posted by John Winn
Tomorrow (December 22nd) marks the winter solstice, the day will be one second shorter than today and Friday will be six seconds longer than tomorrow, so by the weekend it will be OK to talk about the days drawing out. More importantly next year's first class English cricket season is now nearer than last, just over fourteen weeks to go. On 31st March 2012 at venues as far apart as Durham and Taunton five university sides will take on county opposition.My aim is to be at Durham where the students' opponents will be Middlesex.If you prefer to travel south then Cambridge MCCU host Essex at Fenner's.To further whet your appetite Durham take on Yorkshire in a two day friendly at Chester le Street beginning on Sunday April 1st.
I appreciate that for our readers there are probably more pressing matters four days before Christmas than the prospect of potentially chilly days spent watching cricket at a latitude of almost 55 degrees north before Easter but it might be worth making the journey north by way of acclimatisation less than a week before the county championship has its earliest ever start. After a couple of hours at The Racecourse or The Riverside Headingley might seem tropical.
The preceding paragraph may have put you in mind of a Michael Palin character in 'Ripping Yarns' for whom rainfall figures were even more interesting than shovels and if the finer points of the solstice are not your bag and you prefer to see out 2011 before worrying about how you might spend Palm Sunday,then I apologise and close by wishing all our readers a Happy Christmas.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Saturday, 17 December 2011
THREE YORKSHIRE PLAYERS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
By Brian Sanderson,
Waking up early this morning I decided to watch two Test matches on Sky.
This first one was Bangladash against Pakistan in Dhaka.There had been a delay in the match due mist,Bangadash had lost early wickets to the only two fast bowlers.As soon as the fast bowlers finihed they had to bowl their spinners which enabled the batsman to come on top.It must years since Pakistan went into a match with only two fast bowlers.
Moving on to South Africa against Sri Lanka at Centurion.There were a few interesting incidents.There was a run out and the batsman have now have to run a stright line and not in the way of the ball.A new law says that a batsman can be given out for obstuction if he tries to stop the ball hitting the stumps.
Mathews was injured and he is not now allowed a runner .A intresting new law.During the innings a ball was exchanged however a wrong type of ball was used.Boucher noticed the fact and the ball was changed for a correct one.Imran Tahir spun a ball over the head of the batsman and the umpire called one for the over.It must be a first for a leg-spinner to be called.Tahir got a wicket and he celebrated over the top.It would have nice if he could have got a wicket for Yorkshire.
One downside of the programme was music during replays.
Of course the three players were Rudolph,Morkel and Tahir.
The match was finished by 1.00P.M.While watch the Rugby Union the commenentator mention that Clermont Auvergne had a budget of twenty million pounds.Yorkshire would be pleased with that turnover.
The Christmas match at North Leeds is now 27 December not 26th.
Waking up early this morning I decided to watch two Test matches on Sky.
This first one was Bangladash against Pakistan in Dhaka.There had been a delay in the match due mist,Bangadash had lost early wickets to the only two fast bowlers.As soon as the fast bowlers finihed they had to bowl their spinners which enabled the batsman to come on top.It must years since Pakistan went into a match with only two fast bowlers.
Moving on to South Africa against Sri Lanka at Centurion.There were a few interesting incidents.There was a run out and the batsman have now have to run a stright line and not in the way of the ball.A new law says that a batsman can be given out for obstuction if he tries to stop the ball hitting the stumps.
Mathews was injured and he is not now allowed a runner .A intresting new law.During the innings a ball was exchanged however a wrong type of ball was used.Boucher noticed the fact and the ball was changed for a correct one.Imran Tahir spun a ball over the head of the batsman and the umpire called one for the over.It must be a first for a leg-spinner to be called.Tahir got a wicket and he celebrated over the top.It would have nice if he could have got a wicket for Yorkshire.
One downside of the programme was music during replays.
Of course the three players were Rudolph,Morkel and Tahir.
The match was finished by 1.00P.M.While watch the Rugby Union the commenentator mention that Clermont Auvergne had a budget of twenty million pounds.Yorkshire would be pleased with that turnover.
The Christmas match at North Leeds is now 27 December not 26th.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
A barnacle stuck like (Mc)Glew
posted by John Winn
The first test series I was old enough to follow with a degree of understanding through the press and radio was that between England and South Africa in 1951. England came into the series buoyed by their first test victory over Australia since 1938 when F. R. Brown's team was successful at Melbourne in the fifth game of the 50-51 series. The series against South Africa was won by three tests to one although Nourse's men came within four wickets of levelling the series at The Oval. England were not to lose another series until the defeat of May's eleven in Australia 58-9.
This successful period for the England side was, however, played out against increasing concern about the health of the first class game. A good way to gauge this concern is via the 'Notes by The Editor' section in the 1950s' Wisdens.Hubert Preston and his son Norman were the editors at that time and as the decade went on their editorials increasingly contain references to 'listless play', 'lack of ambition',the need to 'revive first class cricket', and so on.
In the edition of 1950 Hubert is reasonably optimistic for the previous summer had brought good weather, a close fight for the championship and a better than expected performance from the visiting New Zealanders. The post war boom in attendances soon goes into decline however and the younger Preston's editorials of the mid fifties encourage a change in the points system and an improvement in over rates as remedies. Occasionally optimism breaks through as when all five tests against the South African team under Jack Cheetham are brought to a definite conclusion in the lovely weather of 1955 and when another glorious summer, 1959, brings out the best in county batsmen, typified by Yorkshire's run chase to clinch the title at Hove. Such cheerfulness is short lived for the one sided series against South Africa in 1960, marred by the controversy over Geoff Griffin's action and the beginnings of protest against the visitors' government's apartheid policy earns the epitaph 'The sad season.'
By the mid fifties two runs an over or worse has become the norm for test cricket. Last week saw the 53rd anniversary of Trevor Bailey's innings at Brisbane when he took just three minutes short of six hours to score fifty but the 'barnacle' was not without rivals for has there been a batsman better suited to his name than the South African, Jackie McGlew? Against Australia at Durban in 57/8 McGlew took 313 minutes to reach fifty and just over nine hours before he was able to raise his bat to acknowledge his century. A nice illustration of the torpid batting of this era is that of the eight lowest scores in a full day's test cricket, five were set in the fifties.At the top of the list is the 95 mustered by Australia and Pakistan in Karachi in 56-7, Australia 80 all out, Pakistan 15 for two. What would Sehawg make of that?
This winter has seen some excellent test cricket much of which has been televised by Sky at times to suit those who keep 'normal' hours. Australia have shared exciting series in South Africa and at home against New Zealand and there have ben few more dramatic finishes than that in the Mumbai test between India and West indies last month. Yet as far as it is possible to judge from the TV screen, and despite scoring rates approaching four an over, crowds have been very small. Earlier this week in the 'Bradman Oration' Raoul Dravid urged the cricketing authorities to seriously consider day-night test cricket as a remedy for poor attendances. It will be interesting to see what support is like for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG when India are the visitors. With Sehwag and Warner opening the batting for their respective teams it certainly has more appeal than much of the test cricket of fifty years ago. Worth staying up for?
The first test series I was old enough to follow with a degree of understanding through the press and radio was that between England and South Africa in 1951. England came into the series buoyed by their first test victory over Australia since 1938 when F. R. Brown's team was successful at Melbourne in the fifth game of the 50-51 series. The series against South Africa was won by three tests to one although Nourse's men came within four wickets of levelling the series at The Oval. England were not to lose another series until the defeat of May's eleven in Australia 58-9.
This successful period for the England side was, however, played out against increasing concern about the health of the first class game. A good way to gauge this concern is via the 'Notes by The Editor' section in the 1950s' Wisdens.Hubert Preston and his son Norman were the editors at that time and as the decade went on their editorials increasingly contain references to 'listless play', 'lack of ambition',the need to 'revive first class cricket', and so on.
In the edition of 1950 Hubert is reasonably optimistic for the previous summer had brought good weather, a close fight for the championship and a better than expected performance from the visiting New Zealanders. The post war boom in attendances soon goes into decline however and the younger Preston's editorials of the mid fifties encourage a change in the points system and an improvement in over rates as remedies. Occasionally optimism breaks through as when all five tests against the South African team under Jack Cheetham are brought to a definite conclusion in the lovely weather of 1955 and when another glorious summer, 1959, brings out the best in county batsmen, typified by Yorkshire's run chase to clinch the title at Hove. Such cheerfulness is short lived for the one sided series against South Africa in 1960, marred by the controversy over Geoff Griffin's action and the beginnings of protest against the visitors' government's apartheid policy earns the epitaph 'The sad season.'
By the mid fifties two runs an over or worse has become the norm for test cricket. Last week saw the 53rd anniversary of Trevor Bailey's innings at Brisbane when he took just three minutes short of six hours to score fifty but the 'barnacle' was not without rivals for has there been a batsman better suited to his name than the South African, Jackie McGlew? Against Australia at Durban in 57/8 McGlew took 313 minutes to reach fifty and just over nine hours before he was able to raise his bat to acknowledge his century. A nice illustration of the torpid batting of this era is that of the eight lowest scores in a full day's test cricket, five were set in the fifties.At the top of the list is the 95 mustered by Australia and Pakistan in Karachi in 56-7, Australia 80 all out, Pakistan 15 for two. What would Sehawg make of that?
This winter has seen some excellent test cricket much of which has been televised by Sky at times to suit those who keep 'normal' hours. Australia have shared exciting series in South Africa and at home against New Zealand and there have ben few more dramatic finishes than that in the Mumbai test between India and West indies last month. Yet as far as it is possible to judge from the TV screen, and despite scoring rates approaching four an over, crowds have been very small. Earlier this week in the 'Bradman Oration' Raoul Dravid urged the cricketing authorities to seriously consider day-night test cricket as a remedy for poor attendances. It will be interesting to see what support is like for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG when India are the visitors. With Sehwag and Warner opening the batting for their respective teams it certainly has more appeal than much of the test cricket of fifty years ago. Worth staying up for?
Monday, 5 December 2011
FIRST ENGLISHMAN TO SCORE AGAINST AUSSIES
By Brian Sanderson,
Like John Winn, I have just received a cricket book through the post to-day.
The story started when the Yorkshire Archives received a letter from a relative of George Pinder who was the Yorkshire wicket- keeper in the 1880,s.They wish to have a copy of picture of the 1880,s Yorkshire side.
This set be wondering who was the wicket-keeper before him. I do not know much about this period.Looking through my books I found his name, Edwin Stephenson who was born in Sheffield on the June 5 1832. Lugubrious of expression but capable of the droll remark, he was one of two Yorkshiremen on the 1861-62 Australian venture.The other cricketer was Roger Iddison who was the first captain of Yorkshire.
The book I have just received is The Trailblazers by David Frith and purchased for £8 from Boundary Books and signed by Frith.He recently spoke at Wombwellin it,s 60th Year.
A quote from the book was that Ned felt strongly about Southerners moves to destablise the established itinerant teams by setting up the United South of England X1, and spoke of the wage-earning Northerners as having been most cruelly-treated by the Surrey men.
So sensitatively balanced was his dignity that when his partner ran him out-apparently deliberately-in a North v Surrey match in 1863,Stephenson walked out on the ramainder of the game,the entry in the scorebook in the second innings reading,absent,shamefully and disgracefully.Would have Boycott done that when Botham ran him out for scoring too slow in New Zealand.
Laughing Teddy Stephenson, who had proudly top-scored with 67 in Yorkshire first match after its 1863 foundation, and again in 1867 with 54 in the first -ever Roses match,and who had scored England,s first run off the Australian bowling, deid in obscurity and in very poor circumstances on July 5 1898. aged 66.
I look forward to read the whole book during Christmas day instead of watching The Snowman.
Just a message to John I am still very busy with mine and Yorkshire archives.Winter does not stop me been involved in cricket just a change tact.
Like John Winn, I have just received a cricket book through the post to-day.
The story started when the Yorkshire Archives received a letter from a relative of George Pinder who was the Yorkshire wicket- keeper in the 1880,s.They wish to have a copy of picture of the 1880,s Yorkshire side.
This set be wondering who was the wicket-keeper before him. I do not know much about this period.Looking through my books I found his name, Edwin Stephenson who was born in Sheffield on the June 5 1832. Lugubrious of expression but capable of the droll remark, he was one of two Yorkshiremen on the 1861-62 Australian venture.The other cricketer was Roger Iddison who was the first captain of Yorkshire.
The book I have just received is The Trailblazers by David Frith and purchased for £8 from Boundary Books and signed by Frith.He recently spoke at Wombwellin it,s 60th Year.
A quote from the book was that Ned felt strongly about Southerners moves to destablise the established itinerant teams by setting up the United South of England X1, and spoke of the wage-earning Northerners as having been most cruelly-treated by the Surrey men.
So sensitatively balanced was his dignity that when his partner ran him out-apparently deliberately-in a North v Surrey match in 1863,Stephenson walked out on the ramainder of the game,the entry in the scorebook in the second innings reading,absent,shamefully and disgracefully.Would have Boycott done that when Botham ran him out for scoring too slow in New Zealand.
Laughing Teddy Stephenson, who had proudly top-scored with 67 in Yorkshire first match after its 1863 foundation, and again in 1867 with 54 in the first -ever Roses match,and who had scored England,s first run off the Australian bowling, deid in obscurity and in very poor circumstances on July 5 1898. aged 66.
I look forward to read the whole book during Christmas day instead of watching The Snowman.
Just a message to John I am still very busy with mine and Yorkshire archives.Winter does not stop me been involved in cricket just a change tact.
A remarkable life
In a posting I made in October I mentioned that I was awaiting delivery of an autobiography of Clive van Ryneveld. This duly arrived and well does the book deserve the title of '20th Century All-rounder' for indeed CvR, as he is referred to throughout the book, has led a remarkable life. The book is not in fact an autobiography, a point he stresses in the preface, merely a selection of reminiscences and reflections, and yet herein lies an element of disappointment for such has been his life that it certainly merits a fuller account.
CvR came to England in 1948 as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University. Here he gained his blue for both cricket and rugby and his play for the rugby fifteen led to an England trial from which he was selected to represent this country in the five nations' championship of 1949, scoring three tries for a not particularly successful England side. Contrast their preparation with that of today's professionals. For the game against Scotland at Twickenham the team assembled on the Friday afternoon for a 'runabout' (bring your own shorts), jersey and socks will be supplied. In the team photograph the players look like representatives of homo sapiens, not the homo giganticus we see today.
Van Ryneveld's nine week international rugby career is described in very modest language. He was invited to play in the trials, so he played, invited to play for England, so he played.
There is no indication in the book that van Ryneveld put himself through any torment in accepting the invitation to play rugby for a country other than his native South Africa yet two years later he returned as a member of The Springbok cricket team that toured England in 1951 and came within four wickets of sharing the series. CvR's contribution was relatively modest, 217 runs at just over 24 and bowling only 19 overs of his leg spin in the tests.The 1951 tour was CvR's only experience of test cricket away from the veld for he was not part of Jack Cheetham's exciting side that pushed England all the way in 1955.Opportunities to travel overseas were turned down because of his commitments as a barrister, he had read law at Oxford.He did however play three home series, captaining his country against Peter May's team in 56-57.
Van Ryneveld's first class career lasted little more than ten years for in 1958 he was elected to the South African parliament and was a founder member of the Progressive party formed a year later and who were opposed to the government's apartheid policies.The last third of this slim volume is concerned with CvR's post cricket life, a career that brought him into contact with some of the most influential figures in late 20th century history.These included Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Desmond Tutu and Harold MacMillan.A remarkable life.
As there have been no postings on the blog since early November our small but selected band of followers may have decided that, like a village cricket pavilion we are closed for the winter and some readers may not find this posting until the doors are opened again in April.It may be, however that the publication of the 2012 first class fixtures has turned some followers' thoughts back to cricket and possibly this blog. After all there are only 117 days until the first game of the new season at Fenner's on March 31st. Take a coat. The ECB has pushed its luck with earlier and earlier starts to the season and been rewarded with fine April weather, but Headingley on April the 5th, brrrr.
CvR came to England in 1948 as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University. Here he gained his blue for both cricket and rugby and his play for the rugby fifteen led to an England trial from which he was selected to represent this country in the five nations' championship of 1949, scoring three tries for a not particularly successful England side. Contrast their preparation with that of today's professionals. For the game against Scotland at Twickenham the team assembled on the Friday afternoon for a 'runabout' (bring your own shorts), jersey and socks will be supplied. In the team photograph the players look like representatives of homo sapiens, not the homo giganticus we see today.
Van Ryneveld's nine week international rugby career is described in very modest language. He was invited to play in the trials, so he played, invited to play for England, so he played.
