posted by John Winn
On my way to The Riverside for the third day of the match between Durham and Lancashire this morning I was pleased to bump into fellow blogger, Tony Hutton, at Durham bus station. There were a number of other cricket watchers catching the bus to Chester-le Street and Stokes and Benkenstein were just resuming Durham's first innings as we walked into the ground. The pair made smooth progress until lunchtime by which time Durham had a lead of ninety runs.
Most interest in the afternoon centred on whether the partnership would eclipse Durham's biggest ever stand in first class cricket, set by Stuart Hutton and Mike Roseberry against Oxford University in The Parks in 1996. This was an unbeaten 334 and it was a surprise when Benkenstein was dismissed when the pair were just three short of this figure.
Stokes went on to reach his highest score in first class cricket(185)when, attempting to repeat an enormous six over the pavilion, he was bowled by Croft.
Durham's innings meandered a little after this, not helped by some negative bowling by Lancashire which tested the umpires' interpretation of what constitutes a wide.
I left at tea and was rather surprised to find Durham had batted on, until when Mustard was dismissed for 61 at almost a run per ball,they were all out for 586,a lead of 273. In losing his wicket Mustard reduced his average from 152.5 to 122, perhaps he wishes he had declared.
There had been rumours during the day that Onions might be called away by England to join the squad for Friday's test at Lord's but when the news broke that the selectors had gone for Jade Winston Dernbach of Surrey and Onions was spotted on the players' balcony it was obvious that Sri Lanka's gain was Lancashire's loss. By close of play Lancashire had lost three wickets and find themselves still 204 behind. A situation which will probably see this blogger on the 9:32 from York tomorrow morning.
Just a couple of points about England's squad of twelve for the second test: 50% were born overseas and more than 50%, if they played in the championship, would be in the second divison. After the startling events at Cardiff yesterday afternoon Sri Lanka must be pleased we don't put out the first team.
Tuesday 31 May 2011
Monday 30 May 2011
Another windy weekend
Posted by Tony Hutton
The dreadful windy conditions, which seem to have gone on for weeks, continued to persist making cricket watching conditions very difficult.
On Saturday I decided to stay close to home and watched most of the local derby game between Adel and Kirkstall Educational in the company of Dave Hodgson and Reg Parker as we circled the ground without really finding anywhere out of the wind.
After the loss of early wickets Adel were rescued by a good partnership between Joe Coley, a new recruit from Warwickshire, with 56 and Tim Grey, whose batting has blossomed recently, with 43. However Kirkstall's opening bowler Matthew Webb who bowled splendidly throughout, finished off the tail with final figures of 8-52 and Adel were all out 190.
There were conflicting views on this total. Reg feeling that Adel were perhaps twenty or so runs short and Dave worrying that Kirkstall had not yet won a match this season. The problem was that Adel were without two of their regular bowlers, as well as captain and wicketkeeper Paddy Coughlin.
The lack of pace bowlers to support Aussie Brad Robertson proved too much for Adel and despite some good bowling from their battery of three spinners, including slow left armer Thorpe, promoted from the second team, they could not contain some consistent batting from the visitors.
Good innings from Steve Harrison with 55 and Joe Gibson with 57, set the scene for skiper Josh Siddall to finish things off with an over to spare. Robertson finished with 3-53, but on the day Kirkstall were worthy winners by five wickets.
During the interval I had taken a short trip in the car (mainly to get warm again) down the road to Far Headingley were St Chads were entertaining old rivals Shadwell and just round the corner in Glen Road, Headingley were at home to Thorner Mexborough second team.
St Chads were batting and captain and very consistent batsman Mark Bailey was piling up the runs. He finished with 68 not out out in a total of 213-7, perhaps not quite enough on the small and fast scoring ground. As I was to find out later Shadwell edged a very close contest by number 11 Joe Burke hitting a six off the fourth ball of the final over. Shadwell winning by one wicket.
A more one sided contest at Glen Road as the powerful home side racked up yet another big score, this time 301-7. Thorner however made a game of it and finished on 171-7 in reply.
No improvement in the weather on Sunday, although early morning rain had subsided by the time I arrived at Walton's attractive ground near Wetherby. The problem was that the wind here, on the edge of the flatlands of the Vale of York, was even stronger than ever and watching was only really possible by sitting in the car.
The game here was an inter league match in the Leeds Area Council Knock Out competition. This is a very old competition, but sadly not many leagues now take part and it is rumoured this could be the last year of the competition.
Wetherby League were playing Nidderdale League, in a forty over a side game, following the slightly delayed start.
Wetherby batted and despite runs from two of yesterday's opponents, Grogan of Shadwell with 35 and Bailey of St Chads with 25, they only managed to finish on 139-7
with spinner Brennand the best bowler, taking 4-31.
It was good to see the cricketing family Oliver there to support the St Chads contingent. Barry Oliver is a Bradford League umpire, who I had seen in action in the ECB KO at Harrogate last week, and wife Hilary is the St Chads scorer. They were happy with the performance of their son Callum Oliver, who is captain of Pudsey Congs second team in the Bradford League.
