By Brian Sanderson,
Arrived back at Weetwood ,the first person I meet was Richard Dawson.He informed me that Oxford had lost yesterdays match by 22 runs.His comment was poor batting.Going up stairs there was David Byas who had come to assess one of the umpires.While waiting for the match to start the third ex-county player arrived Clive Radley.I was joined by Jenny who had stopped in yesterday to watch the wedding. Then Tony Hutton who stopped to the end last night to the finish of the match and finally by John Tipley.
Leeds and Bradford ,batted first and soon lost wickets. As I left at 12 o,clock seven batsmen were out.One of them complained about a bad L.B.W.
During last summer Yorkshire Cricket Archives recieved some Horace Fisher memorabilia which included a picture of Yorkshire Second Team in the 1930,s.The photograph included Horace and Verity.After some research I work out to be Yorkshire Seconds against Yorkshire Council at South Kirkby in 1930.It was a drawn match but Horace took 4 for 24 in the second innings.
So I had decided to visit the ground to confirm these details.Armed with a copy of the photograph we arrived at the South Yorkshire ground. Inside a new pavilion was some photographs of the old pavilion in 1930.One of the spectators confirm were the pavilion had been situated.We left them with photograph.The team were playing Whitley Bridge in the Second Divison of the Pontefract League.A large ground next to a football pich and a bowling green.
On the way back we called in at the following grounds. Hemswoth .W.MC which is situated in Fitzwilliam. Moving on to Nostell St. Oswald were Dean Jones played.
For a cup of tea we stopped at Crofton which I visited at the end of last season. There was a cold wind blowing and were unable to find shelter.
Next ground was Castleford were the Second Team were playing and winning easily.The last ground was Fairburn who were playing Frickley Colliery.This was a First Divison match were Frinckley had scored 194.When we left Fairburn were losing the match.Still a cold wind.
Pleased that I confirm that Horace did play at South Kirkby and had seen 4 new grounds.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Friday, 29 April 2011
Grizzly Bears
Posted by John Winn
At tea on Thursday at The Riverside those around me were considering our options for the fourth day of the match between Durham and Warwickshire. The feeling was that the game was destined to end in a draw and a dull one at that. Keith Black, a friend going back to school days fifty years ago, even considered that weeding his block paving might be a better bet.
In the morning session Benkenstein and Blackwell dug Durham out of the hole into which they had fallen on Wednesday when they lost cheap wickets in the evening session. Blackwell exercised such patience that he went scoreless for the first 35 minutes but the appearance of Warwickshire's apprentice spinner Paul Best cut the Durham all rounder free from his shackles and at lunch 110 had been added. They continued to make good progress until well into afternoon when Benkenstein was bowled by Rankin. Richardson followed shortly after but Borthwick gave Blackwell good support until the latter reached his century. The hundredth run was not without controversy; Warwickshire seemingly convinced that Blackwell was short of his ground. It was perhaps fitting that his innings should end with a comical run out masterminded by Callum Thorpe.
Having left at tea I was very surprised to find that The Bears had lost four wickets by the close and Borthwick had figures of three for five. The decision to make the journey back to Chester le Street on Friday was now an easy one and the morning could hardly have gone better for Durham, despite an hour's interruption for rain, with the batting side losing four wickets. A stubborn ninth wicket stand between Ambrose and Rankin prolonged Warwickshire' innings for almost an hour after lunch but Onions snapped up the last two wickets leaving Durham 102 to win at a little over two an over.
In the absence of the injured Di Venuto, Borthwick opened with Smith and anchored the innings, being there with 48 not out when Durham won by eight wickets shortly before 4:45.
Warwickshire continued to express their exasperation with the umpires, which had been manifest since Tuesday, both in the morning and afternoon sessions. The defeat was their first of the season and together with the resistance of the Sussex tail against Lancashire it has allowed Notts to go top.This of course adds spice to Yorkshire's visit to Trent Bridge next week.
Durham have played sixteen days of championship cricket in April and the rain yesterday morning was their first interruption. They now have ten days to catch their breath before Somerset visit The Riverside, but with four matches in the first division next week the table could look very different by then.
At tea on Thursday at The Riverside those around me were considering our options for the fourth day of the match between Durham and Warwickshire. The feeling was that the game was destined to end in a draw and a dull one at that. Keith Black, a friend going back to school days fifty years ago, even considered that weeding his block paving might be a better bet.
In the morning session Benkenstein and Blackwell dug Durham out of the hole into which they had fallen on Wednesday when they lost cheap wickets in the evening session. Blackwell exercised such patience that he went scoreless for the first 35 minutes but the appearance of Warwickshire's apprentice spinner Paul Best cut the Durham all rounder free from his shackles and at lunch 110 had been added. They continued to make good progress until well into afternoon when Benkenstein was bowled by Rankin. Richardson followed shortly after but Borthwick gave Blackwell good support until the latter reached his century. The hundredth run was not without controversy; Warwickshire seemingly convinced that Blackwell was short of his ground. It was perhaps fitting that his innings should end with a comical run out masterminded by Callum Thorpe.
Having left at tea I was very surprised to find that The Bears had lost four wickets by the close and Borthwick had figures of three for five. The decision to make the journey back to Chester le Street on Friday was now an easy one and the morning could hardly have gone better for Durham, despite an hour's interruption for rain, with the batting side losing four wickets. A stubborn ninth wicket stand between Ambrose and Rankin prolonged Warwickshire' innings for almost an hour after lunch but Onions snapped up the last two wickets leaving Durham 102 to win at a little over two an over.
In the absence of the injured Di Venuto, Borthwick opened with Smith and anchored the innings, being there with 48 not out when Durham won by eight wickets shortly before 4:45.
Warwickshire continued to express their exasperation with the umpires, which had been manifest since Tuesday, both in the morning and afternoon sessions. The defeat was their first of the season and together with the resistance of the Sussex tail against Lancashire it has allowed Notts to go top.This of course adds spice to Yorkshire's visit to Trent Bridge next week.
Durham have played sixteen days of championship cricket in April and the rain yesterday morning was their first interruption. They now have ten days to catch their breath before Somerset visit The Riverside, but with four matches in the first division next week the table could look very different by then.
EX-ENGLAND PLAYERS DAY OUT.
By Brian Sanderson,
This morning was cloudy with a cold North wind. Weetwood is not the best place to watch cricket when a cold wind is blowing it has no protection.
The match was a 50 over match Leeds and Bradford University against Oxford University.I sat with Tony Hutton, Malcolm and John Tipley.Leeds batted first and were never comfortable batting. The only time they looked like scoring 250 was when Kruger and Ghany were batting. Kruger had just finishing playing for Holland and Ghany had scored a century for Bradford and Bingley in the Bradford League. They put a stand to-gether of about 80 before Leeds reached 199. The bowling was standy but they bowled a number of wides with the pink ball.
The Oxford captain Young opened the batting and scored a good fifty.Leeds opened the bowling with Reece and Ghany for the first time this season Higginbottom was not playing and Wilson just fielded at long leg and looked very cold.While we were watch ing Richard Dawson passed us wearing glasses. Nobody recongised him at first but he stopped to talk to John Tipley. Richard still plays one-day cricket for Glouchester.
The cricket was not exciting and Leeds seem to playing as a practice match. I left with Oxford wanting 60 with five wickets in hand and plenty of over to go.At least the Castleford and Leeds match was better and warmer watching inside.
This morning was cloudy with a cold North wind. Weetwood is not the best place to watch cricket when a cold wind is blowing it has no protection.
The match was a 50 over match Leeds and Bradford University against Oxford University.I sat with Tony Hutton, Malcolm and John Tipley.Leeds batted first and were never comfortable batting. The only time they looked like scoring 250 was when Kruger and Ghany were batting. Kruger had just finishing playing for Holland and Ghany had scored a century for Bradford and Bingley in the Bradford League. They put a stand to-gether of about 80 before Leeds reached 199. The bowling was standy but they bowled a number of wides with the pink ball.
The Oxford captain Young opened the batting and scored a good fifty.Leeds opened the bowling with Reece and Ghany for the first time this season Higginbottom was not playing and Wilson just fielded at long leg and looked very cold.While we were watch ing Richard Dawson passed us wearing glasses. Nobody recongised him at first but he stopped to talk to John Tipley. Richard still plays one-day cricket for Glouchester.
The cricket was not exciting and Leeds seem to playing as a practice match. I left with Oxford wanting 60 with five wickets in hand and plenty of over to go.At least the Castleford and Leeds match was better and warmer watching inside.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Barney's big day
15 year old Barney Gibson (with gloves)takes the field
Posted by Tony Hutton
Wednesday 27th April - Durham University v Yorkshire
More than a year ago, in the winter before last, an evening with the Northern Cricket Society was enlivened by Andy Rowsell bringing along three Yorkshire academy hopefuls to answer questions about their future ambitions.
Without doubt the star of the show was a very young, very small boy called Barney Gibson, only 13 at the time. He was, we were told, a young wicket keeper with great potential. What is more he answered questions confidently and with humour and went down very well with all those present.
Today he took the field with Yorkshire in a first class match with Durham University, becoming not only the youngest ever player for Yorkshire, but the youngest ever to play first class cricket in England. Only a handful of spectators were present at the start when he confidently took his place behind the stumps, apparently not overawed by the occasion.
He soon had his first victim, the tall left hander Luc Durandt well caught with a diving one handed catch. His team mates crowded round to congratulate him - a great moment for everyone concerned. He continued to give a good, tidy performance behind the stumps all day and later took another catch as the University were dismissed for 196.
David Wainwright was by far the best bowler, breaking a stubborn partnership in his first over, and took career best figures of 6-40. The other surprise bowler was acting captain Joe Sayers with 3-15 to dispose of the tail.
Sayers and Ballance then added 118-0 at the close of day one, with Ballance 72 not out. The early morning chill wind gave way to unbroken sunshine during the afternoon and, as the crowd grew somewhat the ground was looking a real picture under perfectly clear blue skies.
Time during the day to call in at three other grounds in the vicinity. Durham were playing Warwickshire at the Riverside, only quarter of an hour away by car, and not having the best of it. A big last wicket stand by Woakes and Rankin put on 80 runs, with Woakes finishing on 70 not out and further enhancing his claims for an England place. The tall Irishman, Rankin, made a career best score of 28.
Di Venuto and Will Smith set out very positively and soon had a fifty partnership, before I left to call in at another favourite ground, Durham School, who were entertaining a Durham Senior League XI. Time for a quick circuit and and plenty of pictures, before returning to the Racecourse Ground. Then on my way home a brief stop at Maiden Castle where an inter-college game was going on.
Thursday 28th April
What a surprise this morning, acres of press coverage for young Barney Gibson, particularly in the Daily Telegraph. Let's hope it doesn't go to his head. Ralph Middlesbrook from the young man's club, Pudsey Congs, was here today and assured us that it wouldn't
In company with John Rex, who played cricket at Durham University, many years ago I returned for the second day. It soon became evident that the press coverage had brought in a few more Yorkshire followers, but still a very small if select gathering.
Ballance was out early on but Sayers went on in his own serene way, first of all accompanied by Calum Geldart, who played some nice shots and continues to look a good prospect. Two of the other young hopefuls, Lees and Lilley, went quickly, Lilley apparently to a dubious lbw first ball. Hard for us to tell, as we were on a circuit of the ground and at mid-wicket when the wicket fell.
Then after a brief flurry from Shahzad, Sayers was joined by David Wainwright, often the man for a crisis. He played with calm assurance against some good spin bowling by the University, particular from slow left armer Watkins.
Sayers got his inevitable century soon after lunch and Yorkshire built a commanding lead. We were surprised young Gibson did not some in at number 10 ahead of Hannon-Dalby, but he did come in for a brief cameo of one not out, before Yorkshire were all out on the stroke of tea for 355.
So another grand day, with wall to wall sunshine and despite the occasional cool breeze, particularly enjoyed by John Rex on a very nostalgic day for him. I think he is only about seventy years older than young Mr Gibson.
SECOND AFTERNOON OF AUTOGRAPHS
By Brian Sanderson,
Looking on the Harrogate Evening Cricket web-site I found Ripon had beaten Little Ribston by 12 runs.Well done in producing the scoresheet so quickly.
On arriving at New Rover just before 11 o,clock I found the match started at 10.30.Yesterday match started at 11.10.The result from yesterday was Durham victory by three wickets.
The first person I saw was Ian from Lancaster who had come over to watch the match.
Yorkshire were bowling and Wainman was absent due to exams.I found out that Martin Moxon son was playing and was a bowler.Like yesterday there were numerous wides.During the morning we were joined by Bob Procter after his new haircut.Durham reached 250 with the last wicket falling with two overs to bowl. No outsiding bowling but poor fielding.
After the break we were joined by Mick Bourne and his carry-bag. It contained album of his signed musican letters.Beenwhile Yorkshire wickets kept falling.There again Durham bowlers bowled numberous wides.A Yorkshire batsman reached 50 however there was no name on his shirt and we did not recognise him. Yorkshire were all out for about 200. Easily beaten twice by Durham. They have a excellent youth set up.
Looking on the Harrogate Evening Cricket web-site I found Ripon had beaten Little Ribston by 12 runs.Well done in producing the scoresheet so quickly.
On arriving at New Rover just before 11 o,clock I found the match started at 10.30.Yesterday match started at 11.10.The result from yesterday was Durham victory by three wickets.
The first person I saw was Ian from Lancaster who had come over to watch the match.
Yorkshire were bowling and Wainman was absent due to exams.I found out that Martin Moxon son was playing and was a bowler.Like yesterday there were numerous wides.During the morning we were joined by Bob Procter after his new haircut.Durham reached 250 with the last wicket falling with two overs to bowl. No outsiding bowling but poor fielding.
After the break we were joined by Mick Bourne and his carry-bag. It contained album of his signed musican letters.Beenwhile Yorkshire wickets kept falling.There again Durham bowlers bowled numberous wides.A Yorkshire batsman reached 50 however there was no name on his shirt and we did not recognise him. Yorkshire were all out for about 200. Easily beaten twice by Durham. They have a excellent youth set up.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
TWO CLUBS MOVING LEAGUES
By Brian Sanderson,
Wednesdays will be a long days in future as the evening league have started.
However the first match to go to was Yorkshire under17 against Durham under 17.
It was a 50 over match with 13 players.Yorkshire were batting first.New Rover ground was look very good . When look over the ground you would not believe it is four miles from the centre of Leeds.
It was good to see Mollie Staines and Jenny at the match.They know all the information about the players.As there is no programmes you have to keep asking who the players are.One of the Durham bowlers stopped the ball from a throw with the inside of his knee. He had to be carried off.It remind be of article in The Telegraph about Siegfried Sassoon who used to stop the ball with his shins instead of using his hands.
I went home for lunch and when I came back Yorkshire had scored 227 with the help of many wides bowled by Durham.Wainman opened the bowling for Yorkshire. Last time I saw him was at Belpher Medows last week.However it was Curtis Free who collected the wickets.His nickname is Care. Mick Bourne turned up after his painting bring some autographs .These had been purchased by him but he could not read the signatures.As they were not cricketer I could not help.He always keeps us entertained.
When I left New Rover Durham required 70 runs with 14 over to go with five wickets down. I will find out to-morrow the result.So on to Harrogate to meet Ron Deaton and visit to matches in the Harrogate Evening League. The first one at Little Ribson Seconds against Ripon. I had visited this ground last year with Mick Bourne.This season they were moving into the Nidderdale League from the Wetherby League.They wished to play matches in more rural areas.The club could have to move grounds as the owner is going to increase the rent .There is Oil Rape field near the ground and it left me with a nasty taste in by mouth.
Moving on to Spofforth who were also moving to the Nidderdale from Wetherby.This was my first visit to the ground and was soon impressed by the largeness of the ground.
They were playing Knaresborough Forest who had scored over 100 in 16 overs.Spofforth won the match easily.Ron told me that Gerald Smithson, ex Yorkshire players was born in the village.On the wall of the pavilion there was a picture dated 1921 with two Smithson,s playing.One must have Gerald father but which one?.
Arrived back home at 10.15 after a cup of tea at Ron,s. A shorter day to-morrow.
Wednesdays will be a long days in future as the evening league have started.
However the first match to go to was Yorkshire under17 against Durham under 17.
It was a 50 over match with 13 players.Yorkshire were batting first.New Rover ground was look very good . When look over the ground you would not believe it is four miles from the centre of Leeds.
It was good to see Mollie Staines and Jenny at the match.They know all the information about the players.As there is no programmes you have to keep asking who the players are.One of the Durham bowlers stopped the ball from a throw with the inside of his knee. He had to be carried off.It remind be of article in The Telegraph about Siegfried Sassoon who used to stop the ball with his shins instead of using his hands.
I went home for lunch and when I came back Yorkshire had scored 227 with the help of many wides bowled by Durham.Wainman opened the bowling for Yorkshire. Last time I saw him was at Belpher Medows last week.However it was Curtis Free who collected the wickets.His nickname is Care. Mick Bourne turned up after his painting bring some autographs .These had been purchased by him but he could not read the signatures.As they were not cricketer I could not help.He always keeps us entertained.
When I left New Rover Durham required 70 runs with 14 over to go with five wickets down. I will find out to-morrow the result.So on to Harrogate to meet Ron Deaton and visit to matches in the Harrogate Evening League. The first one at Little Ribson Seconds against Ripon. I had visited this ground last year with Mick Bourne.This season they were moving into the Nidderdale League from the Wetherby League.They wished to play matches in more rural areas.The club could have to move grounds as the owner is going to increase the rent .There is Oil Rape field near the ground and it left me with a nasty taste in by mouth.