There is no indication in the book that van Ryneveld put himself through any torment in accepting the invitation to play rugby for a country other than his native South Africa yet two years later he returned as a member of The Springbok cricket team that toured England in 1951 and came within four wickets of sharing the series. CvR's contribution was relatively modest, 217 runs at just over 24 and bowling only 19 overs of his leg spin in the tests.The 1951 tour was CvR's only experience of test cricket away from the veld for he was not part of Jack Cheetham's exciting side that pushed England all the way in 1955.Opportunities to travel overseas were turned down because of his commitments as a barrister, he had read law at Oxford.He did however play three home series, captaining his country against Peter May's team in 56-57.
Van Ryneveld's first class career lasted little more than ten years for in 1958 he was elected to the South African parliament and was a founder member of the Progressive party formed a year later and who were opposed to the government's apartheid policies.The last third of this slim volume is concerned with CvR's post cricket life, a career that brought him into contact with some of the most influential figures in late 20th century history.These included Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Desmond Tutu and Harold MacMillan.A remarkable life.
As there have been no postings on the blog since early November our small but selected band of followers may have decided that, like a village cricket pavilion we are closed for the winter and some readers may not find this posting until the doors are opened again in April.It may be, however that the publication of the 2012 first class fixtures has turned some followers' thoughts back to cricket and possibly this blog. After all there are only 117 days until the first game of the new season at Fenner's on March 31st. Take a coat. The ECB has pushed its luck with earlier and earlier starts to the season and been rewarded with fine April weather, but Headingley on April the 5th, brrrr.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Looking back
Posted by John Winn
When I left Darlington in 1972 to take up employment in East Sussex I also left Cockerton Cricket Club where I had spent five very happy years playing in the Darlington and District League. In addition to Saturday league cricket the club's two elevens competed in a number of evening cup competitions. Friendly cricket was a thing of the past and yet from the club's formation in 1893 it had been nurtured on, and thrived on, that form of the game for almost seventy years. Only a shortage of fixtures for the second eleven forced its entry into the South East Durham League C Division in 1959. In 1961 the first eleven became founder members of The Darlington and District League where they were joined by the seconds the following year. Fifty years later this league has spread its catchment area to Trimdon in the north and Middleton in Teesdale in the west. Cockerton still has two member teams and
there is a reassuring familiarity about the names of many of the opposing clubs. I have fond memories of games played forty years ago on attractive grounds like those at Raby Castle, Rockcliffe Park, Aldborough St John and Cliffe, clubs that feature among Cockerton's opponents today. Even more comforting for the amateur cricket historian (and romantic) is that my grandfather and his brother played for Haughton CC against some of these clubs over one hundred years ago.
It would be tempting to think that for the first half of the last century friendly cricket was the bread and butter of all small village clubs but some recent research in the Darlington and Stockton Times for 1937 has shown that this would be misleading. As today each edition of the weekly paper had at that time extensive coverage of local cricket. At least one page of dense type with few, if any, advertisements or pictures, printed detailed scores, teams for the weekend's games and notes by 'left hander'.Top of the tree were reports of the NYSD league. This had started life in 1892 as the North Yorkshire League with just six clubs but the recruitment of Darlington and Stockton in 1896 allowed it to add SD to its initials.Below this level there was league cricket for a surprising number of smaller clubs. The West Cleveland League for example included the works' teams Acklam Works, Dorman's and Smith's Dock, together with Hutton Rudby who play in The Langbaurgh League today and Preston, Great Ayton and Stokesley, currently members of The NYSD. In 1937, the year of the coronation of George VI, the Langbaurgh West Rural League was composed mainly of clubs who play in The Langbaurgh today. Of greatest interest however is the paper's coverage of The Wycliffe League with just six member clubs, Ravensworth, Hutton Magna, Rokeby, Wycliffe, Forcett Park and Gilling, all small villages close to the A66 between Scotch Corner and Barnard Castle with the longest journey from Rokeby to Gilling a distance of just eight miles.To my knowledge none of these villages can boast a cricket club today although Gilling (West) is used by Richmondshire for fourth eleven games. The Wycliffe League was actually formed in 1937, how long it lasted is a matter for further research and another visit to the local studies room at Darlington Library.
I began by referring to my relocation to East Sussex in the early seventies where I joined Bexhill CC whose very extensive fixtures comprised almost entirely Saturday and Sunday friendly cricket but by 1975 they had joined The East Sussex League and in 1978 moved up to The Sussex County League which afforded the opportunity to play on the county club's outgrounds like Hastings, Eastbourne, Worthing and Horsham. In 2011 Bexhill ran five Saturday League teams and just one Sunday friendly side, how times change.
When I left Darlington in 1972 to take up employment in East Sussex I also left Cockerton Cricket Club where I had spent five very happy years playing in the Darlington and District League. In addition to Saturday league cricket the club's two elevens competed in a number of evening cup competitions. Friendly cricket was a thing of the past and yet from the club's formation in 1893 it had been nurtured on, and thrived on, that form of the game for almost seventy years. Only a shortage of fixtures for the second eleven forced its entry into the South East Durham League C Division in 1959. In 1961 the first eleven became founder members of The Darlington and District League where they were joined by the seconds the following year. Fifty years later this league has spread its catchment area to Trimdon in the north and Middleton in Teesdale in the west. Cockerton still has two member teams and
there is a reassuring familiarity about the names of many of the opposing clubs. I have fond memories of games played forty years ago on attractive grounds like those at Raby Castle, Rockcliffe Park, Aldborough St John and Cliffe, clubs that feature among Cockerton's opponents today. Even more comforting for the amateur cricket historian (and romantic) is that my grandfather and his brother played for Haughton CC against some of these clubs over one hundred years ago.
It would be tempting to think that for the first half of the last century friendly cricket was the bread and butter of all small village clubs but some recent research in the Darlington and Stockton Times for 1937 has shown that this would be misleading. As today each edition of the weekly paper had at that time extensive coverage of local cricket. At least one page of dense type with few, if any, advertisements or pictures, printed detailed scores, teams for the weekend's games and notes by 'left hander'.Top of the tree were reports of the NYSD league. This had started life in 1892 as the North Yorkshire League with just six clubs but the recruitment of Darlington and Stockton in 1896 allowed it to add SD to its initials.Below this level there was league cricket for a surprising number of smaller clubs. The West Cleveland League for example included the works' teams Acklam Works, Dorman's and Smith's Dock, together with Hutton Rudby who play in The Langbaurgh League today and Preston, Great Ayton and Stokesley, currently members of The NYSD. In 1937, the year of the coronation of George VI, the Langbaurgh West Rural League was composed mainly of clubs who play in The Langbaurgh today. Of greatest interest however is the paper's coverage of The Wycliffe League with just six member clubs, Ravensworth, Hutton Magna, Rokeby, Wycliffe, Forcett Park and Gilling, all small villages close to the A66 between Scotch Corner and Barnard Castle with the longest journey from Rokeby to Gilling a distance of just eight miles.To my knowledge none of these villages can boast a cricket club today although Gilling (West) is used by Richmondshire for fourth eleven games. The Wycliffe League was actually formed in 1937, how long it lasted is a matter for further research and another visit to the local studies room at Darlington Library.
I began by referring to my relocation to East Sussex in the early seventies where I joined Bexhill CC whose very extensive fixtures comprised almost entirely Saturday and Sunday friendly cricket but by 1975 they had joined The East Sussex League and in 1978 moved up to The Sussex County League which afforded the opportunity to play on the county club's outgrounds like Hastings, Eastbourne, Worthing and Horsham. In 2011 Bexhill ran five Saturday League teams and just one Sunday friendly side, how times change.
Friday, 28 October 2011
New cricket society off to a good start
Posted by Tony Hutton
Last night saw the first meeting of the newly formed Pennine Cricket Society at Golcar cricket club, Huddersfield. Peter Davies, with the help of several willing helpers, has set up this new venture and it got off to the best possible start. This was despite the poor weather and the problems of finding the new venue, both for the speaker who was slightly delayed and for one potential member who gave up and turned round when approaching Saddleworth and returned to Leeds by a very roundabout route.
A real shame that, particularly in view of the excellent cricket tea laid on before the proceedings started. Good to see so many familiar faces, and some new ones, among the audience.
The star turn was of course the inimitable Alan Stuttard, who is fast becoming the Ken Dodd of the cricket speakers' world. His memories of a lifetime of cricket in the Central Lancashire League, and all the big names who have played there, was a real treat. His oft told story of the Everton Weekes cup final of 1954 improves with age.
His biggest claim to fame as a player was hitting the one and only Garfield Sobers for four sixes and for the benefit of those cynics who just could not believe it, brought along a press cutting to prove it.
So a great night for the cricket lovers who turned out to support this new venture and full marks to Peter and his helpers. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 17th November, again at Golcar cricket club, when David Cooper will have more tales of cricket on the 'wrong' side of the Pennines and his association with Royton cricket club.
Membership of the new society is available for the modest charge of £8 for the six meetings, or £2 per meeting, which includes the cost of the cricket tea.
Last night saw the first meeting of the newly formed Pennine Cricket Society at Golcar cricket club, Huddersfield. Peter Davies, with the help of several willing helpers, has set up this new venture and it got off to the best possible start. This was despite the poor weather and the problems of finding the new venue, both for the speaker who was slightly delayed and for one potential member who gave up and turned round when approaching Saddleworth and returned to Leeds by a very roundabout route.
A real shame that, particularly in view of the excellent cricket tea laid on before the proceedings started. Good to see so many familiar faces, and some new ones, among the audience.
The star turn was of course the inimitable Alan Stuttard, who is fast becoming the Ken Dodd of the cricket speakers' world. His memories of a lifetime of cricket in the Central Lancashire League, and all the big names who have played there, was a real treat. His oft told story of the Everton Weekes cup final of 1954 improves with age.
His biggest claim to fame as a player was hitting the one and only Garfield Sobers for four sixes and for the benefit of those cynics who just could not believe it, brought along a press cutting to prove it.
So a great night for the cricket lovers who turned out to support this new venture and full marks to Peter and his helpers. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 17th November, again at Golcar cricket club, when David Cooper will have more tales of cricket on the 'wrong' side of the Pennines and his association with Royton cricket club.
Membership of the new society is available for the modest charge of £8 for the six meetings, or £2 per meeting, which includes the cost of the cricket tea.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Still More to read
Posted by Tony Hutton
Like John Winn my thoughts have turned to winter reading this week. Thanks John for your nice plug for 'Bloggers on the Boundary'. Sadly this volume does not contain any photographs due to the high price of colour printing, but I still think it is a good read at the bargain price of £5.
Anyone thinking of buying cricket books should always go to the Amazon website first as you can make considerable savings. Another book, to which I made a very minor contribution, is being published this Thursday. This is 'British Lost Cricket Grounds' by Chris Arnot, published by Aurum Press.
Chris, who is a freelance journalist for the Guardian, amongst other publications, contacted me earlier in the year for information on Fartown, Huddersfield. I was able to point him in the direction of the cricket heritage website and supplied one or two photographs. The book covers 40 lost grounds, at all levels of the game, and should make an interesting read.
More book news also arrived today when I was sent a copy of the Nottingham Post review of a book very close to my heart. 'The Boundary's Edge' by Lawrence Griffiths goes on sale nationwide from November 14th, priced at a hefty £25.
However you can already pre-order, somewhat cheaper, from Amazon. Griffiths is a full time sports photographer and works for Getty Images. He usually attends major sporting events, but like me has fallen under the spell of village cricket grounds.
He has spent the last six years compiling this book and visited 60 different grounds, as far apart as Cornwall, Flintshire, Northumberland and Fife. I am tempted to say only 60 in six years, but suppose the poor man has a full time job to do !
He sums it up by saying 'The people I met and stories I've heard have been phenomenal'. Many of us will know exactly what he means. One definately to look forward to.
Like John Winn my thoughts have turned to winter reading this week. Thanks John for your nice plug for 'Bloggers on the Boundary'. Sadly this volume does not contain any photographs due to the high price of colour printing, but I still think it is a good read at the bargain price of £5.
Anyone thinking of buying cricket books should always go to the Amazon website first as you can make considerable savings. Another book, to which I made a very minor contribution, is being published this Thursday. This is 'British Lost Cricket Grounds' by Chris Arnot, published by Aurum Press.
Chris, who is a freelance journalist for the Guardian, amongst other publications, contacted me earlier in the year for information on Fartown, Huddersfield. I was able to point him in the direction of the cricket heritage website and supplied one or two photographs. The book covers 40 lost grounds, at all levels of the game, and should make an interesting read.
More book news also arrived today when I was sent a copy of the Nottingham Post review of a book very close to my heart. 'The Boundary's Edge' by Lawrence Griffiths goes on sale nationwide from November 14th, priced at a hefty £25.
However you can already pre-order, somewhat cheaper, from Amazon. Griffiths is a full time sports photographer and works for Getty Images. He usually attends major sporting events, but like me has fallen under the spell of village cricket grounds.
He has spent the last six years compiling this book and visited 60 different grounds, as far apart as Cornwall, Flintshire, Northumberland and Fife. I am tempted to say only 60 in six years, but suppose the poor man has a full time job to do !
He sums it up by saying 'The people I met and stories I've heard have been phenomenal'. Many of us will know exactly what he means. One definately to look forward to.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Something to read
posted by John Winn
I learned this week that the typical WH Smith reader buys just three books a year. Having ordered three books in the last week alone this came as something of a surprise to me.
It will probably come as no surprise that now that the cricket season is over and withdrawal symptoms have set in, the three books on my shopping list were all cricket books.Two of the three have not yet arrived, the first the autobiography of Clive Van Ryneveld, from Stephen Chalke's excellent Fairfield Books, is still en route from South Africa and the second, a new biography of Fred Trueman by Yorkshire Post cricket writer Chris Waters should be with me this week. The latter has received a glowing review in November's Cricketer Magazine with the promise of 'insights from those closest to Trueman'.
The third book,which I have read, is also published by Chalke and will, I think, have particular appeal to pcws. It is 'Typhoon Tyson to Twenty /20.A lifetime of watching Northamptonshire cricket' by Tony Ward. A short read, just 95 pages, and in some way a rather sad one. Not that it lacks humorous moments, but they are at times the result of that rather sardonic sense of humour that followers of unsuccessful causes tend to develop about something they love deeply, and I speak as a follower of Darlington FC for almost 60 years. As Stephen Chalke, whose idea the book was, says in the foreword, humour that 'is essential if you are a Northamptonshire supporter'.
Admitted to the championship in 1905 Northants have been runners up three times and along with Gloucestershire and Somerset are part of that exclusive club who have never qualified to fly the championship pennant. They have of course had success in other competitions and Tony Ward descibes his great joy at witnessing their victory over Lancashire in The Gillette Cup Final of 1976.
As the title would suggest Frank Tyson features prominently in the book as does Colin Milburn,whose career and life both came to a sad end.For me though the greatest pleasure the book offers is its descriptions of the county's diehard, if pessimistic, supporters; their grumbling, their witticisms and the importance of county cricket in their lives.
An altogether different kind of book I would recommend and which I read earlier in the year is 'The Captains' by Malcolm Knox, a history of Australian cricket seen through the eyes of its 42 captains from Gregory to Ponting. At over four hundred pages this is a hefty tome but Amazon is offering a second hand copy at £3:59.Knox is an Australian and it is interesting to see how cricket appears to those at the other side of the world, for instance the 'chucking' controversy of the late 50s and early 60s. Over Charlie Griffith and Tony Lock the author leaves us in no doubt that as far as Australians were concerned these two 'chucked' but Ian Meckiff, whose action Wisden had no doubt was illegal, is treated with almost saintly reverence.
Finally, and I have saved the best to last, pcws will want to get hold of 'Bloggers on the boundary', a diary of the 2010 season by Messrs Sanderson, Hutton and Davies, names well known to you all!I received a copy by mail from Peter Davies yesterday and I am sure copies will be widely available shortly. Watch this space.
I learned this week that the typical WH Smith reader buys just three books a year. Having ordered three books in the last week alone this came as something of a surprise to me.
It will probably come as no surprise that now that the cricket season is over and withdrawal symptoms have set in, the three books on my shopping list were all cricket books.Two of the three have not yet arrived, the first the autobiography of Clive Van Ryneveld, from Stephen Chalke's excellent Fairfield Books, is still en route from South Africa and the second, a new biography of Fred Trueman by Yorkshire Post cricket writer Chris Waters should be with me this week. The latter has received a glowing review in November's Cricketer Magazine with the promise of 'insights from those closest to Trueman'.
The third book,which I have read, is also published by Chalke and will, I think, have particular appeal to pcws. It is 'Typhoon Tyson to Twenty /20.A lifetime of watching Northamptonshire cricket' by Tony Ward. A short read, just 95 pages, and in some way a rather sad one. Not that it lacks humorous moments, but they are at times the result of that rather sardonic sense of humour that followers of unsuccessful causes tend to develop about something they love deeply, and I speak as a follower of Darlington FC for almost 60 years. As Stephen Chalke, whose idea the book was, says in the foreword, humour that 'is essential if you are a Northamptonshire supporter'.