His side had beaten Brighouse by ten wickets yesterday and Callum finished on 50 not out, which meant that Yorkshire prodigy Barnie Gibson, due to bat at number three did not get an innings.
The Nidderdale League made short work of the rather modest total and knocked them off in only 30 overs, winning by four wickets. Dave Leather of Dacre Banks top scoring with exactly fifty.
Two questions remained - will this competition continue in future seasons and when will these strong winds abate. Forecasts suggest a return to summer weather may be imminent for the later part of this week. Let's hope so !
The dreadful windy conditions, which seem to have gone on for weeks, continued to persist making cricket watching conditions very difficult.
On Saturday I decided to stay close to home and watched most of the local derby game between Adel and Kirkstall Educational in the company of Dave Hodgson and Reg Parker as we circled the ground without really finding anywhere out of the wind.
After the loss of early wickets Adel were rescued by a good partnership between Joe Coley, a new recruit from Warwickshire, with 56 and Tim Grey, whose batting has blossomed recently, with 43. However Kirkstall's opening bowler Matthew Webb who bowled splendidly throughout, finished off the tail with final figures of 8-52 and Adel were all out 190.
There were conflicting views on this total. Reg feeling that Adel were perhaps twenty or so runs short and Dave worrying that Kirkstall had not yet won a match this season. The problem was that Adel were without two of their regular bowlers, as well as captain and wicketkeeper Paddy Coughlin.
The lack of pace bowlers to support Aussie Brad Robertson proved too much for Adel and despite some good bowling from their battery of three spinners, including slow left armer Thorpe, promoted from the second team, they could not contain some consistent batting from the visitors.
Good innings from Steve Harrison with 55 and Joe Gibson with 57, set the scene for skiper Josh Siddall to finish things off with an over to spare. Robertson finished with 3-53, but on the day Kirkstall were worthy winners by five wickets.
During the interval I had taken a short trip in the car (mainly to get warm again) down the road to Far Headingley were St Chads were entertaining old rivals Shadwell and just round the corner in Glen Road, Headingley were at home to Thorner Mexborough second team.
St Chads were batting and captain and very consistent batsman Mark Bailey was piling up the runs. He finished with 68 not out out in a total of 213-7, perhaps not quite enough on the small and fast scoring ground. As I was to find out later Shadwell edged a very close contest by number 11 Joe Burke hitting a six off the fourth ball of the final over. Shadwell winning by one wicket.
A more one sided contest at Glen Road as the powerful home side racked up yet another big score, this time 301-7. Thorner however made a game of it and finished on 171-7 in reply.
No improvement in the weather on Sunday, although early morning rain had subsided by the time I arrived at Walton's attractive ground near Wetherby. The problem was that the wind here, on the edge of the flatlands of the Vale of York, was even stronger than ever and watching was only really possible by sitting in the car.
The game here was an inter league match in the Leeds Area Council Knock Out competition. This is a very old competition, but sadly not many leagues now take part and it is rumoured this could be the last year of the competition.
Wetherby League were playing Nidderdale League, in a forty over a side game, following the slightly delayed start.
Wetherby batted and despite runs from two of yesterday's opponents, Grogan of Shadwell with 35 and Bailey of St Chads with 25, they only managed to finish on 139-7
with spinner Brennand the best bowler, taking 4-31.
It was good to see the cricketing family Oliver there to support the St Chads contingent. Barry Oliver is a Bradford League umpire, who I had seen in action in the ECB KO at Harrogate last week, and wife Hilary is the St Chads scorer. They were happy with the performance of their son Callum Oliver, who is captain of Pudsey Congs second team in the Bradford League.
His side had beaten Brighouse by ten wickets yesterday and Callum finished on 50 not out, which meant that Yorkshire prodigy Barnie Gibson, due to bat at number three did not get an innings.
The Nidderdale League made short work of the rather modest total and knocked them off in only 30 overs, winning by four wickets. Dave Leather of Dacre Banks top scoring with exactly fifty.
Two questions remained - will this competition continue in future seasons and when will these strong winds abate. Forecasts suggest a return to summer weather may be imminent for the later part of this week. Let's hope so !
Sunday 29 May 2011
INTERNATIONAL MATCH AT LAWN LANE
By Brian Sanderson,
When I left home at lunch-time the rain was starting to fall and when I reached New Farnley ground at Lawn Lane it became heavier.As it happen I brought a book lent to me by Blackpool Ken which passed away the time until the rain stopped.The book is called Cricket North South divide by Jim Carnegie.I would recommend it.
New Farnley were playing Batley who consisted of eleven Pakistani,s.In the last round they had scored 326 for 3 with Asif Hussain scoring 215 however he was no longer at the club and was playing elsewhere.New Farnley batted first and put on a opening stand of 72 .Joe Suggitt scored 56 and Mathew Good scored 33.
At one stage New Farnley were 148 for 5 however they struggled to 199 in the forty overs.Arman Hussain talked to me during the match and said they would be happy to chase under 200.He said they were four players short from their full side and struggled to have eleven men.During the innings Zubour Karolia had to give the wicket-keeping gloves to his father Sadik Karolia as he was injured.
