzard took three more wickets to demolish the tail and the visitors were all out for 167.
Back to Adel to find that the home side had ground their way to 185-7 in 50 overs thanks mainly to a solid 31 from Stuart Howie and some fine hitting from David Standring at the end which brough him 51. The handful of regular supporters were not unduly impressed (when are they ever !) and some had repaired to the clubhouse to watch Leeds Rhinos at Hull on the big screen.
A little later I had to wait until the celebrations which greeted Danny Maguire's try to put the Rhinos ahead had ceased to inform Reg Parker (Adel's number one supporter), that Thackley were 48-6 and Adel in sight of victory. He returned to the cricket in time to see quick bowler Mark Shires finish off Thackley for just 76 with amazing figures of 8-26.
By then I had already returned to St Chads for the coup de grace. When I left St Chads had been 60-3 chasing 168 to win and the game was in the balance. However when I got back the pendulum was swinging towards the home side with a stand of 88 between Mark Bailey and Howard Johnson.
When Bailey was out for 45 including nine fours, Stevens soon followed, but by then St Chads were in sight of a famous victory. No time for nerves as Howard Johnson continued to punish the bowlers, finishing with 67 not out, including eleven fours and one six.
However the man who brought the title to St Chads was Amraze Mahmood who finished it off in style with a huge six over long off which only just missed the two lady scorers trying desperately to keep up with the rapid scoring rate.
St Chads and their small band of supporters celebrated as well they might and scorer
Hilary Oliver just managed to stop shaking in time to join the team picture which shows a lot of very happy smiling faces. Well done St.Chads - their first ever league title.
When the dust had settled it became apparent that Adel's great win had perhaps been in vain as their relegation rivals Pool had also won and collected six points.
So the position at the bottom of the Airedale Wharfedale league table, with North Leeds already relegated, is that Adel have 41 points, as do Pool and Rawdon have 45 points.
Rawdon play Pool in the final match next week and Adel are away to league runners up Beckwithshaw. Apparently if Adel and Pool finish level Pool will stay up as they have won more games. What is clear is that a six point win for Adel means they will stay up. All will be revealed next week.
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Custard Delight
Saturday 4 September Part 1
Posted by Peter Davies
After some time in hospital, so wonderful to be back on the trail of league cricket on the first Saturday in September. I hadn't watched a ball bowled since early August, so it was strange, but also fantastic, to be back.
But first up a schoolboy error. We popped down to Denby Dale - one of our big favourites - but as tends to happen each and every September we remembered too late that the HCCL swap to Sunday fixtures because of the football season, so we were fed a blank as we journeyed up Wakefield Road. We were disappointed.
So we hastily hit Skelmanthorpe instead, which was due to be our second port of call. Now it was our first.
Skelmanthorpe is probably by favourite 'big' ground on account of the handsome playing area, comfy benches all around the boundary and general air of classiness around the place. The club is so obviously well run and this is reflected in the teas, need I say more. Today, some lovely ham and egg sandwiches with salad accessories.
And Dad was having kittens over the dessert - custard and cake, and he reckons it was a magic Birds custard that made it! So I encouraged him to laud the club chairman Margaret Dollive - and he did this with Margaret very pleased to receive the custard accolade.
We arrived in mid-afternoon and stayed till after tea. I benefited hugely from the fresh air and it was genuinely very good to be on a boundary edge again. I bumped into Riaz Iqbal, a guy I used to play cricket with at YMCA CC in Huddersfield. He's now a newsagent in Skelmanthorpe but still retains his links at the YMCA as was - now Birkby Rosehill CC, I believe.
I had two cups of tea and a quick watch of Soccer Saturday on the pavilion TV.
Posted by Peter Davies
After some time in hospital, so wonderful to be back on the trail of league cricket on the first Saturday in September. I hadn't watched a ball bowled since early August, so it was strange, but also fantastic, to be back.
But first up a schoolboy error. We popped down to Denby Dale - one of our big favourites - but as tends to happen each and every September we remembered too late that the HCCL swap to Sunday fixtures because of the football season, so we were fed a blank as we journeyed up Wakefield Road. We were disappointed.
So we hastily hit Skelmanthorpe instead, which was due to be our second port of call. Now it was our first.
Skelmanthorpe is probably by favourite 'big' ground on account of the handsome playing area, comfy benches all around the boundary and general air of classiness around the place. The club is so obviously well run and this is reflected in the teas, need I say more. Today, some lovely ham and egg sandwiches with salad accessories.
And Dad was having kittens over the dessert - custard and cake, and he reckons it was a magic Birds custard that made it! So I encouraged him to laud the club chairman Margaret Dollive - and he did this with Margaret very pleased to receive the custard accolade.
We arrived in mid-afternoon and stayed till after tea. I benefited hugely from the fresh air and it was genuinely very good to be on a boundary edge again. I bumped into Riaz Iqbal, a guy I used to play cricket with at YMCA CC in Huddersfield. He's now a newsagent in Skelmanthorpe but still retains his links at the YMCA as was - now Birkby Rosehill CC, I believe.
I had two cups of tea and a quick watch of Soccer Saturday on the pavilion TV.
Favourite Bench
Saturday 24 July
Posted by Peter Davies
A late-afternoon visit to Lidgett Lane, home of Skelmanthorpe CC. Very pleasant. The home side scored 157 against Slaithwaite, with the Colne Valleyers passing their target with only two wickets to spare. Skelmanthorpe is fast becoming one of my favourite grounds. It's close to where I live in Shelley, is always busy, and thriving, and the overall impression is one of a well appointed and incredibly well run club. Plus the teas are good, I have a favourite bench, and in charge at the club are two women: Margaret Dollive and Beverley Crossland. Is that a coincidence?
Posted by Peter Davies
A late-afternoon visit to Lidgett Lane, home of Skelmanthorpe CC. Very pleasant. The home side scored 157 against Slaithwaite, with the Colne Valleyers passing their target with only two wickets to spare. Skelmanthorpe is fast becoming one of my favourite grounds. It's close to where I live in Shelley, is always busy, and thriving, and the overall impression is one of a well appointed and incredibly well run club. Plus the teas are good, I have a favourite bench, and in charge at the club are two women: Margaret Dollive and Beverley Crossland. Is that a coincidence?
A 46 YEAR WAIT FOR PETER
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
I set off with Ron Stansfield to see Burley against Beckwithshaw in the Airedale and Wharfedale Cricket league.At the start of the day Burley were 7 points in front of Beckwithshaw and victory for Burley would win them the championship.
We sat in front of the pavilion and found out that Burley opening bat had broken his thumb on Thursday at practice.Burley won the toss and decided to bowl and we were joined by Mick from Idle.The two opening batsmen were John Inglis and Paul Critchley who had been scoring runs for fun.They started very slowly when Nick Brook bowled Inglis.Nick did a Tino Best aeroplane impression in celebration.
Nick Brook took the first six wickets and John Wright,Australian, took the rest. Beckwithshaw scored 120 and the feeling was it was 30 runs short.
Burley progressed well until Truswell ran himself out.They reached 100 for 2 until the pressure got to the batsmen.They reached 117 for 8 when one of the Beckwithshaw fielder dived to stop the ball and broke his collar bone.Burley did the right thing and supplied a sub-fielder.One swing to the leg side produced a four and victory.
The last time Burley won the championship was 1964. Peter Mann even smiled when they had won.
I set off with Ron Stansfield to see Burley against Beckwithshaw in the Airedale and Wharfedale Cricket league.At the start of the day Burley were 7 points in front of Beckwithshaw and victory for Burley would win them the championship.
We sat in front of the pavilion and found out that Burley opening bat had broken his thumb on Thursday at practice.Burley won the toss and decided to bowl and we were joined by Mick from Idle.The two opening batsmen were John Inglis and Paul Critchley who had been scoring runs for fun.They started very slowly when Nick Brook bowled Inglis.Nick did a Tino Best aeroplane impression in celebration.
Nick Brook took the first six wickets and John Wright,Australian, took the rest. Beckwithshaw scored 120 and the feeling was it was 30 runs short.
Burley progressed well until Truswell ran himself out.They reached 100 for 2 until the pressure got to the batsmen.They reached 117 for 8 when one of the Beckwithshaw fielder dived to stop the ball and broke his collar bone.Burley did the right thing and supplied a sub-fielder.One swing to the leg side produced a four and victory.
The last time Burley won the championship was 1964. Peter Mann even smiled when they had won.
Friday, 3 September 2010
Chris, Ian and Jack
Posted by Peter Davies
Saturday 10 July
A trip to gorgeous Lightcliffe to say hi to my friend - and University of Huddersfield PhD student - Bob Horne. Lightcliffe is always the most beautiful venue and today was no exception. The home side scored 216-6 in their 50 overs with ex-Yorkshire player Chris Taylor scoring 82. Manningham Mills knocked this off for the loss of just four wickets. They gained 17 points and Lightcliffe 6 points.
Bob was a fine host and was continually supplying us with teas and snacks. It was a gorgeous afternoon and Lightcliffe - beautiful anyway - was looking even more beautiful than ever. We found a perch near the pavilion, then near the sightscreen on the far side of the ground.
The ex-Yorkshire batter was in fine form and heading towards another big score in a fruitful summer. His new wife was also circling the ground with a large pram in tow - obviously they are new parents. Taylor has found his home at Lightcliffe - married to a local lass and obviously loving the scenery and square.
Saturday 31 July
A journey into the heart of North Kirklees. First up Liversedge, looking gorgeous in the early-afternoon sun. We sat in front of the pavilion, had a drink (me diet coke) and my Dad had a little bit of a wander. The home side were actually entertaining Northowram Fields (the only Calderdale side in the CYL?) and my friend Ian Rushworth - sports editor of the Halifax Courier - was opening the batting very effectively for Fields. They were on about 75 for 0 and going well.
Then onto Memorial Park, Mirfield, where both 'home' sides were at home. In the Mirfield pavilion we befriended the tea lady and explained that we were the matchball sponsors from the week before and that club secretary Pat Neal had said we could still claim a tea one week on. So we sat down in the lounge and partook. The cakes were put out on some rather ornate silverware. Dad enjoyed his bap and I only had some fruit and a drink. But very nice and a nice reward for sponsoring the club for £20. We nipped onto Moorlands' half of the park and bumped into Yorkshire CCC's 'man in Dewsbury' and also Jack Carson, president of the HCCL - what a nice bloke. We exchanged pleasantries and moved on.