Admitted to the championship in 1905 Northants have been runners up three times and along with Gloucestershire and Somerset are part of that exclusive club who have never qualified to fly the championship pennant. They have of course had success in other competitions and Tony Ward descibes his great joy at witnessing their victory over Lancashire in The Gillette Cup Final of 1976.
As the title would suggest Frank Tyson features prominently in the book as does Colin Milburn,whose career and life both came to a sad end.For me though the greatest pleasure the book offers is its descriptions of the county's diehard, if pessimistic, supporters; their grumbling, their witticisms and the importance of county cricket in their lives.
An altogether different kind of book I would recommend and which I read earlier in the year is 'The Captains' by Malcolm Knox, a history of Australian cricket seen through the eyes of its 42 captains from Gregory to Ponting. At over four hundred pages this is a hefty tome but Amazon is offering a second hand copy at £3:59.Knox is an Australian and it is interesting to see how cricket appears to those at the other side of the world, for instance the 'chucking' controversy of the late 50s and early 60s. Over Charlie Griffith and Tony Lock the author leaves us in no doubt that as far as Australians were concerned these two 'chucked' but Ian Meckiff, whose action Wisden had no doubt was illegal, is treated with almost saintly reverence.
Finally, and I have saved the best to last, pcws will want to get hold of 'Bloggers on the boundary', a diary of the 2010 season by Messrs Sanderson, Hutton and Davies, names well known to you all!I received a copy by mail from Peter Davies yesterday and I am sure copies will be widely available shortly. Watch this space.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Lord's to Langbaurgh
Posted by John Winn
Tony has nicely rounded off the season in yesterday's posting and expressed his personal disappointment that ill health prevented him watching cricket for a large chunk of the summer. How good it has been to read his postings again this last few weeks with the added bonus of photographs.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first season of contributing to the blog and can't really complain about the amount of cricket I have seen. Totting it all up I have seen exactly the same number of days 'representative' cricket (First Class, second eleven, under 17 etc),as in 2010 and about the same amount of league cricket too. The lovely weather of April and early May got things off to a flying start and I managed to tick off six of the seven 'listed matches' that were available to me without any serious interference from the weather. The various promotions and relegations in the county championship have thrown up a bumper crop of such matches for 2012, twelve in all, and mostly in the south of England which will test the bank balance, the rail network and my stamina, but the publication of the season's fixtures will ignite my passion and come April I will be raring to go.
Looking back over this season my highlights included a day at The Cheltenham Festival, visits to six of the test match grounds, and by contrast time spent at delightful places like Newburgh Priory, Escrick Park and Bolton Percy. There have, of course, to be disappointments, among them Yorkshire's relegation, Durham's poor August which cost them the championship and worst of all ringing up Marske CC to be told they were playing but to get there and find they weren't.But worse things happen at sea, never mind Marske by the Sea.
Writing for a blog is a strange experience, one has no idea how many, if any, read them, who they are and what they make of one's contributions. Except a few kind souls have been good enough to say they have enjoyed them, to them many thanks.Having started the season as an 'umpire from Lancashire', see Tony's posting of the April 11th, from which position things could only get better, I have enjoyed making some new friends. Those of you old enough to remember 'The Lone Ranger' will perhaps recall that at the end of every show as he rode away to the strains of William Tell, somebody would say 'Who was that man?' It would be nice to think that,on my departure from a cricket ground, fewer pcws ask that question than was the case in the spring.
One or two people have suggested that they would welcome occasional postings during the winter and to this end I have one or two ideas in mind so if 'Strictly' or 'The X Factor' are not your bag then it might (just) be worth checking out the blog. In the meantime may I recommend you go to You Tube and enter Cricket 1950 John Arlott into search and you will find a delightful film, lasting just over 15 minutes, narrated by Ralph Richardson and with contributions from Arlott, based round the Lord's test of 1948.It is a gem. Winter Well!
Tony has nicely rounded off the season in yesterday's posting and expressed his personal disappointment that ill health prevented him watching cricket for a large chunk of the summer. How good it has been to read his postings again this last few weeks with the added bonus of photographs.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first season of contributing to the blog and can't really complain about the amount of cricket I have seen. Totting it all up I have seen exactly the same number of days 'representative' cricket (First Class, second eleven, under 17 etc),as in 2010 and about the same amount of league cricket too. The lovely weather of April and early May got things off to a flying start and I managed to tick off six of the seven 'listed matches' that were available to me without any serious interference from the weather. The various promotions and relegations in the county championship have thrown up a bumper crop of such matches for 2012, twelve in all, and mostly in the south of England which will test the bank balance, the rail network and my stamina, but the publication of the season's fixtures will ignite my passion and come April I will be raring to go.
Looking back over this season my highlights included a day at The Cheltenham Festival, visits to six of the test match grounds, and by contrast time spent at delightful places like Newburgh Priory, Escrick Park and Bolton Percy. There have, of course, to be disappointments, among them Yorkshire's relegation, Durham's poor August which cost them the championship and worst of all ringing up Marske CC to be told they were playing but to get there and find they weren't.But worse things happen at sea, never mind Marske by the Sea.
Writing for a blog is a strange experience, one has no idea how many, if any, read them, who they are and what they make of one's contributions. Except a few kind souls have been good enough to say they have enjoyed them, to them many thanks.Having started the season as an 'umpire from Lancashire', see Tony's posting of the April 11th, from which position things could only get better, I have enjoyed making some new friends. Those of you old enough to remember 'The Lone Ranger' will perhaps recall that at the end of every show as he rode away to the strains of William Tell, somebody would say 'Who was that man?' It would be nice to think that,on my departure from a cricket ground, fewer pcws ask that question than was the case in the spring.
One or two people have suggested that they would welcome occasional postings during the winter and to this end I have one or two ideas in mind so if 'Strictly' or 'The X Factor' are not your bag then it might (just) be worth checking out the blog. In the meantime may I recommend you go to You Tube and enter Cricket 1950 John Arlott into search and you will find a delightful film, lasting just over 15 minutes, narrated by Ralph Richardson and with contributions from Arlott, based round the Lord's test of 1948.It is a gem. Winter Well!
Sunday, 9 October 2011
After the heatwave - a damp squib
Nothing can replace experience
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 1st October - Arthington v The Hawks
A wonderful day of hot sunshine brought out a good number of professional cricket watchers from far and wide, with some entertaining cricket which sadly finished early when the weather was still warm and sunny
I can do no more than quote from the excellent report of proceedings sent in by the visitors to the Wharfedale Observer, which reads as follows:-
The Hawks ended their season with a visit to the lovely ground at Arthington and found themselves playing in the very best conditions of the entire summer.
They also celebrated with an emphatic win in front of their biggest crowds of the season. Opting to bat first, the hosts never found the going easy against a varied Hawks attack and after their 40 overs reached 156-9.
Joe Nash made 26 as opener, a further 26 came from L. Barraclough, 27 from M. Barraclough and Andy Stoddart made a solid 29, as the Hawks bowled and fielded well.
Simon Armitage finished the season with 3-25 and there was a surprise 3-23 from veteran Kevin Woodley.
In reply the Hawks lost no time in claiming the game and reached 162-3 in just 27 overs. This was achieved with the help on an opening stand of 62 from Sam Wilkinson (26) and Tom Lester (50). Stu Cobbett (47) and Duncan Heath (27) added valuable runs before Micky Love-Peel swiped an enormous six to seal victory.
The Hawks extended their thanks to Arthington for a splendid day, the umpires for turning out and the tea lady for her fine fare.
That ends the Wharfedale Observer report and all I can add is the photo above showing the last wicket pair of Arthington returning undefeated at the end of the innings. Dennis Nash and Martin Binks combined ages must be in the region of 140.
Long may they continue to play !
Sunday 2nd October - Arthington v Doghouse.
Not quite as hot as yesterday but still very pleasant for the traditional visit of Doghouse, the team from the Teeside area which consists mainly of players from the North Yorkshire and South Durham league, who like to let their hair down on Sundays.
They have a full fixture list of friendlies at some of the most attractive grounds in the county.
Their name derives from the inevitable consequence of late night homecomings, sometimes the worse for wear, on Sunday evenings.
The cognoscenti voiced the opinion that Arthington should not bat first against a usually strong side and that this might result in yet another early finish. As so often the experts were proved wrong again as Arthington batted consistently throughout their 40 overs to amass a huge total of 244-4. The main man, as so often, was the immaculate Geoff Barker, who made 92 not out, but with good support from all his partners.
Doghouse soon showed that their batting was in a different league to their bowling and went for the runs from the word go, opener Sheppard (apparently from Great Ayton), made a rapid 50 before retiring and at half way the visitors were on target for victory.
Sadly the fine weather then took a turn for the worse as the rain swept down the Wharfe Valley from the direction of Ilkley. I left at this point and still do not know whether the game eventually reached its conclusion. No doubt someone can put me right on that.
We had hoped for another weekend of cricket on the 8th and 9th October, but again the weather had the last word. I doubt very much whether any play was possible on the Saturday and although it was somewhat better today (Sunday) I decided to give it a miss.
So that's it a damp squib to end the season, which for me personally has not been a very good one, having to miss a large part of it for health reasons. However there have been some excellent memories from the earlier part of the season which I hope have been reflected in these pages.
Already people are planning for next season - all I can hope for is good health and good weather for all our readers in 2012.
Sunday, 25 September 2011
A long long tale awinding
posted by John Winn
At Arthington yesterday conversation turned to Arthington Hall and the Sheepshanks family in whose possesion the hall has been since 1830. It was mentioned that a member of the family, Ernest Richard (Dick)Sheepshanks had played one match for Yorkshire, his only first class match and had been killed in the Spanish Civil War when acting as a war correspondent.
Dick was born in 1910 and was killed while reporting on the battle of Teruel for Reuter's on the last day of 1937 when a republican shell exploded in front of the car he was sharing with three other correspondents. What makes this tragic story remarkable is that there was one survivor, namely the communist spy Kim Philby. There was even a bizarre conspiracy theory put forward that Philby planted the bomb to kill Sheepshanks to prevent him blowing his cover.
Dick Sheepshanks' one first class match was in 1929 for Yorkshire against Cambridge University when batting after Mitchell, Oldroyd, Barber and Leyland he made 29.A nice coincidence is that Sheepshanks was in his first year at the university at the time but despite playing in the Freshers' match in '29 and the Seniors' match in '31 he never played for the university. This is surprising in that he certainly had the right pedigree having captained Eton successfully in 1928 when despite being over one hundred runs behind on first innings they fought back to win by 28 runs. The key partnership in Eton's second innings was between Sheepshanks and Ian Akers-Douglas who made 158. There is another somewhat ironic twist to this story in that Akers-Douglas too met a tragic end, killed by a shotgun accident at his home in Frant, near Tunbridge Wells in 1952. Like Sheepshanks, Akers- Douglas might have considered himself unlucky not to get his Oxford blue for he scored centuries in both the Seniors' and Freshers' matches.He was twelth man at Lords in 1930 and went on to play for Kent between 1932 and 1937.
Dick Sheepshanks' brother Charles also represented Eton at Lords, opening the batting in 1930. Dick had played as a fifteen year old at Lords in 1925 when he represented CF Tufnell's eleven against a Lord's XI. Carleton Fowell Tufnell (probably not related to Phil)had a typical upper class background for his time, including service in India and played seven first clas matches for Kent.Matches between Tufnell's teams and a Lord's eleven were an annual event at Lord's betweeen the wars. One of his sons, Neville played as wicketkeeper for England in a test at The Wanderers' ground in 1909 when Hobbs and Sutcliffe put on 212 for the first wicket. This was to be his only cap, one of nine England wicketkeepers who have achieved this distinction.
There is an excellent tribute to Dick Sheepshanks on Reuter's website, 'The Baron'. He is buried in the family vault at Arthington Churchyard, within shouting distance of a loud 'howzat'from the cricket ground.
At Arthington yesterday conversation turned to Arthington Hall and the Sheepshanks family in whose possesion the hall has been since 1830. It was mentioned that a member of the family, Ernest Richard (Dick)Sheepshanks had played one match for Yorkshire, his only first class match and had been killed in the Spanish Civil War when acting as a war correspondent.
Dick was born in 1910 and was killed while reporting on the battle of Teruel for Reuter's on the last day of 1937 when a republican shell exploded in front of the car he was sharing with three other correspondents. What makes this tragic story remarkable is that there was one survivor, namely the communist spy Kim Philby. There was even a bizarre conspiracy theory put forward that Philby planted the bomb to kill Sheepshanks to prevent him blowing his cover.
Dick Sheepshanks' one first class match was in 1929 for Yorkshire against Cambridge University when batting after Mitchell, Oldroyd, Barber and Leyland he made 29.A nice coincidence is that Sheepshanks was in his first year at the university at the time but despite playing in the Freshers' match in '29 and the Seniors' match in '31 he never played for the university. This is surprising in that he certainly had the right pedigree having captained Eton successfully in 1928 when despite being over one hundred runs behind on first innings they fought back to win by 28 runs. The key partnership in Eton's second innings was between Sheepshanks and Ian Akers-Douglas who made 158. There is another somewhat ironic twist to this story in that Akers-Douglas too met a tragic end, killed by a shotgun accident at his home in Frant, near Tunbridge Wells in 1952. Like Sheepshanks, Akers- Douglas might have considered himself unlucky not to get his Oxford blue for he scored centuries in both the Seniors' and Freshers' matches.He was twelth man at Lords in 1930 and went on to play for Kent between 1932 and 1937.
Dick Sheepshanks' brother Charles also represented Eton at Lords, opening the batting in 1930. Dick had played as a fifteen year old at Lords in 1925 when he represented CF Tufnell's eleven against a Lord's XI. Carleton Fowell Tufnell (probably not related to Phil)had a typical upper class background for his time, including service in India and played seven first clas matches for Kent.Matches between Tufnell's teams and a Lord's eleven were an annual event at Lord's betweeen the wars. One of his sons, Neville played as wicketkeeper for England in a test at The Wanderers' ground in 1909 when Hobbs and Sutcliffe put on 212 for the first wicket. This was to be his only cap, one of nine England wicketkeepers who have achieved this distinction.
There is an excellent tribute to Dick Sheepshanks on Reuter's website, 'The Baron'. He is buried in the family vault at Arthington Churchyard, within shouting distance of a loud 'howzat'from the cricket ground.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Some ups and downs
posted by John Winn
I have in my possession some fixture cards which belonged to my father and they are a partial record of his time spent playing local cricket in County Durham and North Yorkshire. The oldest is for the 1932 season, a season which began on May 7th and ended on the last Saturday in August, just sixteen weeks. How times change! This blog reported on the season's opening league cricket in Yorkshire in the middle of April and as Tony reported earlier in the week Blackpool Ken has passed on information about a full programme in the Shropshire Senior League today. No need for the pcw to travel that far however, for cricket will continue at Arthington until the second week in October.
Today's game in the festival was between Arthington and The Jesters and pcws were there in force, including fellow bloggers Tony and Brian. The home team batted first and after a cautious start raised a respectable 160 off their forty overs. As Tony left at the tea interval to test his skill at pin the tail on the donkey Peter Davies and Mick Bourne arrived with Peter leading the way to the tea table. Good to have the chance to talk to him and share notes on strategies for surviving retirement. 'Watch cricket and then count the weeks until the next season'*. Simple.
After seeing The Jesters get off to a flying start I made the short journey to Harewood where St George's were entertaining Cookridge Hospital. After one over the players adjourned for tea, taken halfway through the second innings. After a chat with Ian Cockerill who intended to stay put and see the last overs of cricket at Harewood for this season, I made my way home.
If you were wondering what was the link between the title of this posting and its content then your patience has been rewarded. Yesterday's Darlington and Stockton Times rounded up the end of season cricket in three of the many leagues which have been covered on the blog this season: The NYSD, The Darlington and District and The Langbaurgh. Champions of The NYSD are Marton, runners up Hartlepool with Northallerton and Bishop Auckland relegated, to be replaced by Sedgefield and Thornaby.Bishop Auckland might feel somewhat unfortunate for they are the first team to be relegated without finishing bottom, a second relegation place having been inaugurated this year.Rockcliffe Park head The Darlington and District with Richmondshire and Barningham relegated and Middleton Tyas and Brompton on Swale promoted from Division B.Finally in The Langbaurgh League Hartlepool Power Station retained their title with East Harsley second.Crathorne and Norton are demoted to Division Two and they will be replaced by Stafford Place and Ingleby Greenhow.
* 26 by my reckoning
I have in my possession some fixture cards which belonged to my father and they are a partial record of his time spent playing local cricket in County Durham and North Yorkshire. The oldest is for the 1932 season, a season which began on May 7th and ended on the last Saturday in August, just sixteen weeks. How times change! This blog reported on the season's opening league cricket in Yorkshire in the middle of April and as Tony reported earlier in the week Blackpool Ken has passed on information about a full programme in the Shropshire Senior League today. No need for the pcw to travel that far however, for cricket will continue at Arthington until the second week in October.