During the break I went back to the car to read my book.It was nice in the sun but again there was a strong wind blowing.
Batley soon lost wickets including Arman Hussain who batted four and got a duck.
The spinners of New Farnley Ian Fisher,ex Yorkshire and Gloucester, and Davis Mc Cullum took the wickets. Fisher bowled 8 overs for 13 taking two wickets.Batley were all out for 124 including 28 wides.
So New Farnley go forward to the third round of the Jack Hampshire Trophy.Next match for me is Hove.
When I left home at lunch-time the rain was starting to fall and when I reached New Farnley ground at Lawn Lane it became heavier.As it happen I brought a book lent to me by Blackpool Ken which passed away the time until the rain stopped.The book is called Cricket North South divide by Jim Carnegie.I would recommend it.
New Farnley were playing Batley who consisted of eleven Pakistani,s.In the last round they had scored 326 for 3 with Asif Hussain scoring 215 however he was no longer at the club and was playing elsewhere.New Farnley batted first and put on a opening stand of 72 .Joe Suggitt scored 56 and Mathew Good scored 33.
At one stage New Farnley were 148 for 5 however they struggled to 199 in the forty overs.Arman Hussain talked to me during the match and said they would be happy to chase under 200.He said they were four players short from their full side and struggled to have eleven men.During the innings Zubour Karolia had to give the wicket-keeping gloves to his father Sadik Karolia as he was injured.
During the break I went back to the car to read my book.It was nice in the sun but again there was a strong wind blowing.
Batley soon lost wickets including Arman Hussain who batted four and got a duck.
The spinners of New Farnley Ian Fisher,ex Yorkshire and Gloucester, and Davis Mc Cullum took the wickets. Fisher bowled 8 overs for 13 taking two wickets.Batley were all out for 124 including 28 wides.
So New Farnley go forward to the third round of the Jack Hampshire Trophy.Next match for me is Hove.
Wuthering Heights
Posted by John Winn
wuthering (adjective) of the wind, to make a roaring sound (Old Norse)
I spent yesterday afternoon watching cricket on grounds that I had not visited before in the Bradford area. En route to Gomersal, by chance I saw a sign for Birstall CC and found a Yorkshire Central League Premier Division game in progress with Hunslet Nelson, the visitors batting. The few spectators were mainly watching from their cars to avoid the strong wind. Hunslet were making good progress and setting a target of 289 won by 20 runs.Next to Gomersal for their Bradford league game with Pudsy St Lawrence and what a game. PSL openers were putting the home spinners through the mangle and their partnership was not broken until it had reached 160 and the team went onto total 344 for 7, even this was not enough as Gomersal knocked off the runs with an over to spare.
Next stop Spen Victoria and a second eleven local derby with Gomersal. I was indebted to the two young scorers for updating me and when the sight of my notebook made them think I might be a reporter I explained about the blog and gave them the website details. I hope they have managed to find this posting. Another win for Gomersal here and definitely ground of the day. The Heavy Woollen Cup final will be held here in July,what an attractive venue it will provide.
Another short journey, this time to Highmoor Lane and the well appointed ground of Hartshead Moor but can their be any ground where the sound of motorway traffic is more intrusive? I had a chat with one of the few spectators braving the wind and noise and he could recall playing here before the M62 was built, how much pleasanter an experience that must have been. Yesterday I thought I heard a cry for Heathcliffe but it was an appeal for caught behind that was turned down. The umpire could not possibly have heard a snick above the roar.Hartshead's opponents were Morley who went on to win the match.
To complete my wanderings I went to Scholes where Scholes A were playing a YCL match against New Farnley A. I was just in time to see a lively last wicket partnership bring the visitors to 199 all out. The league website tells me that Scholes won by four wickets.
At all five of these grounds the strong wind marred my enjoyment.When T.S. Eliot wrote about April being the cruellest month he was not describing this year. We were spoilt in the first month of the season and May has reminded us what cricket watching can be like in the north in early summer.
As usual before going home I called at Ouseburn CC where the seconds were playing Killinghall II and to my surprise found I was the match ball sponsor! Surprised not because I had not agreed to do it but because I thought I had nominated a game later in the season. Jeff Gill, the groundsman, told me that on Thursday afternoon the ground had ben flooded by a thunderstorm and then covered in hailstone. No sign of that yesterday when, keeping up their good form, Ouseburn won comfortably with opener Ben Jones, who was bowled first ball for the first team last week, getting 95 not out.
wuthering (adjective) of the wind, to make a roaring sound (Old Norse)
I spent yesterday afternoon watching cricket on grounds that I had not visited before in the Bradford area. En route to Gomersal, by chance I saw a sign for Birstall CC and found a Yorkshire Central League Premier Division game in progress with Hunslet Nelson, the visitors batting. The few spectators were mainly watching from their cars to avoid the strong wind. Hunslet were making good progress and setting a target of 289 won by 20 runs.Next to Gomersal for their Bradford league game with Pudsy St Lawrence and what a game. PSL openers were putting the home spinners through the mangle and their partnership was not broken until it had reached 160 and the team went onto total 344 for 7, even this was not enough as Gomersal knocked off the runs with an over to spare.
