Boxing Day cricket match

Posted by Tony Hutton

The 61st consecutive Boxing Day cricket match took place on Monday at North Leeds cricket club. The game started promptly at 11 a.m. despite persistent snowfall, which obviously affected the initial attendance, although the crowd did increase as the morning went on when the snow stopped.

The Northern Cricket Society, represented by a side drawn from the Wetherby and District league, looked resplendent in their yellow caps and tee shirts presented by St Gemma's Hospice. The proceeds of the well supported raffle do of course go to St Gemma's.

Batting conditions were very difficult at the start with falling snow on the artificial wicket and a covering of snow over the rest of the ground. However the visitors made the best of it and despite losing early wickets, captain Richard Grogan top scored with 26 out of a total of 82-9 in 30 overs,against a varied North Leeds attach in which J. Morley took 4-21, veteran Steve Wales 2-8 and West Indian Harwood Williams 3-13.

The home side made easy work of their target and repeated last season's 10 wicket victory. As I had left by this time I have conflicting reports of who got most of the winning runs. According to the official scorecard Tim Hollis 33 not out and M. Akhtar 51 not out were the openers who knocked off the runs in only 9.3. overs.

However two reliable eye witnesses claim that it was Harwood Williams and not Akhtar who got the 50 not out. More research necessary I think ! Without doubt Harwood Williams did receive the Man of the Match award presented by NCS Chairman Andrew Mawson, but again according to the scorecard, for the catch of the year.

So it was all over very quickly and the players and spectators were able to retire to the bar for warmth and sustenance. As ever a welcome chance for cricket lovers to renew acquaintances with their summer companions and it was a great pleasure to see Peter Davies again after his recent illness. We wish him well for the New Year.

The next cricket event of the winter is on Sunday 9th January with the traditional Malhamdale v Appletreewick game at Malham. Again more of a social event than a cricket match, all players and spectators are asked to meet at the Buck Inn, Malham at 1.30, but what time the match will actually start is open to question. They played in deep snow last year at Appletreewick so very little chance of the game being called off.

Best wishes for the New Year to all our readers.