Today's game in the festival was between Arthington and The Jesters and pcws were there in force, including fellow bloggers Tony and Brian. The home team batted first and after a cautious start raised a respectable 160 off their forty overs. As Tony left at the tea interval to test his skill at pin the tail on the donkey Peter Davies and Mick Bourne arrived with Peter leading the way to the tea table. Good to have the chance to talk to him and share notes on strategies for surviving retirement. 'Watch cricket and then count the weeks until the next season'*. Simple.
After seeing The Jesters get off to a flying start I made the short journey to Harewood where St George's were entertaining Cookridge Hospital. After one over the players adjourned for tea, taken halfway through the second innings. After a chat with Ian Cockerill who intended to stay put and see the last overs of cricket at Harewood for this season, I made my way home.
If you were wondering what was the link between the title of this posting and its content then your patience has been rewarded. Yesterday's Darlington and Stockton Times rounded up the end of season cricket in three of the many leagues which have been covered on the blog this season: The NYSD, The Darlington and District and The Langbaurgh. Champions of The NYSD are Marton, runners up Hartlepool with Northallerton and Bishop Auckland relegated, to be replaced by Sedgefield and Thornaby.Bishop Auckland might feel somewhat unfortunate for they are the first team to be relegated without finishing bottom, a second relegation place having been inaugurated this year.Rockcliffe Park head The Darlington and District with Richmondshire and Barningham relegated and Middleton Tyas and Brompton on Swale promoted from Division B.Finally in The Langbaurgh League Hartlepool Power Station retained their title with East Harsley second.Crathorne and Norton are demoted to Division Two and they will be replaced by Stafford Place and Ingleby Greenhow.
* 26 by my reckoning
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Arthington fixtures update
Posted by Tony Hutton
Managed to see a few overs at Arthington this afternoon in their game with Romany, in the company of my son and grandson, until interrupted by thunder, lightning and torrential downpour! Grandson very impressed with cricket and sound effects.
Remaining fixtures are as follows :-
Sat 24th September v The Jesters - 1.30
Sun 25th September v King James I (Bishop Auckland) - 1.30
Sat 1st October v The Hawks - 1.00
Sun 2nd October v Doghouse - 1.00
Sat 8th October v Cambridge Rd Methodists - 1.00
Sun 9th October v Hawksworth - 1.00
One of my Lancashire correspondents advises that the Little Lever CC (Bolton) T20 semi finals and final takes place next Sunday (25/9) with an early morning start, possibly 10.30.
I am also advised that the Aire/Wharfe 3rd XI play off final between Ilkley and Olicanian was called off today and an attempt will be made to play next Sunday (25/9)
probably at Olicanian's ground. Although as the two grounds are within sight of each other it won't really matter.
Blackpool Ken, who seems to be casting his net even wider, reports that there is a full programme of Shropshire Premier League fixtures on Saturday 24th September.
Hopefully the weather will return to its normal September and October excellence by then.
Friday, 16 September 2011
Winter Well
posted by john Winn
It was with mixed feelings yesterday morning that I made the journey for the second time this week to The Riverside. Even though we had known the day before that the title was beyond them I still wanted Durham to beat Worcestershire and thus gain their eighth victory of the championship campaign. Worcester, now safe from relegation at the start of play needed 359 to win with eight wickets in hand. To justify the 130 mile round trip, however, one doesn't want victory to come too soon , especially on such a lovely September day.
For the first hour Cameron and Ali made steady progress against the bowling of Onions and Thorpe but a change of attack precipitated another Worcestershire collapse, not quite as spectacular as Tuesday's but in relatively short time 128 for 2 became 213 all out. The initial strikes came from Claydon who removed Ali and Kervezee and the introduction of the spinners Blackwell and Borthwick meant that there were 8 down by lunch. Roach went first ball after the interval and although Richard Jones prolonged the inevitable with some bucolic blows off Blackwell by one 1:30 the Riverside season was over, Durham were top of the 'live table', albeit briefly, and 'winter well' was a phrase on many lips. Even the public address in thanking us for our support wished the decent crowd 'a comfortable winter': the kind of thing you might say to a hedgehog.
My friend Peter Sixsmith kindly gave me a lift to Durham station and a York train drew in as I reached the platform. This meant that I was home in time to see the last couple of hours of the battle for the championship on Sky TV. Sky tends to be a bit like Marmite, not many sit on the fence about it but would the BBC ever have had the means or the will to cover the last four days at Taunton and Southampton? I was a bit surprised that Sky put nearly all its eggs in The Rosebowl so that there were only two cameras at Taunton and Paul Allot had to describe Lancshire's triumph from the commentary box at The Rosebowl where he was one of a Sky team of least five, but perhaps I am being rather mean in making that criticism.
In my posting earlier in the week I expressed my concern at Warwickshire's 'cautious tactics' especially in not scoring more quickly on the second day.How they must regret this now. Like Tony I would like to add my congratulations to Lancashire, not least because the birthplaces of seven of the team have such a familiar Lancashire ring. Even followers from east of Todmorden might will take some pleasure from the fact that the eleven that completed the job yesterday included only two born outside the UK and not one designated as an 'overseas' player.
What of Durham? A poor August cost them the championship but 2011 marks their fourth top three finish in five years, by some way the most consistent team in the country. Four of the automatic choices of the current eleven are over 35, however, and Headingley does not have the monopoly on autumn rumours. Will Durham crowds see Steve Harmison in action again? He played only six championship matches this year but his strike rate was better than that of Onions, Claydon and Thorpe. Mark Davies is expected to announce his retirement, a very promising career blighted by numerous injuries,and there are rumours that Collingwood may be the next captain. Enough fodder to chew on there as the evenings draw in.
One last thought.In 1934 when Lancashire last won the title outright, 'Wisden' cost five shillings(25 pence), this year the cover price was £45. If Lancashire wait until 2088 for their next championship and the price of Wisden continues to rise at the same rate then the cricketers' almanac will then cost £8100.Watch this space.
It was with mixed feelings yesterday morning that I made the journey for the second time this week to The Riverside. Even though we had known the day before that the title was beyond them I still wanted Durham to beat Worcestershire and thus gain their eighth victory of the championship campaign. Worcester, now safe from relegation at the start of play needed 359 to win with eight wickets in hand. To justify the 130 mile round trip, however, one doesn't want victory to come too soon , especially on such a lovely September day.
For the first hour Cameron and Ali made steady progress against the bowling of Onions and Thorpe but a change of attack precipitated another Worcestershire collapse, not quite as spectacular as Tuesday's but in relatively short time 128 for 2 became 213 all out. The initial strikes came from Claydon who removed Ali and Kervezee and the introduction of the spinners Blackwell and Borthwick meant that there were 8 down by lunch. Roach went first ball after the interval and although Richard Jones prolonged the inevitable with some bucolic blows off Blackwell by one 1:30 the Riverside season was over, Durham were top of the 'live table', albeit briefly, and 'winter well' was a phrase on many lips. Even the public address in thanking us for our support wished the decent crowd 'a comfortable winter': the kind of thing you might say to a hedgehog.
My friend Peter Sixsmith kindly gave me a lift to Durham station and a York train drew in as I reached the platform. This meant that I was home in time to see the last couple of hours of the battle for the championship on Sky TV. Sky tends to be a bit like Marmite, not many sit on the fence about it but would the BBC ever have had the means or the will to cover the last four days at Taunton and Southampton? I was a bit surprised that Sky put nearly all its eggs in The Rosebowl so that there were only two cameras at Taunton and Paul Allot had to describe Lancshire's triumph from the commentary box at The Rosebowl where he was one of a Sky team of least five, but perhaps I am being rather mean in making that criticism.
In my posting earlier in the week I expressed my concern at Warwickshire's 'cautious tactics' especially in not scoring more quickly on the second day.How they must regret this now. Like Tony I would like to add my congratulations to Lancashire, not least because the birthplaces of seven of the team have such a familiar Lancashire ring. Even followers from east of Todmorden might will take some pleasure from the fact that the eleven that completed the job yesterday included only two born outside the UK and not one designated as an 'overseas' player.
What of Durham? A poor August cost them the championship but 2011 marks their fourth top three finish in five years, by some way the most consistent team in the country. Four of the automatic choices of the current eleven are over 35, however, and Headingley does not have the monopoly on autumn rumours. Will Durham crowds see Steve Harmison in action again? He played only six championship matches this year but his strike rate was better than that of Onions, Claydon and Thorpe. Mark Davies is expected to announce his retirement, a very promising career blighted by numerous injuries,and there are rumours that Collingwood may be the next captain. Enough fodder to chew on there as the evenings draw in.
One last thought.In 1934 when Lancashire last won the title outright, 'Wisden' cost five shillings(25 pence), this year the cover price was £45. If Lancashire wait until 2088 for their next championship and the price of Wisden continues to rise at the same rate then the cricketers' almanac will then cost £8100.Watch this space.
Well done Lancashire
Posted by Tony Hutton
It does not come naturally for any Yorkshireman to heap praise on Lancashire, but I think that yesterday's dramatic events at Taunton call for some reaction.
Watching events unfold over the last four days, thanks to Sky Sports, has been fascinating, as the games at the Riverside, The Rose Bowl and Taunton ebbed and flowed.
Lancashire have without doubt been the team of the season and have played positive cricket throughout, no doubt helped by playing all their home matches on out grounds with result pitches. Perhaps there is a message there for Yorkshire who could return to Harrogate, Abbeydale and Middlesborough.
However in the vital last matches, Warwickshire with whom I had a passing interest as a schoolboy, lacked that vital element or spark to take chances. Their substantial first innings score was compiled far too slowly and robbed them of the necessary time to bowl Hampshire out twice. The fact that their latest overseas import, Chanderpaul, played three big innings in recent weeks, was a big part in getting them near the title is in stark contrast to Lancashire.
For once they had a side with the majority of players being local lads and had little reliance on their overseas players. Of course we on this side of the Pennines will continue to remind them that two of their star men, Chapple and Keedy, are Yorkshiremen
That said Lancashire's positive approach to their last match, as it has all season, showed up Warwickshire's rather pedestrian style and they are worthy winners after all those years in the doldrums. So well done Lancashire and congratulations to all my many Lancashire friends who at long last can hold their heads up high and will no doubt continue to crow about their victory, and Yorkshire's relegation, throughout the long winter months ahead.
It does not come naturally for any Yorkshireman to heap praise on Lancashire, but I think that yesterday's dramatic events at Taunton call for some reaction.
Watching events unfold over the last four days, thanks to Sky Sports, has been fascinating, as the games at the Riverside, The Rose Bowl and Taunton ebbed and flowed.
Lancashire have without doubt been the team of the season and have played positive cricket throughout, no doubt helped by playing all their home matches on out grounds with result pitches. Perhaps there is a message there for Yorkshire who could return to Harrogate, Abbeydale and Middlesborough.
However in the vital last matches, Warwickshire with whom I had a passing interest as a schoolboy, lacked that vital element or spark to take chances. Their substantial first innings score was compiled far too slowly and robbed them of the necessary time to bowl Hampshire out twice. The fact that their latest overseas import, Chanderpaul, played three big innings in recent weeks, was a big part in getting them near the title is in stark contrast to Lancashire.
For once they had a side with the majority of players being local lads and had little reliance on their overseas players. Of course we on this side of the Pennines will continue to remind them that two of their star men, Chapple and Keedy, are Yorkshiremen
That said Lancashire's positive approach to their last match, as it has all season, showed up Warwickshire's rather pedestrian style and they are worthy winners after all those years in the doldrums. So well done Lancashire and congratulations to all my many Lancashire friends who at long last can hold their heads up high and will no doubt continue to crow about their victory, and Yorkshire's relegation, throughout the long winter months ahead.
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Championship goes to the wire again
posted by John Winn
Durham's virtually said goodbye to their hopes of a third title in four years when on Monday they were bowled out for 264 by Worcestershire at The Riverside thus surrendering three precious batting points.If they can beat Worcestershire then they retain a mathematical chance of the championship but not without events at Taunton and Southampton going in their favour.
Warwickshire's cautious tactics at The Rosebowl have made it almost impossible for them to lose their game with Hampshire but the same approach yielded just three batting points and may allow Lancashire to pip them at the post. For this to happen Lancashire must beat Somerset, an event which if still improbable, seems more likely now than it did twenty four hours ago.
Despite Monday's disappointing news from Chester le Street I travelled north yesterday in the hope that Durham's bowlers might make early inroads into Worcestershire's batting. Alas this was not to be, for the body language of the Durham players suggested that they knew they had blown their slim chances on Monday and that the fates were making doubly sure by denying Onions and Thorpe any fortune in the way of edges going to hand.Thus it was that Solanki and Cameron raised their second wicket stand to 138 before the latter was bowled by Blackwell but with tea taken at 255 for three it seemed almost certain that The Pears would get the 45 runs they need to effect a great escape that Steve McQueen would have been proud of. The game changed dramatically when Benkenstein belied his 37 years to remove Kervezee with a brilliant diving catch and the last six Worcestershire batsmen could only scrape 12 runs between them as Onions and Thorpe used the new ball to take the last five wickets for five runs. Last man out was West Indian Kemar Roach who joined Worcestershire in late August and has since taken 13 wickets. It was Roach who sealed Yorkshire's relegation when at 2:20 pm on Monday afternoon he sent Will Smith's middle stump cartwheeling.He will hope that his dismissal just short of the one point needed to send Hampshire down does not condemn his new county to join Yorkshire in Division Two next year.
If there is any prospect of a reasonably interesting day at The Riverside tomorrow then I shall return but for today I will content myself with watching events on Sky TV.If you were to pin me down then I would predict all three games ending in a draw and Warwickshire beating Lancashire to the title and Worcestershire getting the elusive point that slipped through their fingers yesterday.Don't go ringing your turf accountant however.
Durham's virtually said goodbye to their hopes of a third title in four years when on Monday they were bowled out for 264 by Worcestershire at The Riverside thus surrendering three precious batting points.If they can beat Worcestershire then they retain a mathematical chance of the championship but not without events at Taunton and Southampton going in their favour.
Warwickshire's cautious tactics at The Rosebowl have made it almost impossible for them to lose their game with Hampshire but the same approach yielded just three batting points and may allow Lancashire to pip them at the post. For this to happen Lancashire must beat Somerset, an event which if still improbable, seems more likely now than it did twenty four hours ago.
Despite Monday's disappointing news from Chester le Street I travelled north yesterday in the hope that Durham's bowlers might make early inroads into Worcestershire's batting. Alas this was not to be, for the body language of the Durham players suggested that they knew they had blown their slim chances on Monday and that the fates were making doubly sure by denying Onions and Thorpe any fortune in the way of edges going to hand.Thus it was that Solanki and Cameron raised their second wicket stand to 138 before the latter was bowled by Blackwell but with tea taken at 255 for three it seemed almost certain that The Pears would get the 45 runs they need to effect a great escape that Steve McQueen would have been proud of. The game changed dramatically when Benkenstein belied his 37 years to remove Kervezee with a brilliant diving catch and the last six Worcestershire batsmen could only scrape 12 runs between them as Onions and Thorpe used the new ball to take the last five wickets for five runs. Last man out was West Indian Kemar Roach who joined Worcestershire in late August and has since taken 13 wickets. It was Roach who sealed Yorkshire's relegation when at 2:20 pm on Monday afternoon he sent Will Smith's middle stump cartwheeling.He will hope that his dismissal just short of the one point needed to send Hampshire down does not condemn his new county to join Yorkshire in Division Two next year.
If there is any prospect of a reasonably interesting day at The Riverside tomorrow then I shall return but for today I will content myself with watching events on Sky TV.If you were to pin me down then I would predict all three games ending in a draw and Warwickshire beating Lancashire to the title and Worcestershire getting the elusive point that slipped through their fingers yesterday.Don't go ringing your turf accountant however.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Yorkshire save their best for last
Ballance and Bairstow leave the field after victory over Somerset at Headingley
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 10th September - Yorkshire v Somerset at Headingley (Day 4)
John Winn set the scene perfectly for Yorkshire's last day of the season. Although technically not yet relegated even a win would mean Worcester needing only one point from their game with Durham next week.
John's suggestion that what was needed this morning was an early burst by Ryan Sidebottom came true with a vengeance. With only four runs added to the overnight score of 124-6 Sidebottom bowling up the hill from the rugby stand end had Thomas caught at slip by Lyth. Next ball, the first of Shahzad's over, the second of the South African duo, Meschede, was clean bowled and Somerset were 130-8.
The next over by Sidebottom completed the rout. Kartik caught behind by Bairstow off the first ball and Kirby plumb lbw to the fifth and Somerset were all out for 132.