Next stop Spen Victoria and a second eleven local derby with Gomersal. I was indebted to the two young scorers for updating me and when the sight of my notebook made them think I might be a reporter I explained about the blog and gave them the website details. I hope they have managed to find this posting. Another win for Gomersal here and definitely ground of the day. The Heavy Woollen Cup final will be held here in July,what an attractive venue it will provide.
Another short journey, this time to Highmoor Lane and the well appointed ground of Hartshead Moor but can their be any ground where the sound of motorway traffic is more intrusive? I had a chat with one of the few spectators braving the wind and noise and he could recall playing here before the M62 was built, how much pleasanter an experience that must have been. Yesterday I thought I heard a cry for Heathcliffe but it was an appeal for caught behind that was turned down. The umpire could not possibly have heard a snick above the roar.Hartshead's opponents were Morley who went on to win the match.
To complete my wanderings I went to Scholes where Scholes A were playing a YCL match against New Farnley A. I was just in time to see a lively last wicket partnership bring the visitors to 199 all out. The league website tells me that Scholes won by four wickets.
At all five of these grounds the strong wind marred my enjoyment.When T.S. Eliot wrote about April being the cruellest month he was not describing this year. We were spoilt in the first month of the season and May has reminded us what cricket watching can be like in the north in early summer.
As usual before going home I called at Ouseburn CC where the seconds were playing Killinghall II and to my surprise found I was the match ball sponsor! Surprised not because I had not agreed to do it but because I thought I had nominated a game later in the season. Jeff Gill, the groundsman, told me that on Thursday afternoon the ground had ben flooded by a thunderstorm and then covered in hailstone. No sign of that yesterday when, keeping up their good form, Ouseburn won comfortably with opener Ben Jones, who was bowled first ball for the first team last week, getting 95 not out.
Saturday 28 May 2011
ANOTHER MATCH OF THE DAY
By Brian Sanderson,
This afternoon we went to watch Methley against Wrenthorpe in the Central Yorkshire League.At The start of play Methley were lending the league with Wrenthorpe second.Wrenthoroe had been beated by Wakefield Thornes two weeks ago for the first defeat in the league since 2009.
Wrenthorpe batted first and got off to a bad start.The top three batsmen were out quickly.By good bowling and a run out.It was up to Eric Austin and Neil Gill to put together a stand of 90.Austin was coming back from knee recontruction and playing his first match of the season.He batted number seven and scored 35 runs while Gill scored 44.There was a interesting maiden over bowled by Methley as there were seven extras taken off the over.Wrenthorpe put a competitive total of 205 for 9 inthe fifty overs.
After tea Methley got off to quick start with Hamid Khan who scored 25.Wrenthorpe dropped two catches in the slips and with the very next bowls bowled the Methley batsmen so costing them no runs.Tom Glover and Grig Batty both took four wickets a piece. Causing Methley to be bowled out in 41 overs for 136 so making Wrenthorpe to be the leader of the league.
There was a very cold westerly wind blowing across the pitch so we sat in the old groundsman hut .I thought the match would be high scoring but the bowlers won the day apart from one stand which helped to win the match. You can never tell how the match will go.
This afternoon we went to watch Methley against Wrenthorpe in the Central Yorkshire League.At The start of play Methley were lending the league with Wrenthorpe second.Wrenthoroe had been beated by Wakefield Thornes two weeks ago for the first defeat in the league since 2009.
Wrenthorpe batted first and got off to a bad start.The top three batsmen were out quickly.By good bowling and a run out.It was up to Eric Austin and Neil Gill to put together a stand of 90.Austin was coming back from knee recontruction and playing his first match of the season.He batted number seven and scored 35 runs while Gill scored 44.There was a interesting maiden over bowled by Methley as there were seven extras taken off the over.Wrenthorpe put a competitive total of 205 for 9 inthe fifty overs.
After tea Methley got off to quick start with Hamid Khan who scored 25.Wrenthorpe dropped two catches in the slips and with the very next bowls bowled the Methley batsmen so costing them no runs.Tom Glover and Grig Batty both took four wickets a piece. Causing Methley to be bowled out in 41 overs for 136 so making Wrenthorpe to be the leader of the league.
There was a very cold westerly wind blowing across the pitch so we sat in the old groundsman hut .I thought the match would be high scoring but the bowlers won the day apart from one stand which helped to win the match. You can never tell how the match will go.
Friday 27 May 2011
Mr Livingstone I presume
Posted by Tony Hutton
Leeds/Bradford University v Lancashire 2nd XI (Weetwood, Leeds)
Having decided to forsake another day of back to back T20 games at Headingley yesterday, I turned up at Weetwood expecting to see the University play the Lancashire Academy side, as advertised on the county website and elsewhere.
However as happened a few weeks ago with Durham, the second eleven turned up instead of the Academy. In truth it seemed a mixture of the two.
Howard Clayton, the University scorer, as usual provided me with the two teams and Lancashire looked to have a pretty strong side captained by Stephen Parry, including Cheetham who has opened the bowling for the first team, Aaron Lilley, the spin bowling all rounder from Delph and Dobcross and the South African batsman Agathagelou. Howard Clayton proudly boasted that he could spell his name correctly.