Finally, Mirfield Parish - one of our favourite grounds. It always feels very enclosed and you can hear the players talk. Today, the long leg was complaining that he was the best fielder in the side and still only fielding at long leg! You always feel part of the action at Parish. We stayed for quarter of an hour and then took our leave.
Saturday 10 July
A trip to gorgeous Lightcliffe to say hi to my friend - and University of Huddersfield PhD student - Bob Horne. Lightcliffe is always the most beautiful venue and today was no exception. The home side scored 216-6 in their 50 overs with ex-Yorkshire player Chris Taylor scoring 82. Manningham Mills knocked this off for the loss of just four wickets. They gained 17 points and Lightcliffe 6 points.
Bob was a fine host and was continually supplying us with teas and snacks. It was a gorgeous afternoon and Lightcliffe - beautiful anyway - was looking even more beautiful than ever. We found a perch near the pavilion, then near the sightscreen on the far side of the ground.
The ex-Yorkshire batter was in fine form and heading towards another big score in a fruitful summer. His new wife was also circling the ground with a large pram in tow - obviously they are new parents. Taylor has found his home at Lightcliffe - married to a local lass and obviously loving the scenery and square.
Saturday 31 July
A journey into the heart of North Kirklees. First up Liversedge, looking gorgeous in the early-afternoon sun. We sat in front of the pavilion, had a drink (me diet coke) and my Dad had a little bit of a wander. The home side were actually entertaining Northowram Fields (the only Calderdale side in the CYL?) and my friend Ian Rushworth - sports editor of the Halifax Courier - was opening the batting very effectively for Fields. They were on about 75 for 0 and going well.
Then onto Memorial Park, Mirfield, where both 'home' sides were at home. In the Mirfield pavilion we befriended the tea lady and explained that we were the matchball sponsors from the week before and that club secretary Pat Neal had said we could still claim a tea one week on. So we sat down in the lounge and partook. The cakes were put out on some rather ornate silverware. Dad enjoyed his bap and I only had some fruit and a drink. But very nice and a nice reward for sponsoring the club for £20. We nipped onto Moorlands' half of the park and bumped into Yorkshire CCC's 'man in Dewsbury' and also Jack Carson, president of the HCCL - what a nice bloke. We exchanged pleasantries and moved on.
Finally, Mirfield Parish - one of our favourite grounds. It always feels very enclosed and you can hear the players talk. Today, the long leg was complaining that he was the best fielder in the side and still only fielding at long leg! You always feel part of the action at Parish. We stayed for quarter of an hour and then took our leave.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
FULL CAR
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
To-day I had a extra passenger to Stanford Bridge that was Audrey Woodhouse who wanted some rest from the Grand -children.The weather was more cloudy to-day however we sat in the same spot just near the sight-screen.We were joined by Tony Hutton back from his trip to the Dales yesterday to see the M.C.C against Nidderdale League.
Surrey carried on batting with Harinath and Ansari.Harinath was first to go with a good out swinger by Hannon-Dalby caught by the keeper.Next was Ansari playing a poor shot to Wainwright who bowled him.They continued to lose wickets until in the afternoon Surrey decided to declare at 253. The Yorkshire had been steady but not out standing. Their fielding was better than Surrey.
Root and Ballance started to take the attack to Surrey at six an over.Until Ballance got caught behind off Lindley.Root carried on confidently until O,Shea bowled a bad ball and Root put into the hands of the fielder.
At the end of the day Yorkshire were about 280 in front with eight wickets in hand. They should bat for another hour in the morning and set a target.
We did manage to get a scorecard with the correct Surrey names but only included 12 names not 13.The day was good net practice for both sides.
To-day I had a extra passenger to Stanford Bridge that was Audrey Woodhouse who wanted some rest from the Grand -children.The weather was more cloudy to-day however we sat in the same spot just near the sight-screen.We were joined by Tony Hutton back from his trip to the Dales yesterday to see the M.C.C against Nidderdale League.
Surrey carried on batting with Harinath and Ansari.Harinath was first to go with a good out swinger by Hannon-Dalby caught by the keeper.Next was Ansari playing a poor shot to Wainwright who bowled him.They continued to lose wickets until in the afternoon Surrey decided to declare at 253. The Yorkshire had been steady but not out standing. Their fielding was better than Surrey.
Root and Ballance started to take the attack to Surrey at six an over.Until Ballance got caught behind off Lindley.Root carried on confidently until O,Shea bowled a bad ball and Root put into the hands of the fielder.
At the end of the day Yorkshire were about 280 in front with eight wickets in hand. They should bat for another hour in the morning and set a target.
We did manage to get a scorecard with the correct Surrey names but only included 12 names not 13.The day was good net practice for both sides.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
ANOTHER DAY IN THE SUN
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
I picked up Ron Stansfield and Malcolm and went to Stanford Bridge. The match was Yorkshire Seconds against Surrey Seconds.On the Yorkshire web-site it states it is a three day Second Eleven Championship match and on the scorecard however it is friendly match with 13 cricketers aside.There were eight alteration to the scorecard on the Surrey team as Yorkshire were not informed of their side how ever it is on the Surrey web-site.
There were two ex-Test Players at the match John Hampshire and Graham Thorpe who is the Surrey coach.Walking round the ground I had a chat with John and Jenny who mention they read the Blog. Thank you.
Yorkshire batted first with Joe Root and Gary Ballance.Both seemed to be under no difficulty until Ballance was dropped at slip.He went on to score 70. One of the opening bowler was Tom Lindley who plays at Saltaire in the Bradford League.
The Surrey bowling and fielding was poor and Joe Root scored 125 and Yorkshire went on to score 352 until they declared with 11 overs to go.Hannon-Dalby took a wicket before close.
The weather and company was excellent but the cricket was not of a good standard.
I picked up Ron Stansfield and Malcolm and went to Stanford Bridge. The match was Yorkshire Seconds against Surrey Seconds.On the Yorkshire web-site it states it is a three day Second Eleven Championship match and on the scorecard however it is friendly match with 13 cricketers aside.There were eight alteration to the scorecard on the Surrey team as Yorkshire were not informed of their side how ever it is on the Surrey web-site.
There were two ex-Test Players at the match John Hampshire and Graham Thorpe who is the Surrey coach.Walking round the ground I had a chat with John and Jenny who mention they read the Blog. Thank you.
Yorkshire batted first with Joe Root and Gary Ballance.Both seemed to be under no difficulty until Ballance was dropped at slip.He went on to score 70. One of the opening bowler was Tom Lindley who plays at Saltaire in the Bradford League.
The Surrey bowling and fielding was poor and Joe Root scored 125 and Yorkshire went on to score 352 until they declared with 11 overs to go.Hannon-Dalby took a wicket before close.
The weather and company was excellent but the cricket was not of a good standard.
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
AFTERNOON IN SUNNY ILKLEY
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
As the sun was shining I took the family to Ilkley to see the Olicanian Cricket Festival.As I arrived I noticed Ian from Lancaster watching from his red car.It was a U 17 20/20 Competition.Bardsey had been bowled out for 60 and Olicanians won the match by nine wickets with ten overs to spare.
The next match was Bardsey against a under 14 local area cricketers.One of Bardsey players was James Wainman who is a fast bowler for the Yorkshire Academy.He was wicket keeping for the first eleven overs and then bowled off ten paces.The under 14 side got to 130 in the twenty overs.
At half time I wandered over to the Ilkley ground were I found them playing Follifoot third team played in Conference B match which had been rearranged.Follifot had won the cup yesterday by beating Guiseley easily.In the forty overs they scored 166. Ilkley were leading the League with Follifoot second so it was a vital match.
Back at Olicanian ground Bardsey were batting with Wainman opening the batting. He managed to score 35 but the team were about 40 runs short.
A excellent ground with good views of Ilkley Moor and the vsun was shining.
As the sun was shining I took the family to Ilkley to see the Olicanian Cricket Festival.As I arrived I noticed Ian from Lancaster watching from his red car.It was a U 17 20/20 Competition.Bardsey had been bowled out for 60 and Olicanians won the match by nine wickets with ten overs to spare.
The next match was Bardsey against a under 14 local area cricketers.One of Bardsey players was James Wainman who is a fast bowler for the Yorkshire Academy.He was wicket keeping for the first eleven overs and then bowled off ten paces.The under 14 side got to 130 in the twenty overs.
At half time I wandered over to the Ilkley ground were I found them playing Follifoot third team played in Conference B match which had been rearranged.Follifot had won the cup yesterday by beating Guiseley easily.In the forty overs they scored 166. Ilkley were leading the League with Follifoot second so it was a vital match.
Back at Olicanian ground Bardsey were batting with Wainman opening the batting. He managed to score 35 but the team were about 40 runs short.
A excellent ground with good views of Ilkley Moor and the vsun was shining.
Monday, 30 August 2010
REVISITING MY YOUTH
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
This afternoon I set off with Ron Stansfield to Whitkirk to see them playing New Earwick in the York Senior Cricket League third Division.I had played on the pitch in the early 1960,s.There was a new club house with a bar ,scorebox and a mobile mast which were not there when I played.Speaking to a ex Whitkirk player the complex of cricket,football,bowls and tennis are now under one committee.
New Earwick batted first but soon lost wickets.We were joined by Tony Hutton as the wickets fell.When we left they were 80 for 6 with about twelve overs to go. I heard that the batting side mainly comprised of second team players.
Moving on to Colton were I played for about four years in the 1960,s. The match was a Under 17 Cup Final between Crossgates and Newton Hill.Crossgates were batting and were 80 for 4. Mick Bourne and Tony Hutton were also there.The young wicket keeper scored 50 to enable them to reach 155.
At tea time I had chance to see some of the old pictures of the Colton sides and talked to a son of one of the players I played with.Newton Hill started off very well and the opening partnership got to 80 . One of the openers scored 80 and Newton Hill won the match with about fifteen overs to spare.
Nice to go back to the old grounds after a number of years.
This afternoon I set off with Ron Stansfield to Whitkirk to see them playing New Earwick in the York Senior Cricket League third Division.I had played on the pitch in the early 1960,s.There was a new club house with a bar ,scorebox and a mobile mast which were not there when I played.Speaking to a ex Whitkirk player the complex of cricket,football,bowls and tennis are now under one committee.