The relatively small Saturday crowd could hardly believe their eyes and the public address announcer got in a mess with how many wickets Sidebottom had taken. However he soon got his breath back to announce career best figures of 7-37 and a total of eleven wickets in the match.
So far so good, but could Yorkshire chase the fairly modest target of 203 or could that awful collapse against Kent exactly twelve months ago be repeated. Root and Sayers predictably started slowly against the hostile opening attack of Kirby and Thomas. Root then began to play his shots and hit eight fours in well constructed 46 before Thomas had him lbw for the second time. 85-1 and acting captain Sayers looking as though he was determined to see Yorkshire home.
However he soon lost Lyth to an impatient shot after making only three in thirty three balls. Suppiah taking a stunning diving catch at mid-on worthy of a top goalkeeper. Sayers soon followed, another good catch this time by Trego at slip off spinner Kartik. This brought together Anthony McGrath and Johnathon Bairstow at 103-3and the pessimistic among us thought could this be the start of a collapse.
After a hesitant start McGrath, after a poor run of form, started to play the shots we know he is capable of and Bairstow, fresh from the award of the Player of the Season at lunchtime was his usual confident self. After a few scares along the way, particularly when Kirby and Thomas returned for a final fling, this pair took Yorkshire to the verge of a famous victory. Three fours in an over by McGrath, not all going quite where intended, off the perspiring and angry Kirby, seemed to turn the tide.
Bairstow went to his fifty and a thousand Championship runs, before McGrath was out for 44 trying to hit the winning runs and Ballance came in to complete the job. Some may say too little too late but at least this victory will give Yorkshire heart for the battles to come in the second division against some new opponents next season.
The rumour mongers have been active all week, mainly with suggestions of which players may leave, but the evidence is there for all to see, there is talent in this squad of players, with more waiting in the wings after a successful season for the Academy. Alex Lees, 12th man in this match, must be one who will come into the reckoning. Clearly something is missing, whether it be concentration, commitment or discipline and perhaps better leadership might be the key.
What else can be said other than this was Sidebottom's match. Eleven wickets and 27 valuable runs in the first innings. will have many people who expressed doubts regarding his re-signing (myself included) eating their words.
A rainbow at the end
posted by John Winn
For reasons that will become apparent I decided to stay close to home yesterday and began by making the short trip to St George's Road, Harrogate for a first eleven match against Castleford. This was my first visit to Harrogate this season and therefore my first opportunity to see the new club house and changing rooms which serve both the main and secondary grounds. Although the new building does not fall within my definition of a 'pavilion' it is nevertheless a fine addition to the facilities.Despite this I still feel rather sad when visiting St George's Road for I remember being part of the large crowd that attended the penultimate county championship match played there in 1995 when Yorkshire overwhelmed Durham. It is, I think, safe to assume that such days will never return to this part of Yorkshire.
Harrogate were hoping to end the season by completing a fourth successive victory but it was not to be for they were bowled out for 139 with John Proud top scoring with 37. Curiously the ten dismissals included four lbws and two run outs. Castleford reached this modest target with 3 wickets to spare, a result that leaves both teams in the middle of the final table.
The secondary ground had more exhilarating fare on offer with Harrogate Strays entertaining Knareborough Forest in a local derby which for the visitors was of the greater moment. Victory would give them the possibility of promotion to Division One of The Nidderdale League and scoring at just under seven an over they rattled up 311 for 8 in their 45 overs which proved much too much for the Strays who managed only 76 in reply. Alas for Forest other results did not go in their favour and they will not accompany Spofforth into Division One next season.
From Harrogate I made the short trip to Knaresborough CC where the visitors were Bolton Villas, former stalwarts of the Bradford Central League until their election to the Aire-Wharfe in 2000. I caught the tail end of the home teams innings which closed on 169 for 9 to which 'Villas' replied with 147 for 6.
On my way back I popped in at Whixley , little more than a mile from my house and the fourth different league of the afternoon (Wetherby). Here the players were just leaving the field for tea with Whixley 158 all out against Sicklinghall. The visitors got home comfortably by six wickets, enough to secure promotion to Division One by the narrowest of margins.
Finally I turned up at Ouseburn CC where end of season celebratory barbecue was in full swing in recognition of the first eleven's first ever championship of the Nidderdale league. A second team match was in progress against Markington for whom opener Tom Lloyd had scored 120 in a total of 280 for 6. OCC had a good go at chasing this daunting total but fell 34 for short with 5 wickets down. The last over was played in pouring rain but with the sun shining through and a rainbow arched over the village. It reminded several of us of a one day international against Australia at The Oval in 1977 when the England fielders stayed on in heavy rain. It all made for a memorable end to my league cricket watching for the season. And the barbecue was splendid too!
For reasons that will become apparent I decided to stay close to home yesterday and began by making the short trip to St George's Road, Harrogate for a first eleven match against Castleford. This was my first visit to Harrogate this season and therefore my first opportunity to see the new club house and changing rooms which serve both the main and secondary grounds. Although the new building does not fall within my definition of a 'pavilion' it is nevertheless a fine addition to the facilities.Despite this I still feel rather sad when visiting St George's Road for I remember being part of the large crowd that attended the penultimate county championship match played there in 1995 when Yorkshire overwhelmed Durham. It is, I think, safe to assume that such days will never return to this part of Yorkshire.
Harrogate were hoping to end the season by completing a fourth successive victory but it was not to be for they were bowled out for 139 with John Proud top scoring with 37. Curiously the ten dismissals included four lbws and two run outs. Castleford reached this modest target with 3 wickets to spare, a result that leaves both teams in the middle of the final table.
The secondary ground had more exhilarating fare on offer with Harrogate Strays entertaining Knareborough Forest in a local derby which for the visitors was of the greater moment. Victory would give them the possibility of promotion to Division One of The Nidderdale League and scoring at just under seven an over they rattled up 311 for 8 in their 45 overs which proved much too much for the Strays who managed only 76 in reply. Alas for Forest other results did not go in their favour and they will not accompany Spofforth into Division One next season.
From Harrogate I made the short trip to Knaresborough CC where the visitors were Bolton Villas, former stalwarts of the Bradford Central League until their election to the Aire-Wharfe in 2000. I caught the tail end of the home teams innings which closed on 169 for 9 to which 'Villas' replied with 147 for 6.
On my way back I popped in at Whixley , little more than a mile from my house and the fourth different league of the afternoon (Wetherby). Here the players were just leaving the field for tea with Whixley 158 all out against Sicklinghall. The visitors got home comfortably by six wickets, enough to secure promotion to Division One by the narrowest of margins.
Finally I turned up at Ouseburn CC where end of season celebratory barbecue was in full swing in recognition of the first eleven's first ever championship of the Nidderdale league. A second team match was in progress against Markington for whom opener Tom Lloyd had scored 120 in a total of 280 for 6. OCC had a good go at chasing this daunting total but fell 34 for short with 5 wickets down. The last over was played in pouring rain but with the sun shining through and a rainbow arched over the village. It reminded several of us of a one day international against Australia at The Oval in 1977 when the England fielders stayed on in heavy rain. It all made for a memorable end to my league cricket watching for the season. And the barbecue was splendid too!
Saturday, 10 September 2011
If ifs and buts.......
Posted by John Winn
Travelling to Headingley on Wednesday morning the man opposite me on the train was holding a conversation on his mobile phone along the lines of ...'it will happen sooner or later, probably sooner and if the weather is OK then it will probably be on Friday so if you don't want to be there when it happens then you had better come tomorrow.'It would not have taken Simon Hughes to know what 'it' was but if there was any doubt then this was dispelled when the train stopped at Burley Park and the speaker alighted and turned to walk up the hill towards the cricket ground.
Writing this on Saturday morning 'it' hasn't happened yet and there is the slenderest chance that 'it' might not happen today but I advise any readers to brace themselves before reading the next sentence. Yorkshire's relegation may well be confirmed today, there I've said it. The supreme optimists among our readers will be considering the impact of a Yorkshire win today coupled with a Worcestershire loss and the possibility that 'The Pears' will get no points at The Riverside next week for those three things need to happen for Division One Cricket to be played at Headingley and Scarborough in 2012.'Nuff said'.
After the frustrations of Wednesday's and Thursday's showers and the frequent interruptions to play they caused, yesterday gave us a full day's play with, at times, some warm sunshine.Considering the situation Yorkshire supporters assembled in good numbers only to be let down by their batsmen who for the fourth time this season failed to get any bonus points.Spirits were lifted either side of tea when Sidebottom swept aside Somerset's inexperienced top order but two South Africans, Thomas and Meschede, will resume their partnership this morning with a lead of 194, just one less than Yorkshire's first innings total.An early burst from Sidebottom in what it seems likely will be seam friendly conditions and Yorkshire might still find themselves chasing a gettable fourth innings total. Let's hope so and let's hope they make a decent fist of it and reward those who turn up more in hope than expectation.
Just to tidy up Warwickshire are the 2011 Second Eleven Champions and look likely to add the County Championship to that next week.Warwickshire II beat Glamorgan II by six wickets yesterday.
Travelling to Headingley on Wednesday morning the man opposite me on the train was holding a conversation on his mobile phone along the lines of ...'it will happen sooner or later, probably sooner and if the weather is OK then it will probably be on Friday so if you don't want to be there when it happens then you had better come tomorrow.'It would not have taken Simon Hughes to know what 'it' was but if there was any doubt then this was dispelled when the train stopped at Burley Park and the speaker alighted and turned to walk up the hill towards the cricket ground.
Writing this on Saturday morning 'it' hasn't happened yet and there is the slenderest chance that 'it' might not happen today but I advise any readers to brace themselves before reading the next sentence. Yorkshire's relegation may well be confirmed today, there I've said it. The supreme optimists among our readers will be considering the impact of a Yorkshire win today coupled with a Worcestershire loss and the possibility that 'The Pears' will get no points at The Riverside next week for those three things need to happen for Division One Cricket to be played at Headingley and Scarborough in 2012.'Nuff said'.
After the frustrations of Wednesday's and Thursday's showers and the frequent interruptions to play they caused, yesterday gave us a full day's play with, at times, some warm sunshine.Considering the situation Yorkshire supporters assembled in good numbers only to be let down by their batsmen who for the fourth time this season failed to get any bonus points.Spirits were lifted either side of tea when Sidebottom swept aside Somerset's inexperienced top order but two South Africans, Thomas and Meschede, will resume their partnership this morning with a lead of 194, just one less than Yorkshire's first innings total.An early burst from Sidebottom in what it seems likely will be seam friendly conditions and Yorkshire might still find themselves chasing a gettable fourth innings total. Let's hope so and let's hope they make a decent fist of it and reward those who turn up more in hope than expectation.
Just to tidy up Warwickshire are the 2011 Second Eleven Champions and look likely to add the County Championship to that next week.Warwickshire II beat Glamorgan II by six wickets yesterday.
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Glorious Devon
posted by John Winn
Devon became Minor Counties Champions yesterday when they beat Cambridgeshire by 170 runs at March Town CC. Set 242 to win the host county were skittled for just 72.
Devon became Minor Counties Champions yesterday when they beat Cambridgeshire by 170 runs at March Town CC. Set 242 to win the host county were skittled for just 72.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Young ones provide great entertainment
Grammar School at Leeds celebrate victory at New Rover
Posted by Tony Hutton
Monday 5th September
David English/Bunbury under 12 Yorkshire cup final at New Rover CC, Leeds.
The first of two schools finals to be played at New Rover this week was between the Grammar School at Leeds and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield. Most of the pre-match speculation had been about the uncertain nature of the start time.
However 12 noon, as advised by New Rover secretary, Mel Reuben, proved to be correct.
Unfortunately a very heavy shower just before twelve meant that the actual start became 1 p.m. However once under way the game was played out for the full 30 overs per side.
Both sides had come through five earlier rounds to reach the final. QUEGS batting first and put on 46 for the first wicket, with captain Harry Clibbens monopolising the scoring.
Clibbens was eventually out for 52 after a good partnership with number three George Charnock who made 39. At 93-3 QUEGS looked set for a big score but Leeds fought back well and the middle order collapse saw the score slump to 99-7, thanks to some good bowling from Winter and Winterbottom who both took two wickets.
It was left to number eight Thomas Macrow to rescue QUEGS. He made a fine 27 not out in a 47 partnership with Bennett for the eighth wicket. Final score 144-7.
After a fine spread at the tea interval, surprisingly the young lads did not finish all the food and it was left to the elderly cricket watchers to finish it off !
Leeds played cautiously at first against the accurate opening attack, but after the early loss of opener Dracup a good partnership between Oliver Robinson and Rahul Shah gradually increased the rate. When Robinson was out for a fine 54 at 89-2, the required rate was around six per over and despite the loss of two more wickets Shah took over and hit the winning four off the penultimate ball of the last over, to finish on 64 not out.
So a thrilling finish and full credit to both side for a really entertaining afternoon's cricket. The bowling was very varied with a good mixture of pace and spin, the fielding and throwing was excellent and we saw three good fifties from the batsmen. Thanks to Harold Galley, the hard working Yorkshire school's secretary, who produced a very informative programme yet again.
The individual trophies and the cup were presented by Yorkshire Academy's star batsman Alex Lees, who recently made his first team debut. Lots of proud parents, and grandparents, gathered round to take pictures and everyone agreed that we had been right royally entertained.
Updates
posted by John Winn
Woodhouses is a small village club between Manchester and Oldham and it is where Mike Atherton began his career. It now has another claim to fame for on Sunday it beat Sussex club Rottingdean in a rain affected Village Cup Final at Lords. The game was reduced to a ten over match with Woodhouses posting 112 for 1 to which Rottingdean replied with 54 for 8.
The Minor Counties Championship Final reaches the third of its allocated four days today. The match between Cambridgeshire and Devon is being played at March Town and at close of play yesterday Cambridge were 179 for 8 in reply to Devon's 228 (which included a six run penalty for the home team's slow over rate). Top scorer for Cambridgeshire was Nick Ferraby continuing the good form he showed for MCC in their match against the Nidderdale League at Burton Leonard last week.
Today sees the first day of the Second Eleven Championship final at Coventry and North Warwickshire. The start was delayed by thirty minutes and Notts II won the toss and asked Glamorgan to bat. The Glamorgan website looks as though it could be a good place to keep up with this one.
Finally if you are depressed by Yorkshire's prospects of avoiding relegation you may find some comfort in the comments of Sussex supporters on 'The Argus' website (the local paper in Brighton). They are very critical of the club, the players and Cricket Manager, former Yorkshire player,Mark Robinson.If a county's prospects can be judged by the mood of its supporters Sussex are very much part of the battle to stay in division one.
Woodhouses is a small village club between Manchester and Oldham and it is where Mike Atherton began his career. It now has another claim to fame for on Sunday it beat Sussex club Rottingdean in a rain affected Village Cup Final at Lords. The game was reduced to a ten over match with Woodhouses posting 112 for 1 to which Rottingdean replied with 54 for 8.
The Minor Counties Championship Final reaches the third of its allocated four days today. The match between Cambridgeshire and Devon is being played at March Town and at close of play yesterday Cambridge were 179 for 8 in reply to Devon's 228 (which included a six run penalty for the home team's slow over rate). Top scorer for Cambridgeshire was Nick Ferraby continuing the good form he showed for MCC in their match against the Nidderdale League at Burton Leonard last week.
Today sees the first day of the Second Eleven Championship final at Coventry and North Warwickshire. The start was delayed by thirty minutes and Notts II won the toss and asked Glamorgan to bat. The Glamorgan website looks as though it could be a good place to keep up with this one.
Finally if you are depressed by Yorkshire's prospects of avoiding relegation you may find some comfort in the comments of Sussex supporters on 'The Argus' website (the local paper in Brighton). They are very critical of the club, the players and Cricket Manager, former Yorkshire player,Mark Robinson.If a county's prospects can be judged by the mood of its supporters Sussex are very much part of the battle to stay in division one.
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Yorkshire Academy finishing the season in style
Posted by Tony Hutton
Yorkshire Academy v Scarborough (Yorkshire Premier League Cup Final) at Weetwood
A large crowd gathered at Weetwood, including many who had made the journey from the seaside through torrential rain in the York area. The Academy are really finishing the season on a roll, having beaten league champions elect York twice in recent weeks, they won away at Sheffield United on Monday and again at Castleford yesterday.
Not to be forgotten also many of the team were involved in Yorkshire's splendid national Under 17 county championship win at Leicester against Surrey on Friday.
Chasing Surrey's 325 they won in style by six wickets, with George Ross making a century. I only discovered the result on arrival at Weetwood, due to the sad lack of news in the press or any website.
However back to today, Scarborough batted first and Wainman was fit again to open the bowling with skipper John Blain, although Alex Lilley was still unfit. Blain got rid of dangerman Harland early on and the other opener Simpson was caught behind off Ben Coad for 23. Wicket keeper Tennant with 31, Lincolnshire Minor Counties player Bansil also 31 and skipper Rinke 21, all fell when they looked likely to stay longer.