With showers threatening, play did not start until noon, only a quarter of an hour late, and Lancashire batted. At the start of play the two spectators present were myself and Alan from Pudsey, who is in fact a Lancastrian. We sat downstairs under the pavilion and were joined by Lancashire's number three batsman, Liam Livingstone, while all his teammates remained upstairs on the balcony.
Young Mr Livingstone is only 17 but his name was well known to me, having seen him I think for Cumbria Under 15s at the New Rover ground, just across the road, some years ago. He scored runs then and I had heard his name mentioned as one of the best prospects at the Lancashire Academy. He confirmed that he still played for his home town club, Barrow, on Saturdays in the Northern League and knew one of Alan's relations who plays for Carnforth. He is now also playing for Cumberland in the Minor Counties competition and would probably miss the Champions League final on TV on Saturday night, as after playing for Barrow he has to travel to Jesmond, Newcastle to join his Cumberland teammates for Sunday's game.
When the first wicket fell, he was inside the pavilion, but when he came out to collect his bat and gloves, we told him that the man with the long name had been given out lbw to one that kept low and to watch out for the leg spinner, Tom Craddock. Alan encouraged him by saying stay there till about four o'clock.
Going in with the score at 39-1, he had some luck in the early part of his innings on a wicket which is sometimes unpredictable, but played the innings of the day and had scored sixty out of 178-5 when he out in the 38th over. He hit only two fours and one six, but ran well between the wickets and is certainly one to watch for the future. He seems a very pleasant and sensible lad.
Thanks to some late hitting from the tailenders, particularly Lilley who made 26 off only ten balls, Lancashire made 276-7 in their fifty overs, which looked a challenging target for the University side. The crowd had more than doubled in size by now to five, with the arrival of Brian Senior and a couple of player's relations.
With the weather always threatening the University added 40 for the first wicket in only eight overs, but when the first change bowler, Bailey, came on he took a wicket with his first ball and another soon afterwards. Lilley also chipped in with two wickets and the University were 64-4 after fifteen overs when the serious rain of the day arrived and brought proceedings to a premature end.
With a rare cricket free day available to me today, I did a little more research on young Mr Livingstone and discovered that not only was he All Out Cricket Magazine's young cricketer of the year in 2009, but had been made captain of Barrow cricket club a couple of weeks ago. Surely he must be the youngest club captain in the country at only seventeen. He has also been involved in the England Under 16s set up at Loughborough.
So yet another name to add to the growing list of very young cricketers we have seen in recent weeks. Barnie Gibson of Yorkshire and Harvey Hosein of Derbyshire, the two wicket keepers, immediately spring to mind, but there are many others looking for fame and fortune. We will look forward to seeing them all progress in the future.
Leeds/Bradford University v Lancashire 2nd XI (Weetwood, Leeds)
Having decided to forsake another day of back to back T20 games at Headingley yesterday, I turned up at Weetwood expecting to see the University play the Lancashire Academy side, as advertised on the county website and elsewhere.
However as happened a few weeks ago with Durham, the second eleven turned up instead of the Academy. In truth it seemed a mixture of the two.
Howard Clayton, the University scorer, as usual provided me with the two teams and Lancashire looked to have a pretty strong side captained by Stephen Parry, including Cheetham who has opened the bowling for the first team, Aaron Lilley, the spin bowling all rounder from Delph and Dobcross and the South African batsman Agathagelou. Howard Clayton proudly boasted that he could spell his name correctly.
With showers threatening, play did not start until noon, only a quarter of an hour late, and Lancashire batted. At the start of play the two spectators present were myself and Alan from Pudsey, who is in fact a Lancastrian. We sat downstairs under the pavilion and were joined by Lancashire's number three batsman, Liam Livingstone, while all his teammates remained upstairs on the balcony.
Young Mr Livingstone is only 17 but his name was well known to me, having seen him I think for Cumbria Under 15s at the New Rover ground, just across the road, some years ago. He scored runs then and I had heard his name mentioned as one of the best prospects at the Lancashire Academy. He confirmed that he still played for his home town club, Barrow, on Saturdays in the Northern League and knew one of Alan's relations who plays for Carnforth. He is now also playing for Cumberland in the Minor Counties competition and would probably miss the Champions League final on TV on Saturday night, as after playing for Barrow he has to travel to Jesmond, Newcastle to join his Cumberland teammates for Sunday's game.
When the first wicket fell, he was inside the pavilion, but when he came out to collect his bat and gloves, we told him that the man with the long name had been given out lbw to one that kept low and to watch out for the leg spinner, Tom Craddock. Alan encouraged him by saying stay there till about four o'clock.
Going in with the score at 39-1, he had some luck in the early part of his innings on a wicket which is sometimes unpredictable, but played the innings of the day and had scored sixty out of 178-5 when he out in the 38th over. He hit only two fours and one six, but ran well between the wickets and is certainly one to watch for the future. He seems a very pleasant and sensible lad.