Moving on to Spofforth who were also moving to the Nidderdale from Wetherby.This was my first visit to the ground and was soon impressed by the largeness of the ground.
They were playing Knaresborough Forest who had scored over 100 in 16 overs.Spofforth won the match easily.Ron told me that Gerald Smithson, ex Yorkshire players was born in the village.On the wall of the pavilion there was a picture dated 1921 with two Smithson,s playing.One must have Gerald father but which one?.
Arrived back home at 10.15 after a cup of tea at Ron,s. A shorter day to-morrow.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
The lost train
Posted by John Winn
By Friday of this week Durham will have completed 25% of their County Championship fixtures and it will still be April. Their form has been difficult to assess, one win, one draw, one defeat and the usual crop of injuries. Today's opponents, Warwickshire have made an excellent start with two victories and top the early table with Lancashire. Their outstanding player has been opening batsman Varun Chopra with a double century in each match.
The scorecard indicated that Durham's captain Phil Mustard would make his first championship appearance of the season but in the event Richardson was behind the stumps. The wicket looked placid and Chopra and Westwood made good progress until Westwoood was caught behind, a decision with which he clearly disagreed. When does reluctance to leave the crease become dissent? Chopra followed shortly afterwards for 23, about 200 fewer than usual and three wickets would have been down by lunch had not Richardson dropped a regulation chance when Porterfield was on one.
Yousuf did not last long after the interval being dismissed in the same manner as Westwood. In one respect he did out do the opener, namely by lingering even longer after the umpire gave him out. He was given some helpful pointers from the crowd as to the whereabouts of the dressing room. At 116 for 3 Durham seemed to have the advantage but soon let it slip away. Some woeful bowling from Stokes (5-0-50-0)
helped Porterfield and Troughton get underway and Durham's cricket went rather flat until tea.
Durham managed to take back some of the initiative after tea thanks to a good spell by Brathwaite who finshed the day with 4 for 50 as The Bears closed on 345 for 7, which given their position at tea they might feel is rather disappointing. Brathwaite played in the last match of the 2010 season for Durham and impressed sufficently to be given a contract. With five wickets in the second innings against Sussex last week and four today he has made a promising beginning, let's hope he doesn't join the ranks of Durham's injured pacemen.
One disappointing piece of news I learned today is that with effect from May 22nd when the summer rail timetable begins the 10:00am train from York (9;27 from Leeds and 10:37 from Darlington) which arrives at Chester-le Street at 10;57 will be no more. The alternatives are either expensive or inconvenient or both. Fortunately the return journey provision is largely unaffected with southbound journeys at 16:24, 17:11, 17:41 and 19:01.
By Friday of this week Durham will have completed 25% of their County Championship fixtures and it will still be April. Their form has been difficult to assess, one win, one draw, one defeat and the usual crop of injuries. Today's opponents, Warwickshire have made an excellent start with two victories and top the early table with Lancashire. Their outstanding player has been opening batsman Varun Chopra with a double century in each match.
The scorecard indicated that Durham's captain Phil Mustard would make his first championship appearance of the season but in the event Richardson was behind the stumps. The wicket looked placid and Chopra and Westwood made good progress until Westwoood was caught behind, a decision with which he clearly disagreed. When does reluctance to leave the crease become dissent? Chopra followed shortly afterwards for 23, about 200 fewer than usual and three wickets would have been down by lunch had not Richardson dropped a regulation chance when Porterfield was on one.
Yousuf did not last long after the interval being dismissed in the same manner as Westwood. In one respect he did out do the opener, namely by lingering even longer after the umpire gave him out. He was given some helpful pointers from the crowd as to the whereabouts of the dressing room. At 116 for 3 Durham seemed to have the advantage but soon let it slip away. Some woeful bowling from Stokes (5-0-50-0)
helped Porterfield and Troughton get underway and Durham's cricket went rather flat until tea.
Durham managed to take back some of the initiative after tea thanks to a good spell by Brathwaite who finshed the day with 4 for 50 as The Bears closed on 345 for 7, which given their position at tea they might feel is rather disappointing. Brathwaite played in the last match of the 2010 season for Durham and impressed sufficently to be given a contract. With five wickets in the second innings against Sussex last week and four today he has made a promising beginning, let's hope he doesn't join the ranks of Durham's injured pacemen.
One disappointing piece of news I learned today is that with effect from May 22nd when the summer rail timetable begins the 10:00am train from York (9;27 from Leeds and 10:37 from Darlington) which arrives at Chester-le Street at 10;57 will be no more. The alternatives are either expensive or inconvenient or both. Fortunately the return journey provision is largely unaffected with southbound journeys at 16:24, 17:11, 17:41 and 19:01.
Monday, 25 April 2011
News and Results service
Posted by Tony Hutton
Just reading about John Winn's visit to New Farnley yesterday prompted me to find the result which was in fact an easy win for Townville who dismissed the home side for 175 in 35.3 overs.
This game was an ECB National Club Knock out first round match brought forward two weeks because of the involvement of both clubs in the Heavy Woollen Cup on 8th May.
The most interesting fact arising was that Townville skipper Tim Walton scored 108 thus adding to his total of 293 runs in his previous three games this season (as revealed by the Yorkshire Post). Walton of course played county cricket for Northants and Essex and indeed for England Under 19s.
Which brings me on to another England Under 19 player of more recent vintage, Azeem Rafiq, who has been released on loan by Yorkshire to Derbyshire. His progress with Yorkshire has not been up to expectations and he faces competition not only from Adil Rashid and David Wainwright, but also the up and coming Randhawa.
Just a few more interesting items from this weekend's cricket. I managed to see a debut century by Kevin Bennett for Kirkstall Educational against Otley on Saturday in the Aire/Wharfe league. Further research showed that he has scored first class hundreds for Western Province and has a twin brother who has also played first class cricket in South Africa.
Further woes were added to Yorkshire's unhappy week, when the Academy side were heavily defeated at Scarborough on Saturday by ten wickets, both home openers, Simpson and Harland, scored not out centuries.
The most upsetting result came from the Huddersfield League, where Skelmanthorpe's game with Marsden was abandoned after only 21 overs, due to abuse of the umpires by Marsden and the points were awarded to Skelmanthorpe. What is the game coming to ?
Just reading about John Winn's visit to New Farnley yesterday prompted me to find the result which was in fact an easy win for Townville who dismissed the home side for 175 in 35.3 overs.
This game was an ECB National Club Knock out first round match brought forward two weeks because of the involvement of both clubs in the Heavy Woollen Cup on 8th May.
The most interesting fact arising was that Townville skipper Tim Walton scored 108 thus adding to his total of 293 runs in his previous three games this season (as revealed by the Yorkshire Post). Walton of course played county cricket for Northants and Essex and indeed for England Under 19s.
Which brings me on to another England Under 19 player of more recent vintage, Azeem Rafiq, who has been released on loan by Yorkshire to Derbyshire. His progress with Yorkshire has not been up to expectations and he faces competition not only from Adil Rashid and David Wainwright, but also the up and coming Randhawa.
Just a few more interesting items from this weekend's cricket. I managed to see a debut century by Kevin Bennett for Kirkstall Educational against Otley on Saturday in the Aire/Wharfe league. Further research showed that he has scored first class hundreds for Western Province and has a twin brother who has also played first class cricket in South Africa.
Further woes were added to Yorkshire's unhappy week, when the Academy side were heavily defeated at Scarborough on Saturday by ten wickets, both home openers, Simpson and Harland, scored not out centuries.
The most upsetting result came from the Huddersfield League, where Skelmanthorpe's game with Marsden was abandoned after only 21 overs, due to abuse of the umpires by Marsden and the points were awarded to Skelmanthorpe. What is the game coming to ?
National Club Championship
Posted by John Winn
I took the opportunity to visit the attractive Lawns Lane ground of New Farnley cc for the first time yesterday. The occasion was a first round group two tie in the National Club Championship won last year by South Northumberland. If the aim of entering the competition was to broaden their experience then New Farnley and their opponents Townville would have been disappointed, as they had met as recently as last week in league competition when the Castleford outfit won comfortably.
By the time I arrived Townville were nearing 200 with only two wickets down and the feeling among the good size crowd was that the home side might find themselves chasing in excess of 300. The return of the opening bowlers reined the batting side in somewhat and aided by some excellent catches in the deep Townville were restricted to 281 for 9 off their 45 overs.
In the first hour of their innings New Farnsley's openers reached 80 without being parted, the runs coming mainly in fours, wides and byes, and they had kept up with the rate of just over six an over. The fielding side were extremely boisterous, when did cricket become such a noisy game?
Unfortunately I had to leave at this interesting point and have scoured several websites today in the hope of finding out the result but to no avail. Late in the day I bought the Yorkshire Post from my local Sainsburys, only to discover when I arrived home that it was Saturday's edition! The headline on the back page was 'Moxon in blast at Yorkshire batsmen over loss' which I suppose would have served equally well for today.
I took the opportunity to visit the attractive Lawns Lane ground of New Farnley cc for the first time yesterday. The occasion was a first round group two tie in the National Club Championship won last year by South Northumberland. If the aim of entering the competition was to broaden their experience then New Farnley and their opponents Townville would have been disappointed, as they had met as recently as last week in league competition when the Castleford outfit won comfortably.
By the time I arrived Townville were nearing 200 with only two wickets down and the feeling among the good size crowd was that the home side might find themselves chasing in excess of 300. The return of the opening bowlers reined the batting side in somewhat and aided by some excellent catches in the deep Townville were restricted to 281 for 9 off their 45 overs.
In the first hour of their innings New Farnsley's openers reached 80 without being parted, the runs coming mainly in fours, wides and byes, and they had kept up with the rate of just over six an over. The fielding side were extremely boisterous, when did cricket become such a noisy game?
Unfortunately I had to leave at this interesting point and have scoured several websites today in the hope of finding out the result but to no avail. Late in the day I bought the Yorkshire Post from my local Sainsburys, only to discover when I arrived home that it was Saturday's edition! The headline on the back page was 'Moxon in blast at Yorkshire batsmen over loss' which I suppose would have served equally well for today.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
TALKING TO A OLD UMPIRE
By Brian Sanderson,
The forecast for to-day had been good for a number of days so I decided to visit Bacup in the Lancashire League.I have heard on numberous occasions not to visit Bacup if it is cold.
So picking up Peter Mann we sent off over the moors to Hebden Bridge.Near to Howarth I passed a horse rider walking her dog.Another first.After a excellent lunch we sent off up the hill for about two miles to Bacup.The sun was shining and they were playing Lowerhouse.The ground has brillent views on to the hills and sheep on the slopes.
Bacup were bottom of the league last season and had signed Jon.Jon Smuts from South Africa. Lowerhouse had signed Franceis Haasbroek from the same country.
Bacup batted first gradually worked their way up to 168. There were no programmes so it was hard to tell who the players were. However announcer did give some names out.
The batted was nothing special with te pro getting out for 20.During the first innings we meet Geoff who is a umpire for a number of years in the Bradford and Airedale Leagues. We talked of some the player we both knew.
Lowerhouse start their innings and were soon losing wickets. A left -arm bowler called Joe Sipocz collect figures of 9 for 22 with Lowerhouse been bowled out for 46.
Another low score ,similar to yesterday.
Moving on down the hill to Burnley against Rawtenstall.The ground is next to the soccor pitch Turf Moor.Burnley were batting with two wickets down for 120. They were chasing a total of 296. Somebody must have batted well.
In the next seven overs they lost 7 wickets. The spectators were complaining that Burnley were up against it as the Professional had not turn up yet. That is the problem with the Lancashire League ,the clubs depend on the professional too much.
The forecast for to-day had been good for a number of days so I decided to visit Bacup in the Lancashire League.I have heard on numberous occasions not to visit Bacup if it is cold.
So picking up Peter Mann we sent off over the moors to Hebden Bridge.Near to Howarth I passed a horse rider walking her dog.Another first.After a excellent lunch we sent off up the hill for about two miles to Bacup.The sun was shining and they were playing Lowerhouse.The ground has brillent views on to the hills and sheep on the slopes.
Bacup were bottom of the league last season and had signed Jon.Jon Smuts from South Africa. Lowerhouse had signed Franceis Haasbroek from the same country.
Bacup batted first gradually worked their way up to 168. There were no programmes so it was hard to tell who the players were. However announcer did give some names out.
The batted was nothing special with te pro getting out for 20.During the first innings we meet Geoff who is a umpire for a number of years in the Bradford and Airedale Leagues. We talked of some the player we both knew.
Lowerhouse start their innings and were soon losing wickets. A left -arm bowler called Joe Sipocz collect figures of 9 for 22 with Lowerhouse been bowled out for 46.
Another low score ,similar to yesterday.
Moving on down the hill to Burnley against Rawtenstall.The ground is next to the soccor pitch Turf Moor.Burnley were batting with two wickets down for 120. They were chasing a total of 296. Somebody must have batted well.
In the next seven overs they lost 7 wickets. The spectators were complaining that Burnley were up against it as the Professional had not turn up yet. That is the problem with the Lancashire League ,the clubs depend on the professional too much.
Deja Vu all over again
Posted by Tony Hutton
As if Friday's debacle was not enough, today Yorkshire cricket must have reached an all time low with defeat by the Netherlands by two runs in their first CB40 fixture of the season.
Indeed the sporting reputation of Leeds lies in tatters, as the rugby union side, Leeds Carnegie, were heavily beaten by Harlequins on one side of the Headingley stand, while Yorkshire were struggling on the other. Add to that Leeds United slipping out of the play off promotion spots and Leeds Rhinos struggling in Super League and the sporting punters of Leeds must be in despair.
Many readers will be well aware of my aversion to coloured clothing cricket, so it may come as a surprise to some that I was present at Headingley today. However the added inducement of a free ticket for the rugby persuaded me - but not for long !
Yorkshire seemed well in control early on so I watched most of the first half of the rugby, but as this seemed similarly one sided, I returned to the cricket with Holland on 112-7 and seemingly out of it. However, a fine fifty by Australian Shane Mott, batting at number eight, and some poor bowling and ragged fielding towards the end of the innings gave Holland a respectable 190-8 in their 40 overs.
Most people thought that Yorkshire would still win, as they did on Friday, but something told me it might all go wrong again. I did not like the atmosphere or the coloured clothing so set off just up the road, where I knew something more agreeable (to me) was going on.
St Chad's of the Wetherby League were playing Kirk Deighton, in the preliminary round of the Fred Fleetwood Cup, at their pleasant village green type ground in Far Headingley in front of the church. The sun was still shining brightly, there was no wind, the birds were singing and the church clock was striking the quarter hours.
This was so much more pleasant than Headingley and the cricket wasn't bad either.
Finding Mick Bourne in situ, I gathered that St Chads had scored 232 in their forty overs and that Kirk Deighton had set off well in pursuit. Runs began to come thick and fast on this small, fast-scoring ground. I decided to go home for my tea, only to find on teletext that Yorkshire were 27-5 !
I managed to avoid choking on my simnel cake and all vague thoughts of returning for the finish went out of the window. Instead I went back to St Chads for a rousing finish with Kirk Deighton on 190-6 requiring 43 to win off seven overs. St Chads went on the defensive with nine men ringing the boundary to stop the fours. The tactic worked as wickets began to fall, 200-8 with four overs left and soon afterwards 204 all out and a good win for the home side.
Returning home again, hardly daring to look at teletext, I eventually plucked up enough courage and there it was Holland had won by two runs ! All six of Yorkshire's top order batsmen had failed to get double figures. Rich Pyrah, again, was the hero with 69, Adil Rashid 42 not out and then Ryan Sidebottom, the man for a crisis, hit a rapid 29 until he was run out off the last ball of the match.
Having sat through Friday's events with three octogenerian friends, who all threatened to have heart attacks at some stage, I wonder how many of today's spectators were at risk. All one can say is that cricket at Headingley has suddenly
found an added ingrediant, tales of the unexpected, but all going in the wrong direction.
As if Friday's debacle was not enough, today Yorkshire cricket must have reached an all time low with defeat by the Netherlands by two runs in their first CB40 fixture of the season.
Indeed the sporting reputation of Leeds lies in tatters, as the rugby union side, Leeds Carnegie, were heavily beaten by Harlequins on one side of the Headingley stand, while Yorkshire were struggling on the other. Add to that Leeds United slipping out of the play off promotion spots and Leeds Rhinos struggling in Super League and the sporting punters of Leeds must be in despair.
Many readers will be well aware of my aversion to coloured clothing cricket, so it may come as a surprise to some that I was present at Headingley today. However the added inducement of a free ticket for the rugby persuaded me - but not for long !
Yorkshire seemed well in control early on so I watched most of the first half of the rugby, but as this seemed similarly one sided, I returned to the cricket with Holland on 112-7 and seemingly out of it. However, a fine fifty by Australian Shane Mott, batting at number eight, and some poor bowling and ragged fielding towards the end of the innings gave Holland a respectable 190-8 in their 40 overs.
Most people thought that Yorkshire would still win, as they did on Friday, but something told me it might all go wrong again. I did not like the atmosphere or the coloured clothing so set off just up the road, where I knew something more agreeable (to me) was going on.