So from 105-3 wickets began to fall with great regularity against some accurate bowling from all the Academy bowlers. Coad had the best figures of 3-17, but five different bowlers all took a wicket each and Scarborough's lack of scoring power is shown by the fact that there were no less than twelve maiden overs when the innings closed at 157-9 after fifty overs.
The weather improved from cloudy to bright sunshine as the Academy, as they have done so often recently, knocked off the runs with great ease. The power of Alex Lees, with over 800 league runs behind him, and the deft touches of James Tattersall, much younger and smaller, put on a match winning partnership of 142.
Scarborough's total was passed in only 28.3 overs with Lees 90 not out after another 90 at Castleford yesterday. Tattersall who starred with his spin bowling with five wickets yesterday, was out for 44 - yet another mature innings from the youngster.
Lees hit nine fours and three sixes into the woods at the far end.
So still in bright sunshine, John Blain was presented with the huge Solly Sports Cup by league secretary Colin Adamson and the large crowd gathered round the presentation area to take pictures of the winning side. As somebody said 'not bad two trophies in three days'. So Yorkshire's excellent batch of young players have brought some silverware to the club in a season which in other respects has been so dissappointing.
Adel try to escape the drop
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 3rd September
Adel v Collingham (Airedale and Wharfedale League)
Still unable to travel far from home, so very envious of Brian Sanderson's visit to the Esk Valley League. The game at Adel was very important for the home side lying next to the bottom of the league at the start of the day.
When I arrived the visitors were already 20-3 and Adel's Australian pace bowler Brad Robertson had taken all three. Opening bat Swain made 25 and number five Fairbank 21, but they were the only batsmen to reach double figures.
They reached their high point on 65-4, but the remaining six wickets fell for only eight more runs. Robertson finished with his best figures of the season with 6-22.
There were also two nonsensical run outs and Collingham looked to be just going through the motions with nothing at stake for them. All out 73.
Fortunately the tea had already been laid and it needed only a quick brew up for the earlist tea of the season at about half past two. The spectators, which suprisingly consisted of more from Collingham than from Adel, began making plans for an early finish.
This duly arrive by five minutes to four when Adel completed a very easy victory by six wickets, despite one or two unusual umpiring decisions. Stuart Howie top scored with 34 not out and the only bowler to achieve success was spinner Toby Jacklin, former Cambridge blue, who took all four wicket to fall for 27 runs.
Later in the day we learned that Adel's closest relegation rivals, Green Lane, had lost so Adel leap frogged over them out of the relegation places by just one point.
So, as with last season, Adel's fate depends on the last match of the season next Saturday at Beckwithshaw, the same venue as last season when the also just avoided relegation.
The other coincidence is that Green Lane have to travel to Collingham, so Adel will hope they put up a better show than they did today. However there was some good news in the fact that Adel's 2nd team clinched their league trophy - quite an achievement and possibly some of these players may be promoted next season. In addition the third eleven have won their section of the Sunday league and will be involved in the play-offs next weekend.
SUNSHINE IN RAWTENSTALL
By Brian Sanderson,
Looking at the BBC. weather forecast I decided to go to the Lancashire rather than to Wickersley.Bob Procter had not watched a match at Rawtenstall and who,s ground is situated on Bacup Road.They were playing Enfield and both sides were middle of the table.Since I had visited the ground a new clubhouse has been built and also a new refreshment shed.One disappointment in the clubhouse was there were no old pictures of the players or teams.
There were pools of water on old bowlers foot marks but with the help of the sun and sawdust they started at 1.00p.m.Enfield won the toss and bowled on a green wicket.
There was a slow start but soon wickets started to fall including Rawtenstall professional.He is a Sri Lankan named Nilantha Cooray who has not been resigned for next year yet.He was run out when the other batsman refused to run for a impossible single.He walked slowly off looking at the other batsman.Enfield professional Werner Coetsee bowled spin for the full innings taking three wickets for nineteen runs.
Rawtenstall were bowled out for 97 but the sun was shining.
We decided to watch the start of Enfield innings.They also struggled but The professional took control.We watched Cooray bowl one over of spin and decided to go to Todmorden. It this stage Enfield wanted forty runs to win with only one wicket down.I found at home they won by eight wickets.
Moving on to Todmorden who were playing Lowerhouse who needed seven points to win the league.When we arrived Lowerhouse had scored 127 with Todmorden professional taking six wickets for fifty-five in twenty five overs.Good bowling.Todmorden had lost three wickets for nineteen including the professional. There was a large crowd and had been drinking all afternoon which pleased Todmorden Committee.We stopped about one hour and saw four more wickets fall.Todmorden were bowled out for eighty-two with Lowerhouse winning the League.More beer would be drunk.
A good day in sunshine with good company.A day to remember in a dark day in February watching football on the television.
Looking at the BBC. weather forecast I decided to go to the Lancashire rather than to Wickersley.Bob Procter had not watched a match at Rawtenstall and who,s ground is situated on Bacup Road.They were playing Enfield and both sides were middle of the table.Since I had visited the ground a new clubhouse has been built and also a new refreshment shed.One disappointment in the clubhouse was there were no old pictures of the players or teams.
There were pools of water on old bowlers foot marks but with the help of the sun and sawdust they started at 1.00p.m.Enfield won the toss and bowled on a green wicket.
There was a slow start but soon wickets started to fall including Rawtenstall professional.He is a Sri Lankan named Nilantha Cooray who has not been resigned for next year yet.He was run out when the other batsman refused to run for a impossible single.He walked slowly off looking at the other batsman.Enfield professional Werner Coetsee bowled spin for the full innings taking three wickets for nineteen runs.
Rawtenstall were bowled out for 97 but the sun was shining.
We decided to watch the start of Enfield innings.They also struggled but The professional took control.We watched Cooray bowl one over of spin and decided to go to Todmorden. It this stage Enfield wanted forty runs to win with only one wicket down.I found at home they won by eight wickets.
Moving on to Todmorden who were playing Lowerhouse who needed seven points to win the league.When we arrived Lowerhouse had scored 127 with Todmorden professional taking six wickets for fifty-five in twenty five overs.Good bowling.Todmorden had lost three wickets for nineteen including the professional. There was a large crowd and had been drinking all afternoon which pleased Todmorden Committee.We stopped about one hour and saw four more wickets fall.Todmorden were bowled out for eighty-two with Lowerhouse winning the League.More beer would be drunk.
A good day in sunshine with good company.A day to remember in a dark day in February watching football on the television.
Disappointed in Derbyshire
Posted by John Winn
A family celebration took my wife and me to her home village of Tideswell near Buxton today. Reading the 'Village Voice' I noted that Tideswell CC were due to play a team from the Manchester area in a friendly match this afternoon. So after lunch we strolled down to the cricket ground only to find the square roped off and a distinct end of season feeling in the air. The article from which I had drawn the information about today's intended game lamented that there had been a number of fixtures cancelled lately because opponents could not raise an eleven. A look at Tideswell's website reveals that they only play friendly cricket restricted to Sunday fixtures. It looks as though today's fixture had joined the list of cancellations and it is puzzling to me ,that Tideswell, a village of more than 1500 population should not play league cricket. Enquiries will be made.
There is an thriving league in the area. 'The Yorkshire and Derbyshire League' this season welcomed 6 new teams and 5 new clubs to 'boost numbers' to record levels. The 5 divisions cover 56 teams spread over Sheffield, North East Derbyshire and The Peak District.
In today's Observer a back page article by Vic Marks describes a 'gripping climax to the county season' with the championship, promotion and relegation issues still in the balance with two rounds of matches to go. Marks is a staunch champion of the county championship and in his article says that the 'two men and a dog' image of county cricket is unfair and that decent crowds do attend the matches whether at 'Worcester or Taunton, Liverpool or Headingley.'The photograph accompanying the article is of just such 'a decent crowd' at Scarborough for the match against Worcestershire in July. There is a degree of irony in the choice of photograph because it is of the popular side, probably the least tenanted part of the ground. Indeed one can imagine some editors using the same photograph to make just the opposite point. Marks also writes in The Guardian, The Observer's sister paper, whose coverage of county cricket in general and the championship in particular, is very poor. Perhaps Victor might have a word with his sports editor and point out to him or her just how fascinating a prospect the next two weeks hold.
A family celebration took my wife and me to her home village of Tideswell near Buxton today. Reading the 'Village Voice' I noted that Tideswell CC were due to play a team from the Manchester area in a friendly match this afternoon. So after lunch we strolled down to the cricket ground only to find the square roped off and a distinct end of season feeling in the air. The article from which I had drawn the information about today's intended game lamented that there had been a number of fixtures cancelled lately because opponents could not raise an eleven. A look at Tideswell's website reveals that they only play friendly cricket restricted to Sunday fixtures. It looks as though today's fixture had joined the list of cancellations and it is puzzling to me ,that Tideswell, a village of more than 1500 population should not play league cricket. Enquiries will be made.
There is an thriving league in the area. 'The Yorkshire and Derbyshire League' this season welcomed 6 new teams and 5 new clubs to 'boost numbers' to record levels. The 5 divisions cover 56 teams spread over Sheffield, North East Derbyshire and The Peak District.
In today's Observer a back page article by Vic Marks describes a 'gripping climax to the county season' with the championship, promotion and relegation issues still in the balance with two rounds of matches to go. Marks is a staunch champion of the county championship and in his article says that the 'two men and a dog' image of county cricket is unfair and that decent crowds do attend the matches whether at 'Worcester or Taunton, Liverpool or Headingley.'The photograph accompanying the article is of just such 'a decent crowd' at Scarborough for the match against Worcestershire in July. There is a degree of irony in the choice of photograph because it is of the popular side, probably the least tenanted part of the ground. Indeed one can imagine some editors using the same photograph to make just the opposite point. Marks also writes in The Guardian, The Observer's sister paper, whose coverage of county cricket in general and the championship in particular, is very poor. Perhaps Victor might have a word with his sports editor and point out to him or her just how fascinating a prospect the next two weeks hold.
Saturday, 3 September 2011
VISITING ALL ESKDALE CRICKET LEAGUE
By Brian Sanderson,
After reading Tony Hutton visit to the above League some years ago,it has been my wish to visit the grounds.To-day I set-off at 8.30A.M and picked you the two Ronnies to visit all the grounds.Ron Deaton had done extensive research to find where the grounds were and the fixtures.In the Whitby Gazette for Friday , it gave the League table.The winner was Fryup and Mulgrave second.
The first ground we visited was Goatland which is situated behind a pub near a garage which is featured in T.V. show Heartbeat.They were playing Sleights this afternoon.
Second ground was Glaisdale were they were having yearly fare on the cricket ground.It is situated behind some houses and the ground can be entered by a gate next to a house garden.I parked the car next to the local shop and near the train station.
Third ground was Lealholm which entered through a lane opposite a small car park and next to bed and breakfast house.There were some train seats out side the pavilion and Ron Stansfield said they were very comfortable.
Fourth ground was Fryup.There is no village of this name put is found in the Great Fryup valley.The ground has excellent views but a poor pavilion.We found a stone roller with Fryup C.C. dated 1930.However they won the league.Where do the players come from?.
Fifth ground was Mulgrave which is situated in the village of Lyth.It is a new pavilion and we decided to have our sandwichs there.When we were eating the groundsman arrived and shown us in side the pavilion.It was built for £7000,000 and was money well spent.Most of the money came from the Football fund.
Sixth ground was Sleights who were playing Goatland who were bottom of the league.The ground is situated next to the river and has another new pavilion.We spoke to the Goatland opening bowler.His comment was that cricket was rubbish and football was his game.Good start talking to the players.
Seventh ground was Grosmont which is situated next to the railway station.They were playing Mulgrave and we meet their groundsman again.They lost seven wickets while we were there with two excellent catches.
Eight ground was Danby who were playing Lealholm who were batting.The ground is situated at the end of a country lane and one of the tea ladies said they did not get many visitors.No wonder if you did not know were the ground was you would not find it.
Ninth ground was Castleton who were down to play Fryup however the fixture was cancelled.Fryup had already won the League.
Tenth and last ground of the League was Westerdale who were playing Glaisdale.The home side had scored over 200 in the forty overs and tea was just finishing.The rain started to fall but they still carried on playing while we had tea including chocolate cake.After tea we decided to move on to a drier ground.
After passing through heavy rain and low clound we arrived at Pickering who were playing Hornsea.It was dark but no rain yet.The ground is next to the football pitch just off the main Malton road.After about fifteen minutes it started to rain.So ended our trip.
Mick Bourne and Brian Senior went last week when all the fixtures were rained off.
He telephoned me last Monday night and advised me not to go because of the difficulty finding the grounds.However Ron Deaton did a find job and sat-nev us to all the grounds.
Arrived home at 8.00P.M after a excellent day and a wish come true to visit all the Eskdale grounds.
After reading Tony Hutton visit to the above League some years ago,it has been my wish to visit the grounds.To-day I set-off at 8.30A.M and picked you the two Ronnies to visit all the grounds.Ron Deaton had done extensive research to find where the grounds were and the fixtures.In the Whitby Gazette for Friday , it gave the League table.The winner was Fryup and Mulgrave second.
The first ground we visited was Goatland which is situated behind a pub near a garage which is featured in T.V. show Heartbeat.They were playing Sleights this afternoon.
Second ground was Glaisdale were they were having yearly fare on the cricket ground.It is situated behind some houses and the ground can be entered by a gate next to a house garden.I parked the car next to the local shop and near the train station.
Third ground was Lealholm which entered through a lane opposite a small car park and next to bed and breakfast house.There were some train seats out side the pavilion and Ron Stansfield said they were very comfortable.
Fourth ground was Fryup.There is no village of this name put is found in the Great Fryup valley.The ground has excellent views but a poor pavilion.We found a stone roller with Fryup C.C. dated 1930.However they won the league.Where do the players come from?.
Fifth ground was Mulgrave which is situated in the village of Lyth.It is a new pavilion and we decided to have our sandwichs there.When we were eating the groundsman arrived and shown us in side the pavilion.It was built for £7000,000 and was money well spent.Most of the money came from the Football fund.
Sixth ground was Sleights who were playing Goatland who were bottom of the league.The ground is situated next to the river and has another new pavilion.We spoke to the Goatland opening bowler.His comment was that cricket was rubbish and football was his game.Good start talking to the players.
Seventh ground was Grosmont which is situated next to the railway station.They were playing Mulgrave and we meet their groundsman again.They lost seven wickets while we were there with two excellent catches.
Eight ground was Danby who were playing Lealholm who were batting.The ground is situated at the end of a country lane and one of the tea ladies said they did not get many visitors.No wonder if you did not know were the ground was you would not find it.
Ninth ground was Castleton who were down to play Fryup however the fixture was cancelled.Fryup had already won the League.
Tenth and last ground of the League was Westerdale who were playing Glaisdale.The home side had scored over 200 in the forty overs and tea was just finishing.The rain started to fall but they still carried on playing while we had tea including chocolate cake.After tea we decided to move on to a drier ground.
After passing through heavy rain and low clound we arrived at Pickering who were playing Hornsea.It was dark but no rain yet.The ground is next to the football pitch just off the main Malton road.After about fifteen minutes it started to rain.So ended our trip.
Mick Bourne and Brian Senior went last week when all the fixtures were rained off.
He telephoned me last Monday night and advised me not to go because of the difficulty finding the grounds.However Ron Deaton did a find job and sat-nev us to all the grounds.
Arrived home at 8.00P.M after a excellent day and a wish come true to visit all the Eskdale grounds.
Friday, 2 September 2011
Yorkshire seconds cruise to victory
One of the highlights of the game was regular cricket watcher John Taplin passing on words of wisdom to the England Under 18 hockey squad training nearby
Posted by Tony Hutton
Yorkshire 2nd XI v MCC Young Cricketers (Weetwood) - day three.
Yorkshire's last wicket pair added a few more runs this morning and set MCC the not too challenging target of 237 to win. A good crowd had gathered in fine weather, which improved as the day went on. Most of us anticipated a good day's cricket with possibly a close finish around tea time.
However our hopes were very soon dashed when the visitors slumped to 0 for 2 and then 7-3 to the opening spell from Wardlaw (two wickets) and Hannon-Dolby (one).
There was a brief recovery by Hose (23) and Ballard before Hose gave Brophy his third catch behind the stumps, again off Wardlaw. Clarke and Marsh (we think the son of former Kent wicket keeper Steve Marsh) both followed quickly and at lunch the score was 90-6 with Ballard still there.
At this point many of the spectators left for pastures new - mainly to Headingley where the final of the Greyfox Trophy for club sides of over fifties was taking place at 1 p.m. However the game at Weetwood did last for another hour or so, and when Ballard was out for a grafting top score of 44, this time caught Wardlaw bowled Jackson, number nine Dobb took up the challenge.