Thanks to some late hitting from the tailenders, particularly Lilley who made 26 off only ten balls, Lancashire made 276-7 in their fifty overs, which looked a challenging target for the University side. The crowd had more than doubled in size by now to five, with the arrival of Brian Senior and a couple of player's relations.
With the weather always threatening the University added 40 for the first wicket in only eight overs, but when the first change bowler, Bailey, came on he took a wicket with his first ball and another soon afterwards. Lilley also chipped in with two wickets and the University were 64-4 after fifteen overs when the serious rain of the day arrived and brought proceedings to a premature end.
With a rare cricket free day available to me today, I did a little more research on young Mr Livingstone and discovered that not only was he All Out Cricket Magazine's young cricketer of the year in 2009, but had been made captain of Barrow cricket club a couple of weeks ago. Surely he must be the youngest club captain in the country at only seventeen. He has also been involved in the England Under 16s set up at Loughborough.
So yet another name to add to the growing list of very young cricketers we have seen in recent weeks. Barnie Gibson of Yorkshire and Harvey Hosein of Derbyshire, the two wicket keepers, immediately spring to mind, but there are many others looking for fame and fortune. We will look forward to seeing them all progress in the future.
SECOND DAY OF FARCE
By Brian Sanderson,
The second day of 20/20 Headingley Nottingham were the visitors.Looking at the free scoresheet Nottingham had three player with first-team experience and Yorkshire two.
Nootingham players were:
Scott Elstone,Andy Carter who captained the first match and Jake Ball who is the nephew of Bruce French.
Yorkshire players were:
John Blain and Ben Sanderson.
Yorkshire were batting first again and had lost one over due to rain so it was a 19 over match.Lees got run out for the second time and Ross went on to score over 40 bring the Yorkshire score to 113 for 4 .Carter and Ball bowled there eight overs economical.Yorkshire wicket-keeper was D.Hodgson from Leeds and Bradford University.
Nottingham had four 37 shirt numbers and three 12 on the players backs so was had to tell who they were.
After lunch Scott Elstone shown how the game should be played and scored 73 to win the match.John Blain first two balls went for 10.Another defeat.
Moving on to Weetwood were Tony Hutton and Brian Senior were watching Leeds and Bradford against Lancashire seconds.Lancashire were batting and reached 240 for 6 when we left to return to Headingley.
Yorkshire were batting first again and Lees and Ross were batting well.Then it rained which reduced the match to a fourteen over match.Lees scored over 60 for Yorkshire to reach over 140 .Ball only bowled one over and Carter was not playing.
Nottingham started batting and heavy rainfall also started.Yorkshire required two more overs to complete the match.However after discussions with the Umpires and Nottingham coach the match was called off.Poor finish to the last two days.
No report on the Yorkshire web-site and no scorecards on Nottingham and Derby web-site.It may turn up sometime.A day off to-morrow.
The second day of 20/20 Headingley Nottingham were the visitors.Looking at the free scoresheet Nottingham had three player with first-team experience and Yorkshire two.
Nootingham players were:
Scott Elstone,Andy Carter who captained the first match and Jake Ball who is the nephew of Bruce French.
Yorkshire players were:
John Blain and Ben Sanderson.
Yorkshire were batting first again and had lost one over due to rain so it was a 19 over match.Lees got run out for the second time and Ross went on to score over 40 bring the Yorkshire score to 113 for 4 .Carter and Ball bowled there eight overs economical.Yorkshire wicket-keeper was D.Hodgson from Leeds and Bradford University.
Nottingham had four 37 shirt numbers and three 12 on the players backs so was had to tell who they were.
After lunch Scott Elstone shown how the game should be played and scored 73 to win the match.John Blain first two balls went for 10.Another defeat.
Moving on to Weetwood were Tony Hutton and Brian Senior were watching Leeds and Bradford against Lancashire seconds.Lancashire were batting and reached 240 for 6 when we left to return to Headingley.
Yorkshire were batting first again and Lees and Ross were batting well.Then it rained which reduced the match to a fourteen over match.Lees scored over 60 for Yorkshire to reach over 140 .Ball only bowled one over and Carter was not playing.
Nottingham started batting and heavy rainfall also started.Yorkshire required two more overs to complete the match.However after discussions with the Umpires and Nottingham coach the match was called off.Poor finish to the last two days.
No report on the Yorkshire web-site and no scorecards on Nottingham and Derby web-site.It may turn up sometime.A day off to-morrow.
Thursday 26 May 2011
Top performance by women cricketers
Posted by Tony Hutton
The most interesting part of yesterday's perambulation between the T20 shambles at Headingley, the Leeds University game v Liverpool at Weetwood and the womens university match at Kirkstall was undoubtedly the latter.
Leeds Metropolitan University women were entertaining powerful opponents in Loughborough University women. On our first visit the home side were piling up the runs against some fairly friendly bowling on this fast scoring ground. They finished their fifty overs with what seemed like a winning score of 263-6.
The sudden influx of five additional spectators seeking refuge from Headingley was as ever welcomed by hard working groundman Dave Hodgson, who eventually had to tear himself away from the idle chatter to get on with his work, as he was in the middle of preparing pitches for nine matches in eight days.
