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.