New Earwick batted first but soon lost wickets.We were joined by Tony Hutton as the wickets fell.When we left they were 80 for 6 with about twelve overs to go. I heard that the batting side mainly comprised of second team players.
Moving on to Colton were I played for about four years in the 1960,s. The match was a Under 17 Cup Final between Crossgates and Newton Hill.Crossgates were batting and were 80 for 4. Mick Bourne and Tony Hutton were also there.The young wicket keeper scored 50 to enable them to reach 155.
At tea time I had chance to see some of the old pictures of the Colton sides and talked to a son of one of the players I played with.Newton Hill started off very well and the opening partnership got to 80 . One of the openers scored 80 and Newton Hill won the match with about fifteen overs to spare.
Nice to go back to the old grounds after a number of years.
THRILLING FINISH
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
On Sunday I picked up Peter in Burley and set of for Haslingden.It had been raining over night and some heavy showers in the morning however the forecast was sunny.After some difficulty we found the ground and parked the car in the ground.The gateman said the match should play even though the pitch had been under water in the morning.The match was a Lancashire Cricket League fixture with Haslingden was second and Church third.
We had lunch of home made stake pie and apple pie.Very nice.The groundmen put some matting on a old pitch and there was a lot of mud near the wicket how ever they started forty minutes late and would be a forty-four over match. The Church professional was Luke Woodcock who had been involved with the New Zealand A team and had come back to England to play the last four matches.Haslingden professional was Phil Hayes who plays for Loughborough University.
Church batted first with the opener Ammer Mirza requiring 56 runs to beat the Church amateur batting record which was held my Alec Holt. He achieved the feat during the innings. Also Steve Dearden achieved the Haslingden amateur bowling record which had been set in 1908 by Jack Hargreaves of 72 wickets.Church reached 177 for 9 so stopping Haslingden claiming another two points.
After tea Haslinden set of confident how ever they started losing wickets with Hayes failing.With two overs to go they required 22 in the last two overs and eight wickets down.They did win the match with three balls to spare.Church had a chance to win at the end but the thoughts were that they had not scored enough runs.
There had been a cold wind blowing but the excellent match was completed with Haslingden still second in the League but 16 points behind Ramsbottom.
On Sunday I picked up Peter in Burley and set of for Haslingden.It had been raining over night and some heavy showers in the morning however the forecast was sunny.After some difficulty we found the ground and parked the car in the ground.The gateman said the match should play even though the pitch had been under water in the morning.The match was a Lancashire Cricket League fixture with Haslingden was second and Church third.
We had lunch of home made stake pie and apple pie.Very nice.The groundmen put some matting on a old pitch and there was a lot of mud near the wicket how ever they started forty minutes late and would be a forty-four over match. The Church professional was Luke Woodcock who had been involved with the New Zealand A team and had come back to England to play the last four matches.Haslingden professional was Phil Hayes who plays for Loughborough University.
Church batted first with the opener Ammer Mirza requiring 56 runs to beat the Church amateur batting record which was held my Alec Holt. He achieved the feat during the innings. Also Steve Dearden achieved the Haslingden amateur bowling record which had been set in 1908 by Jack Hargreaves of 72 wickets.Church reached 177 for 9 so stopping Haslingden claiming another two points.
After tea Haslinden set of confident how ever they started losing wickets with Hayes failing.With two overs to go they required 22 in the last two overs and eight wickets down.They did win the match with three balls to spare.Church had a chance to win at the end but the thoughts were that they had not scored enough runs.
There had been a cold wind blowing but the excellent match was completed with Haslingden still second in the League but 16 points behind Ramsbottom.
Academy's last home match
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 28th August, 2010 - Yorkshire Academy v Castleford (Headingley)
Yet more confusion, as so often seems to be the case where Yorkshire cricket is concerned. Several spectators turned up at the Weetwood ground just before twelve noon, only to find the place deserted. Fortunately someone had John Blain's mobile number and was able to find that the game had been moved to Headingley.
Ten minutes or so later we managed to get to Headingley to see John Blain opening the bowling. The very strong wind made conditions very unpleasant for the players and the few spectators all huddled under the new pavilion to get some shelter.
After the early dismissal of Andrew Bourke for 19, Chris Young and Yorkshire player David Wainwright put on a hundred partnership for the second wicket before Young was bowled by Randhawa for 59.
With little other support, Wainwright batted through the rest of the innings to be unluckily stranded on 98 not out at the end. Some tidy spin bowling by Randhawa with 4-69 and Jack Hughes restricted the scoring rate and Castleford finished on 228-9 which could be regarded as par score for 55 overs.
Those of us who had watched the Rugby League cup final on TV were very disappointed with the heavy defeat of Leeds Rhinos and hoped for better things as the Academy set about the Castleford target. Alex Lees was bowled by Wainwright for only 20 and although Callum Geldart with 53 and Irfan Amjad with 41 batted well, nobody got a really commanding score.
Wainwright and Randerson bowled twenty overs of spin each and worked their way patiently through the middle order and tail, with only Randhawa with 25 putting up much resistance. Wainwright finished with 6-68 with two easy stumpings towards the end and Randerson 4-49 as the Academy were finally dismissed for 179.
So a Castleford victory by 49 runs, but the Academy can take heart from a pretty good season with a very young team and plenty of promise for the future.
Saturday 28th August, 2010 - Yorkshire Academy v Castleford (Headingley)
Yet more confusion, as so often seems to be the case where Yorkshire cricket is concerned. Several spectators turned up at the Weetwood ground just before twelve noon, only to find the place deserted. Fortunately someone had John Blain's mobile number and was able to find that the game had been moved to Headingley.
Ten minutes or so later we managed to get to Headingley to see John Blain opening the bowling. The very strong wind made conditions very unpleasant for the players and the few spectators all huddled under the new pavilion to get some shelter.
After the early dismissal of Andrew Bourke for 19, Chris Young and Yorkshire player David Wainwright put on a hundred partnership for the second wicket before Young was bowled by Randhawa for 59.
With little other support, Wainwright batted through the rest of the innings to be unluckily stranded on 98 not out at the end. Some tidy spin bowling by Randhawa with 4-69 and Jack Hughes restricted the scoring rate and Castleford finished on 228-9 which could be regarded as par score for 55 overs.
Those of us who had watched the Rugby League cup final on TV were very disappointed with the heavy defeat of Leeds Rhinos and hoped for better things as the Academy set about the Castleford target. Alex Lees was bowled by Wainwright for only 20 and although Callum Geldart with 53 and Irfan Amjad with 41 batted well, nobody got a really commanding score.
Wainwright and Randerson bowled twenty overs of spin each and worked their way patiently through the middle order and tail, with only Randhawa with 25 putting up much resistance. Wainwright finished with 6-68 with two easy stumpings towards the end and Randerson 4-49 as the Academy were finally dismissed for 179.
So a Castleford victory by 49 runs, but the Academy can take heart from a pretty good season with a very young team and plenty of promise for the future.
Barbados comes to Golcar
Posted by Tony Hutton
Sunday 22nd August 2010 - Golcar Invitation XI v North Stars (Barbados)
Golcar cricket club have strong links with Barbados having toured there several times and North Stars have been regular visitors to Huddersfield on their tours to England.
Today a party of over fifty players and supporters rolled into Golcar on their luxury double decker coach, after the first two games of their tour had been badly effected by the weather. However today they sun was shining, although not quite as warm as Barbados.
Golcar had got together a strong team, with several guests, which was captained by John Booth from Slaithwaite. However the visitors batted first, resplendent in their red caps in front of quite a good crowd boosted by the West Indian supporters, who were soon expressing their opinions of the players.
After a slowish start and the loss of two early wickets the third wicket pair put on a good partnership both I. Broome and Campbell scoring 44 each. Broome, a larger than life character certainly got the scoreboard moving with some hefty blows.
When his younger brother came in at number six, he looked much slimmer, and one of the North Star supporters told me he didn't get enough to eat because his big brother ate everything!
The scoring rate dropped towards the end of the innings and it took some barracking from their supporters to get North Stars back on track and some late hitting took them to exactly 200-9 in their 40 overs. The last man, Floyd, got the biggest cheer of the day when he came in. I commented that he looked like Mike Tyson in build.
However my West Indian informant said the only similarity was that he batted like Mike Tyson!
After tea the Golcar XI made light of their target and knocked off the runs in only 24 overs, with Broad Oak's Howson top scoring with a fine 81 and local boy Kentish weighed in with 40. So an excellent day of friendly cricket in the sunshine with all the visitors keen to see Golcar, and any supporters, in Barbados again in the future.
North Stars moved on with games to come in Essex, London and Sussex as well as a day trip to Paris. Looks like a marvellous tour for the club which are known as North Stars Cultural and Social Club. As well as being a cricket club they apparently do lots of good work in raising funds for various community projects. So good luck and good weather for the rest of the tour.
Sunday 22nd August 2010 - Golcar Invitation XI v North Stars (Barbados)
Golcar cricket club have strong links with Barbados having toured there several times and North Stars have been regular visitors to Huddersfield on their tours to England.
Today a party of over fifty players and supporters rolled into Golcar on their luxury double decker coach, after the first two games of their tour had been badly effected by the weather. However today they sun was shining, although not quite as warm as Barbados.
Golcar had got together a strong team, with several guests, which was captained by John Booth from Slaithwaite. However the visitors batted first, resplendent in their red caps in front of quite a good crowd boosted by the West Indian supporters, who were soon expressing their opinions of the players.
After a slowish start and the loss of two early wickets the third wicket pair put on a good partnership both I. Broome and Campbell scoring 44 each. Broome, a larger than life character certainly got the scoreboard moving with some hefty blows.
When his younger brother came in at number six, he looked much slimmer, and one of the North Star supporters told me he didn't get enough to eat because his big brother ate everything!
The scoring rate dropped towards the end of the innings and it took some barracking from their supporters to get North Stars back on track and some late hitting took them to exactly 200-9 in their 40 overs. The last man, Floyd, got the biggest cheer of the day when he came in. I commented that he looked like Mike Tyson in build.
However my West Indian informant said the only similarity was that he batted like Mike Tyson!
After tea the Golcar XI made light of their target and knocked off the runs in only 24 overs, with Broad Oak's Howson top scoring with a fine 81 and local boy Kentish weighed in with 40. So an excellent day of friendly cricket in the sunshine with all the visitors keen to see Golcar, and any supporters, in Barbados again in the future.