On our second visit, after events at Headingley had finished, we were amazed to find Loughborough well on their way to victory, again against some pretty poor bowling which seemed to alternate wides with full tosses. However the two batsman, or batswomen, were playing splendidly and put on an unbroken 250 partnership to win the game by nine wickets with more than ten overs to spare.
Further research revealed that opening batsman, Tamsin Beaumont, who has played for England as second choice wicket keeper, finished on 122 not out and her partner Helen Shipman on 93 not out.
On looking up Loughborough's record so far this season, they have played eleven matches and won them all. Tamsin Beaumont has now made five centuries, including one double century, 208 not out against Birmingham. She missed one match, has played ten innings, five not out, scored 920 runs and averages an amazing 184.00.
Quite an achievement and obviously a name to follow at international level in the future. So today's lesson is possibly to the effect that next time you see a womens cricket match taking place, do not pass by on the other side, stop to watch and you may be pleasantly surprised.
The most interesting part of yesterday's perambulation between the T20 shambles at Headingley, the Leeds University game v Liverpool at Weetwood and the womens university match at Kirkstall was undoubtedly the latter.
Leeds Metropolitan University women were entertaining powerful opponents in Loughborough University women. On our first visit the home side were piling up the runs against some fairly friendly bowling on this fast scoring ground. They finished their fifty overs with what seemed like a winning score of 263-6.
The sudden influx of five additional spectators seeking refuge from Headingley was as ever welcomed by hard working groundman Dave Hodgson, who eventually had to tear himself away from the idle chatter to get on with his work, as he was in the middle of preparing pitches for nine matches in eight days.
On our second visit, after events at Headingley had finished, we were amazed to find Loughborough well on their way to victory, again against some pretty poor bowling which seemed to alternate wides with full tosses. However the two batsman, or batswomen, were playing splendidly and put on an unbroken 250 partnership to win the game by nine wickets with more than ten overs to spare.
Further research revealed that opening batsman, Tamsin Beaumont, who has played for England as second choice wicket keeper, finished on 122 not out and her partner Helen Shipman on 93 not out.
On looking up Loughborough's record so far this season, they have played eleven matches and won them all. Tamsin Beaumont has now made five centuries, including one double century, 208 not out against Birmingham. She missed one match, has played ten innings, five not out, scored 920 runs and averages an amazing 184.00.
Quite an achievement and obviously a name to follow at international level in the future. So today's lesson is possibly to the effect that next time you see a womens cricket match taking place, do not pass by on the other side, stop to watch and you may be pleasantly surprised.
T20 takes over the season
Posted by Tony Hutton
As Brian Sanderson has already described the T20 competition has now started for county second elevens, and what a poor performance it was before a very small crowd with no atmosphere whatsoever at Headingley yesterday.
The county first teams will soon be turning their attention to this form of the game and even league cricket is involved over the coming Bank Holiday weekend. The Yorkshire Premier league have full league programmes of 'proper' cricket on Saturday and Monday, but will be having a series of T20 games on Sunday at four different venues.
For the benefit of devotees of this illegitimate (to put it politely) form of the game, four different teams will be in action at Castleford, Driffield, Sheffield United and Cleethorpes. There will be three games at each venue starting at 10.00, 13.00 and 16.00. The four winners will presumably go forward to a finals day later on.
The Yorkshire Academy will be in action at Castleford at 10.00 on Sunday morning against the home side. If they win they will play the winners of Harrogate and Barnsley at 16.00.
Proper cricket matches are of course also available, such as the Leeds Area Council
knock out game between Wetherby League and Nidderdale League at Walton, nr Wetherby and the National Village Knock Out regional semi finals between Streethouse and Bardsey and Ackworth and Warley. There is also a full programme of Huddersfield League matches on Monday as well as round two of the Priestley Cup.
Another cause for concern in league cricket circles recently has been the number of games called off due to clubs not being able to raise sides for Sunday or evening games in various cup competitions. I have turned up for advertised games in the Addison Cup (Harrogate Evening league), Wetherby Evening cup and even the Fred Fleetwood Cup on Sundays to find that games have been conceded due to lack of players.
With other clubs struggling to field second elevens on Saturdays this is a worrying trend and perhaps illustrates the lack of dedication by today's generation of players as well as the varied other interests and pressures they are open to.
Perhaps a spell of hot weather, much need by everyone involved with cricket, might help to ease this difficult problem.
As Brian Sanderson has already described the T20 competition has now started for county second elevens, and what a poor performance it was before a very small crowd with no atmosphere whatsoever at Headingley yesterday.
The county first teams will soon be turning their attention to this form of the game and even league cricket is involved over the coming Bank Holiday weekend. The Yorkshire Premier league have full league programmes of 'proper' cricket on Saturday and Monday, but will be having a series of T20 games on Sunday at four different venues.
For the benefit of devotees of this illegitimate (to put it politely) form of the game, four different teams will be in action at Castleford, Driffield, Sheffield United and Cleethorpes. There will be three games at each venue starting at 10.00, 13.00 and 16.00. The four winners will presumably go forward to a finals day later on.