St Chad's of the Wetherby League were playing Kirk Deighton, in the preliminary round of the Fred Fleetwood Cup, at their pleasant village green type ground in Far Headingley in front of the church. The sun was still shining brightly, there was no wind, the birds were singing and the church clock was striking the quarter hours.
This was so much more pleasant than Headingley and the cricket wasn't bad either.
Finding Mick Bourne in situ, I gathered that St Chads had scored 232 in their forty overs and that Kirk Deighton had set off well in pursuit. Runs began to come thick and fast on this small, fast-scoring ground. I decided to go home for my tea, only to find on teletext that Yorkshire were 27-5 !
I managed to avoid choking on my simnel cake and all vague thoughts of returning for the finish went out of the window. Instead I went back to St Chads for a rousing finish with Kirk Deighton on 190-6 requiring 43 to win off seven overs. St Chads went on the defensive with nine men ringing the boundary to stop the fours. The tactic worked as wickets began to fall, 200-8 with four overs left and soon afterwards 204 all out and a good win for the home side.
Returning home again, hardly daring to look at teletext, I eventually plucked up enough courage and there it was Holland had won by two runs ! All six of Yorkshire's top order batsmen had failed to get double figures. Rich Pyrah, again, was the hero with 69, Adil Rashid 42 not out and then Ryan Sidebottom, the man for a crisis, hit a rapid 29 until he was run out off the last ball of the match.
Having sat through Friday's events with three octogenerian friends, who all threatened to have heart attacks at some stage, I wonder how many of today's spectators were at risk. All one can say is that cricket at Headingley has suddenly
found an added ingrediant, tales of the unexpected, but all going in the wrong direction.
A family affair
Posted by John Winn
In Darlington yesterday on non-cricketing business (Darlington v York City), I called in at Feethams where the local cricket club were about to open their NYSD season against newcomers to the Premier Division, Barnard Castle. Some changes have been made to the league's regulations this season including the extension of promotion and relegation to two clubs and the restriction of bowlers to a maximum of seventeen overs.
My enquiry as to the possibility of acquiring a league handbook were met with something close to astonishment but I was sold a programme for yesterday's match by Tim Dobson, whose son James was behind the stumps for Darlington. Tim's father, Brian, now deceased, was a great servant to the Feethams club for many years. He joined the club from Darlington RA in the late 1950s as a batsman but developed into a fine leg spin bowler, good enough to play one match for Durham in their Minor Counties days. The match,in 1968, was at Feethams against Staffordshire whose team included the former England player, Jack Ikin. Brian might have counted himself unlucky not to be selected again for in the second innings he took 2 for 15 off 11 overs.
Another point of interest in yesterday's match was that Gary Pratt opened the batting for Barnard Castle. Pratt will probably be best remembered not for six seasons for Durham but rather as 'the man who ran out Ponting' in the Trent Bridge test of 2005. Pratt did not play a first class game for Durham that season but one brilliant piece of fielding gained him a page to himself in Wisden. Ponting's dismissal arguably tipped the series in England's direction and the Australian skipper's reaction to being dismissed by a specialist fielder rather than a waiter was strong to say the least.
The Northern Echo ran a double page spread yesterday previewing the NYSD season nd the prospects for the Northumberland and Tyneside league. In addition to mentioning Pratt's switch from Bishop Auckland the article also refers to the Teesdale club's acquisition of James Finch from Scarborough. Darlington's new pro is Rajin Saleh who has played 24 tests for Bangladesh but he was not available for selection yesterday.
To this blogger's delight Darlington won the football but York could feel unfortunate not to come home with at least one point. Their defeat rather scuppers the play off hopes while The Quakers can look forward wtih some confidence to their Wembley date in two weeks, but I would say that wouldn't I?
In Darlington yesterday on non-cricketing business (Darlington v York City), I called in at Feethams where the local cricket club were about to open their NYSD season against newcomers to the Premier Division, Barnard Castle. Some changes have been made to the league's regulations this season including the extension of promotion and relegation to two clubs and the restriction of bowlers to a maximum of seventeen overs.
My enquiry as to the possibility of acquiring a league handbook were met with something close to astonishment but I was sold a programme for yesterday's match by Tim Dobson, whose son James was behind the stumps for Darlington. Tim's father, Brian, now deceased, was a great servant to the Feethams club for many years. He joined the club from Darlington RA in the late 1950s as a batsman but developed into a fine leg spin bowler, good enough to play one match for Durham in their Minor Counties days. The match,in 1968, was at Feethams against Staffordshire whose team included the former England player, Jack Ikin. Brian might have counted himself unlucky not to be selected again for in the second innings he took 2 for 15 off 11 overs.
Another point of interest in yesterday's match was that Gary Pratt opened the batting for Barnard Castle. Pratt will probably be best remembered not for six seasons for Durham but rather as 'the man who ran out Ponting' in the Trent Bridge test of 2005. Pratt did not play a first class game for Durham that season but one brilliant piece of fielding gained him a page to himself in Wisden. Ponting's dismissal arguably tipped the series in England's direction and the Australian skipper's reaction to being dismissed by a specialist fielder rather than a waiter was strong to say the least.
The Northern Echo ran a double page spread yesterday previewing the NYSD season nd the prospects for the Northumberland and Tyneside league. In addition to mentioning Pratt's switch from Bishop Auckland the article also refers to the Teesdale club's acquisition of James Finch from Scarborough. Darlington's new pro is Rajin Saleh who has played 24 tests for Bangladesh but he was not available for selection yesterday.
To this blogger's delight Darlington won the football but York could feel unfortunate not to come home with at least one point. Their defeat rather scuppers the play off hopes while The Quakers can look forward wtih some confidence to their Wembley date in two weeks, but I would say that wouldn't I?
Saturday, 23 April 2011
JAKEMAN COUNTRY
By Brian Sanderson,
On a bright sunny morning I set off with Ron Stansfield to go and watch Holmfirth who were playing Lepton Highlanders. As Peter Davies can not get involved in the blog, I decided to visit the Huddersfield Second Divison match.
I had not watched cricket at Holmfirth,nor seen Lepton and nor watched a second division match.So I was looking forward to it.To get into the ground you turn left after the Coop along a small dirt road.I parked in the carpark at the far end of the ground.The ground is attractive with a old pavilion which they were improving.
On the chalk board I saw the ball was sponsered by Mrs Jakeman.Looking at the records Fred Jakeman played 10 matches for Yorkshire before going on to Nothampton.He headed the Huddersfield League averages in 1940.He was a product of Holmfirth.
The home team batted first with the opening bat S.Denton scoring 44 out of 58. From then on wickets fell quickly to the bowling of Stephen Brown and Dale Winterburn.
They finihed on the score of 101 in about 33 overs.While they were batted we could thunder in the distance and turned out the match at Lepton was called off due to the heavy rain.
We had been able to purchase a programme which enabled us to se who was batting and bowling . Well done Holmfirth.
Lepton started batted and soon lost wickets. The bowlers were Iqbal and Max Gummerson.They were soon 30 for 9 and thought we would soon move on to Honley . However the 11 became the top scorer with 9 even though it looked he had not played much cricket. They were all out for 42.
There had been generally poor batting rather than good bowling.
Moving on to Honley were Richard Jakeman was batting for Honley.They were playing Shelley who had scored 169.Honley last week had scored 372 to beat Hoylandswaine.
Jakeman reached his 50 before been bowled. He seemed to have one or two words with the bowler.Meet Peter Dibb at the match who goes to the meetings at Huddersfield.
Honley were sponsered by Jakeman Builders and Alex Jakeman was playing in the second team who arrived back as we left.
Pleased to go to the Huddersfield League as I was brought up in the Leeds and Bradford Leagues.
On a bright sunny morning I set off with Ron Stansfield to go and watch Holmfirth who were playing Lepton Highlanders. As Peter Davies can not get involved in the blog, I decided to visit the Huddersfield Second Divison match.
I had not watched cricket at Holmfirth,nor seen Lepton and nor watched a second division match.So I was looking forward to it.To get into the ground you turn left after the Coop along a small dirt road.I parked in the carpark at the far end of the ground.The ground is attractive with a old pavilion which they were improving.
On the chalk board I saw the ball was sponsered by Mrs Jakeman.Looking at the records Fred Jakeman played 10 matches for Yorkshire before going on to Nothampton.He headed the Huddersfield League averages in 1940.He was a product of Holmfirth.
The home team batted first with the opening bat S.Denton scoring 44 out of 58. From then on wickets fell quickly to the bowling of Stephen Brown and Dale Winterburn.
They finihed on the score of 101 in about 33 overs.While they were batted we could thunder in the distance and turned out the match at Lepton was called off due to the heavy rain.
We had been able to purchase a programme which enabled us to se who was batting and bowling . Well done Holmfirth.
Lepton started batted and soon lost wickets. The bowlers were Iqbal and Max Gummerson.They were soon 30 for 9 and thought we would soon move on to Honley . However the 11 became the top scorer with 9 even though it looked he had not played much cricket. They were all out for 42.
There had been generally poor batting rather than good bowling.
Moving on to Honley were Richard Jakeman was batting for Honley.They were playing Shelley who had scored 169.Honley last week had scored 372 to beat Hoylandswaine.
Jakeman reached his 50 before been bowled. He seemed to have one or two words with the bowler.Meet Peter Dibb at the match who goes to the meetings at Huddersfield.
Honley were sponsered by Jakeman Builders and Alex Jakeman was playing in the second team who arrived back as we left.
Pleased to go to the Huddersfield League as I was brought up in the Leeds and Bradford Leagues.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Postcript from Belper Meadows
Belper Meadows
Posted by Tony Hutton
As Brian Sanderson has already reported we were both present on day one of this three day friendly match between Derbyshire 2nd XI and Yorkshire 2nd XI at the very attractive Belper Meadows ground in the Derwent valley.
Any details of the scores on the following days seemed in short supply, nothing at all on the Yorkshire website, nothing in the Yorkshire Post and only late on day two a brief report on the Derbyshire website. As is my wont in such circumstances e-mails were dispatched to both counties asking for information.
To my surprise on returning home from Headingley today, not only was a full report and scorecard of all three days on the Yorkshire website, courtesy of scorer Michael Snook, but a gentleman from Derbyshire had personally e-mailed me a copy of the scorecard. Many thanks to all concerned.
So I can now confirm that as we knew Yorkshire made 343-6 declared, with Sayers 128,
on day one. Derbyshire then replied with 263-9 declared (three wickets each for Lee and Randhawa) and on day three Yorkshire declared again on 194-3 (Ballance 101 not out). Derbyshire had to chase 275 in 78 overs and made the winning hit with four from the first ball of the final over. Architect of this great win for Derby was Gary Park who hit 165 not out,including seven sixes and sixteen fours.
So an eventful week for both Yorkshire teams who despite some very good performances both ended up with defeats. Things can only get better !
Absent friends and Rich pickings
Posted by Tony Hutton
A very bad day for Yorkshire cricket, but fortunate for some regulars they had decided to travel to pastures new forsaking an eventful and almost unbelievable day at Headingley.
As you will have read John Winn was in Norfolk (possibly the best place to be - as far away as possible). Other regulars Brian Sanderson was reported to have gone to the snooker at the Crucible in Sheffield and David Thorpe had travelled to Wrexham to see Huddersfield Giants given a good thrashing by the Crusaders. No sign either of Brian Senior, perhaps he had gone to Durham where another shock result looks on the cards.
Whatever one thinks of Yorkshire's rare ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory today, one must acknowledge that it proved once again what marvellous entertainment the twists and turns of a county championship match over three or four days can provide.
To briefly summarise the events of the last three days - Yorkshire bowled brilliantly on day one to dismiss the county champions for only 143. Stars of the show were the newly rejuvenated Rich Pyrah (as he has become known in the media - previously Richard) and prodigal son Ryan Sidebottom against his former team.
Having almost earned Yorkshire a draw with Durham in the previous game with his batting, Pyrah's bowling was a revelation, bowling a perfect line and length with the batsmen having to play at every ball. Some brilliant catching made Yorkshire look an excellent side in the field.
When Yorkshire batted, Root went for nought, but Lyth and McGrath had a good partnership which took the score to 106-1 before the rot set in and soon they were 166-5. However Rashid joined captain Gale in a good partnership and Yorkshire were
213-5 at the end of day one.
On day two Rashid was soon out for 40, then Pyrah and Sidebottom both for no score. Wainwright made a useful 19, but last man Oliver Hannon-Dalby came in with the total 254-9. The tall fast bowler, not known for his batting, managed to stay with Andrew Gale for almost an hour, during which the captain not only went to his century but proceeded to thrash the Notts bowlers all round the park. He finished with a magnificent 145 not out, with fifteen fours and two sixes, when the obdurate Hannon Dalby was dismissed for two out of a partnership of 82.
Yorkshire rammed home their advantage by taking Notts' first three second innings wickets for only 38, but Alex Hales played another fine innings adding to his 85 in the first innings with another 83. Sidebottom and Pyrah were well among the wickets again and Notts ended day two on 175-6.
Good Friday morning and Yorkshire's supporters were in good humour expecting a certain victory, perhaps before lunch. Sadly it didn't work out that way.
The overnight batsmen, skipper Chris Read and Lancastrian Steve Mullaney, batted throughout the morning session. Both made scores into the eighties before Rashid took three wickets to finish off the innings. Yorkshire required only 145 runs to win.
Victory still seemed certain with such a modest target but of course there are always some who fear the worst and prophesied a sting in the tail. So it proved as Yorkshire lost Lyth lbw to Shreck not playing a shot and then McGrath first ball, also lbw to Shreck, a bowler who was out on loan to Kent only a few weeks ago. Gale, after his first innings heroics predictably fell cheaply, bowled by Fletcher and Yorkshire were soon 15-3.
Franks came on first change and took the wicket of Root in his first over, 44-4.
Johnny Bairstow was the only batsman to emerge with any credit at all, battling hard for a fine 50 not out. If only someone could have stayed with him, he would surely have won the match, but the remaining batsman subsided rapidly to Franks, Fletcher and Patel. Yorkshire amazingly all out for only 86 and Notts celebrated a famous victory.
An incredible game of cricket which left the Yorkshire supporters stunned and the Notts followers cockahoop.
A very bad day for Yorkshire cricket, but fortunate for some regulars they had decided to travel to pastures new forsaking an eventful and almost unbelievable day at Headingley.
As you will have read John Winn was in Norfolk (possibly the best place to be - as far away as possible). Other regulars Brian Sanderson was reported to have gone to the snooker at the Crucible in Sheffield and David Thorpe had travelled to Wrexham to see Huddersfield Giants given a good thrashing by the Crusaders. No sign either of Brian Senior, perhaps he had gone to Durham where another shock result looks on the cards.
Whatever one thinks of Yorkshire's rare ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory today, one must acknowledge that it proved once again what marvellous entertainment the twists and turns of a county championship match over three or four days can provide.
To briefly summarise the events of the last three days - Yorkshire bowled brilliantly on day one to dismiss the county champions for only 143. Stars of the show were the newly rejuvenated Rich Pyrah (as he has become known in the media - previously Richard) and prodigal son Ryan Sidebottom against his former team.
Having almost earned Yorkshire a draw with Durham in the previous game with his batting, Pyrah's bowling was a revelation, bowling a perfect line and length with the batsmen having to play at every ball. Some brilliant catching made Yorkshire look an excellent side in the field.
When Yorkshire batted, Root went for nought, but Lyth and McGrath had a good partnership which took the score to 106-1 before the rot set in and soon they were 166-5. However Rashid joined captain Gale in a good partnership and Yorkshire were
213-5 at the end of day one.
On day two Rashid was soon out for 40, then Pyrah and Sidebottom both for no score. Wainwright made a useful 19, but last man Oliver Hannon-Dalby came in with the total 254-9. The tall fast bowler, not known for his batting, managed to stay with Andrew Gale for almost an hour, during which the captain not only went to his century but proceeded to thrash the Notts bowlers all round the park. He finished with a magnificent 145 not out, with fifteen fours and two sixes, when the obdurate Hannon Dalby was dismissed for two out of a partnership of 82.
Yorkshire rammed home their advantage by taking Notts' first three second innings wickets for only 38, but Alex Hales played another fine innings adding to his 85 in the first innings with another 83. Sidebottom and Pyrah were well among the wickets again and Notts ended day two on 175-6.
Good Friday morning and Yorkshire's supporters were in good humour expecting a certain victory, perhaps before lunch. Sadly it didn't work out that way.
The overnight batsmen, skipper Chris Read and Lancastrian Steve Mullaney, batted throughout the morning session. Both made scores into the eighties before Rashid took three wickets to finish off the innings. Yorkshire required only 145 runs to win.
Victory still seemed certain with such a modest target but of course there are always some who fear the worst and prophesied a sting in the tail. So it proved as Yorkshire lost Lyth lbw to Shreck not playing a shot and then McGrath first ball, also lbw to Shreck, a bowler who was out on loan to Kent only a few weeks ago. Gale, after his first innings heroics predictably fell cheaply, bowled by Fletcher and Yorkshire were soon 15-3.
Franks came on first change and took the wicket of Root in his first over, 44-4.
Johnny Bairstow was the only batsman to emerge with any credit at all, battling hard for a fine 50 not out. If only someone could have stayed with him, he would surely have won the match, but the remaining batsman subsided rapidly to Franks, Fletcher and Patel. Yorkshire amazingly all out for only 86 and Notts celebrated a famous victory.
An incredible game of cricket which left the Yorkshire supporters stunned and the Notts followers cockahoop.