North Stars moved on with games to come in Essex, London and Sussex as well as a day trip to Paris. Looks like a marvellous tour for the club which are known as North Stars Cultural and Social Club. As well as being a cricket club they apparently do lots of good work in raising funds for various community projects. So good luck and good weather for the rest of the tour.
Friday, 27 August 2010
RECORD PARTNERSHIP
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
There had been talk that the cricket season is coming to a end so I sent out to Scarborough to see the last day .The sun was shining and I arrived ten minutes before the start of the match.
Adams and Vince were still batting looking to increase Hampshire lead. They created a record fourth wicket partnership of 282 beating a record set in 1970 at Lords when Adams was bowled by Patterson.The previous record partnership was between R.E.Marshall and D.A. Livingstone of 259.Marshall was born in Barbados and Livingstone was born in Antiqua. Also in that other team players came from Durban and Barbados so it is not a recent occurrence.
Vince carried on to score 180 caught on the boundary edge.Hampshire declared before lunch to have a few overs at Yorkshire however no wickets fell.
After lunch Lyth and Rudolph put on 87 before Cork worked out Lyth. Rudolph got out to a poor short and McGrath caught when he could have left the ball.
Just before tea Carberry bowled a over with no run up.
At just before five the match was called a draw. It would have been a interesting match if it had not rained on the first day.
Next stop Wembley Saturday.
There had been talk that the cricket season is coming to a end so I sent out to Scarborough to see the last day .The sun was shining and I arrived ten minutes before the start of the match.
Adams and Vince were still batting looking to increase Hampshire lead. They created a record fourth wicket partnership of 282 beating a record set in 1970 at Lords when Adams was bowled by Patterson.The previous record partnership was between R.E.Marshall and D.A. Livingstone of 259.Marshall was born in Barbados and Livingstone was born in Antiqua. Also in that other team players came from Durban and Barbados so it is not a recent occurrence.
Vince carried on to score 180 caught on the boundary edge.Hampshire declared before lunch to have a few overs at Yorkshire however no wickets fell.
After lunch Lyth and Rudolph put on 87 before Cork worked out Lyth. Rudolph got out to a poor short and McGrath caught when he could have left the ball.
Just before tea Carberry bowled a over with no run up.
At just before five the match was called a draw. It would have been a interesting match if it had not rained on the first day.
Next stop Wembley Saturday.
PCW cricket fixtures - week commencing 29th August 2010
Posted by Tony Hutton
SUNDAY 29TH AUGUST
Priestley Cup Final - Bradford & Bingley v Farsley (Spen Victoria)
Joe Lumb Cup Final - Bradford v York (Undercliffe)
Yorkshire Council play off quarter finals - New Farnley v Hessle, Conisborough v Ackworth, Hill Top v Whitley Hall (at Hull YPI) and Treeton v Wrenthorpe.
Supplementary play off (semi-finals) - Mirfield Parish Church v Fairburn and
Rockingham v Hunslet Nelson
MONDAY 30TH AUGUST (BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY)
First County 2nd XI Trophy semi-final - Middlesex v Lancs (Radlett)
Full programme of Yorkshire Premier League games. Also York Premier League programme and North Yorkshire South Durham League programme.
Ian Chappell Cup Final (Aire Wharfe 3rd teams) - Guiseley v Follifoot (Steeton)
Start of Olicanian CC Ilkley festival week
TUESDAY 31ST AUGUST
Second County 2nd XI Trophy semi-final - Notts v Essex (Trent
WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER
Friendly - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Surrey 2nd XI (Stamford Bridge) - day one of three 10.30 - PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME HAS BEEN ALTERED FROM A FOUR DAY GAME STARTING TUESDAY
Friendly - Lancashire 2nd XI v Sussex 2nd XI (Lytham) - day one of three - 11.0
Nidderdale League XI v MCC (Hampsthwaite) - 11.30
Olicanian CC v Leeds Allerton - 2 p.m.
Chesterfield CC v XL club - 11.30
THURSDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER
2nd XI games at Stamford Bridge and Lytham continue
FRIDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER
Final day of 2nd XI games at Stamford Bridge and Lytham
Derby Academy v Staffordshire Academy (Denby)
SUNDAY 29TH AUGUST
Priestley Cup Final - Bradford & Bingley v Farsley (Spen Victoria)
Joe Lumb Cup Final - Bradford v York (Undercliffe)
Yorkshire Council play off quarter finals - New Farnley v Hessle, Conisborough v Ackworth, Hill Top v Whitley Hall (at Hull YPI) and Treeton v Wrenthorpe.
Supplementary play off (semi-finals) - Mirfield Parish Church v Fairburn and
Rockingham v Hunslet Nelson
MONDAY 30TH AUGUST (BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY)
First County 2nd XI Trophy semi-final - Middlesex v Lancs (Radlett)
Full programme of Yorkshire Premier League games. Also York Premier League programme and North Yorkshire South Durham League programme.
Ian Chappell Cup Final (Aire Wharfe 3rd teams) - Guiseley v Follifoot (Steeton)
Start of Olicanian CC Ilkley festival week
TUESDAY 31ST AUGUST
Second County 2nd XI Trophy semi-final - Notts v Essex (Trent
WEDNESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER
Friendly - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Surrey 2nd XI (Stamford Bridge) - day one of three 10.30 - PLEASE NOTE THIS GAME HAS BEEN ALTERED FROM A FOUR DAY GAME STARTING TUESDAY
Friendly - Lancashire 2nd XI v Sussex 2nd XI (Lytham) - day one of three - 11.0
Nidderdale League XI v MCC (Hampsthwaite) - 11.30
Olicanian CC v Leeds Allerton - 2 p.m.
Chesterfield CC v XL club - 11.30
THURSDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER
2nd XI games at Stamford Bridge and Lytham continue
FRIDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER
Final day of 2nd XI games at Stamford Bridge and Lytham
Derby Academy v Staffordshire Academy (Denby)
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
WAS THE JOURNEY REALLY NECESSARY
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
This morning I set off to Scarborough with Ron Stansfield. The A64 road had cones out for the Leeds Festival and will be closed to-morrow.Taking a short cut passed Pickering we found the road closed so we had to go back to the A64 so losing 15 minutes.
On arriving Hampshire were batting after Yorkshire had scored 322 yesterday.The wicket seemed batsman friendly however Pyrah forced Carberry to give Mc Grath a catch at second slip.
After lunch Hampshire lost two more wickets and Vince came into bat.During this time I had a chance to talk to Ted Lester,ex Yorkshire player, about Horace Fisher photographs in order to try and find some names to the faces.
Yorkshire fielding was poor apart from a excellent effort from Pyrah.Adams and Vince put on a 215 run stand with Vince scoring his maiden century. He is only nineteen years old.Hampshire were 45 runs ahead at the end of the day.
On the way back we ran into a traffic Jam on the York ring road so we had to do a detour via Wetherby.
So overall not a very successful day but met Andrew and Colin from London and the weather was fine.
This morning I set off to Scarborough with Ron Stansfield. The A64 road had cones out for the Leeds Festival and will be closed to-morrow.Taking a short cut passed Pickering we found the road closed so we had to go back to the A64 so losing 15 minutes.
On arriving Hampshire were batting after Yorkshire had scored 322 yesterday.The wicket seemed batsman friendly however Pyrah forced Carberry to give Mc Grath a catch at second slip.
After lunch Hampshire lost two more wickets and Vince came into bat.During this time I had a chance to talk to Ted Lester,ex Yorkshire player, about Horace Fisher photographs in order to try and find some names to the faces.
Yorkshire fielding was poor apart from a excellent effort from Pyrah.Adams and Vince put on a 215 run stand with Vince scoring his maiden century. He is only nineteen years old.Hampshire were 45 runs ahead at the end of the day.
On the way back we ran into a traffic Jam on the York ring road so we had to do a detour via Wetherby.
So overall not a very successful day but met Andrew and Colin from London and the weather was fine.
Sunday, 22 August 2010
SUNNY SUNDAY
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
On a Sunny day I sent out with the family and Bob Procter to watch Colne play Lowerhouses. On the way going through Ilkley there had been accident which caused us to use the road on the other side of the river.
The ground is on left hand side of the road to M65 opposite a pub were we had lunch.
Lowerhouses were batting with the professional Aaron Heal taking control.He is Western Australian cricketer who also bowls left arm spin.The team scored 246 with Heal scoring his highest of the season 133.Colne professional was Anwar Ali who bowls right arm medium and took four wickets.
The pitch is a large area with sitting all round the ground. The pavilion was been wallpapered so most of the pictures were not on the wall.
Colne started to bat with the professional needing to score a big hundred however he could only reach fifty. A young lad called Finch took six wickets with Heals taking four.Colne were bowled out for 131 in 37.2 overs. This is why the are near the bottom of the league.
Heal looks a good professional who get bigger scores if he stopped playing the sweep and pull. His cover driving was excellent.
On a Sunny day I sent out with the family and Bob Procter to watch Colne play Lowerhouses. On the way going through Ilkley there had been accident which caused us to use the road on the other side of the river.
The ground is on left hand side of the road to M65 opposite a pub were we had lunch.
Lowerhouses were batting with the professional Aaron Heal taking control.He is Western Australian cricketer who also bowls left arm spin.The team scored 246 with Heal scoring his highest of the season 133.Colne professional was Anwar Ali who bowls right arm medium and took four wickets.
The pitch is a large area with sitting all round the ground. The pavilion was been wallpapered so most of the pictures were not on the wall.
Colne started to bat with the professional needing to score a big hundred however he could only reach fifty. A young lad called Finch took six wickets with Heals taking four.Colne were bowled out for 131 in 37.2 overs. This is why the are near the bottom of the league.
Heal looks a good professional who get bigger scores if he stopped playing the sweep and pull. His cover driving was excellent.
WIDES GALORE
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
On Saturday I went with Ron Stansfield to Wrenthorpe against New Farnley. Wrenthorpe were top of the league and New Farnley were second.This was the first time I had watched New Farnley who included Ian Fisher who played for Yorkshire and Gloucestershire.