He hit a quick 35 not out of only 17 balls with five fours and a six, but it was all in vain as Wardlaw and Randhawa finished off the tail and Yorkshire had won by 74 runs mid way through the afternoon, when of course the weather was at it's best.
Wardlaw took the brunt of Dobb's assault and in the end his five wickets cost him 82 runs off only eleven overs. Randhawa had figures of 2-16 and all the other bowlers had one wicket each. So a useful work out for some of Yorkshire's youngsters, but it has to be said not much of performance from many of the visitors' side.
The chief exception being the South African Chad Barrett with 63 in the first innings and splendid figures of 5-35 in Yorkshire's second innings.
Finally thanks to John Winn for his exclusive revelation of the day one score at Leicester, no mention in the press or on either of the county websites although Surrey did at least have a preview of the game. All that remains now is what might be a long wait to discover the result of the game today.
Also a further word of caution for those planning to visit the two school finals at New Rover CC next Monday and Thursday. Despite YCB website saying Monday's game starts at 1.30 I have received an e-mail from the New Rover secretary which says that both games are due to start at 12 noon.
MCC and Grace (Road)
posted by John Winn
In 1994 as part of their centenary celebrations The Nidderdale Amateur Cricket League played an MCC XI at Dacre Banks. Sine then the match has been an annual fixture and this year was hosted by Burton Leonard CC near Ripon. As far back as 1850 the cricketing activities of BLCC were recorded in the 'Leeds Intelligencer' and a photograph in the pavilion shows 'Burton Leonard and Copgrove' as winners of The Ripon League in 1897. This league was short lived and the Burton Leonard club itself was dissolved in 1929 but reformed in 1947 and joined the NACL in 1949.They moved to their present ground in 1966 and currently run two teams in the league with the first eleven mid table in Divison One.
I was part of a decent crowd that assembled for the 11:30 start on Wednesday with MCC invited to bat in a 'time match', something of a rarity in club cricket these days.The league eleven was captained by Olly Uffindall, captain of champions elect, Ouseburn CC.
Star performer for MCC was former Leicestershire player Nick Ferraby, who plays his league cricket for Oxford CC in the Home Counties Premier League and is also part of the Cambridgeshire team that will contest the Minor Counties Championship final at March CC next week, when their opponents will be Devon.Ferraby's hundred helped MCC post 275 for three when they declared after 55 overs.The local men made a good start in their pursuit of this total reaching 55 for 1 at tea. I left at this point and do not know the outcome. The result will, I think, appear on the MCC website in due course.
Much of my afternoon was spent in the company of the doyen of pcws, Ian Cockerill who I last saw at Darlington in June. I was delighted, and amazed,to be able to inform Ian of two leagues in North Yorkshire of whose existence he was unaware, namely the Langbaurgh League and the Cleveland League, expect to see Ian pop up on some of those grounds in 2012!
After much humming and hawing since Tony posted the fixture I decided earlier in the week that I would yesterday take the train to Leicester for the first day of the Under 17 Final between Yorkshire and Surrey at Grace Road.Tony reported fully on Yorkshire's semi final victory over Warwickshire at Weetwood last month and he noted that some of Yorkshire's followers feared the final would be at either Canterbury or The Oval. One can see why they might have thought this for last year's final between Middlesex and Nottinghamshire WAS played at Canterbury and of course the Oval is Surrey's home ground, but the Under 17s never play there.
Signalling difficulties at Doncaster delayed my arrival at Grace Road until after twelve at which point Surrey's openers were still at the crease to the dismay of the Yorkshire contingent who were basking in lovely sunshine. The format for this competition is unusual but I think a good one with each side having 100 overs for their innings spread over two days. Not surprisingly the crowd was a small one with the number of Yorkshire supporters just shading those from Surrey.
Early in the afternoon it looked as though Surrey might post 400 but gradually the Yorkshire bowlers reined them in and Surrey would have been very disappointed, when after tea, they could not get he run rate above 3.4 per over. For sixteen year olds fielding for almost a full day in hot conditions must be very taxing but Yorkshire did not let their standards slip and kept boundaries to a minimum. I left at the fall of the eighth wicket and ten minutes later was joined at the bus stop by Jennifer Ellison who told me that Surrey had been all out for 327. Jennifer, like most of the Yorkshire contingent, was staying over in Leicester for the second day and they will feel optimistic about Yorkshire's chances. Signalling difficulties at Doncaster having been overcome my return journey was a smooth one and I was back in York by 8:30, pleased that I had overcome my prevarication and made the trip.
In 1994 as part of their centenary celebrations The Nidderdale Amateur Cricket League played an MCC XI at Dacre Banks. Sine then the match has been an annual fixture and this year was hosted by Burton Leonard CC near Ripon. As far back as 1850 the cricketing activities of BLCC were recorded in the 'Leeds Intelligencer' and a photograph in the pavilion shows 'Burton Leonard and Copgrove' as winners of The Ripon League in 1897. This league was short lived and the Burton Leonard club itself was dissolved in 1929 but reformed in 1947 and joined the NACL in 1949.They moved to their present ground in 1966 and currently run two teams in the league with the first eleven mid table in Divison One.
I was part of a decent crowd that assembled for the 11:30 start on Wednesday with MCC invited to bat in a 'time match', something of a rarity in club cricket these days.The league eleven was captained by Olly Uffindall, captain of champions elect, Ouseburn CC.
Star performer for MCC was former Leicestershire player Nick Ferraby, who plays his league cricket for Oxford CC in the Home Counties Premier League and is also part of the Cambridgeshire team that will contest the Minor Counties Championship final at March CC next week, when their opponents will be Devon.Ferraby's hundred helped MCC post 275 for three when they declared after 55 overs.The local men made a good start in their pursuit of this total reaching 55 for 1 at tea. I left at this point and do not know the outcome. The result will, I think, appear on the MCC website in due course.
Much of my afternoon was spent in the company of the doyen of pcws, Ian Cockerill who I last saw at Darlington in June. I was delighted, and amazed,to be able to inform Ian of two leagues in North Yorkshire of whose existence he was unaware, namely the Langbaurgh League and the Cleveland League, expect to see Ian pop up on some of those grounds in 2012!
After much humming and hawing since Tony posted the fixture I decided earlier in the week that I would yesterday take the train to Leicester for the first day of the Under 17 Final between Yorkshire and Surrey at Grace Road.Tony reported fully on Yorkshire's semi final victory over Warwickshire at Weetwood last month and he noted that some of Yorkshire's followers feared the final would be at either Canterbury or The Oval. One can see why they might have thought this for last year's final between Middlesex and Nottinghamshire WAS played at Canterbury and of course the Oval is Surrey's home ground, but the Under 17s never play there.
Signalling difficulties at Doncaster delayed my arrival at Grace Road until after twelve at which point Surrey's openers were still at the crease to the dismay of the Yorkshire contingent who were basking in lovely sunshine. The format for this competition is unusual but I think a good one with each side having 100 overs for their innings spread over two days. Not surprisingly the crowd was a small one with the number of Yorkshire supporters just shading those from Surrey.
Early in the afternoon it looked as though Surrey might post 400 but gradually the Yorkshire bowlers reined them in and Surrey would have been very disappointed, when after tea, they could not get he run rate above 3.4 per over. For sixteen year olds fielding for almost a full day in hot conditions must be very taxing but Yorkshire did not let their standards slip and kept boundaries to a minimum. I left at the fall of the eighth wicket and ten minutes later was joined at the bus stop by Jennifer Ellison who told me that Surrey had been all out for 327. Jennifer, like most of the Yorkshire contingent, was staying over in Leicester for the second day and they will feel optimistic about Yorkshire's chances. Signalling difficulties at Doncaster having been overcome my return journey was a smooth one and I was back in York by 8:30, pleased that I had overcome my prevarication and made the trip.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Patched up Yorkshire seconds aim for victory
Posted by Tony Hutton
Yorkshire 2nd XI v MCC Young Cricketers at Weetwood, Leeds.
This friendly three day match started yesterday and got off to a bad start for Yorkshire when two of the team named on the scorecard turned up within minutes of each other with arms in plaster. Alex Lilley and James Wainmaa had both managed to suffer fractured bones in their hands.
However Yorkshire batted first and gave skipper John Blain time to regroup.
Opening for Yorkshire was Gerhardus Rudolph, younger brother of Jacques, who has been playing for Rotherham this season. He looked in good form and made a patient 40.
His opening partner, Alex Lees, went for 15 and Gerald Brophy for 25, before Hodgson who keeps wicket for Leeds/Bradford University came in to play the innings of the day. Unfortunately he got very little support from a very young middle order, apart from Oliver Hannon Dolby. Usually a number eleven he was promoted to the dizzy heights of number seven and stuck around with Hodgson for nearly an hour, scoring 13, which included a perfect cover driven four.
Hodgson went on to make 86, with ten fours and when he was out a last wicket partnership of 41 between skipper Blain and left arm spinner Oliver Jackson enabled the home side to declare on 268-8.
The MCC youngsters who had not really distinguished themselves in the field, struggled to 50-2 by the close with wickets for both opening bowlers, Wardlaw and
Hannon-Dalby.
On day two Hannon-Dolby continued his good work and took three more wickets, just missing out on a hat-trick. He had Ed Ballard, who had fielded sub for England in the Lord's Test, caught behind off his first ball. MCC slumped to 90-6 but were rescued by yet another South African, Chad Barrett, with a fine innings of 63. He was eventually the last man out with the total on 215 after a last wicket partnership of 50.
Left arm spinner Randhawa finished with 4-56 and Hannon-Dolby with 4-46. Also worthy of mention was another young left arm spinner, also from Rotherham, Oliver Jackson. He gave the ball plenty of air and finished with excellent figures of 10.1-3-18-1.
Yorkshire's second innings started in mid-afternoon and again Rudolph did well with 43, but this time Hodgson perished for a duck and the very inexperienced middle order again collapsed until the lower order came to the rescue and Yorkshire finished the day on 169-9, a lead of 223. So all is evenly balanced for the last day tomorrow.
Yorkshire 2nd XI v MCC Young Cricketers at Weetwood, Leeds.
This friendly three day match started yesterday and got off to a bad start for Yorkshire when two of the team named on the scorecard turned up within minutes of each other with arms in plaster. Alex Lilley and James Wainmaa had both managed to suffer fractured bones in their hands.
However Yorkshire batted first and gave skipper John Blain time to regroup.
Opening for Yorkshire was Gerhardus Rudolph, younger brother of Jacques, who has been playing for Rotherham this season. He looked in good form and made a patient 40.
His opening partner, Alex Lees, went for 15 and Gerald Brophy for 25, before Hodgson who keeps wicket for Leeds/Bradford University came in to play the innings of the day. Unfortunately he got very little support from a very young middle order, apart from Oliver Hannon Dolby. Usually a number eleven he was promoted to the dizzy heights of number seven and stuck around with Hodgson for nearly an hour, scoring 13, which included a perfect cover driven four.
Hodgson went on to make 86, with ten fours and when he was out a last wicket partnership of 41 between skipper Blain and left arm spinner Oliver Jackson enabled the home side to declare on 268-8.
The MCC youngsters who had not really distinguished themselves in the field, struggled to 50-2 by the close with wickets for both opening bowlers, Wardlaw and
Hannon-Dalby.
On day two Hannon-Dolby continued his good work and took three more wickets, just missing out on a hat-trick. He had Ed Ballard, who had fielded sub for England in the Lord's Test, caught behind off his first ball. MCC slumped to 90-6 but were rescued by yet another South African, Chad Barrett, with a fine innings of 63. He was eventually the last man out with the total on 215 after a last wicket partnership of 50.
Left arm spinner Randhawa finished with 4-56 and Hannon-Dolby with 4-46. Also worthy of mention was another young left arm spinner, also from Rotherham, Oliver Jackson. He gave the ball plenty of air and finished with excellent figures of 10.1-3-18-1.
Yorkshire's second innings started in mid-afternoon and again Rudolph did well with 43, but this time Hodgson perished for a duck and the very inexperienced middle order again collapsed until the lower order came to the rescue and Yorkshire finished the day on 169-9, a lead of 223. So all is evenly balanced for the last day tomorrow.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Fixtures update
Posted by Tony Hutton
Wednesday 31st August - Yorkshire II v MCC Young Cricketers (Weetwood, Leeds) - first day of 3 - 11.00.
Thursday 1st September - Yorkshire under 15s schools final - Leeds v Huddersfield at Methley CC - 12 noon
Friday 2nd Sept. - Greyfox Trophy final at Headingley - 1 p.m. Bradford Bhuddies v Fishlake - 30 overs per side
Sat 3rd Sept. - St Georges v Cambridge Methodists (Harewood House)
Sun 4th Sept. - National Village Final at Lord's - Woodhouses (Lancs) v Rottingdean (Sussex)
Yorkshire Premier League cup final - Yorkshire Academy v Scarborough (Weetwood, Leeds) - 12.00. Also a full programme of Huddersfield Central League games.
At the request of John Taplin - Yorkshire Council play off semi-finals - /wickersley v Elsecar and Methley v Wrenthorpe.
Yorkshire Council Supplementary cup final - Kexborough v Darton (Warmsworth CC).
Jack Lee cup final for Joe Lumb under 17s runners up - Huddersfield v Barnsley at Lascelles Hall.
County over 50s semi-finals (Yorkshire not involved) -
Gloucester over 50s v Kent over 50s (Gloucester City CC) and
Warwick over 50s vKent over 50s (Leamington Spa CC) - both 12.30 starts
Mon 5th Sept. Yorkshire Bunbury Schools Final at New Rover, Leeds - QUEGS Wakefield v Grammar School at Leeds - 1.30 p.m.(according to Yorkshire Cricket Board) - start time may change.
Tues 6th Sept. - County 2nd XI championship final (3 days) - Warwick II v Glamorgan II (Coventry and North Warwickshire CC)
Wed 7th Sept. - Yorkshire Academy v British Fire Service (Streethouse CC)
Over 60s County final - Essex Over 60s v Cheshire over 60s (Oakham CC) - 12 noon.
Thurs 8th Sept. - Lord's Taverners Under 14s schools final at New Rover, Leeds-
Shelley High School v Grammar School at Leeds. - Possibly 12 noon (never certain).
Sat 10th Sept. - St Georges v Otley Hawks (Harewood House) - 13.30
Sun 11th Sept. - Full programme of Huddersfield Central and Saddleworth cricket leagues fixtures.
Yorkshire Council play off final at Elsecar.
Mon 12th Sept - County 2nd XI trophy (1 day) final - Lancashire II v Notts II
at Aigburth, Liverpool
Mon 12th Sept. - last round of county championship matches start (Yorkshire not involved) - 10.30 starts
Saturday 17th Sept. CB 40 Final (Lord's)
ECB Club Knock out final at Derby - Shrewsbury v Cambridge Granta - 13.00
Arthington v Mutineers - 13.30
Sun 18th Sept - County over 50s final at Wormsley (Warwick or Derby v Gloucester or Kent
Huddersfield Central League - full programme of matches (last of season)
Arthington v Romany - 13.30
Mon 19th Sept. - Nidderdale Show XI v Craven League XI (Pateley Bridge) - 11.00
Cockspur cup T20 finals day at Chelmsford - live on Sky Sports - Ealing (Middlesex) v St Just (Cornwall) and Hyde (Cheshire) v Chester le Street (Durham)
Arthington festival will continue each Saturday and Sunday through to 8th October.
September games start at 13.30 and October games at 13.00
Wednesday 31st August - Yorkshire II v MCC Young Cricketers (Weetwood, Leeds) - first day of 3 - 11.00.
Thursday 1st September - Yorkshire under 15s schools final - Leeds v Huddersfield at Methley CC - 12 noon
Friday 2nd Sept. - Greyfox Trophy final at Headingley - 1 p.m. Bradford Bhuddies v Fishlake - 30 overs per side
Sat 3rd Sept. - St Georges v Cambridge Methodists (Harewood House)
Sun 4th Sept. - National Village Final at Lord's - Woodhouses (Lancs) v Rottingdean (Sussex)
Yorkshire Premier League cup final - Yorkshire Academy v Scarborough (Weetwood, Leeds) - 12.00. Also a full programme of Huddersfield Central League games.
At the request of John Taplin - Yorkshire Council play off semi-finals - /wickersley v Elsecar and Methley v Wrenthorpe.
Yorkshire Council Supplementary cup final - Kexborough v Darton (Warmsworth CC).
Jack Lee cup final for Joe Lumb under 17s runners up - Huddersfield v Barnsley at Lascelles Hall.
County over 50s semi-finals (Yorkshire not involved) -
Gloucester over 50s v Kent over 50s (Gloucester City CC) and
Warwick over 50s vKent over 50s (Leamington Spa CC) - both 12.30 starts
Mon 5th Sept. Yorkshire Bunbury Schools Final at New Rover, Leeds - QUEGS Wakefield v Grammar School at Leeds - 1.30 p.m.(according to Yorkshire Cricket Board) - start time may change.