Brothers in Arms
A few days away in Norfolk this week were, like everywhere else it seems, blessed with sunshine. Although there was no opportunity to watch cricket I was reminded of cricket in that county, perhaps best known for the contribution of the Edrich family, particularly W.J. (Bill) Edrich the England and Middlesex all-rounder who made his debut for his native county, against an All-India XI, when only sixteen.
It is probably true to say that Norfolk were at their peak in the 1930s. The 'Second-Class Counties'(as they were known then) table was calculated on a percentage basis with most teams, which included five county second elevens, playing eight matches but some as many as twelve.In 1933 Norfolk topped the table and played a challenge match against Yorkshire II who finished runners up. The match was worn by Yorkshire but seven weeks later it was discovered that the percentage points had been miscalculated and Wiltshire had in fact finished second, and they, not Yorkshire, should have played Norfolk. As the mistake was not discovered until the end of October the championship for that season was left 'undecided'. It is of interest that in the Yorkshire team that defeated Norfolk were Len Hutton and Norman Yardley.
Another family closely connected with Norfolk at this time were the three Rought- Rought brothers Basil, Desmond and Rodney who although Suffolk born, were almost ever present in the Norfolk eleven throughout the late twenties and thirties.
In addition to playing for Norfolk each enjoyed careers in first-class cricket, mainly for Cambridge University. With their double -barrelled names they must have been something of a scorer's nightmare. For instance in a match between Kent II and Norfolk in 1939 two batsmen found themselves caught BW Rought-Rought bowled RC Rought- Rought,sadly in neither case for nought.
It is probably true to say that Norfolk were at their peak in the 1930s. The 'Second-Class Counties'(as they were known then) table was calculated on a percentage basis with most teams, which included five county second elevens, playing eight matches but some as many as twelve.In 1933 Norfolk topped the table and played a challenge match against Yorkshire II who finished runners up. The match was worn by Yorkshire but seven weeks later it was discovered that the percentage points had been miscalculated and Wiltshire had in fact finished second, and they, not Yorkshire, should have played Norfolk. As the mistake was not discovered until the end of October the championship for that season was left 'undecided'. It is of interest that in the Yorkshire team that defeated Norfolk were Len Hutton and Norman Yardley.
Another family closely connected with Norfolk at this time were the three Rought- Rought brothers Basil, Desmond and Rodney who although Suffolk born, were almost ever present in the Norfolk eleven throughout the late twenties and thirties.
In addition to playing for Norfolk each enjoyed careers in first-class cricket, mainly for Cambridge University. With their double -barrelled names they must have been something of a scorer's nightmare. For instance in a match between Kent II and Norfolk in 1939 two batsmen found themselves caught BW Rought-Rought bowled RC Rought- Rought,sadly in neither case for nought.
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
NO GRUMBLES FOR TWO THIRDS OF THE DAY
By Brian Sanderson,
Another sunny day in Headingley and Nottingham were visiting.Good news was that David Wainwright was playing.His first first class mtach this season.
Sat in the Rugby stand with Andy for the fist time this year.We were right beind Mc Grath catching a brillent catch at second slip.Yorkshire were bowling and collecting wickets.Moved round to the Trueman stand to meet Ron Stansfield.The view is good and it is warmer than the Rugby Stand.
Just after lunch Nottingham were bowled out for 143 in 35.4 overs.Poor show by Notts but Pyrah collected his best bowling figures of 5 for 58.A big bonus for Yorkshire and the player.Meet Ron Deaton at lunchtime after he had been ill last week. Good to see him well.
Root was soon out but Lyth and Mc Grath put on a century stand. At tea Bob Appleyard was given a momento of him taking 200 wickets in a sesaon 60 years ago.It was given by the Yorkshire supporters .It is a pity that Yorkshire could not be involved.
Two Yorkshire wickets were gifted by the players. Lyth caught by one of thetwo long legs and Brophy caught by one of thetwo gullies.At the end of the day Yorkshire were 70 runs ahead with Gale and Rashid batting well.
We will see what to-morrow brings.Hoping Peter Davies gets better.
Another sunny day in Headingley and Nottingham were visiting.Good news was that David Wainwright was playing.His first first class mtach this season.
Sat in the Rugby stand with Andy for the fist time this year.We were right beind Mc Grath catching a brillent catch at second slip.Yorkshire were bowling and collecting wickets.Moved round to the Trueman stand to meet Ron Stansfield.The view is good and it is warmer than the Rugby Stand.
Just after lunch Nottingham were bowled out for 143 in 35.4 overs.Poor show by Notts but Pyrah collected his best bowling figures of 5 for 58.A big bonus for Yorkshire and the player.Meet Ron Deaton at lunchtime after he had been ill last week. Good to see him well.
Root was soon out but Lyth and Mc Grath put on a century stand. At tea Bob Appleyard was given a momento of him taking 200 wickets in a sesaon 60 years ago.It was given by the Yorkshire supporters .It is a pity that Yorkshire could not be involved.
Two Yorkshire wickets were gifted by the players. Lyth caught by one of thetwo long legs and Brophy caught by one of thetwo gullies.At the end of the day Yorkshire were 70 runs ahead with Gale and Rashid batting well.
We will see what to-morrow brings.Hoping Peter Davies gets better.
MEETING A BLOG READER
By Brian Sanderson.
On Tuesday ,the sun was shining and a chance to go to proper cricket ground.
Bob Proctor and myself set off down the A1,M18,M1 AND A38.After an hour and half it brought us to Belpher where Yorkshire Seconds were playing Derbyshire Seconds.
To get into the ground you have to enter a small gateway with the sign for the football team,go up a dirt road passed a bowling club to arrive at the cricket.Getting out of the car you can see the Peak district in the distance.Beautiful.
The ground has a slope similar to Idle and the clubhouse is on the hill were you can get a cup of coffee for 50p.A bit of a difference to Headingley.Collected a free scorecard and looked at the teams.Yorkshire had won the toss and were batting.
Derbyshire had a interesting team.
R.Linekar, son of Garry and aged 25. He had been scoring numberous runs in League and it was his first season at Derby.
Garry Park ex South Africa,.
Thomas Poynton first played 5 years ago aged 16.Ex England under 19 wicket keeper.
He is now 21.
Jake Needham Ex England under 19 off-spinner.
Usman Muzzafer who was from Nottingham and playing his first match for Derbyshire. He wore Park second shirt.
Walking round the ground I meet Michael Missett, ex schoolboy friend who admitted he read the blog. Hope he keeps taking the tablets.
Ballance was soon out and Sayers had a shakey start.He was out eventually 20 minutes before tea scoring 128. Yorkshire were scoring at about 3 runs an over and never dominated the attack on a flat wicket.
Needham and Whiteley were the best bowler.Overall not the most treating attack in cricket.
Yorkshire declared at 343 for 6 with half an hour to go. Derbyshire did not loss any wickets. Wainnman looked the best medium bowler to-day.
A good crowd of Yorkshire supporters including Tony Hutton. I want to thank him for the fixture lists for the season.Many more beautiful grounds to see subject to the weather.
On Tuesday ,the sun was shining and a chance to go to proper cricket ground.
Bob Proctor and myself set off down the A1,M18,M1 AND A38.After an hour and half it brought us to Belpher where Yorkshire Seconds were playing Derbyshire Seconds.
To get into the ground you have to enter a small gateway with the sign for the football team,go up a dirt road passed a bowling club to arrive at the cricket.Getting out of the car you can see the Peak district in the distance.Beautiful.
The ground has a slope similar to Idle and the clubhouse is on the hill were you can get a cup of coffee for 50p.A bit of a difference to Headingley.Collected a free scorecard and looked at the teams.Yorkshire had won the toss and were batting.
Derbyshire had a interesting team.
R.Linekar, son of Garry and aged 25. He had been scoring numberous runs in League and it was his first season at Derby.
Garry Park ex South Africa,.
Thomas Poynton first played 5 years ago aged 16.Ex England under 19 wicket keeper.
He is now 21.
Jake Needham Ex England under 19 off-spinner.
Usman Muzzafer who was from Nottingham and playing his first match for Derbyshire. He wore Park second shirt.
Walking round the ground I meet Michael Missett, ex schoolboy friend who admitted he read the blog. Hope he keeps taking the tablets.
Ballance was soon out and Sayers had a shakey start.He was out eventually 20 minutes before tea scoring 128. Yorkshire were scoring at about 3 runs an over and never dominated the attack on a flat wicket.
Needham and Whiteley were the best bowler.Overall not the most treating attack in cricket.
Yorkshire declared at 343 for 6 with half an hour to go. Derbyshire did not loss any wickets. Wainnman looked the best medium bowler to-day.
A good crowd of Yorkshire supporters including Tony Hutton. I want to thank him for the fixture lists for the season.Many more beautiful grounds to see subject to the weather.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Cricket fixtures for May 2011
Posted by Tony Hutton
Demand continues to be high from professional cricket watchers for the more obscure cricket fixtures, not always publicised elsewhere. So here we go for just a few during the month of May.
Sun 1/5 - 11.00 - Leeds/Bradford University v Oxford University (Weetwood, Leeds) - this is day 2 of a 2 day match.
Sun 1/5 - 11.00 - Cheshire v Cumberland (Neston) - Minor Counties KO
Sun 1/5 - Bradford League 2nd Division and Saddleworth league programmes
Mon 2/5 - 13.00 - Hanging Heaton v East Bierley (ECB National KO 1st round
Mon 2/5 (May Day bank holiday) - Yorkshire League and North Yorks South Durham League programmes
Tues 3/5 - 12.00 - Lancashire II v Worcester II (Northop Hall, North Wales)
12.00 - Yorkshire II v Notts II (Headingley) - both 2nd XI Trophy (1 day)
Tues 3/5 - 11.30 - Birkdale School v MCC (Abbeydale Park, Sheffield)
Wed 4/5 - 11.00 - Lancashire II v Worcester II (Nantwich) - day 1 of 3
11.00 - Yorkshire II v Notts II (Barnsley) - day 1 of 3
Wed 4/5 - 12.30 - Leeds Met University v Lancaster University (Pudsey Congs)
Wed 4/5 - 11.30 - MCC out matches at Grammar School at Leeds, Ampleforth College and Wickersley Comprehensive.
Wed 4/5 - 18.30 - Harrogate Evening League starts
Thurs 5/5 - 11.30 - Sedbergh School v MCC
Frid 6/5 - 11.30 - Ermystead's School v MCC (Skipton)
Sun 8/5 - 13.00 - ECB National Club KO first round includes Harrogate v Easingwold, New Farnley v Townville (now re-arranged for Sun 24th April) and Doncaster v Papplewick & Linby
Sun 8/5 - 13.00 - Heavy Woollen Cup round two - Yeadon v New Farnley, Townville v Hanging Heaton. Other ties potentially include four all Huddersfield League matches - Shelley v Morley or Skelmanthorpe, Shepley v Scholes, Slathwaite v Barkisland and Golcar v Delph and Dobcross. A local derby matches Gomersal and Spen Victoria and Birstall will be at home to Woodlands.
Sun 8/5 - Waddilove Cup preliminary round (Aire/Wharfe league)
Sun 8/5 - 12.30 - Leeds Met University v Loughborough University (Pudsey Congs)
Mon 9/5 - 11.00 - Derbyshire Academy v Yorkshire Academy (Staveley)
Mon 9/5 - 18.30 - Addison Cup first round includes Shadwell v Knaresborough, Bardsey v Harrogate, Follifoot v Beckwithshaw and Pannal v Bishop Thornton
Tues 10/5 - 11.00 - Leeds/Bradford University v Durham Academy (Weetwood, Leeds)
Wed 11/5 - 13.00 - Yorkshire over 50s v Leicester over 50s (Aston Hall, Nr Sheffield)
12.30 - Leeds University v Coventry University (Weetwood, Leeds)
14.00 - Ashville College, Harrogate v XL Club
Thurs 12/5 - 18.30 - Headingley & District Evening league starts, including
St Chads v New Rover and Horsforth v Headingley
Frid 13/5 - 11.30 - Clitheroe Royal Grammar School v MCC (there seems some doubt where this match will be played either Clitheroe CC or Bolton by Bowland)
Sun 15/5 - 11.00 - Cumberland v Staffordshire (Penrith) - MCKO
11.00 - Cheshire v Northumberland (Marple) - MCKO
Various leagues have cup competitions today, including Priestley Cup (Bradford League),Fred Fleetwood Cup (Wetherby League) and Yorkshire Premier League cup in which Yorks Academy will play Driffield.
Mon 16/5 - 18.30 - Arthington v Ripley (C.B. Atkinson Trophy)
Tues 17/5 - 11.00 - Leeds/Bradford University v Yorkshire Academy (Weetwood, Leeds)
Wed 18/5 - 13.00 - Yorkshire over 50s v Derby over 50s (Brighouse)
12.30 - Leeds University v Manchester University (Weetwood, Leeds)
11.30 - Barnard Castle School v MCC
Thurs 19/5 - 11.00 - Derbyshire Academy v Leeds/Bradford University (venue to be confirmed)
Sun 22/5 - Waddilove Cup first round, includes New Rover v Alwoodley, Woodhouse v Hall Park, Bolton Villas v Burley and Follifoot or Bilton v Adel.
Mon 23/5 - 18.30 - Addison Cup second round and George Greaves cup first round
both involving Harogate Evening league clubs)
Tues 24/5 - 11.00 - Yorkshire Academy v Derbyshire Academy (Barnsley)
13.00 - Yorkshire over sixties v Derby over sixties (Ackworth)
Tues 24/5 - 18.30 - Wetherby Senior Evening Cup includes Bramhope v Old Modernians, Leeds Police v Old Leos and Headingley v Amaranth.
Wed 25/5 - 13.30 - Cheshire over 50s v Yorkshire over 50s (Grappenhall, Nr Warrington)
Thurs 26/5 - 11.00 - Leeds/Bradford University v Lancashire Academy (Weetwood, Leeds)
Sun 29/5 - 11.00 - Northumberland v Cumberland (Jesmond, Newcastle) - MCKO
Sun 29/5 - National Village KO Regional semi-finals include Streethouse v Bardsey and Ackworth v Warley of Halifax league
Mon 30/5 (Spring Bank Holiday) - Yorkshire Premier League programme and York Senior League cup (first round)
Tues 31/5 - 11.00 - Durham Academy v Yorkshire Academy (Longhirst Hall, Morpeth) - day 1 of 3
Tues 31/5 - start of under 13s District cricket competition in Yorkshire (details to follow)
As usual these fixtures come with a Government Health warning - matches can be cancelled, postponed or changed to different dates and venues at short notice.
This particularly applies to competitions like the ECB National Clubs KO and the National Village KO. Always check first before making long journies !
Happy watching and may the sun continue to shine.
Demand continues to be high from professional cricket watchers for the more obscure cricket fixtures, not always publicised elsewhere. So here we go for just a few during the month of May.
Sun 1/5 - 11.00 - Leeds/Bradford University v Oxford University (Weetwood, Leeds) - this is day 2 of a 2 day match.
Sun 1/5 - 11.00 - Cheshire v Cumberland (Neston) - Minor Counties KO
Sun 1/5 - Bradford League 2nd Division and Saddleworth league programmes
Mon 2/5 - 13.00 - Hanging Heaton v East Bierley (ECB National KO 1st round
Mon 2/5 (May Day bank holiday) - Yorkshire League and North Yorks South Durham League programmes
Tues 3/5 - 12.00 - Lancashire II v Worcester II (Northop Hall, North Wales)
12.00 - Yorkshire II v Notts II (Headingley) - both 2nd XI Trophy (1 day)
Tues 3/5 - 11.30 - Birkdale School v MCC (Abbeydale Park, Sheffield)
Wed 4/5 - 11.00 - Lancashire II v Worcester II (Nantwich) - day 1 of 3
11.00 - Yorkshire II v Notts II (Barnsley) - day 1 of 3
Wed 4/5 - 12.30 - Leeds Met University v Lancaster University (Pudsey Congs)
Wed 4/5 - 11.30 - MCC out matches at Grammar School at Leeds, Ampleforth College and Wickersley Comprehensive.
Wed 4/5 - 18.30 - Harrogate Evening League starts
Thurs 5/5 - 11.30 - Sedbergh School v MCC
Frid 6/5 - 11.30 - Ermystead's School v MCC (Skipton)
Sun 8/5 - 13.00 - ECB National Club KO first round includes Harrogate v Easingwold, New Farnley v Townville (now re-arranged for Sun 24th April) and Doncaster v Papplewick & Linby
Sun 8/5 - 13.00 - Heavy Woollen Cup round two - Yeadon v New Farnley, Townville v Hanging Heaton. Other ties potentially include four all Huddersfield League matches - Shelley v Morley or Skelmanthorpe, Shepley v Scholes, Slathwaite v Barkisland and Golcar v Delph and Dobcross. A local derby matches Gomersal and Spen Victoria and Birstall will be at home to Woodlands.