I managed to park the car near the gate for the first time. As we entered the ground I noticed David from Brighouse sunning himself at the far end of the field. Wrenthorpe batted first and soon lost Gary Fellows, ex Yorkshire all rounder.However David Paynter, ex Northants, soon took control of the match.He scored 108 with 10 sixes.
There were some huge hits into the gardens.Wrenthorpe reached 280 for 8 with the help of twenty wides. The two best bowlers were Fisher and Busfield.
It would need a big innings from Fisher to get close to the total. He tried his best and scored 112 with six sixes.Some more huge hits.However there was nobody scoring at the other end. It did threaten to rain during the innings but they completed the inning scoring 241 for 8 with nineteen wides.
Wrenthorpe should now win the Central Yorkshire League.
On Saturday I went with Ron Stansfield to Wrenthorpe against New Farnley. Wrenthorpe were top of the league and New Farnley were second.This was the first time I had watched New Farnley who included Ian Fisher who played for Yorkshire and Gloucestershire.
I managed to park the car near the gate for the first time. As we entered the ground I noticed David from Brighouse sunning himself at the far end of the field. Wrenthorpe batted first and soon lost Gary Fellows, ex Yorkshire all rounder.However David Paynter, ex Northants, soon took control of the match.He scored 108 with 10 sixes.
There were some huge hits into the gardens.Wrenthorpe reached 280 for 8 with the help of twenty wides. The two best bowlers were Fisher and Busfield.
It would need a big innings from Fisher to get close to the total. He tried his best and scored 112 with six sixes.Some more huge hits.However there was nobody scoring at the other end. It did threaten to rain during the innings but they completed the inning scoring 241 for 8 with nineteen wides.
Wrenthorpe should now win the Central Yorkshire League.
Saturday, 21 August 2010
PCW fixtures for week commencing 22/8/2010
Posted by Tony Hutton
SUNDAY 22nd AUGUST
ECB National KO semi-finals - South Northumberland v Bamford Fieldhouse and Teddington v Ealing.
Cockspur club Twenty 20 - Area Finals
Skegness CC - 3 matches involving Bracebridge Heath, Wath and Northowram - 10.30
Spondon CC - 3 matches involving Spondon, Oundle Town and Leicester Ivanhoe - 10.30
Over 50s county championship quarter finals all being played in the south of England or Wales - Somerset v Warwicks, Oxford v Hants, Wales v Middlesex and Kent v Derby.
Atkinson Swires Cup Final(Nidderdale League) - Pannal v Helperby(Birstwith CC) - 2 pm
Leeds Area Council KO cup final - York Senior League v Halifax League (Sheriff Hutton Bridge) - 1.00
White Rose Plate Final - Aire Wharfe v Huddersfield Central League (New Rover, Leeds)- 1.30
Friendly matches include Golcar (Huddersfield) v North Star (Barbados) - 2 p.m
MONDAY 23rd AUGUST
Yorkshire v Hampshire (Scarborough) - day 1 of 4 - 11 a.m.
Triangular Tournament between an England Development Squad, Scotland and Ireland at Loughborough University - all week
Under 16s tournament, including Yorkshire, in Jersey - all week
Derby Academy v Leicester Academy (Denby) - day 1 of 2
District cricket (under 14s) - East Yorks v West Yorks East (Londesborough Park) - 1.00 also South Yorks East v South Yorks West (venue not known)
TUESDAY 24th AUGUST
Glamorgan 2nd XI v Yorkshire 2nd XI (Cardiff) - day 1 of 3 - 11.00
District Cricket (under 14s) - West Yorkshire West v South Yorkshire East (Burley in Wharfedale) - 1.00, also North Yorks v East Yorks (venue not known)
Pakistan flood relief charity match - Pakistan XI v International XI (T20) at Birkby Rosehill cricket club, Huddersfield - opposite Nuffield Hospital - 3.30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 25th AUGUST
District Cricket (Under 14s) - West Yorkshire East v North Yorks (Methley) - 1.00
also South Yorkshire West v West Yorkshire West (venue not known)
Friendlies include - Leeds University Staff v Leeds Allerton (Weetwood, Leeds) - 2.00
and Cuckney (Notts) v XL club - 2.00
THURSDAY 26th AUGUST
Lancashire Under 19s v Surrey Under 19s (Southport) - day 1 of 2 - 11.00
Cheshire Development XI v Leicester Academy (Mobberley) - 11.00
District cricket (Under 14s) - Finals Day - top two games at Barnsley CC (two grounds) and third place game at Monk Bretton ?CC - all 12.30
FRIDAY 27th AUGUST
Lancashire Under 19s v Surrey Under 19s (Southport) - day 2 - 11.00
Lullington Park v Derby Academy - 11.00
SUNDAY 22nd AUGUST
ECB National KO semi-finals - South Northumberland v Bamford Fieldhouse and Teddington v Ealing.
Cockspur club Twenty 20 - Area Finals
Skegness CC - 3 matches involving Bracebridge Heath, Wath and Northowram - 10.30
Spondon CC - 3 matches involving Spondon, Oundle Town and Leicester Ivanhoe - 10.30
Over 50s county championship quarter finals all being played in the south of England or Wales - Somerset v Warwicks, Oxford v Hants, Wales v Middlesex and Kent v Derby.
Atkinson Swires Cup Final(Nidderdale League) - Pannal v Helperby(Birstwith CC) - 2 pm
Leeds Area Council KO cup final - York Senior League v Halifax League (Sheriff Hutton Bridge) - 1.00
White Rose Plate Final - Aire Wharfe v Huddersfield Central League (New Rover, Leeds)- 1.30
Friendly matches include Golcar (Huddersfield) v North Star (Barbados) - 2 p.m
MONDAY 23rd AUGUST
Yorkshire v Hampshire (Scarborough) - day 1 of 4 - 11 a.m.
Triangular Tournament between an England Development Squad, Scotland and Ireland at Loughborough University - all week
Under 16s tournament, including Yorkshire, in Jersey - all week
Derby Academy v Leicester Academy (Denby) - day 1 of 2
District cricket (under 14s) - East Yorks v West Yorks East (Londesborough Park) - 1.00 also South Yorks East v South Yorks West (venue not known)
TUESDAY 24th AUGUST
Glamorgan 2nd XI v Yorkshire 2nd XI (Cardiff) - day 1 of 3 - 11.00
District Cricket (under 14s) - West Yorkshire West v South Yorkshire East (Burley in Wharfedale) - 1.00, also North Yorks v East Yorks (venue not known)
Pakistan flood relief charity match - Pakistan XI v International XI (T20) at Birkby Rosehill cricket club, Huddersfield - opposite Nuffield Hospital - 3.30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 25th AUGUST
District Cricket (Under 14s) - West Yorkshire East v North Yorks (Methley) - 1.00
also South Yorkshire West v West Yorkshire West (venue not known)
Friendlies include - Leeds University Staff v Leeds Allerton (Weetwood, Leeds) - 2.00
and Cuckney (Notts) v XL club - 2.00
THURSDAY 26th AUGUST
Lancashire Under 19s v Surrey Under 19s (Southport) - day 1 of 2 - 11.00
Cheshire Development XI v Leicester Academy (Mobberley) - 11.00
District cricket (Under 14s) - Finals Day - top two games at Barnsley CC (two grounds) and third place game at Monk Bretton ?CC - all 12.30
FRIDAY 27th AUGUST
Lancashire Under 19s v Surrey Under 19s (Southport) - day 2 - 11.00
Lullington Park v Derby Academy - 11.00
Friday, 20 August 2010
SHAKESPEAR VISITS ILLINGWORTH.
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
After the Yorkshire match we moved on to Illingworth. Brian Senior had seen a Stratford side playing at Ilkley on Wednesday afternoon and found out they were playing at Illingworth Thursday. After great difficulty we arrived at the ground to find the Stratford side batting.They had reach150 with no wickets down and was a 45 over match.
A comment made my one of the bowlers asking the fielder to stop picking his nose and stop the ball. Another comment was that the bowler could only bowl the next over if he had no more than eight off his over.This would have ruled out Wainwright yesterday.
They reached over 250 runs.
Brian Senior and David Thorpe tucked into a excellent tea including a strawberry sponge cake.There was talk that Brian was booking in for Bed and Breakfast it was so good.
Illingworth batted poorly and had lost 8 wickets for just over 100 when it started to rain so we went home.
Better views from this ground than Headingley.
After the Yorkshire match we moved on to Illingworth. Brian Senior had seen a Stratford side playing at Ilkley on Wednesday afternoon and found out they were playing at Illingworth Thursday. After great difficulty we arrived at the ground to find the Stratford side batting.They had reach150 with no wickets down and was a 45 over match.
A comment made my one of the bowlers asking the fielder to stop picking his nose and stop the ball. Another comment was that the bowler could only bowl the next over if he had no more than eight off his over.This would have ruled out Wainwright yesterday.
They reached over 250 runs.
Brian Senior and David Thorpe tucked into a excellent tea including a strawberry sponge cake.There was talk that Brian was booking in for Bed and Breakfast it was so good.
Illingworth batted poorly and had lost 8 wickets for just over 100 when it started to rain so we went home.
Better views from this ground than Headingley.
Grassy Fields of The Dales.
Posted by Brian Sanderson.
On Wednesday evening I sent off with Ron Deaton to the Dales.The first match should have been Draughton against Hebden.However we found the field but it had not been cut so the match was off.
So moving on to Harden who were playing are old friends Cracoe with the umpire who wears black pads.The ground is just over the bridge on the right hand side.Cracoe were batting and playing thirteen players.It was very dark as the sun was behind the hills .Another Hebden player arrived from the farm near the ground and soon caught a catch.There were two girls playing and both had a bowl.One of them just stood there a threw the ball.
Moving o to Appletreewick who were playing Burnsall. The ground is through the village next to a caravan park and the river which attracted the midges.The pavilion was a old ice cream van were the scorer tried to keep out of the way of the midges.Burnsall were batting and hit the ball into the river and about five people dived in to rescue the ball.
Some of the rules were,
1- not out on the first ball
2- No L.B.W.
3-you have to run first boundary.
4- If the ball rebounds from the wall on the other side of the road you have to run. and does not count a boundary.
Moving on to Hebden we found Draughton playing.The ground is situated behind the second farm.It slopes down to the farm.Draughton had been bowled out for 56 and Hebden won in the tenth over.
Another interesting evening of watching rural cricket.