Tues 6th Sept. - County 2nd XI championship final (3 days) - Warwick II v Glamorgan II (Coventry and North Warwickshire CC)
Wed 7th Sept. - Yorkshire Academy v British Fire Service (Streethouse CC)
Over 60s County final - Essex Over 60s v Cheshire over 60s (Oakham CC) - 12 noon.
Thurs 8th Sept. - Lord's Taverners Under 14s schools final at New Rover, Leeds-
Shelley High School v Grammar School at Leeds. - Possibly 12 noon (never certain).
Sat 10th Sept. - St Georges v Otley Hawks (Harewood House) - 13.30
Sun 11th Sept. - Full programme of Huddersfield Central and Saddleworth cricket leagues fixtures.
Yorkshire Council play off final at Elsecar.
Mon 12th Sept - County 2nd XI trophy (1 day) final - Lancashire II v Notts II
at Aigburth, Liverpool
Mon 12th Sept. - last round of county championship matches start (Yorkshire not involved) - 10.30 starts
Saturday 17th Sept. CB 40 Final (Lord's)
ECB Club Knock out final at Derby - Shrewsbury v Cambridge Granta - 13.00
Arthington v Mutineers - 13.30
Sun 18th Sept - County over 50s final at Wormsley (Warwick or Derby v Gloucester or Kent
Huddersfield Central League - full programme of matches (last of season)
Arthington v Romany - 13.30
Mon 19th Sept. - Nidderdale Show XI v Craven League XI (Pateley Bridge) - 11.00
Cockspur cup T20 finals day at Chelmsford - live on Sky Sports - Ealing (Middlesex) v St Just (Cornwall) and Hyde (Cheshire) v Chester le Street (Durham)
Arthington festival will continue each Saturday and Sunday through to 8th October.
September games start at 13.30 and October games at 13.00
Monday, 29 August 2011
Yorkshire Academy do it yet again
Posted by Tony Hutton
Torkshire Premier League - Yorkshire Academy v York at Weetwood, Leeds.
After their eventful win over York last Sunday at the same venue in the cup semi-final, the Academy entered this league game full of optimism that they could once again beat the top side in the league for the third time this season.
York could have used the excuse last weekend that they were not at full strength, but not today with the return of the league's leading bowler, left arm spinner Dan Woods, who was away playing for Cheshire last week.
York batted first and found themselves facing up to Ajmal Shahzad, who played for England not long ago. He was having a try out after injury and soon proved his fitness by clean bowling opener Simpson for nought. Ben Coad the left arm seamer soon got rid of the dangerous Duncan Snell, who was out lbw for only 5.
So with the score only 7-2 York really were in trouble but an excellent partnership between Liam McKendry and skipper Wood took the score to 77 before McKendry was well caught on the boundary off a dreadfully short ball from Ross. How often does the bad ball get a wicket ?
At this stage I left proceedings in order to watch the Rugby League Challenge cup final on TV. It proved to be a much closer game than expected with two bad refereeing errors robbing Leeds of possible victory. No doubt we will hear more from Brian Sanderson who went to Wembley to watch the game.
With help of the admirable Total Cricket Scorer website I was able to keep up to date with events at Weetwood and to my great surprise found that Coad had taken 6-31 and reduced York to 138-9 when rain stopped play.
It rained for quite a long time and as a result many league games throughout Yorkshire were abandoned. I had switched my attention to the T20 finals on TV by this time but shortly before six o'clock realised the rain had stopped so checked on Total Cricket Scorer and sure enough, after a gap of almost three hours, play had re-started at Weetwood. York had been bowled out and the Academy had just started their reply.
Back I went, and after some confusion the electronic scoreboard got the overs remaining right and revealed that only 26 overs remained - so roughly half the overs York had taken to make 143. Shahzad opened the batting presumably in a pinch hitter role but was soon bowled by Kay for only 9.
The dangerous Woods, who played his university cricket on this ground, opened from the other end with his left arm spin. With his track record in this league you would have put money on him bowling the young Academy side out or at least in containing their victory charge.
He did in fact get the next wicket getting the prolific Academy captain Alex Leeds lbw for 26. Jack Leaning, in excellent form recently, carried on the attack and kept the rate around the required six an over. However when given out lbw to Kay for 44 he showed his displeasure in no uncertain manner. According to one York supporter he hit the ball harder than some of his fours.
Lilley had already gone cheaply, also to Kay, so 115-4 with only four overs remaining and thirty more runs required looked a difficult target for youngsters Ross and Tattersall. Leaning had already hit Woods for one huge six and Ross proceeded to hit two equally long hits to turn the game and the match was won with a four off the first ball of the last over.
Ross finished on 40 not out, a real match winning innings and Tattersall kept his head at the other end with ten runs off only nine balls. Alas poor Woods, taken off with two overs remaining with figures of 11-0-51-1. So another excellent victory for this very young side. As last week when Lilley bowled them out, Coad this time was the match winner with the ball.
They can look forward to the Yorkshire League cup final against Scarborough with some confidence. It seems likely that this will be played at Weetwood on Sunday 4th September.
Torkshire Premier League - Yorkshire Academy v York at Weetwood, Leeds.
After their eventful win over York last Sunday at the same venue in the cup semi-final, the Academy entered this league game full of optimism that they could once again beat the top side in the league for the third time this season.
York could have used the excuse last weekend that they were not at full strength, but not today with the return of the league's leading bowler, left arm spinner Dan Woods, who was away playing for Cheshire last week.
York batted first and found themselves facing up to Ajmal Shahzad, who played for England not long ago. He was having a try out after injury and soon proved his fitness by clean bowling opener Simpson for nought. Ben Coad the left arm seamer soon got rid of the dangerous Duncan Snell, who was out lbw for only 5.
So with the score only 7-2 York really were in trouble but an excellent partnership between Liam McKendry and skipper Wood took the score to 77 before McKendry was well caught on the boundary off a dreadfully short ball from Ross. How often does the bad ball get a wicket ?
At this stage I left proceedings in order to watch the Rugby League Challenge cup final on TV. It proved to be a much closer game than expected with two bad refereeing errors robbing Leeds of possible victory. No doubt we will hear more from Brian Sanderson who went to Wembley to watch the game.
With help of the admirable Total Cricket Scorer website I was able to keep up to date with events at Weetwood and to my great surprise found that Coad had taken 6-31 and reduced York to 138-9 when rain stopped play.
It rained for quite a long time and as a result many league games throughout Yorkshire were abandoned. I had switched my attention to the T20 finals on TV by this time but shortly before six o'clock realised the rain had stopped so checked on Total Cricket Scorer and sure enough, after a gap of almost three hours, play had re-started at Weetwood. York had been bowled out and the Academy had just started their reply.
Back I went, and after some confusion the electronic scoreboard got the overs remaining right and revealed that only 26 overs remained - so roughly half the overs York had taken to make 143. Shahzad opened the batting presumably in a pinch hitter role but was soon bowled by Kay for only 9.
The dangerous Woods, who played his university cricket on this ground, opened from the other end with his left arm spin. With his track record in this league you would have put money on him bowling the young Academy side out or at least in containing their victory charge.
He did in fact get the next wicket getting the prolific Academy captain Alex Leeds lbw for 26. Jack Leaning, in excellent form recently, carried on the attack and kept the rate around the required six an over. However when given out lbw to Kay for 44 he showed his displeasure in no uncertain manner. According to one York supporter he hit the ball harder than some of his fours.
Lilley had already gone cheaply, also to Kay, so 115-4 with only four overs remaining and thirty more runs required looked a difficult target for youngsters Ross and Tattersall. Leaning had already hit Woods for one huge six and Ross proceeded to hit two equally long hits to turn the game and the match was won with a four off the first ball of the last over.
Ross finished on 40 not out, a real match winning innings and Tattersall kept his head at the other end with ten runs off only nine balls. Alas poor Woods, taken off with two overs remaining with figures of 11-0-51-1. So another excellent victory for this very young side. As last week when Lilley bowled them out, Coad this time was the match winner with the ball.
They can look forward to the Yorkshire League cup final against Scarborough with some confidence. It seems likely that this will be played at Weetwood on Sunday 4th September.
QUARTER FINALS
By Brian Sanderson,
Looking at the weather forecast I decided to go to see two Yorkshire Council Championships Quarter Finals.The first one was Whitley Hall against Methley,The ground is situated in Ecclesfield which is on the outskirts of Sheffield.There a new pavilion and the ground slopes down to the carpark.There are trees at the back of the carpark with excellent houses overlooking the ground.
The match was a forty-five over match and started at twelve.Methley won the toss and decided to bowl.A quick fell and then the best stand of the match between Siddall and Longhurst brought the score up to 56.Then Purdy, Rickers and Connolly stopped the scoring and started to take wickets. They bowled twenty-one overs and only conceed forty-one runs.So Whitley were bowled out for 104 with twelve overs to spare.
During the interval children were playing cricket on the pitch instead of football. Good to see.
When Methley batted they also lost a quick wicket but Khan and Holliday steady the ship.Holliday looks a good keeper and a good bat.The only downside was the programme did not have the names of the players.
Moving on to Elsecar and Streethouses match.Elsecar club was established in 1854 and is near the Heritage Centre.Streethouses had scored 162 before we arrived. Elsecar was batting with Ainsley Swallow scoring a good 37 in the score of just over 40.During the innings Bob Procter had a excellent strawberry trifle and I had a slice of peach flan.Excellent fare.Elsecar looked like they were struggling until Afzal came in to score a quick thirty.Elsecar won the match and move on to the semi-final next week.
We were very lucky with the weather as there was no rain with the occassional sunshine.Back to the stadium to-day.Oh-dear.
Looking at the weather forecast I decided to go to see two Yorkshire Council Championships Quarter Finals.The first one was Whitley Hall against Methley,The ground is situated in Ecclesfield which is on the outskirts of Sheffield.There a new pavilion and the ground slopes down to the carpark.There are trees at the back of the carpark with excellent houses overlooking the ground.
The match was a forty-five over match and started at twelve.Methley won the toss and decided to bowl.A quick fell and then the best stand of the match between Siddall and Longhurst brought the score up to 56.Then Purdy, Rickers and Connolly stopped the scoring and started to take wickets. They bowled twenty-one overs and only conceed forty-one runs.So Whitley were bowled out for 104 with twelve overs to spare.
During the interval children were playing cricket on the pitch instead of football. Good to see.
When Methley batted they also lost a quick wicket but Khan and Holliday steady the ship.Holliday looks a good keeper and a good bat.The only downside was the programme did not have the names of the players.
Moving on to Elsecar and Streethouses match.Elsecar club was established in 1854 and is near the Heritage Centre.Streethouses had scored 162 before we arrived. Elsecar was batting with Ainsley Swallow scoring a good 37 in the score of just over 40.During the innings Bob Procter had a excellent strawberry trifle and I had a slice of peach flan.Excellent fare.Elsecar looked like they were struggling until Afzal came in to score a quick thirty.Elsecar won the match and move on to the semi-final next week.
We were very lucky with the weather as there was no rain with the occassional sunshine.Back to the stadium to-day.Oh-dear.
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Sunshine and Showers
posted by John Winn
Yesterday I fulfilled a promise I made to myself at the beginning of the season and travelled along the A59 to see, for the first time, Lancashire League cricket. Poor weather caused the abandonment of a visit I intended to make a few weeks ago but with time running out, at least for this season, I decided that the prospects for cricket yesterday in that area were good enough for me to travel.
The top attraction was at Thorneyholme Road, the surprisingly rural home of Accrington CC. Situated on the edge of town and easily accessible from the M65 the ground was yesterday host to Accrington's first eleven match with Lowerhouse, 'second v. top'. Nearing the ground I passed through a heavy shower which delayed the start by 15 minutes. Accrington soon lost their openers and 'House' Pro, South African Francois Haasbroek went onto take seven wickets as Accrington were bowled out for 155 with veteran Graham Lloyd top scoring.Lowerhouse fell 23 short of this total but their lead at the top of the table still suggests they will be champions for only the second time in their history.
As a further shower threatened to halt play I left after an hour and headed for Burnley where the rain was torrential and on reaching the ground, which is immediately adjacent to Turf Moor, the home of Burnley FC, it was no surprise to find the covers on and large puddles on the outfield. I decided I would cut my losses, and save my £2 admission, and made the short journey to Nelson. The contrast could not have been greater, for here, at the Seedhill ground, the sun was very warm and about 30 spectators were enjoying the home team's dominance of Rishton's rather feeble batting. I enjoyed a cup of tea in the opulent clubroom where the honours' board listed the many well known professionals the club has employed over the years. At the centre was a photograph of the greatest of them all, Sir Learie Constantine, Nelson's 'pro' for many years in the 1930s. Evidence of Constantine's genius is provide by the statistic that Nelson are the only club to have won the league four years in succession, 1934-37.
With Rishton bowled out for 115, which Nelson subsequently knocked off for three wickets,I moved along the valley to neighbouring Colne. Here my timing was spot on for for the players had just finished tea in the 'award winning tearoom', and I was allowed to run amok amongst the remaining sandwiches and cakes for just £1. I note from the excellent league handbook that Colne last year surrendered the title of 'best tearoom' to Ramsbottom. On yesterday's evidence the winners in 2007, 8 and 9 are fighting to eradicate this stain on their aprons.
The match being played here was a second eleven game between Colne and Rawtenstall and I watched, along with about six others, the visitors begin their chase of Colne's 158. In the tearoom there was an photograph evocative of a different age.It was taken at a match between Colne and Nelson in 1929 when the object of the spectators' curiosity was the first appearance at 'The Horsfield' of Sir Learie.Not only is the ground full but there are no spaces on the stone wall that surrounds it.
Driving back across The Pennines the evening sun continued to shine but descending into Harrogate from Blubberhouses I met with more rain and reached home to hear from my wife that there had been a thunder storm in the locality during the afternoon. Given such capricious weather I was grateful that I had seen cricket on three new grounds and that on two of those a sun hat would not looked out of place.
Yesterday I fulfilled a promise I made to myself at the beginning of the season and travelled along the A59 to see, for the first time, Lancashire League cricket. Poor weather caused the abandonment of a visit I intended to make a few weeks ago but with time running out, at least for this season, I decided that the prospects for cricket yesterday in that area were good enough for me to travel.
The top attraction was at Thorneyholme Road, the surprisingly rural home of Accrington CC. Situated on the edge of town and easily accessible from the M65 the ground was yesterday host to Accrington's first eleven match with Lowerhouse, 'second v. top'. Nearing the ground I passed through a heavy shower which delayed the start by 15 minutes. Accrington soon lost their openers and 'House' Pro, South African Francois Haasbroek went onto take seven wickets as Accrington were bowled out for 155 with veteran Graham Lloyd top scoring.Lowerhouse fell 23 short of this total but their lead at the top of the table still suggests they will be champions for only the second time in their history.
As a further shower threatened to halt play I left after an hour and headed for Burnley where the rain was torrential and on reaching the ground, which is immediately adjacent to Turf Moor, the home of Burnley FC, it was no surprise to find the covers on and large puddles on the outfield. I decided I would cut my losses, and save my £2 admission, and made the short journey to Nelson. The contrast could not have been greater, for here, at the Seedhill ground, the sun was very warm and about 30 spectators were enjoying the home team's dominance of Rishton's rather feeble batting. I enjoyed a cup of tea in the opulent clubroom where the honours' board listed the many well known professionals the club has employed over the years. At the centre was a photograph of the greatest of them all, Sir Learie Constantine, Nelson's 'pro' for many years in the 1930s. Evidence of Constantine's genius is provide by the statistic that Nelson are the only club to have won the league four years in succession, 1934-37.
With Rishton bowled out for 115, which Nelson subsequently knocked off for three wickets,I moved along the valley to neighbouring Colne. Here my timing was spot on for for the players had just finished tea in the 'award winning tearoom', and I was allowed to run amok amongst the remaining sandwiches and cakes for just £1. I note from the excellent league handbook that Colne last year surrendered the title of 'best tearoom' to Ramsbottom. On yesterday's evidence the winners in 2007, 8 and 9 are fighting to eradicate this stain on their aprons.
The match being played here was a second eleven game between Colne and Rawtenstall and I watched, along with about six others, the visitors begin their chase of Colne's 158. In the tearoom there was an photograph evocative of a different age.It was taken at a match between Colne and Nelson in 1929 when the object of the spectators' curiosity was the first appearance at 'The Horsfield' of Sir Learie.Not only is the ground full but there are no spaces on the stone wall that surrounds it.
Driving back across The Pennines the evening sun continued to shine but descending into Harrogate from Blubberhouses I met with more rain and reached home to hear from my wife that there had been a thunder storm in the locality during the afternoon. Given such capricious weather I was grateful that I had seen cricket on three new grounds and that on two of those a sun hat would not looked out of place.
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