Sun 8/5 - Waddilove Cup preliminary round (Aire/Wharfe league)
Sun 8/5 - 12.30 - Leeds Met University v Loughborough University (Pudsey Congs)
Mon 9/5 - 11.00 - Derbyshire Academy v Yorkshire Academy (Staveley)
Mon 9/5 - 18.30 - Addison Cup first round includes Shadwell v Knaresborough, Bardsey v Harrogate, Follifoot v Beckwithshaw and Pannal v Bishop Thornton
Tues 10/5 - 11.00 - Leeds/Bradford University v Durham Academy (Weetwood, Leeds)
Wed 11/5 - 13.00 - Yorkshire over 50s v Leicester over 50s (Aston Hall, Nr Sheffield)
12.30 - Leeds University v Coventry University (Weetwood, Leeds)
14.00 - Ashville College, Harrogate v XL Club
Thurs 12/5 - 18.30 - Headingley & District Evening league starts, including
St Chads v New Rover and Horsforth v Headingley
Frid 13/5 - 11.30 - Clitheroe Royal Grammar School v MCC (there seems some doubt where this match will be played either Clitheroe CC or Bolton by Bowland)
Sun 15/5 - 11.00 - Cumberland v Staffordshire (Penrith) - MCKO
11.00 - Cheshire v Northumberland (Marple) - MCKO
Various leagues have cup competitions today, including Priestley Cup (Bradford League),Fred Fleetwood Cup (Wetherby League) and Yorkshire Premier League cup in which Yorks Academy will play Driffield.
Mon 16/5 - 18.30 - Arthington v Ripley (C.B. Atkinson Trophy)
Tues 17/5 - 11.00 - Leeds/Bradford University v Yorkshire Academy (Weetwood, Leeds)
Wed 18/5 - 13.00 - Yorkshire over 50s v Derby over 50s (Brighouse)
12.30 - Leeds University v Manchester University (Weetwood, Leeds)
11.30 - Barnard Castle School v MCC
Thurs 19/5 - 11.00 - Derbyshire Academy v Leeds/Bradford University (venue to be confirmed)
Sun 22/5 - Waddilove Cup first round, includes New Rover v Alwoodley, Woodhouse v Hall Park, Bolton Villas v Burley and Follifoot or Bilton v Adel.
Mon 23/5 - 18.30 - Addison Cup second round and George Greaves cup first round
both involving Harogate Evening league clubs)
Tues 24/5 - 11.00 - Yorkshire Academy v Derbyshire Academy (Barnsley)
13.00 - Yorkshire over sixties v Derby over sixties (Ackworth)
Tues 24/5 - 18.30 - Wetherby Senior Evening Cup includes Bramhope v Old Modernians, Leeds Police v Old Leos and Headingley v Amaranth.
Wed 25/5 - 13.30 - Cheshire over 50s v Yorkshire over 50s (Grappenhall, Nr Warrington)
Thurs 26/5 - 11.00 - Leeds/Bradford University v Lancashire Academy (Weetwood, Leeds)
Sun 29/5 - 11.00 - Northumberland v Cumberland (Jesmond, Newcastle) - MCKO
Sun 29/5 - National Village KO Regional semi-finals include Streethouse v Bardsey and Ackworth v Warley of Halifax league
Mon 30/5 (Spring Bank Holiday) - Yorkshire Premier League programme and York Senior League cup (first round)
Tues 31/5 - 11.00 - Durham Academy v Yorkshire Academy (Longhirst Hall, Morpeth) - day 1 of 3
Tues 31/5 - start of under 13s District cricket competition in Yorkshire (details to follow)
As usual these fixtures come with a Government Health warning - matches can be cancelled, postponed or changed to different dates and venues at short notice.
This particularly applies to competitions like the ECB National Clubs KO and the National Village KO. Always check first before making long journies !
Happy watching and may the sun continue to shine.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Heavy Woollen Cup first round
Yeadon's cricket ground is in close proximity to Leeds/Bradford airport
Posted by Tony Hutton
Sunday 17th April
After a morning in the sunshine at Headingley, with Yorkshire seemingly heading for defeat despite the return to form of Johnny Bairstow, I took the alternative course to John Winn by moving on to Yeadon in the afternoon.
The home side from Bradford League division two were underdogs facing Baildon from division one. This was in the first round of the Heavy Woollen Cup which is reputedly the oldest cup competition in England. Indeed the competition's history a few years ago was entitled 'Only the Ashes are older'.
The original competition was mainly between clubs from the Central Yorkshire League, in particular the area around Batley and Dewsbury, but the net has widened in recent years with clubs from the Bradford and Huddersfield Leagues entering, together with
Barnsley of the Yorkshire Premier league.
Traditionally the first round in the middle of April is played in freezing cold weather, but none of that today - sunshine all the way. Baildon batted first at the White Swan ground, which has one of the largest playing areas in Yorkshire. They started well and had progressed to 86-1, before a sudden flurry of wickets following my arrival reduced them to 102-7.
With Brian Senior, Mick Bourne and Peter Mann, the conversation flowed and with all of us having been to different games yesterday there was lots to talk about. In particular Brian was probably the most fortunate in seeing Farsley's tremendous last over victory over Bradford and Bingley.
Things then began to turn in Baildon's favour, Harry Smallwood having seen brother Tom dismissed cheaply, went on the attack and scored a fine 50 off only 60 balls with seven fours. With good support from the tail he took the final total to 196 all out, which many people including myself thought might be a winning score.
Yeadon however had other ideas and openers Raheem and Calum Goldthorp, teenage son of skipper James, put on 77 before both fell on that total. Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and at 112-6 it looked all over for Yeadon. New recruit Ben Elvidge, newly signed son of a former Yeadon player, took the lead and a quick 46off 49balls with two fours and a six turned the tables. Halliday gave good support with 33 not out and Yeadon won by three wickets with just three balls remaining.
Other suprise results including a great win by Bradford league second division side Spen Victoria over Barnsley who included three current Yorkshire players, Ballance, Rafiq and Hannon-Dolby, together with two former players in Widdup and Wilkinson.
Wrenthorpe also went out - well beaten by Delph and Dobcross. So their dream of five
consecutive wins in this competition went out of the window. The second round will be played on Sunday 8th May.ee
Plan B not needed
Monday 18th of April
Posted by John Winn
On a day when even the most cautious might have considered leaving off their heavy woollens, The Heavy Woollen Cup first round ties provided an attractive alternative to Headingley where Yorkshire started the day needing an improbable 402 runs to beat Durham, having lost the key wickets of Lyth and McGrath the previous evening.I decided to go to Headingley in the knowledge that if the day's play should be short lived just 8 miles away at Morley there was a cup game being played.
The early loss of Root and Gale and a lunchtime score of 176 for 6 suggested a mid afternoon finish, but the post lunch session allowed four Yorkshire men to keep the decent crowd enthralled until tea and beyond. Indeed there was a point where one optimistic member began to talk of a Yorkshire victory!
The four heroes were Bairstow, Pyrah, Sidebottom and Ashraf. Pyrah came in before lunch with the score on 158 for 6 and was last out at quarter past five and the total on 343. In resisting for more than sixty overs Dewsbury born Pyrah added 67 with Bairstow (81) and more improbably 98 with Sidebottom (31). The new ball was taken by Durham at the earliest opportunity but this partnership went relatively untroubled through to tea and it was clear from their body language that the fielding side could foresee a repetition of events at The Rose Bowl last Monday when they were able to take only five Hampshire wickets on the last day.
At 16;35 Plunkett broke through, having Sidebottom caught by Richardson and trapping Patterson lbw first ball. Enter perhaps the unlikeliest of heroes, twenty year old Moin Asraf with a highest score in the county championship of 10. He survived a strong appeal for lbw first ball, perhaps by virtue of some bat on ball and then stayed with Pyrah until quarter past five when, despite a good step forward, Pyrah was adjudged lbw to Borthwick, the pick of the Durham bowlers.Pyrah's score of 87 was his highest in the championship, beating his 78 at New Road in 2005.
The bald statistic of defeat by 146 runs suggests a comfortable day for Durham, but far from it and those who stayed to the end went home disappointed but satisfied that Yorkshire had achieved the highest total of the match on a day when it might have been easy to capitulate and deny us all an excellent day's cricket.
Posted by John Winn
On a day when even the most cautious might have considered leaving off their heavy woollens, The Heavy Woollen Cup first round ties provided an attractive alternative to Headingley where Yorkshire started the day needing an improbable 402 runs to beat Durham, having lost the key wickets of Lyth and McGrath the previous evening.I decided to go to Headingley in the knowledge that if the day's play should be short lived just 8 miles away at Morley there was a cup game being played.
The early loss of Root and Gale and a lunchtime score of 176 for 6 suggested a mid afternoon finish, but the post lunch session allowed four Yorkshire men to keep the decent crowd enthralled until tea and beyond. Indeed there was a point where one optimistic member began to talk of a Yorkshire victory!
The four heroes were Bairstow, Pyrah, Sidebottom and Ashraf. Pyrah came in before lunch with the score on 158 for 6 and was last out at quarter past five and the total on 343. In resisting for more than sixty overs Dewsbury born Pyrah added 67 with Bairstow (81) and more improbably 98 with Sidebottom (31). The new ball was taken by Durham at the earliest opportunity but this partnership went relatively untroubled through to tea and it was clear from their body language that the fielding side could foresee a repetition of events at The Rose Bowl last Monday when they were able to take only five Hampshire wickets on the last day.
At 16;35 Plunkett broke through, having Sidebottom caught by Richardson and trapping Patterson lbw first ball. Enter perhaps the unlikeliest of heroes, twenty year old Moin Asraf with a highest score in the county championship of 10. He survived a strong appeal for lbw first ball, perhaps by virtue of some bat on ball and then stayed with Pyrah until quarter past five when, despite a good step forward, Pyrah was adjudged lbw to Borthwick, the pick of the Durham bowlers.Pyrah's score of 87 was his highest in the championship, beating his 78 at New Road in 2005.
The bald statistic of defeat by 146 runs suggests a comfortable day for Durham, but far from it and those who stayed to the end went home disappointed but satisfied that Yorkshire had achieved the highest total of the match on a day when it might have been easy to capitulate and deny us all an excellent day's cricket.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Headingley and beyond
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 16th April
After a morning at Headingley, watching Yorkshire struggle against Durham, in common with many others I left the ground at lunchtime in search of pastures new to celebrate the opening of the league cricket season.
We are fortunate indeed to have such a diversity not only of clubs, but of different leagues, within a short distance of each other in north-west Leeds. My first port of call was at the end of my road, the home of Adel cricket club of the Airedale and Wharfedale League. The second team were at home to Burley seconds on the main ground and the third team, who play in the Dales Council league, were playing Hepworth Idle on the junior ground.
In attendance as ever was Reg Parker, the sage of Adel, casting his eye over both matches in search of new young talent coming through. A new player from Warwickshire had played with Reg's nephew Luke, who captained Oxford University and Warwickshire seconds, scored a good looking fifty and looks a useful acquisition.
The thirds, with their mixture of youth and old men were losing wickets rapidly, so it was time to move on down the road to New Rover. The home side who play in division three of the Aire/Wharfe Lane were entertaining Bardsey, who seem to have some very useful new players.
Most notable is veteran West Indian fast bowler John 'The Dentist' Maynard. He apparently got his nickname for his habit, when younger, of rearranging opponents teeth ! He had already taken two wickets when I arrived and New Rover were struggling. Another new arrival Amjid Ali, an off spinner from Clayton, of the now defunct Bradford Central league, looked even more impressive.
Later I learned that New Rover were bowled out for 116 with Amjid Ali taking 5-42. He then proceeded to win the match with 32 not out batting at number nine after Bardsey were struggling at 67-7. So a mile or so back towards Headingley I came to Glen Road, where the club formerly known as Yorkshire Post have been renamed Headingley cricket club. They won promotion from Division five of the Wetherby League last season and seem to be very well sponsored with new fancy shirts, squad numbers etc and were doing pretty well on the field when I called in.
They were already over 100 for the loss of one wicket and going well against modest opposition in Bramhope second team. Thanks to the clubs excellent website, I found full details later. They scored a massive 337-6 in 45 overs and proceeded to bowl out their opponents for only 54. Star of the show with the ball was Ifti Hussain.
Coming on as first change he had one of the openers out lbw with his first ball and proceeded to clean bowl the next two batsman. Not bad a hat trick with his first three balls of the season !
Just across the main road here is the ground of St Chads Broomfield, a much higher rated Wetherby League club. In fact they were first division champions last season.
However today they came a bit unstuck after batting well for 210-7 and taking a couple of early wickets, they were hit to all parts by opponents Church Fenton and lost by seven wickets. Such is the unpredictability of cricket with suprises round every corner.
After tea back to Headingley where Durham captain Dale Benkenstein had just been out for 150 and declared to set Yorkshire the daunting task of 490 runs to win. Lyth and Root started off well scoring at well over the required rate of four runs an over until Lyth was out at 64-1, McGrath followed soon after and the shutters went up for the day, with Yorkshire facing inevitable defeat tomorrow, but as we all know miracles sometimes do happen.
Saturday 16th April
After a morning at Headingley, watching Yorkshire struggle against Durham, in common with many others I left the ground at lunchtime in search of pastures new to celebrate the opening of the league cricket season.
We are fortunate indeed to have such a diversity not only of clubs, but of different leagues, within a short distance of each other in north-west Leeds. My first port of call was at the end of my road, the home of Adel cricket club of the Airedale and Wharfedale League. The second team were at home to Burley seconds on the main ground and the third team, who play in the Dales Council league, were playing Hepworth Idle on the junior ground.
In attendance as ever was Reg Parker, the sage of Adel, casting his eye over both matches in search of new young talent coming through. A new player from Warwickshire had played with Reg's nephew Luke, who captained Oxford University and Warwickshire seconds, scored a good looking fifty and looks a useful acquisition.
The thirds, with their mixture of youth and old men were losing wickets rapidly, so it was time to move on down the road to New Rover. The home side who play in division three of the Aire/Wharfe Lane were entertaining Bardsey, who seem to have some very useful new players.
Most notable is veteran West Indian fast bowler John 'The Dentist' Maynard. He apparently got his nickname for his habit, when younger, of rearranging opponents teeth ! He had already taken two wickets when I arrived and New Rover were struggling. Another new arrival Amjid Ali, an off spinner from Clayton, of the now defunct Bradford Central league, looked even more impressive.
Later I learned that New Rover were bowled out for 116 with Amjid Ali taking 5-42. He then proceeded to win the match with 32 not out batting at number nine after Bardsey were struggling at 67-7. So a mile or so back towards Headingley I came to Glen Road, where the club formerly known as Yorkshire Post have been renamed Headingley cricket club. They won promotion from Division five of the Wetherby League last season and seem to be very well sponsored with new fancy shirts, squad numbers etc and were doing pretty well on the field when I called in.
They were already over 100 for the loss of one wicket and going well against modest opposition in Bramhope second team. Thanks to the clubs excellent website, I found full details later. They scored a massive 337-6 in 45 overs and proceeded to bowl out their opponents for only 54. Star of the show with the ball was Ifti Hussain.
Coming on as first change he had one of the openers out lbw with his first ball and proceeded to clean bowl the next two batsman. Not bad a hat trick with his first three balls of the season !
Just across the main road here is the ground of St Chads Broomfield, a much higher rated Wetherby League club. In fact they were first division champions last season.
However today they came a bit unstuck after batting well for 210-7 and taking a couple of early wickets, they were hit to all parts by opponents Church Fenton and lost by seven wickets. Such is the unpredictability of cricket with suprises round every corner.
After tea back to Headingley where Durham captain Dale Benkenstein had just been out for 150 and declared to set Yorkshire the daunting task of 490 runs to win. Lyth and Root started off well scoring at well over the required rate of four runs an over until Lyth was out at 64-1, McGrath followed soon after and the shutters went up for the day, with Yorkshire facing inevitable defeat tomorrow, but as we all know miracles sometimes do happen.
A breath of fresh Aire (and Wharf)
Posted by John Winn
I waited until 12 noon before deciding to stick to plan A on Saturday. Seeing that Durham had scored only 30 in the first hour I sensed a rather attritional day at Headingley so I headed for Otley, a ground I had tried to visit last season but in ignorance had turned up on the day the rugby club were playing local rivals Wharfdale. Parking space then was at such a premium that local residents were leasing their drive ways for parking.
No such problem this time but a decent crowd had gathered to see visitors Thackley take first knock and when I left after an hour's play they had made 60 for 1. This against some impressive pace bowling from Otley's 19 year old Australian all-rounder Nicholas Benton.
The fast wicket at Cross Green was repeated at at my next stop, Guiseley, where the second team were batting against Olicanians II. The dry spring and the sunshine of the last few days has produced good batting wickets and fast outfields and the hundred came up for the loss of two wickets in good time. A short drive away found me at Green Lane and here too runs came quickly with Beckwithshaw II approaching 200 for only four wickets. A nice touch was the production of a match programme in which skipper Chris Elworth outlined his hopes for the new season.
With these three new grounds 'ticked off' I made my way back to the Lower Ure Valley in time to see my local club, Ouseburn CC, complete their innings against Hampsthwaite only a few runs short of three hundred. The wicket here is prepared by Jeff Gill and Saturday's was as true as ever. Particularly at the village end the outfield slopes sharply away and fielders in position to save singles have no chance of cutting off boundaries if shots go wide of them. The tea interval was prolonged by the apparent reluctance of the Hampsthwaite openers to leave the pavilion. When they they did emerge they made their way to the middle at a pace that suggested they thought Ouseburn's total was beyond them. If so they were right, as they finished almost 150 runs short of the home team's total.