On Wednesday evening I sent off with Ron Deaton to the Dales.The first match should have been Draughton against Hebden.However we found the field but it had not been cut so the match was off.
So moving on to Harden who were playing are old friends Cracoe with the umpire who wears black pads.The ground is just over the bridge on the right hand side.Cracoe were batting and playing thirteen players.It was very dark as the sun was behind the hills .Another Hebden player arrived from the farm near the ground and soon caught a catch.There were two girls playing and both had a bowl.One of them just stood there a threw the ball.
Moving o to Appletreewick who were playing Burnsall. The ground is through the village next to a caravan park and the river which attracted the midges.The pavilion was a old ice cream van were the scorer tried to keep out of the way of the midges.Burnsall were batting and hit the ball into the river and about five people dived in to rescue the ball.
Some of the rules were,
1- not out on the first ball
2- No L.B.W.
3-you have to run first boundary.
4- If the ball rebounds from the wall on the other side of the road you have to run. and does not count a boundary.
Moving on to Hebden we found Draughton playing.The ground is situated behind the second farm.It slopes down to the farm.Draughton had been bowled out for 56 and Hebden won in the tenth over.
Another interesting evening of watching rural cricket.
BREESEY DAYS AT HEADINGLEY
Posted by Brian Sanderson
On Tuesday for two an third days I wandered round to Headingley to see Three day match with Yorkshire Seconds.Looking at the scorecard Tino Best was playing ,the overseas professional and Joe Root was out with injury.
Yorkshire won the toss and batted.Ballance batted well to score 75 and at lunch they were 150 for 3.However they finished at 204 with Borthwick and Breese taking 7 wickets.
Durham batted with Breese scoring a century and South African Richardson scoring 61.
When Borthwick batted he hit Wainwright for three sixes in three balls and finished at 63. During the innings Best limped of injured and it could be his last match.They reached 388 and at the end of the second day Yorkshire were six wickets down.
The match finished before lunch with a Durham innings victory .
There was news black out on the match. No report on the match till Friday and no report in the Yorkshire Post on Thursday.Poor match for Yorkshire.
On Tuesday for two an third days I wandered round to Headingley to see Three day match with Yorkshire Seconds.Looking at the scorecard Tino Best was playing ,the overseas professional and Joe Root was out with injury.
Yorkshire won the toss and batted.Ballance batted well to score 75 and at lunch they were 150 for 3.However they finished at 204 with Borthwick and Breese taking 7 wickets.
Durham batted with Breese scoring a century and South African Richardson scoring 61.
When Borthwick batted he hit Wainwright for three sixes in three balls and finished at 63. During the innings Best limped of injured and it could be his last match.They reached 388 and at the end of the second day Yorkshire were six wickets down.
The match finished before lunch with a Durham innings victory .
There was news black out on the match. No report on the match till Friday and no report in the Yorkshire Post on Thursday.Poor match for Yorkshire.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
BACK TO THE STADIUM
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
After going shopping I wandered back to Headingley. A bit of a shock sceniclly after Sedbergh. Yorkshire seconds were playing Durham seconds in a fifty over match.
The weather was hot and sat in the Trueman section .Yorkshire won the toss and fielded. At first I thought they had made a mistake with Lee bowling two overs for twenty eight and Durham were ninety-nine for three.Then Wainwright bowled and the ball started to spin.Wickets started to fall with Randhawa bowling at the other end. Durham finished at 147 with Wainwright ten overs for twenty-five with four wickets.
After lunch Durham fielded with two players with Evans on their back with the real Evans not playing.Lewis, the Durham coach, had Breese shirt on his back just to it more complicated.Yorkshire started poorly with Root and Ballance out for twelve.Davies bowled very well.Hodgson was out for 48 and batted well. Yorkshire also struggled when the spinners came on to bowl.However Geldart reached his fifty and Yorkshire won the match by five wickets.
A good victory for Yorkshire but they will not be in the semi-finals.
After going shopping I wandered back to Headingley. A bit of a shock sceniclly after Sedbergh. Yorkshire seconds were playing Durham seconds in a fifty over match.
The weather was hot and sat in the Trueman section .Yorkshire won the toss and fielded. At first I thought they had made a mistake with Lee bowling two overs for twenty eight and Durham were ninety-nine for three.Then Wainwright bowled and the ball started to spin.Wickets started to fall with Randhawa bowling at the other end. Durham finished at 147 with Wainwright ten overs for twenty-five with four wickets.
After lunch Durham fielded with two players with Evans on their back with the real Evans not playing.Lewis, the Durham coach, had Breese shirt on his back just to it more complicated.Yorkshire started poorly with Root and Ballance out for twelve.Davies bowled very well.Hodgson was out for 48 and batted well. Yorkshire also struggled when the spinners came on to bowl.However Geldart reached his fifty and Yorkshire won the match by five wickets.
A good victory for Yorkshire but they will not be in the semi-finals.
Monday, 16 August 2010
RETURN TO HEAVEN
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
On Sunday there was a full car to go to Sedbergh were Cumberland playing against Suffolk.There was myself, Bob Procter,Brian Senior and Peter Mann. It is a two hour journey from Leeds but worth it when you get there. It is situated in the school with a view of the mountain behind he wicket with the church in between.I feel it is the best scenic cricket ground in the North of England.
Cumberland batted first and soon lost two quick wickets but the sun was shining.Cumberland kept scoring at four runs a over. One of the Suffolk bowler was Finch who played in the Yorkshire Academy.Miles ,one of the openers, scored 59.
At lunch time we went to the town to have a excellent lunch.
We moved into the shade to watch the match in comfort.Ullah,the Morecambe professional, scored 58.It was left up to Thompson to push the score on to a good total. He scored 66 not out and after ninety overs Cumberland scored 354 for 9 . Full batting bonus points.
Suffolk finished at 68 for 3 with the sun still shining.
Bob first visit and was duly impressed.
On Sunday there was a full car to go to Sedbergh were Cumberland playing against Suffolk.There was myself, Bob Procter,Brian Senior and Peter Mann. It is a two hour journey from Leeds but worth it when you get there. It is situated in the school with a view of the mountain behind he wicket with the church in between.I feel it is the best scenic cricket ground in the North of England.
Cumberland batted first and soon lost two quick wickets but the sun was shining.Cumberland kept scoring at four runs a over. One of the Suffolk bowler was Finch who played in the Yorkshire Academy.Miles ,one of the openers, scored 59.
At lunch time we went to the town to have a excellent lunch.
We moved into the shade to watch the match in comfort.Ullah,the Morecambe professional, scored 58.It was left up to Thompson to push the score on to a good total. He scored 66 not out and after ninety overs Cumberland scored 354 for 9 . Full batting bonus points.
Suffolk finished at 68 for 3 with the sun still shining.
Bob first visit and was duly impressed.
RETURN TO M.C.C
Posted by Brian Sanderson,
On numerous occasions Bob Procter had passed Milnrow cricket ground but had not seen a match there and his hero Ces Pepper played there after the war.So on Saturday myself , Bob and Ron Stansfield set off to see Milnrow play Radcliffe.We arrived early before the gateman arrived and had a chance to talk to the groundsman. He said the pitch had been under water at eight o,clock that morning.During the week he worked in Leeds.
Milnrow won the toss and Radcliffe batted.Milnrow were third in the league and Radcliffe were near the bottom.The opening bowler soon took control of the game and Radcliffe soon lost wickets.The best opening bowler was Scholefield who took four wickets for fifty-four.Milnrow overseas professional was Diwan who was due to leave the country in the next week. With his left arm spin he too five for thirty-six.Radcliffe scrambled to 111.
The ground has a large area with the tea-room separate from the club house.It is near the motorway and you can hear the traffic however there is a good view of the hills round the ground.
When Milnrow openers including Scholefield started batting they soon scored quickly .
Scholefield hit the Radcliffe leg-spinner for two huge sixes.He finished up at 58 and Milnrow won in twenty-four overs.
We moved on to Delph and Dobcross were the seconds were playing Micklehurst.The away side had scored 194 and Delph were 119 for 5 when we arrived with about twenty overs to bowl.Delph is another scenic ground with hills behind the tea-room were the sheep graze. The match came to the final over were ten runs were required with nine wickets down. There was a four struck on the first bowl which was inches short of a six.However the final wicket fell on the last ball with four runs short.
A excellent finish to a brilliant day.
On numerous occasions Bob Procter had passed Milnrow cricket ground but had not seen a match there and his hero Ces Pepper played there after the war.So on Saturday myself , Bob and Ron Stansfield set off to see Milnrow play Radcliffe.We arrived early before the gateman arrived and had a chance to talk to the groundsman. He said the pitch had been under water at eight o,clock that morning.During the week he worked in Leeds.
Milnrow won the toss and Radcliffe batted.Milnrow were third in the league and Radcliffe were near the bottom.The opening bowler soon took control of the game and Radcliffe soon lost wickets.The best opening bowler was Scholefield who took four wickets for fifty-four.Milnrow overseas professional was Diwan who was due to leave the country in the next week. With his left arm spin he too five for thirty-six.Radcliffe scrambled to 111.
The ground has a large area with the tea-room separate from the club house.It is near the motorway and you can hear the traffic however there is a good view of the hills round the ground.
When Milnrow openers including Scholefield started batting they soon scored quickly .
Scholefield hit the Radcliffe leg-spinner for two huge sixes.He finished up at 58 and Milnrow won in twenty-four overs.
We moved on to Delph and Dobcross were the seconds were playing Micklehurst.The away side had scored 194 and Delph were 119 for 5 when we arrived with about twenty overs to bowl.Delph is another scenic ground with hills behind the tea-room were the sheep graze. The match came to the final over were ten runs were required with nine wickets down. There was a four struck on the first bowl which was inches short of a six.However the final wicket fell on the last ball with four runs short.
A excellent finish to a brilliant day.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Slipless in Settle by Harry Pearson
Posted by Tony Hutton
Book Review - Slipless in Settle by Harry Pearson
Harry Pearson is best known as a football writer - his football book 'The Far Corner' is a classic. He has also written such diverse books as 'Racing Pigs and Giant Marrows' and 'A Tall Man in a Low Land'.
Now he has turned his attentions to cricket or more precisely as he says - a slow turn around northern cricket. He visits the farthest corners of northern England and visits among others such places as Workington, Guisborough, Lascelles Hall, Carlisle, Bacup, Settle and Windhill.
His first dilema was to decide where the north begins and being from Middlesborough, his father drew a line from the Mersey to the Humber and said anything north of that line is the North. This suprisingly means that the natives of Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley (including Geoffrey Boycott) are regarded as southerners.
However, Pearson has a great feel for the area as well as for league cricket and it's history and character's of which there are so many. A wonderful read for any cricket enthusiast and certainly compulsory reading for all professional cricket watchers.
'Slipless in Settle' by Harry Pearson is published by Little, Brown publishers in paperback at £12.99, but can be obtained from Amazon UK at £8.99.
Book Review - Slipless in Settle by Harry Pearson
Harry Pearson is best known as a football writer - his football book 'The Far Corner' is a classic. He has also written such diverse books as 'Racing Pigs and Giant Marrows' and 'A Tall Man in a Low Land'.
Now he has turned his attentions to cricket or more precisely as he says - a slow turn around northern cricket. He visits the farthest corners of northern England and visits among others such places as Workington, Guisborough, Lascelles Hall, Carlisle, Bacup, Settle and Windhill.
His first dilema was to decide where the north begins and being from Middlesborough, his father drew a line from the Mersey to the Humber and said anything north of that line is the North. This suprisingly means that the natives of Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley (including Geoffrey Boycott) are regarded as southerners.
However, Pearson has a great feel for the area as well as for league cricket and it's history and character's of which there are so many. A wonderful read for any cricket enthusiast and certainly compulsory reading for all professional cricket watchers.
'Slipless in Settle' by Harry Pearson is published by Little, Brown publishers in paperback at £12.99, but can be obtained from Amazon UK at £8.99.
Golden Oldies beat the weather
Posted by Tony Hutton
Arthington v Millbrook C.C. (Queenstown, New Zealand) - Friday 13th August 2010
Friday the thirteenth - the weather forecast last night and this morning was so bad, heavy rain throughout north east England all day, that I had decided to stay at home rather than set off on a fruitless tour of grounds on the last day of the Golden Oldies Festival.
However around 11 a.m. I received a series of text messages from David Thorpe to the effect that play was about to start at Arthington, despite persistent rain where I live only two miles or so from the ground. My first reply was to say 'you cannot be serious', but when the third message arrived saying 'blue sky, wickets pitched and Brian Senior in full flow', I had to set off.
Sure enough Arthington were batting, although the blue skies had already gone. It was cool and cloudy but to everyone's suprise cricket was going on with the visitor's smartly clad in red and yellow baggy caps.
Early chat suggested that this might be a bit of a mis-match. Millbrook had registered late and had not been seeded, whereas Arthington were in the lowest category of 'social cricketers'. Opener Joe Nash, son of the redoubtable Dennis, who has been getting all the publicity this week, soon went, but the other opener the equally redoubtable Rodney Jones got his head down. He managed to combine watchful defence with his own unique one handed hook shot for four.
A second wicket fell but Jones was joined by experienced all round cricketer Ron Davies and this pair, although taking their time, put on a valuable partership and took the score past the hundred mark. Eventually after some dispute with the scorer, Rodney Jones retired for 37, although he maintained he had made 41.
While discussing this with the three spectators, we managed to elicit that his next sporting fixture would be a chess olympiad in Sibera ! When asked which country he would be representing he added nonchalantly 'the country of my birth of course'. This turned out to be Papua New Guinea !
Ron Davies also had to retire and the scoring rate dropped. At one stage as the innings neared it's end only five runs were scored from five overs, but a few lusty blows eventually took the 40 over total to a respectable 137-4 against a side which not only bowled accurately but fielded very well too.
After an excellent buffet lunch for both teams at the nearby Wharfedale Hotel, battle resumed. The sky was almost bright now and still no
sign of the forecast rain, we could not believe our luck.
Dennis Nash, the oldest British competitor in the competition, bowled his usual accurate eight over spell and eventually took a wicket against this strong batting side. He could have had more but for dropped catches. However the New Zealanders were obviously in a different class, and even with two retirements at 35 runs each, they raced to victory in only 20 overs.
With news coming in of other games abandoned or reduced to 20 overs a side, we realised how lucky we had been. Full marks to all concerned at Arthington, particularly groundsman Brian Meredith, whose mower had broken down at an unfortunate time. They really went out of the way to welcome the overseas visitors all week and the whole Festival has been a great success despite the weather.
The organizers publicity machine have issued newsletters during the week to keep everyone up to date with what has been happening and one of them contained what must be the quote of the week from Sir Thomas Ingleby at the opening ceremony at Theakstons Brewery last Sunday.
He is reported to have said 'This occasion gives me the opportunity to deny for ever that I couldn't organize a piss-up in a brewery'.
Arthington v Millbrook C.C. (Queenstown, New Zealand) - Friday 13th August 2010
Friday the thirteenth - the weather forecast last night and this morning was so bad, heavy rain throughout north east England all day, that I had decided to stay at home rather than set off on a fruitless tour of grounds on the last day of the Golden Oldies Festival.
However around 11 a.m. I received a series of text messages from David Thorpe to the effect that play was about to start at Arthington, despite persistent rain where I live only two miles or so from the ground. My first reply was to say 'you cannot be serious', but when the third message arrived saying 'blue sky, wickets pitched and Brian Senior in full flow', I had to set off.
Sure enough Arthington were batting, although the blue skies had already gone. It was cool and cloudy but to everyone's suprise cricket was going on with the visitor's smartly clad in red and yellow baggy caps.
Early chat suggested that this might be a bit of a mis-match. Millbrook had registered late and had not been seeded, whereas Arthington were in the lowest category of 'social cricketers'. Opener Joe Nash, son of the redoubtable Dennis, who has been getting all the publicity this week, soon went, but the other opener the equally redoubtable Rodney Jones got his head down. He managed to combine watchful defence with his own unique one handed hook shot for four.
A second wicket fell but Jones was joined by experienced all round cricketer Ron Davies and this pair, although taking their time, put on a valuable partership and took the score past the hundred mark. Eventually after some dispute with the scorer, Rodney Jones retired for 37, although he maintained he had made 41.
While discussing this with the three spectators, we managed to elicit that his next sporting fixture would be a chess olympiad in Sibera ! When asked which country he would be representing he added nonchalantly 'the country of my birth of course'. This turned out to be Papua New Guinea !
Ron Davies also had to retire and the scoring rate dropped. At one stage as the innings neared it's end only five runs were scored from five overs, but a few lusty blows eventually took the 40 over total to a respectable 137-4 against a side which not only bowled accurately but fielded very well too.
After an excellent buffet lunch for both teams at the nearby Wharfedale Hotel, battle resumed. The sky was almost bright now and still no
sign of the forecast rain, we could not believe our luck.
Dennis Nash, the oldest British competitor in the competition, bowled his usual accurate eight over spell and eventually took a wicket against this strong batting side. He could have had more but for dropped catches. However the New Zealanders were obviously in a different class, and even with two retirements at 35 runs each, they raced to victory in only 20 overs.
With news coming in of other games abandoned or reduced to 20 overs a side, we realised how lucky we had been. Full marks to all concerned at Arthington, particularly groundsman Brian Meredith, whose mower had broken down at an unfortunate time. They really went out of the way to welcome the overseas visitors all week and the whole Festival has been a great success despite the weather.
The organizers publicity machine have issued newsletters during the week to keep everyone up to date with what has been happening and one of them contained what must be the quote of the week from Sir Thomas Ingleby at the opening ceremony at Theakstons Brewery last Sunday.
He is reported to have said 'This occasion gives me the opportunity to deny for ever that I couldn't organize a piss-up in a brewery'.
Friday, 13 August 2010
PCW fixtures - week commencing 15th August 2010
Posted by Tony Hutton
SUNDAY 15th AUGUST
Minor Counties Championship final matches - all day one of three - 11 a.m.
Cumberland v Suffolk (Sedbergh School)
Cheshire v Shropshire (Alderley Edge)
Northumberland v Cambridgeshire (Jesmond, Newcastle)
Jack Hampshire cup final (CYL) - Methley v Wrenthorpe (Methley)
Fred Fleetwood Cup Final (Wetherby League) - Old Modernians v Shadwell (Wetherby)
White Rose Final - North Yorks & South Durham League v Huddersfield League (Great Ayton)
Paddock Shield Final - Golcar II v Skelmanthorpe II (Golcar) - 2 p.m.
Yorkshire Premier League - Yorkshire Academy v Rotherham (Weetwood, Leeds)
MONDAY 16th AUGUST
Minor Counties games continue (day 2)
2nd XI Trophy - Yorkshire II v Durham II (Headingley) - one day game - 11 a.m.
TUESDAY 17th AUGUST
Minor Counties games continue (day 3)
Second XI Championship - Yorkshire II v Durham II (Headingley) - day 1 of 3 - 11 a.m.
Under 14s county cup finals at Oakham School - day 1 of 2 involving Yorkshire, Hants, Surrey and Shropshire
WEDNESDAY 18th AUGUST
2nd XI game at Headingley continues (day 2)
Under 14s county finals conclude at Oakham School
Friendlies include Ilkley v Stratford upon Avon - 2.p.m.
Goldsborough v Leeds Allerton - 2 p.m.
M.C.C. North East v M.C.C. Scotland (York) - day 1 of 2 - 11.30 a.m.
THURSDAY 19th AUGUST
2nd XI game at Headingley concludes (day3)
Under 15s county finals at Oakham School - day 1 of 2 involving Yorkshire, Somerset, Surrey and Warwickshire)
Derbyshire Academy v Durham Academy (Denby) - day 1 of 2 - 11 a.m.
FRIDAY 20th AUGUST
Derbyshire Academy v Durham Academy (Denby) - day 2 - 11 a.m.
SUNDAY 15th AUGUST
Minor Counties Championship final matches - all day one of three - 11 a.m.
Cumberland v Suffolk (Sedbergh School)
Cheshire v Shropshire (Alderley Edge)
Northumberland v Cambridgeshire (Jesmond, Newcastle)
Jack Hampshire cup final (CYL) - Methley v Wrenthorpe (Methley)
Fred Fleetwood Cup Final (Wetherby League) - Old Modernians v Shadwell (Wetherby)
White Rose Final - North Yorks & South Durham League v Huddersfield League (Great Ayton)
Paddock Shield Final - Golcar II v Skelmanthorpe II (Golcar) - 2 p.m.