The Harrogate Advertiser feels that with their 'eye catching signings' Ouseburn 'are sure to be up there'. One swallow and all that, but one of these signings, Ollie Uffindall, began with a century, which suggests that the local correspondent knows a thing or two.In the 'attritional day' at Headingley 335 runs were scored for the loss of five wickets which suggests that this blogger knows nowt
I waited until 12 noon before deciding to stick to plan A on Saturday. Seeing that Durham had scored only 30 in the first hour I sensed a rather attritional day at Headingley so I headed for Otley, a ground I had tried to visit last season but in ignorance had turned up on the day the rugby club were playing local rivals Wharfdale. Parking space then was at such a premium that local residents were leasing their drive ways for parking.
No such problem this time but a decent crowd had gathered to see visitors Thackley take first knock and when I left after an hour's play they had made 60 for 1. This against some impressive pace bowling from Otley's 19 year old Australian all-rounder Nicholas Benton.
The fast wicket at Cross Green was repeated at at my next stop, Guiseley, where the second team were batting against Olicanians II. The dry spring and the sunshine of the last few days has produced good batting wickets and fast outfields and the hundred came up for the loss of two wickets in good time. A short drive away found me at Green Lane and here too runs came quickly with Beckwithshaw II approaching 200 for only four wickets. A nice touch was the production of a match programme in which skipper Chris Elworth outlined his hopes for the new season.
With these three new grounds 'ticked off' I made my way back to the Lower Ure Valley in time to see my local club, Ouseburn CC, complete their innings against Hampsthwaite only a few runs short of three hundred. The wicket here is prepared by Jeff Gill and Saturday's was as true as ever. Particularly at the village end the outfield slopes sharply away and fielders in position to save singles have no chance of cutting off boundaries if shots go wide of them. The tea interval was prolonged by the apparent reluctance of the Hampsthwaite openers to leave the pavilion. When they they did emerge they made their way to the middle at a pace that suggested they thought Ouseburn's total was beyond them. If so they were right, as they finished almost 150 runs short of the home team's total.
The Harrogate Advertiser feels that with their 'eye catching signings' Ouseburn 'are sure to be up there'. One swallow and all that, but one of these signings, Ollie Uffindall, began with a century, which suggests that the local correspondent knows a thing or two.In the 'attritional day' at Headingley 335 runs were scored for the loss of five wickets which suggests that this blogger knows nowt
OLDEST CRICKET CUP
By Brian Sanderson,
Andrew Wickham was going back to London at 6.30p.m so decided to go local in the afternoon.After leaving Headingley where another two wickets had fallen.The match I had planned was Woodlands against Methley in the Heavy Woollern Cup.
Methley had scored 278 for 3 yesterday with Connolly scored 144 not out so they must have been confident.The sun was shining and the blossom was out on the trees. A perfect Spring day.Methley batted first however Connolly was run out for about 30 . No century to-day.However H.Khan batted very well against a usualful bowling attack.
He reached 70 before he was excellent caught by Brice.It was Brice who was the best containing bowler however Alles and Holliday managed to get the total to 251 in the forty overs.
The teas are good at Woodlands and there is a excellent programme to read at tea-time.
Woodlands were soon in trouble with the good bowling by Chris Leaf and Hemantha Alles.When we had to leave Woodlandsthey had lost five wickets for 70 runs with Brice and Orrell batting.
Methley were favorites to go through however there is no results on the Bradford League web- site yet so I can not confirm it yet.
Andrew caught his train and was planning to come back at the beginning of Msy to watch cricket at Cleethorpes.
Looking at the Bradford League web-site on Monday Woodlands won the match on the last ball with a four from young Richardson. Sorry I missed the ending but there ia always Tuesday at Belpher Meadows.
Andrew Wickham was going back to London at 6.30p.m so decided to go local in the afternoon.After leaving Headingley where another two wickets had fallen.The match I had planned was Woodlands against Methley in the Heavy Woollern Cup.
Methley had scored 278 for 3 yesterday with Connolly scored 144 not out so they must have been confident.The sun was shining and the blossom was out on the trees. A perfect Spring day.Methley batted first however Connolly was run out for about 30 . No century to-day.However H.Khan batted very well against a usualful bowling attack.
He reached 70 before he was excellent caught by Brice.It was Brice who was the best containing bowler however Alles and Holliday managed to get the total to 251 in the forty overs.
The teas are good at Woodlands and there is a excellent programme to read at tea-time.
Woodlands were soon in trouble with the good bowling by Chris Leaf and Hemantha Alles.When we had to leave Woodlandsthey had lost five wickets for 70 runs with Brice and Orrell batting.
Methley were favorites to go through however there is no results on the Bradford League web- site yet so I can not confirm it yet.
Andrew caught his train and was planning to come back at the beginning of Msy to watch cricket at Cleethorpes.
Looking at the Bradford League web-site on Monday Woodlands won the match on the last ball with a four from young Richardson. Sorry I missed the ending but there ia always Tuesday at Belpher Meadows.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
START OF THE BRADFORD LEAGUE
By Brian Sanderson,
Leaving Headingley to see proper cricket grounds.Andrew Wickham and myself set off to Gomersal who were playing East Bierley.
East Bierley batted first with Hamilton and Razak scored easily against poor bowling.
Bierley had five Championship players in their side and it showed.They hit numerous six,s into the road. One of them hit a shop window and a man started shouting telling the batsmen to hit the ball away from his shop.They reached 301 for 6 in the fifty overs. The highest scorer was Hamilton with 84.
Straight after tea Gomersal lost two quick wickets to Azar Ullah .At this point we decided to leave this one sided match.Moving on to Spen Victoria who were playing Saltaire.Another on-sided match with Saltaire winning.Moving on to find a even match we went to Brighouse how ever the match was over with Brighouse losing by 8 wickets to Hartshead Moor.
Next match was Bankfoot against Bowling Old Lane.The sun was still shining and Bankfoot were batting.Old Lane had been bowled out for 106 and Bankfoot were 30 for 0.But Hanif was bowling left-arm darts and collected 7 wickets making Bankfoot all out for 71. A surprise victory for Old Lane .
Last match was Pudsey St. Lawrence were playing Cleckheaton who had scored 189.
Pudsey scoreboard was not working due to a robbery.Watts and Stiff managed to steer Pudsey to a victory.
On this week Gomersal bowling will have to improve and Pudsey will be near the top at the end of the season.We will find out by September.
Leaving Headingley to see proper cricket grounds.Andrew Wickham and myself set off to Gomersal who were playing East Bierley.
East Bierley batted first with Hamilton and Razak scored easily against poor bowling.
Bierley had five Championship players in their side and it showed.They hit numerous six,s into the road. One of them hit a shop window and a man started shouting telling the batsmen to hit the ball away from his shop.They reached 301 for 6 in the fifty overs. The highest scorer was Hamilton with 84.
Straight after tea Gomersal lost two quick wickets to Azar Ullah .At this point we decided to leave this one sided match.Moving on to Spen Victoria who were playing Saltaire.Another on-sided match with Saltaire winning.Moving on to find a even match we went to Brighouse how ever the match was over with Brighouse losing by 8 wickets to Hartshead Moor.
Next match was Bankfoot against Bowling Old Lane.The sun was still shining and Bankfoot were batting.Old Lane had been bowled out for 106 and Bankfoot were 30 for 0.But Hanif was bowling left-arm darts and collected 7 wickets making Bankfoot all out for 71. A surprise victory for Old Lane .
Last match was Pudsey St. Lawrence were playing Cleckheaton who had scored 189.
Pudsey scoreboard was not working due to a robbery.Watts and Stiff managed to steer Pudsey to a victory.
On this week Gomersal bowling will have to improve and Pudsey will be near the top at the end of the season.We will find out by September.
The end of an era - no more league cricket on Radio Leeds
Posted by Tony Hutton
The recent announcement that Radio Leeds will no longer be providing coverage of local league cricket on Saturday evenings during the summer months is apparently part of the cost cutting exercise by the BBC, although one would have thought that the costs involved were quite minimal.
There is of course a greater threat to local radio in general and the writing has been on the wall for some time for this programme since the advent of summer rugby league which often interrupted the cricket coverage.
However it will be a real body blow for the many enthusiasts who follow league cricket in Yorkshire, with the live commentaries and results sequence providing a unique and comprehensive service.
The programme had been running for about thirty years I would think under a series of sports editors such as John Helm, Harry Gration,Steve Coverdale, Tom Schofield, Dave Callaghan and Derm Tanner. The list of contributors is even longer with many of the names evoking vivid memories of their unique commentary styles.
The leagues covered were the Airedale and Wharfedale League, Bradford League, the Central Yorkshire League, the Huddersfield Leage, the Leeds League (before it ceased to exist) and the Yorkshire Premier League.
I got to know many of the contributors during my time with Leeds Hospital Radio and one of my early favourites was the late Jack Wainwright, himself a former player, who covered the Bradford League with great knowledge as he did with his rugby league commentaries. He was followed by Ross Johnson and Ralph Middlebrook, who could not always disguise his affinity with Pudsey Congs.
Trevor Kaye and Paul Whiteley did many years of service on behalf of the Huddersfield League, to be followed by League President Roger France, who had a very unique style of his own. Stan Dawson, a great enthusiast, was for many years the voice of the Leeds League and Howard Clayton, former league secretary, seemed to have been reporting on the Airedale and Wharfedale League for ever.
Another great favourite of mine, and a good friend too, was the one and only Peter Snape, league cricket correspondent of the Yorkshire Post. It might be said that his writing on cricket was better than his broadcasting abilities, but his immense knowledge of league cricket and his ability to bring out exactly the right phrase to describe a situation brought great authority to everything he did. Peter covered the Central Yorkshire League and it was once reported that his famous flat hat had been auctioned at the league dinner !
Peter was followed by John Skelly who has done an excellent job for the Central Yorkshire League over many years now. A very competent broadcaster, after his early spell as speedway correspondent, his voice was always one of the easiest to listen to.
Another great favourite was the late John Herbert, who covered the Yorkshire league.
A man of many parts he could make the dullest game seem exciting, with his great ability for telling a tale, usually with a humourous twist.
The following story from an early league cricket programme, was told by Tony Chalk, who for many years anchored the programme in the studio.
I think the club involved could have been Slathwaite or should I say Slawit, but the story went like this:-
'So what's the latest then Fred? ' enquired Harry Gration.
'Oh still 'angin on - they're 113-8 now,' came the response.
'And how many overs to go?' 'Just a sec ....six and a bit'
'Well they're obviously not going to get anywhere near the target of 206 then'
'Nah, they've never bin in wi' a chance.....'
Suddenly a loud cheer drowns Fred's measured comments. Harry interjects.
'Well that sounds like another wicket down Fred - only one more to fall now'
'Wain't a wicket, that,' retorts Fred, 'That were Bert - just dropped t'jackpot on t'machine!'
That really sums up the humour and entertainment which so often came through. The final thanks must go to another man, who seems to have been involved for ever, Ian Chappell, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Cricket Board, who in recent years often seemed to carry the programme single handed in the studio.
A sad end to a great institution which has enriched the life of all league cricket enthusiasts in West Yorkshire for so long.
The recent announcement that Radio Leeds will no longer be providing coverage of local league cricket on Saturday evenings during the summer months is apparently part of the cost cutting exercise by the BBC, although one would have thought that the costs involved were quite minimal.
There is of course a greater threat to local radio in general and the writing has been on the wall for some time for this programme since the advent of summer rugby league which often interrupted the cricket coverage.
However it will be a real body blow for the many enthusiasts who follow league cricket in Yorkshire, with the live commentaries and results sequence providing a unique and comprehensive service.
The programme had been running for about thirty years I would think under a series of sports editors such as John Helm, Harry Gration,Steve Coverdale, Tom Schofield, Dave Callaghan and Derm Tanner. The list of contributors is even longer with many of the names evoking vivid memories of their unique commentary styles.
The leagues covered were the Airedale and Wharfedale League, Bradford League, the Central Yorkshire League, the Huddersfield Leage, the Leeds League (before it ceased to exist) and the Yorkshire Premier League.
I got to know many of the contributors during my time with Leeds Hospital Radio and one of my early favourites was the late Jack Wainwright, himself a former player, who covered the Bradford League with great knowledge as he did with his rugby league commentaries. He was followed by Ross Johnson and Ralph Middlebrook, who could not always disguise his affinity with Pudsey Congs.
Trevor Kaye and Paul Whiteley did many years of service on behalf of the Huddersfield League, to be followed by League President Roger France, who had a very unique style of his own. Stan Dawson, a great enthusiast, was for many years the voice of the Leeds League and Howard Clayton, former league secretary, seemed to have been reporting on the Airedale and Wharfedale League for ever.
Another great favourite of mine, and a good friend too, was the one and only Peter Snape, league cricket correspondent of the Yorkshire Post. It might be said that his writing on cricket was better than his broadcasting abilities, but his immense knowledge of league cricket and his ability to bring out exactly the right phrase to describe a situation brought great authority to everything he did. Peter covered the Central Yorkshire League and it was once reported that his famous flat hat had been auctioned at the league dinner !
Peter was followed by John Skelly who has done an excellent job for the Central Yorkshire League over many years now. A very competent broadcaster, after his early spell as speedway correspondent, his voice was always one of the easiest to listen to.
Another great favourite was the late John Herbert, who covered the Yorkshire league.
A man of many parts he could make the dullest game seem exciting, with his great ability for telling a tale, usually with a humourous twist.
The following story from an early league cricket programme, was told by Tony Chalk, who for many years anchored the programme in the studio.
I think the club involved could have been Slathwaite or should I say Slawit, but the story went like this:-
'So what's the latest then Fred? ' enquired Harry Gration.
'Oh still 'angin on - they're 113-8 now,' came the response.
'And how many overs to go?' 'Just a sec ....six and a bit'
'Well they're obviously not going to get anywhere near the target of 206 then'
'Nah, they've never bin in wi' a chance.....'
Suddenly a loud cheer drowns Fred's measured comments. Harry interjects.
'Well that sounds like another wicket down Fred - only one more to fall now'
'Wain't a wicket, that,' retorts Fred, 'That were Bert - just dropped t'jackpot on t'machine!'
That really sums up the humour and entertainment which so often came through. The final thanks must go to another man, who seems to have been involved for ever, Ian Chappell, Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Cricket Board, who in recent years often seemed to carry the programme single handed in the studio.
A sad end to a great institution which has enriched the life of all league cricket enthusiasts in West Yorkshire for so long.
Royal Wedding Day crisis
Posted by Tony Hutton
Following several conversations at Headingley yesterday I have become aware of the large number of professional cricket watchers who are worried about the lack of cricket on Friday 29th April - the Royal Wedding bank holiday.
After initially suggesting that they might have to travel to Lancashire, for the Lancashire 2nd XI game with the Cheshire Development XI at Westhoughton, my further researches suggest that relief is at hand much nearer to home.
Leeds/Bradford University will be entertaining Oxford University at Weetwood, Leeds that day with a 12.30 start for a one day BUCS championship match. This will be followed by a two day game on Saturday and Sunday.
For those willing to travel a little further afield to escape the festivities, it will be day 3 of the game between Durham University and Yorkshire at the Racecourse Ground, Durham and day 4 of the Notts v Worcester game at Trent Bridge.
If all else fails, particularly for Lancastrians, Lancaster Royal Grammar School will be playing MCC at the lovely school ground, just below the Williamson Memorial in Lancaster.
Following several conversations at Headingley yesterday I have become aware of the large number of professional cricket watchers who are worried about the lack of cricket on Friday 29th April - the Royal Wedding bank holiday.
After initially suggesting that they might have to travel to Lancashire, for the Lancashire 2nd XI game with the Cheshire Development XI at Westhoughton, my further researches suggest that relief is at hand much nearer to home.
Leeds/Bradford University will be entertaining Oxford University at Weetwood, Leeds that day with a 12.30 start for a one day BUCS championship match. This will be followed by a two day game on Saturday and Sunday.
For those willing to travel a little further afield to escape the festivities, it will be day 3 of the game between Durham University and Yorkshire at the Racecourse Ground, Durham and day 4 of the Notts v Worcester game at Trent Bridge.
If all else fails, particularly for Lancastrians, Lancaster Royal Grammar School will be playing MCC at the lovely school ground, just below the Williamson Memorial in Lancaster.
Friday, 15 April 2011
Only Joe takes Root
Posted by John Winn
Having suggested in yesterday's posting that today's play would be intriguing I feel that if intriguing suggests more questions than answers then what happened between 1:40 and 3:50 at Headingley certainly fits the bill. Having quickly disposed of the last Durham wicket Yorkshire were batting before noon and had overcome the dismissals of Lyth and McGrath to reach 93 for 2 by lunch. 140 minutes after the resumption Yorkshire went to tea wondering if Benkenstein would ask them to follow on.In the event Durham, as they had done at The Rose Bowl last week, chose to bat again and at the close, reached prematurely because of bad light, had a lead of almost 250.
In the afternoon session Yorkshire lost 8 wickets for 56 runs off 34 overs. Moreover Ian Blackwell was allowed to bowl 18 overs, including ten maidens, for 12 runs and the normally free scoring Gerard Brophy mustered 19 not out in a shade under two hours. For Yorkshire supporters seeking to take some comfort from these strange goings on then the innings of Joe Root, his first in the championship in front of his home crowd, is the best bet. Twenty year old Root top scored with 45, close behind him came extras with 39, largely courtesy of no balls from Onions, who in his first first class game since January 2010, took five wickets.