Yorkshire Premier League - Yorkshire Academy v Rotherham (Weetwood, Leeds)
MONDAY 16th AUGUST
Minor Counties games continue (day 2)
2nd XI Trophy - Yorkshire II v Durham II (Headingley) - one day game - 11 a.m.
TUESDAY 17th AUGUST
Minor Counties games continue (day 3)
Second XI Championship - Yorkshire II v Durham II (Headingley) - day 1 of 3 - 11 a.m.
Under 14s county cup finals at Oakham School - day 1 of 2 involving Yorkshire, Hants, Surrey and Shropshire
WEDNESDAY 18th AUGUST
2nd XI game at Headingley continues (day 2)
Under 14s county finals conclude at Oakham School
Friendlies include Ilkley v Stratford upon Avon - 2.p.m.
Goldsborough v Leeds Allerton - 2 p.m.
M.C.C. North East v M.C.C. Scotland (York) - day 1 of 2 - 11.30 a.m.
THURSDAY 19th AUGUST
2nd XI game at Headingley concludes (day3)
Under 15s county finals at Oakham School - day 1 of 2 involving Yorkshire, Somerset, Surrey and Warwickshire)
Derbyshire Academy v Durham Academy (Denby) - day 1 of 2 - 11 a.m.
FRIDAY 20th AUGUST
Derbyshire Academy v Durham Academy (Denby) - day 2 - 11 a.m.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Minor Counties Knock Out Final
Posted by Tony Hutton
Lincolnshire v Shropshire at Emirates Internation Cricket Ground, Durham
(known to you and me as Riverside, Chester-le-Street)
A dry, fine journey up the A1, but as soon as we turn off for Chester-le-street there are large puddles at the roadside. Surely not a repetition of last season's final when rain prevented play until after lunch and took the game into a second day.
However the ground was dry and play started on time with Lincolnshire, possibly the favourites, batting first. They certainly had more big name players and great things were expected of the two openers Dobson and Birch, both with first class experience.
The former Derbyshire man Birch had played some big hitting innings in the earlier rounds, but today was not his day and his early dismissal perhaps set the tone for Lincolnshire.
Dobson and Dowman, both capable of playing big innings, were dismissed for thirties and it was left to captain Cook to accelerate things with a fine 50. Former Yorkshire and Derbyshire spinner, Andy Gray, put a brake on proceedings with an accurate spell of 10-1-29-1 and then it was left to wicketkeeper Burford and newcomer Liam Andrews to put on a fine unbroken partnership of 77. Andrews ending on 52 not out and Burford 30 not out to give Lincoln a competitive toal of 249-6 in their fifty overs.
Shropshire started very positively and had 58 on the board in only nine overs before the first wicket fell. Lincolnshire's opening bowlers sprayed the ball about and Carter, with recent county experience with both Notts and Essex, failed to make a breakthrough. Dowman too was expensive and it was left to the two spinners Dobson and Andrews to slow thing down.
Shropshire's fourth wicket pair of Foster and Leach gradually took complete control of proceedings, with captain Foster leading from the front and never in trouble.
Leach made an excellent 67 not out, but Foster fittingly won the game with a huge six over mid wicket to take him to 95 not out. Shropshire winning by seven wickets with five overs to spare.
Finally my annual gripe about this game which I feel strongly should still be played at Lord's. Riverside is all very well, but not only a long way to travel, but the playing area is so vast and the wicket on the far side of the square means that the teams in the players area and the committees and guests in the boxes are a very long way from the action. Not an ideal situation for teams who are used to playing on smaller, more intimate, country grounds.
Nevertheless an excellent day out, all the better for being with Gilbert Johnston, secretary of Cumberland, and his wife Vera. Gilbert is very positive about his recent illness and was greeted by all the great and the good of Minor Counties cricket with real affection.
Lincolnshire v Shropshire at Emirates Internation Cricket Ground, Durham
(known to you and me as Riverside, Chester-le-Street)
A dry, fine journey up the A1, but as soon as we turn off for Chester-le-street there are large puddles at the roadside. Surely not a repetition of last season's final when rain prevented play until after lunch and took the game into a second day.
However the ground was dry and play started on time with Lincolnshire, possibly the favourites, batting first. They certainly had more big name players and great things were expected of the two openers Dobson and Birch, both with first class experience.
The former Derbyshire man Birch had played some big hitting innings in the earlier rounds, but today was not his day and his early dismissal perhaps set the tone for Lincolnshire.
Dobson and Dowman, both capable of playing big innings, were dismissed for thirties and it was left to captain Cook to accelerate things with a fine 50. Former Yorkshire and Derbyshire spinner, Andy Gray, put a brake on proceedings with an accurate spell of 10-1-29-1 and then it was left to wicketkeeper Burford and newcomer Liam Andrews to put on a fine unbroken partnership of 77. Andrews ending on 52 not out and Burford 30 not out to give Lincoln a competitive toal of 249-6 in their fifty overs.
Shropshire started very positively and had 58 on the board in only nine overs before the first wicket fell. Lincolnshire's opening bowlers sprayed the ball about and Carter, with recent county experience with both Notts and Essex, failed to make a breakthrough. Dowman too was expensive and it was left to the two spinners Dobson and Andrews to slow thing down.
Shropshire's fourth wicket pair of Foster and Leach gradually took complete control of proceedings, with captain Foster leading from the front and never in trouble.
Leach made an excellent 67 not out, but Foster fittingly won the game with a huge six over mid wicket to take him to 95 not out. Shropshire winning by seven wickets with five overs to spare.
Finally my annual gripe about this game which I feel strongly should still be played at Lord's. Riverside is all very well, but not only a long way to travel, but the playing area is so vast and the wicket on the far side of the square means that the teams in the players area and the committees and guests in the boxes are a very long way from the action. Not an ideal situation for teams who are used to playing on smaller, more intimate, country grounds.
Nevertheless an excellent day out, all the better for being with Gilbert Johnston, secretary of Cumberland, and his wife Vera. Gilbert is very positive about his recent illness and was greeted by all the great and the good of Minor Counties cricket with real affection.
Golden Oldies continued
Posted by Tony Hutton
The number of matches being played in this competition was a great temptation to ground-hoppers,like myself, to keep moving. However the best laid plans had to be amended due to the weather, as mentioned by Brian Sanderson at Pannal. I did call in their briefly in the morning and again later in the afternoon, but only saw a few balls bowled.
I started the day at Arthington who continued to receive all the press publicity due to the presence in their ranks of the redoubtable Dennis Nash, still opening the bowling regularly at the age of 74. A photographer from the Telegraph & Argos was present well before the start to take yet more pictures of Dennis in action. All this publicity not really appreciated by tea lady supreme, Mrs Nash, who did not like their ages being published in the press. Such is the price of fame !
However, Mrs Nash who is a Leeds City councillor, may also not have been too pleased with Arthington's captain for the day, former M.P. Nick Hawkings, from the opposite side of the political divide. Hevertheless all this was put aside when the coachload of New Zealanders, the Hawkes Bay Hobblers, eventually arrived for a twelve noon start.
They were given a hearty welcome by this very sociable club who play on to mid-October every year and whose evening league and friendly sides provide such a welcome haven for cricketers of all ages and all levels of ability. Enthusiasm alone is often the key.
Sadly the rain clouds were soon in evidence coming down the valley from Ilkley and eventually an early lunch was taken, with both teams and supporters boarding the vistitors' coach to take them to the nearby Wharfedale Hotel. Surprisingly the teams were eventually persuaded to leave the premises to continue a keenly contested match.
When I returned about five o'clock after a circular tour and more heavy rain at nearby Pannal, I was suprised to find it was dry in Arthington and an exciting finish building. Arthington had made a competitive total of 190 in their forty overs and the visitors were losing wickets, but sadly not to Dennis Nash who bowled his tidy eight over spell without success.
The tournament rule which insists that batsmen who pass 35 must retire came to the Kiwi's rescue, as when the tailenders were dismissed the better batsmen returned and promptly hit off the remaing runs with just two overs to spare at about 6.20 p.m.
So a long day for all concerned, but a most enjoyable occasion much appreciated by the visiting side and their supporters. What a great idea this tournament is and let us hope for fine weather for the rest of the week.
The number of matches being played in this competition was a great temptation to ground-hoppers,like myself, to keep moving. However the best laid plans had to be amended due to the weather, as mentioned by Brian Sanderson at Pannal. I did call in their briefly in the morning and again later in the afternoon, but only saw a few balls bowled.
I started the day at Arthington who continued to receive all the press publicity due to the presence in their ranks of the redoubtable Dennis Nash, still opening the bowling regularly at the age of 74. A photographer from the Telegraph & Argos was present well before the start to take yet more pictures of Dennis in action. All this publicity not really appreciated by tea lady supreme, Mrs Nash, who did not like their ages being published in the press. Such is the price of fame !
However, Mrs Nash who is a Leeds City councillor, may also not have been too pleased with Arthington's captain for the day, former M.P. Nick Hawkings, from the opposite side of the political divide. Hevertheless all this was put aside when the coachload of New Zealanders, the Hawkes Bay Hobblers, eventually arrived for a twelve noon start.
They were given a hearty welcome by this very sociable club who play on to mid-October every year and whose evening league and friendly sides provide such a welcome haven for cricketers of all ages and all levels of ability. Enthusiasm alone is often the key.
Sadly the rain clouds were soon in evidence coming down the valley from Ilkley and eventually an early lunch was taken, with both teams and supporters boarding the vistitors' coach to take them to the nearby Wharfedale Hotel. Surprisingly the teams were eventually persuaded to leave the premises to continue a keenly contested match.
When I returned about five o'clock after a circular tour and more heavy rain at nearby Pannal, I was suprised to find it was dry in Arthington and an exciting finish building. Arthington had made a competitive total of 190 in their forty overs and the visitors were losing wickets, but sadly not to Dennis Nash who bowled his tidy eight over spell without success.
The tournament rule which insists that batsmen who pass 35 must retire came to the Kiwi's rescue, as when the tailenders were dismissed the better batsmen returned and promptly hit off the remaing runs with just two overs to spare at about 6.20 p.m.
So a long day for all concerned, but a most enjoyable occasion much appreciated by the visiting side and their supporters. What a great idea this tournament is and let us hope for fine weather for the rest of the week.
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