Anticipating that Yorkshire would be asked to follow on the most pessimistic of their members had begun to consider how they might spend Saturday, even those blessed with a more optimistic disposition had begun to consider a 'plan b' for Sunday. If it is any help, tomorrow sees the start of league cricket in Yorkshire and on Sunday there are the first round ties in The Heavy Woollen Cup, the draw for which is available on this website.
In recent years, however, there have been instances of sides successfully chasing down large totals in the fourth innings. Throughout the day I have been in contact by text with a friend, a Durham member, who is on holiday in Scotland.His last text of the day asked what might be a sufficient lead for Durham. I suggested 400 i.e. another 150 runs, but also pointed out that Yorkshire could not bad as badly as they did this afternoon. Messers Lyth, McGrath and Gale would surely agree.
Weeks ago I pencilled in a selection of fixtures in the Aire-Wharfe league for tomorrow's entertainment, but the prospects for Headingley are sufficently intriguing to leave me with an open mind.
Having suggested in yesterday's posting that today's play would be intriguing I feel that if intriguing suggests more questions than answers then what happened between 1:40 and 3:50 at Headingley certainly fits the bill. Having quickly disposed of the last Durham wicket Yorkshire were batting before noon and had overcome the dismissals of Lyth and McGrath to reach 93 for 2 by lunch. 140 minutes after the resumption Yorkshire went to tea wondering if Benkenstein would ask them to follow on.In the event Durham, as they had done at The Rose Bowl last week, chose to bat again and at the close, reached prematurely because of bad light, had a lead of almost 250.
In the afternoon session Yorkshire lost 8 wickets for 56 runs off 34 overs. Moreover Ian Blackwell was allowed to bowl 18 overs, including ten maidens, for 12 runs and the normally free scoring Gerard Brophy mustered 19 not out in a shade under two hours. For Yorkshire supporters seeking to take some comfort from these strange goings on then the innings of Joe Root, his first in the championship in front of his home crowd, is the best bet. Twenty year old Root top scored with 45, close behind him came extras with 39, largely courtesy of no balls from Onions, who in his first first class game since January 2010, took five wickets.
Anticipating that Yorkshire would be asked to follow on the most pessimistic of their members had begun to consider how they might spend Saturday, even those blessed with a more optimistic disposition had begun to consider a 'plan b' for Sunday. If it is any help, tomorrow sees the start of league cricket in Yorkshire and on Sunday there are the first round ties in The Heavy Woollen Cup, the draw for which is available on this website.
In recent years, however, there have been instances of sides successfully chasing down large totals in the fourth innings. Throughout the day I have been in contact by text with a friend, a Durham member, who is on holiday in Scotland.His last text of the day asked what might be a sufficient lead for Durham. I suggested 400 i.e. another 150 runs, but also pointed out that Yorkshire could not bad as badly as they did this afternoon. Messers Lyth, McGrath and Gale would surely agree.
Weeks ago I pencilled in a selection of fixtures in the Aire-Wharfe league for tomorrow's entertainment, but the prospects for Headingley are sufficently intriguing to leave me with an open mind.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Onions but no Mustard
Posted by John Winn Thursday 14th April
Having detoured to avoid Harrogate Flower Show traffic I parked near Burley Park station at 10:30 in time to see men of a certain age (mine)walking quickly, in some cases running,up the hill from the station to take maximum advantage of their first opportunity to see County Championship cricket at Headingley in 2011. The cool cloudy morning appeared to have deterred very few as a decent crowd saw Durham win the toss and elect to bat. Good to see almost a full complement of my usual companions all in apparent good health.
In a previous blog I have declared my divided loyalties when Yorkshire meet Durham. Having been born just north of the River Tees, but having lived in Yorkshire for more than ten years and needing only to trace my forebears back three generations to find Yorkshire blood I have become quite adept at fence sitting, especially in company that is firmly white rose in its support.
Di Venuto and Will Smith made fairly serene progress until 12:45 when Pyrah captured two wickets in three balls to tilt the morning session in Yorkshire's favour. This reversal of fortunes continued after lunch with Durham losing quick wickets and the first batting bonus point seeming a long way off. They were rescued initially by a good partnership between Michael Richardson, the son of former South Africa wicketkeeper Dave Richardson, and Scott Borthwick. Where they left off Plunkett and Thorpe continued, adding 94 for the ninth wicket.Thorpe's dismissal brought Graham Onions to the crease.Given that Onions missed the whole of last season with a back injury and only last week it was said thatt he would not be fully fit until midsummer one hopes both for Durham's and England's sakes his return to first team cricket is not premature. The two England bowlers saw Durham to the close at 326 for 9. Given their position in mid afternoon Durham would have probably drawn more satisfaction from the day, but with no prospect of rain an intriguing three days lies ahead.
Having detoured to avoid Harrogate Flower Show traffic I parked near Burley Park station at 10:30 in time to see men of a certain age (mine)walking quickly, in some cases running,up the hill from the station to take maximum advantage of their first opportunity to see County Championship cricket at Headingley in 2011. The cool cloudy morning appeared to have deterred very few as a decent crowd saw Durham win the toss and elect to bat. Good to see almost a full complement of my usual companions all in apparent good health.
In a previous blog I have declared my divided loyalties when Yorkshire meet Durham. Having been born just north of the River Tees, but having lived in Yorkshire for more than ten years and needing only to trace my forebears back three generations to find Yorkshire blood I have become quite adept at fence sitting, especially in company that is firmly white rose in its support.
Di Venuto and Will Smith made fairly serene progress until 12:45 when Pyrah captured two wickets in three balls to tilt the morning session in Yorkshire's favour. This reversal of fortunes continued after lunch with Durham losing quick wickets and the first batting bonus point seeming a long way off. They were rescued initially by a good partnership between Michael Richardson, the son of former South Africa wicketkeeper Dave Richardson, and Scott Borthwick. Where they left off Plunkett and Thorpe continued, adding 94 for the ninth wicket.Thorpe's dismissal brought Graham Onions to the crease.Given that Onions missed the whole of last season with a back injury and only last week it was said thatt he would not be fully fit until midsummer one hopes both for Durham's and England's sakes his return to first team cricket is not premature. The two England bowlers saw Durham to the close at 326 for 9. Given their position in mid afternoon Durham would have probably drawn more satisfaction from the day, but with no prospect of rain an intriguing three days lies ahead.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
WOOLLY HATS AT WEETWOOD
By Brian Sanderson,
Wedneday morning was overcast and threatening to rain.Arriving at Weetwood to see a friendly between Yorkshire Seconds and Durham Seconds. A fifty over match with Yorkshire batting first.It was good to see Molly Staines there to see her boys. There was a strong cold wind blowing which was impossible to get out of.
Ballance was soon bowled by a good ball by Karl Brathwaite who was to be the main wicket taker for Durham. Callum Geldart and Alex Lees brought the Yorkshire score up to 147 before Lees was stumped of Breese. Gildart when on to score 91 and look in good form. Yorkshire score reached 235 for 6. One of the Durham bowler was Keaton Jennings who is a South African and son of the coach of Leeds and Bradford University.
Tony went home for his lunch and extra layer of clothing.David Thorp had collected some Rugby memorabilia which had been purchased by The Rugby League about Dia Jenkins who played in 1930,s. A real treasure- trove.
Durham opening the batting with Will Smith and Kyle Coetzer. However Smith and Richardson were soon out.Ben Harmison and Coetzer put a stand together to bring it within 70 runs of Yorkshire.Coetzer was first to go after scoring over 60.By this time Harmison had taken his sweater off and all the spectators wished they could borrow it as the temperature was very cold.Numerous people went home as the cold had got to them.
Harmiston carried on batting until he was out for 87.Wickets kept falling until Durham required 13 of two overs with eight wickets down.Wainwright bowled the last but one over an 13 was scored of the over to win the match.
Exciting match in very cold conditions. Hopefully it will be warmer to-morrow for the first day of the County match at Headingley.
Wedneday morning was overcast and threatening to rain.Arriving at Weetwood to see a friendly between Yorkshire Seconds and Durham Seconds. A fifty over match with Yorkshire batting first.It was good to see Molly Staines there to see her boys. There was a strong cold wind blowing which was impossible to get out of.
Ballance was soon bowled by a good ball by Karl Brathwaite who was to be the main wicket taker for Durham. Callum Geldart and Alex Lees brought the Yorkshire score up to 147 before Lees was stumped of Breese. Gildart when on to score 91 and look in good form. Yorkshire score reached 235 for 6. One of the Durham bowler was Keaton Jennings who is a South African and son of the coach of Leeds and Bradford University.
Tony went home for his lunch and extra layer of clothing.David Thorp had collected some Rugby memorabilia which had been purchased by The Rugby League about Dia Jenkins who played in 1930,s. A real treasure- trove.
Durham opening the batting with Will Smith and Kyle Coetzer. However Smith and Richardson were soon out.Ben Harmison and Coetzer put a stand together to bring it within 70 runs of Yorkshire.Coetzer was first to go after scoring over 60.By this time Harmison had taken his sweater off and all the spectators wished they could borrow it as the temperature was very cold.Numerous people went home as the cold had got to them.
Harmiston carried on batting until he was out for 87.Wickets kept falling until Durham required 13 of two overs with eight wickets down.Wainwright bowled the last but one over an 13 was scored of the over to win the match.
Exciting match in very cold conditions. Hopefully it will be warmer to-morrow for the first day of the County match at Headingley.
Monday, 11 April 2011
A case of Mistaken Identity
Posted by Tony Hutton
First an apology. After missing him at the first match of the season at New Rover, I eventually caught up with our new blogger, John Winn, at Weetwood on Monday.
The information I had been given about him being an umpire from the wrong side of the Pennines proved totally unfounded. Such a person does exist but I still do not know his name. I had in fact met John some time ago on a train journey back from Chester le Street to York, when he told me he had been to the Pennine Cricket Conference at Huddersfield the year before.
So John was a welcome addition to the bevy of professional cricket watchers in attendance on a cold, sometimes windy, sometimes wet day at Weetwood between the University teams of Leeds/Bradford and Loughborough. Unfortunately the cricket was very slow, with a bowler friendly wicket not helping the batsman. As Brian Sanderson has described Loughborough took the points, deservedly so with at least seven newcomers in their side this season.
They also won the one day game between the teams on Saturday in much warmer conditions, bowling out Leeds/Bradford for only 105, with left arm spinner Ravi Patel from Middlesex taking 5-12. Extras amazingly top scoring with 42. Quite a few four wides.
Loughborough also struggled in reply and at one stage were 46-6, with Wilson taking three wickets. Enter No 8, Oliver Wilkin, who laid about the bowling with eight fours and a six in an innings of 44 to help Loughborough home by only three wickets and after three very good appeals had been turned down.
The two day game on Sunday and Monday proved equally bowler friendly, Loughborough recovering from 47-5 and then 116-7 to a final total of 227 which proved a winning score. It was slow going on both days and the match winning innings was by the patient Nitesh Patel, this one from Worcestershire, who scored a splendid 126 in five hours and twenty minutes. A real marathon effort.
News of Yorkshire's great victory at Worcester on Sunday filtered through during the day so a welcome start for them as we look forward to Durham's visit to Headingley which starts on Thursday.
First an apology. After missing him at the first match of the season at New Rover, I eventually caught up with our new blogger, John Winn, at Weetwood on Monday.
The information I had been given about him being an umpire from the wrong side of the Pennines proved totally unfounded. Such a person does exist but I still do not know his name. I had in fact met John some time ago on a train journey back from Chester le Street to York, when he told me he had been to the Pennine Cricket Conference at Huddersfield the year before.
So John was a welcome addition to the bevy of professional cricket watchers in attendance on a cold, sometimes windy, sometimes wet day at Weetwood between the University teams of Leeds/Bradford and Loughborough. Unfortunately the cricket was very slow, with a bowler friendly wicket not helping the batsman. As Brian Sanderson has described Loughborough took the points, deservedly so with at least seven newcomers in their side this season.
They also won the one day game between the teams on Saturday in much warmer conditions, bowling out Leeds/Bradford for only 105, with left arm spinner Ravi Patel from Middlesex taking 5-12. Extras amazingly top scoring with 42. Quite a few four wides.
Loughborough also struggled in reply and at one stage were 46-6, with Wilson taking three wickets. Enter No 8, Oliver Wilkin, who laid about the bowling with eight fours and a six in an innings of 44 to help Loughborough home by only three wickets and after three very good appeals had been turned down.
The two day game on Sunday and Monday proved equally bowler friendly, Loughborough recovering from 47-5 and then 116-7 to a final total of 227 which proved a winning score. It was slow going on both days and the match winning innings was by the patient Nitesh Patel, this one from Worcestershire, who scored a splendid 126 in five hours and twenty minutes. A real marathon effort.
News of Yorkshire's great victory at Worcester on Sunday filtered through during the day so a welcome start for them as we look forward to Durham's visit to Headingley which starts on Thursday.
A blog jam?
Monday April 11th, posted by John Winn.
Weetwood is not amongst my favourite grounds and with today's weather cold and showery after such a lovely weekend the nearer I got to Leeds the more I doubted the wisdom of making a late decision to attend the second day of the university match. But as is often the case things turned out better than expected. As Brian has described, the cricket was not inspiring but after rain forced an early lunch the sun came out and the company was convivial. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet up with my fellow contributors to the blog, Brian and Tony.
Driving home I wondered if there might be a collective noun for bloggers, a blog jam perhaps? Tony now knows I only live on the other side of the Pennines if one is speaking from Lancashire. A York postcode and a Harrogate telephone code sum it up nicely. My local team, Ouseburn CC play in the Nidderdale League, but are not really in Nidderdale, but that is even more the case for three clubs from'over the water', Helperby, Raskelf and Alne who are very much Vale of York.
I left at tea looking forward to my next outing, one of those special days in the season, namely the opening of the County Championship season at Headingley. How often will the question'Have you wintered well?' be asked? Let's hope the answer is always 'yes'.
Weetwood is not amongst my favourite grounds and with today's weather cold and showery after such a lovely weekend the nearer I got to Leeds the more I doubted the wisdom of making a late decision to attend the second day of the university match. But as is often the case things turned out better than expected. As Brian has described, the cricket was not inspiring but after rain forced an early lunch the sun came out and the company was convivial. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet up with my fellow contributors to the blog, Brian and Tony.
Driving home I wondered if there might be a collective noun for bloggers, a blog jam perhaps? Tony now knows I only live on the other side of the Pennines if one is speaking from Lancashire. A York postcode and a Harrogate telephone code sum it up nicely. My local team, Ouseburn CC play in the Nidderdale League, but are not really in Nidderdale, but that is even more the case for three clubs from'over the water', Helperby, Raskelf and Alne who are very much Vale of York.
I left at tea looking forward to my next outing, one of those special days in the season, namely the opening of the County Championship season at Headingley. How often will the question'Have you wintered well?' be asked? Let's hope the answer is always 'yes'.
SHOWER AT WEETWOOD
By Brian Sanderson,
It was the second day at Weetwood with Leeds and Bradford University batting.The weather to-day was cloudy and windy.When I arrived Ian from Lancaster had arrived after setting off at 8.30 . He was planning to go to a football on the way back.
It was good to see Jenny there and had been to a match at Headingley on Saturday involveing the Academy.No-body knew about this match apart from Jenny and the parents.
Tony Hutton had arrived ealier to collect a upto date print out from Howard Clayton.
We were joined by John Winn ,the new blogger on the site.Tony due him from a train journey from Durham after the cricket.
The ball was dominating the batsman and it was slow going.Brian Senior arrived arriving at the far-side of the ground.David Thorp arrived from Golcar and so we had a quorum.David Byas had arrived as a umpire assesser for Alex Wharf who was umpiring.
It start to rain and lunch was taken early so as not to lose overs.Wickets were falling regular with no batsman scoring more than about 30. Mick Bourne arrived in the afternoon for a flighting visit.He brought some of his autographs.The side show was better than the cricket.Brian Cobb arrived with Harry. This was his first visit to a cricket match this season.
Bradley Kruger came in at number 7 which seemed a bit low for a person who has played 5 O.D.I. for Holland. It looked like that Leeds may obtain first innings lead and collect 10 points but he was caught behind and Leeds finished the innings at just over 200 so not beating Loughborough total.They had taken over 80 overs to score the runs not exciting cricket but the company was good.
There was still 22 over to bowl at 5.30 but only Brian Senior stopped. Not a good start for Leeds. Day off to-morrow.
It was the second day at Weetwood with Leeds and Bradford University batting.The weather to-day was cloudy and windy.When I arrived Ian from Lancaster had arrived after setting off at 8.30 . He was planning to go to a football on the way back.
It was good to see Jenny there and had been to a match at Headingley on Saturday involveing the Academy.No-body knew about this match apart from Jenny and the parents.
Tony Hutton had arrived ealier to collect a upto date print out from Howard Clayton.
We were joined by John Winn ,the new blogger on the site.Tony due him from a train journey from Durham after the cricket.
The ball was dominating the batsman and it was slow going.Brian Senior arrived arriving at the far-side of the ground.David Thorp arrived from Golcar and so we had a quorum.David Byas had arrived as a umpire assesser for Alex Wharf who was umpiring.
It start to rain and lunch was taken early so as not to lose overs.Wickets were falling regular with no batsman scoring more than about 30. Mick Bourne arrived in the afternoon for a flighting visit.He brought some of his autographs.The side show was better than the cricket.Brian Cobb arrived with Harry. This was his first visit to a cricket match this season.
Bradley Kruger came in at number 7 which seemed a bit low for a person who has played 5 O.D.I. for Holland. It looked like that Leeds may obtain first innings lead and collect 10 points but he was caught behind and Leeds finished the innings at just over 200 so not beating Loughborough total.They had taken over 80 overs to score the runs not exciting cricket but the company was good.
There was still 22 over to bowl at 5.30 but only Brian Senior stopped. Not a good start for Leeds. Day off to-morrow.
Sunny Weekend.
Second weekend of cricket with the sun shining.
On Saturday the first match was Leeds and Bradford U niverssity against Loughborough.
One of the first person I saw wandering about was Graham Dilley who is the coach of Loughborough.The first ball was a wide which started the extra column which was to become the highest scorer for Leeds.
However the major match I was going to was Pudsey St. Lawrence against Wrenthorpe.
It is always a nice view of the Church.As it happens a Vicar sat next to use after beening at a wedding and enjoying the sunshine.Bob Procter arrived with some World War 11 scorecards he had won on e-bay.We did a swop for those I had spare.
Pudsey St. Lawrence opening the batting and were one down when we arrived.They struggled against a good attack and got to 156 with still overs to spare in a 40 over match.Meet Rowland Parker who played with Horace Fisher during the War and at Holbeck.Also there was David Leatherdale father who also played at Holbeck.
Ron Stansfield won a the sweepstake on The Grand National.David Stiff opened the bowling for Pudsey and started also with a number of wides.His first over scored 19 and Woodlands were on their way to victory.Woodland are a excellent side produced by cash.
Called back at Weetwood and the match was over Leeds losing easily.Went across the road to New Rover were they were batting against Wakefield Thornes.It was a exciting finish with New Rover winning by one wicket with only a few balls spare.Nice finish to the day.
Sunday the sun was still shining and set off for Weetwood were Leeds were playing Loughoborough again but this time a two day match.The official umpire was Alex Wharfe ex Yorkshire, Glamorgan and England cricketer.
Loughoborugh batted first and struggled against the bowling with the ball swing.It would have been interesting if Dilley and Wharfe had bowled on the wicket.At lunchtime we moved up to Old Mod,s ground to watch the first Cup Final of the season.This was The Betty Chadderton Rose Bowl where St.Chads Broomfield were playing Shadwell. Both teams from the Wetherby League.
All the professional cricket watcher were there with Reg Parker entertaining us.
St Chads batted first with a very short boundary near the clubhouse.You had to be careful were you parked the car to stop the ball hitting it. I parked behind a tree and was not hit my the ball.One of the Limbecheya brother,s hit a excellent 50.He was only 18 and looked a good prospect.St Chads scored over 200 in forty overs.
However we had decided to go back to Weetwood to see the evening sesson.We called into New Rover who were playing Windhill. They had scored over 250 and were bowling to New Rover.Windhill would be to good for New Rover.
Brian Senior and Peter Mann were getting hungrey so we went back to Weetwood.Loughoborough were seven wickets down for about 170 in 65 overs. Slow going in helpful conditions.Patal for Loughborough came in at number 3 and scored a century.The innings finished about 5.45 and they scored just over 200 in 94 over about the same scored St Chads scored in 40.
Leeds lost a wicket near the end and will start to-morrow morning.A busy week of cricket at Weetwood and Headingley. The local leagues start on Saturday.Start planning the season ahead. Hope it keeps fine.
On Saturday the first match was Leeds and Bradford U niverssity against Loughborough.
One of the first person I saw wandering about was Graham Dilley who is the coach of Loughborough.The first ball was a wide which started the extra column which was to become the highest scorer for Leeds.
However the major match I was going to was Pudsey St. Lawrence against Wrenthorpe.
It is always a nice view of the Church.As it happens a Vicar sat next to use after beening at a wedding and enjoying the sunshine.Bob Procter arrived with some World War 11 scorecards he had won on e-bay.We did a swop for those I had spare.
Pudsey St. Lawrence opening the batting and were one down when we arrived.They struggled against a good attack and got to 156 with still overs to spare in a 40 over match.Meet Rowland Parker who played with Horace Fisher during the War and at Holbeck.Also there was David Leatherdale father who also played at Holbeck.
Ron Stansfield won a the sweepstake on The Grand National.David Stiff opened the bowling for Pudsey and started also with a number of wides.His first over scored 19 and Woodlands were on their way to victory.Woodland are a excellent side produced by cash.
Called back at Weetwood and the match was over Leeds losing easily.Went across the road to New Rover were they were batting against Wakefield Thornes.It was a exciting finish with New Rover winning by one wicket with only a few balls spare.Nice finish to the day.
Sunday the sun was still shining and set off for Weetwood were Leeds were playing Loughoborough again but this time a two day match.The official umpire was Alex Wharfe ex Yorkshire, Glamorgan and England cricketer.
Loughoborugh batted first and struggled against the bowling with the ball swing.It would have been interesting if Dilley and Wharfe had bowled on the wicket.At lunchtime we moved up to Old Mod,s ground to watch the first Cup Final of the season.This was The Betty Chadderton Rose Bowl where St.Chads Broomfield were playing Shadwell. Both teams from the Wetherby League.
All the professional cricket watcher were there with Reg Parker entertaining us.
St Chads batted first with a very short boundary near the clubhouse.You had to be careful were you parked the car to stop the ball hitting it. I parked behind a tree and was not hit my the ball.One of the Limbecheya brother,s hit a excellent 50.He was only 18 and looked a good prospect.St Chads scored over 200 in forty overs.
However we had decided to go back to Weetwood to see the evening sesson.We called into New Rover who were playing Windhill. They had scored over 250 and were bowling to New Rover.Windhill would be to good for New Rover.
Brian Senior and Peter Mann were getting hungrey so we went back to Weetwood.Loughoborough were seven wickets down for about 170 in 65 overs. Slow going in helpful conditions.Patal for Loughborough came in at number 3 and scored a century.The innings finished about 5.45 and they scored just over 200 in 94 over about the same scored St Chads scored in 40.
Leeds lost a wicket near the end and will start to-morrow morning.A busy week of cricket at Weetwood and Headingley. The local leagues start on Saturday.Start planning the season ahead. Hope it keeps fine.
Friday, 8 April 2011
A Capital Day Out
Posted by John Winn
Early Friday morning saw me on an train from York to London King's Cross. Having booked my ticket in January when snow was still on the ground I blessed my good fortune that the sun shone out of a cloudless sky and there was zero chance of rain.
Large test match grounds are not always the best places to watch county cricket but I have visited The Oval, my choice for that day's action, in each of the last three seasons and found it an agreeable experience. An excellent seat in the Upper Bedser stand cost £10 from where the play between Surrey and Northamptonshire could be viewed from behind the bowler's arm.
Only Middlesex and Derbyshire finished below these two counties in 2010 and Surrey members in particular will be demanding much better this year. Young captain Hamilton-Brown will no doubt have learned lessons from last year and he led from the front top scoring with 74 in their total of 322. Several other batsmen got good starts but nobody seemed to want to play the kind of innings that would have seen them still batting at the close. Northants' attack, even with the experienced Chaminda Vass taking a wicket with his second ball, is not the most frightening and on the usual good Oval strip Surrey will feel they should have done better.It was hard not to feel sorry for Surrey opener Michael Brown, who missed the whole of last season through injury. 2011 began inauspiciously for him when he was lbw first ball.
Northants, who two years ago had a significant South African contingent, are now coached by their local former player, David Capel, and are said to be placing the emphasis on home produced talent, but of the eleven who took the field on Friday, only one, Mal Loye, was born in the county. Contrast that with the Yorkshire side in action at Worcester whose only non-native is Gerard Brophy.
For those with access to smart phones it is possible to be updated constantly with scores from other county matches round the country. It was pleasing therefore to know that Yorkshire were progressing well at New Road and Durham's batsmen enjoying first knock at The Rose Bowl. Perhaps this is an appropriate time to declare 'dual nationality' i.e. Durham born but living in Yorkshire; this coming Thursday at Headingley will present its usual challenge to one's loyalties.
The day at The Oval ended with Surrey all out for 322 and Northants 12 without loss. Just time to get something to eat before catching the 19:30 back to York where we arrived bang on time at 21:20. Capital!
Early Friday morning saw me on an train from York to London King's Cross. Having booked my ticket in January when snow was still on the ground I blessed my good fortune that the sun shone out of a cloudless sky and there was zero chance of rain.
Large test match grounds are not always the best places to watch county cricket but I have visited The Oval, my choice for that day's action, in each of the last three seasons and found it an agreeable experience. An excellent seat in the Upper Bedser stand cost £10 from where the play between Surrey and Northamptonshire could be viewed from behind the bowler's arm.
Only Middlesex and Derbyshire finished below these two counties in 2010 and Surrey members in particular will be demanding much better this year. Young captain Hamilton-Brown will no doubt have learned lessons from last year and he led from the front top scoring with 74 in their total of 322. Several other batsmen got good starts but nobody seemed to want to play the kind of innings that would have seen them still batting at the close. Northants' attack, even with the experienced Chaminda Vass taking a wicket with his second ball, is not the most frightening and on the usual good Oval strip Surrey will feel they should have done better.It was hard not to feel sorry for Surrey opener Michael Brown, who missed the whole of last season through injury. 2011 began inauspiciously for him when he was lbw first ball.
Northants, who two years ago had a significant South African contingent, are now coached by their local former player, David Capel, and are said to be placing the emphasis on home produced talent, but of the eleven who took the field on Friday, only one, Mal Loye, was born in the county. Contrast that with the Yorkshire side in action at Worcester whose only non-native is Gerard Brophy.
For those with access to smart phones it is possible to be updated constantly with scores from other county matches round the country. It was pleasing therefore to know that Yorkshire were progressing well at New Road and Durham's batsmen enjoying first knock at The Rose Bowl. Perhaps this is an appropriate time to declare 'dual nationality' i.e. Durham born but living in Yorkshire; this coming Thursday at Headingley will present its usual challenge to one's loyalties.
The day at The Oval ended with Surrey all out for 322 and Northants 12 without loss. Just time to get something to eat before catching the 19:30 back to York where we arrived bang on time at 21:20. Capital!
Thursday, 7 April 2011
To the land of the Prince Bishops
Posted by John Winn
A forty five minute journey by train from York took me to Durham for a fifty over friendly between the University and Durham II.I enjoyed the walk from the station to the racecourse ground which took me past the flat where I spent a year as student in the sixties and past The Dun Cow pub where I also spent time during that year. With permanent seating for twelve people it is difficult to imagine that the ground, from where can see both the cathedral and the jail, hosted a crowd of six thousand, described by Wisden as 'excited', for Durham's first match in the Sunday League in 1992. When I arrived, about fifteen minutes before the start of play, six would have been a reasonable estimate of the number of spectators.
The county side had a number of experienced players including Will Smith, Kyle Coetzer, Harmison the younger and skipper Gareth Breeze. This time last year Smith was captain of the county champions, twelve months on he enjoyed a generous mixture of long hops and full tosses to rattle up 61 in good time. The student bowlers did restore some measure of control until Harmison took full advantage of a short legside boundary to hit four sixes and with good support from Breeze Durham reached 306 in their 50 overs.
Although Graham Onions is not expected to be fully fit until midsummer, his class was evident from the first ball he bowled and he took three for twenty five off his ten overs. After a poor start the university recovered well and eventually finished 57 runs short. Amongst the Durham wicket takers was Jonny Killeen, son of Neil who is now on Durham's coaching staff and there in that capacity today.
Of the University eleven I can tell you nothing. There was no team sheet and there was no public address, too much to ask for an MCC Centre of Excellence?
A forty five minute journey by train from York took me to Durham for a fifty over friendly between the University and Durham II.I enjoyed the walk from the station to the racecourse ground which took me past the flat where I spent a year as student in the sixties and past The Dun Cow pub where I also spent time during that year. With permanent seating for twelve people it is difficult to imagine that the ground, from where can see both the cathedral and the jail, hosted a crowd of six thousand, described by Wisden as 'excited', for Durham's first match in the Sunday League in 1992. When I arrived, about fifteen minutes before the start of play, six would have been a reasonable estimate of the number of spectators.
The county side had a number of experienced players including Will Smith, Kyle Coetzer, Harmison the younger and skipper Gareth Breeze. This time last year Smith was captain of the county champions, twelve months on he enjoyed a generous mixture of long hops and full tosses to rattle up 61 in good time. The student bowlers did restore some measure of control until Harmison took full advantage of a short legside boundary to hit four sixes and with good support from Breeze Durham reached 306 in their 50 overs.
Although Graham Onions is not expected to be fully fit until midsummer, his class was evident from the first ball he bowled and he took three for twenty five off his ten overs. After a poor start the university recovered well and eventually finished 57 runs short. Amongst the Durham wicket takers was Jonny Killeen, son of Neil who is now on Durham's coaching staff and there in that capacity today.
Of the University eleven I can tell you nothing. There was no team sheet and there was no public address, too much to ask for an MCC Centre of Excellence?
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Things can only get better
Posted by John Winn
For the small crowd gathered to see a forty over friendly at New Rover yesterday with Olicanians the visitors, the first sound of summer proved not to be bat on ball but ball on stumps as the Olicanians'opening bat was bowled by the first ball of the season. The game having started a few minutes before its appointed time of one o'clock the unfortunate batsman was actually on his way back to the pavilion at 12:59 which somehow seemed to make it an even more disappointing beginning to his 2011 campaign. To his credit he could see the funny side of things and his only complaint was that the borrowed bat he used appeared not to be the regulation width.
Not surprisingly for a match played so early in April the wicket had more than a greenish tinge and the outfield was slow. The stiffish breeze had just enough bite in it to remind spectators that it is spring rather than summer and New Rover's numbers were made up by a young lad in jeans who during the early overs fielded as fine leg at both ends. On being questioned he revealed that he was the scorer and thus his attire was excusable. By the time I left after 15 overs he had demonstrated enough expertise to be promoted to deep extra cover. At this point Olicanians had recovered from their bad start to reach forty for two with an lbw decison accounting for the second wicket. Alas the victim did not share the opening batsman's sense of humour, making it very clear that he did not agree with the umpire's decision.
Lots of possibilities for the professional cricket watcher this week with the forecast suggesting a renewal of the dry weather on Wednesday. A further piece of good news is that second eleven and minor county fixtures are restored to Playfair following complaints about their omission from the 2010 edition.The sad news is that second eleven fixtures take up significantly less space than when they were last published two years ago.
For the small crowd gathered to see a forty over friendly at New Rover yesterday with Olicanians the visitors, the first sound of summer proved not to be bat on ball but ball on stumps as the Olicanians'opening bat was bowled by the first ball of the season. The game having started a few minutes before its appointed time of one o'clock the unfortunate batsman was actually on his way back to the pavilion at 12:59 which somehow seemed to make it an even more disappointing beginning to his 2011 campaign. To his credit he could see the funny side of things and his only complaint was that the borrowed bat he used appeared not to be the regulation width.
Not surprisingly for a match played so early in April the wicket had more than a greenish tinge and the outfield was slow. The stiffish breeze had just enough bite in it to remind spectators that it is spring rather than summer and New Rover's numbers were made up by a young lad in jeans who during the early overs fielded as fine leg at both ends. On being questioned he revealed that he was the scorer and thus his attire was excusable. By the time I left after 15 overs he had demonstrated enough expertise to be promoted to deep extra cover. At this point Olicanians had recovered from their bad start to reach forty for two with an lbw decison accounting for the second wicket. Alas the victim did not share the opening batsman's sense of humour, making it very clear that he did not agree with the umpire's decision.
Lots of possibilities for the professional cricket watcher this week with the forecast suggesting a renewal of the dry weather on Wednesday. A further piece of good news is that second eleven and minor county fixtures are restored to Playfair following complaints about their omission from the 2010 edition.The sad news is that second eleven fixtures take up significantly less space than when they were last published two years ago.
Here we go again
Cricket in March at Weetwood, Leeds
Posted by Tony Hutton
My first pleasant duty of the new season is to welcome John Winn who has joined our ranks from the other side of the Pennines. We look forward to more contributions from him as the season progresses.
The cricket season in West Yorkshire got started earlier than ever before, with a
practice match for Leeds/Bradford University players at Weetwood on 23/24 March.
Amazingly the weather was fine on both days with plenty of sunshine and some good
cricket to enjoy. The best innings came from wicktkeeper Dan Hodgson with 76, ably supported by Joe Leach with 57.
An added bonus was a two day game at Headingley between a Yorkshire XI and the University side on 29/30 March. We only got to know about these games at the last minute thanks to the Brian Senior grapevine. He had been helping with a mail out at Headingley and found out about both games then. Otherwise there was no publicity for either of them and of course only a few people turned up.
Again the weather was good at Headingley on day one and Gerard Brophy was the star of the show with a very accomplished innings of 130. Joe Root also looked in good form with a splendid 46, after his winter trip to Darren Lehman's Academy in Australis. He must be pushing for a first team place.
Unfortunately on day two rain came in the afternoon after the University had made 147-8 in reply to Yorkshire's 336-8 declared. Steve Patterson had the best bowling figures removing three of the first four batsmen for only nine runs.
Good to see a fine gathering of professional cricket watchers at New Rover yesterday for the game with Olicanians. These included Peter Davies and his Dad. They both took advantage of their first cricket teas of the season with piled high plates.
Peter said it may be the first, but certainly not the last of the season. He is planning a visit to Aigburth on Friday to see his beloved Lancashire perform.
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