The Yorkshire Academy will be in action at Castleford at 10.00 on Sunday morning against the home side. If they win they will play the winners of Harrogate and Barnsley at 16.00.
Proper cricket matches are of course also available, such as the Leeds Area Council
knock out game between Wetherby League and Nidderdale League at Walton, nr Wetherby and the National Village Knock Out regional semi finals between Streethouse and Bardsey and Ackworth and Warley. There is also a full programme of Huddersfield League matches on Monday as well as round two of the Priestley Cup.
Another cause for concern in league cricket circles recently has been the number of games called off due to clubs not being able to raise sides for Sunday or evening games in various cup competitions. I have turned up for advertised games in the Addison Cup (Harrogate Evening league), Wetherby Evening cup and even the Fred Fleetwood Cup on Sundays to find that games have been conceded due to lack of players.
With other clubs struggling to field second elevens on Saturdays this is a worrying trend and perhaps illustrates the lack of dedication by today's generation of players as well as the varied other interests and pressures they are open to.
Perhaps a spell of hot weather, much need by everyone involved with cricket, might help to ease this difficult problem.
The faithful rewarded
Posted by John Winn
Non-cricketing activities take me to Cambridge three or four times a year and today is one such occasion. Sadly the university will not be playing at Fenners but last year I was there on a scorching hot Saturday and in some free time I was able to take in games in The East Anglian Premier League and the Cambridge and Huntingdonshire league. One of the latter games was being played on Parker's Piece, the 25 acre,almost square piece of ground, donated to the people of Cambridge for their recreation and sacred in cricketing lore as the place where Jack Hobbs, who was born in the city, first played organised cricket.
In one of my favourite cricket books,Ronald Mason's biography of Hobbs, the author describes how, in the summer of 1925, the paparazzi of the day followed the master batsman as he closed in on W. G. Grace's record number of centuries, 126.On the 21st of July Hobbs made 105 against Kent to stand one behind the doctor. It was to be exactly five weeks before he was to equal the record. Such was the interest in Hobbs that a newspaper placard descibed a 54 against Notts as 'Hobbs fails again'.
The 126th finally came against Somerset in front of packed crowd at Taunton, with cameramen perched on the pavilion roof.91 not out overnight on Saturday Hobbs equalled the record on Monday morning with a single wide of mid-wicket. At this point the circus left town and when Surrey batted for a second time after lunch on Tuesday Hobbs duly scored the 127th first class century of his career. This time it was in front of the proverbial 'three men and a dog'. In Mason's words 'the handful of cricket lovers, the unassuming faithful, the unvociferous, the dedicated...were privileged to see the 127th'. How fitting that it should be the 'professional cricket watcher' rather than the casual spectator who witnessed such an event.
Non-cricketing activities take me to Cambridge three or four times a year and today is one such occasion. Sadly the university will not be playing at Fenners but last year I was there on a scorching hot Saturday and in some free time I was able to take in games in The East Anglian Premier League and the Cambridge and Huntingdonshire league. One of the latter games was being played on Parker's Piece, the 25 acre,almost square piece of ground, donated to the people of Cambridge for their recreation and sacred in cricketing lore as the place where Jack Hobbs, who was born in the city, first played organised cricket.
In one of my favourite cricket books,Ronald Mason's biography of Hobbs, the author describes how, in the summer of 1925, the paparazzi of the day followed the master batsman as he closed in on W. G. Grace's record number of centuries, 126.On the 21st of July Hobbs made 105 against Kent to stand one behind the doctor. It was to be exactly five weeks before he was to equal the record. Such was the interest in Hobbs that a newspaper placard descibed a 54 against Notts as 'Hobbs fails again'.
The 126th finally came against Somerset in front of packed crowd at Taunton, with cameramen perched on the pavilion roof.91 not out overnight on Saturday Hobbs equalled the record on Monday morning with a single wide of mid-wicket. At this point the circus left town and when Surrey batted for a second time after lunch on Tuesday Hobbs duly scored the 127th first class century of his career. This time it was in front of the proverbial 'three men and a dog'. In Mason's words 'the handful of cricket lovers, the unassuming faithful, the unvociferous, the dedicated...were privileged to see the 127th'. How fitting that it should be the 'professional cricket watcher' rather than the casual spectator who witnessed such an event.
Wednesday 25 May 2011
YORKSHIRE LOSE TWICE IN SIX HOURS
By Brian Sanderson,
To-day was the first time I had watched two 20/20 matches on the same day against the same opponents.The match was between Yorkshire seconds and Derbyshire seconds at Headingley.The first match started at 11.30 and the second 3.00.Yorkshire batted first on both occasions.
We were lucky there was a free scorecard however you could only fill in one match details.Yorkshire batting was not out standing and reached 113.Derby bowled their overs in 75 minutes which was a excellent rate.One of their bowlers was Mark Footit who I had not seen this season but was a England under19 fast bowler some years ago.
I left after the Yorkshire innings to have lunch .On my return Derbyshire were two wickets down.However Needham showed his experence to hold the Derbyshire innings together.One bright spot for Yorkshire was George Ross bowling.He picked up four wickets in the innings included two wickets in two balls.Derbyshire won the match with four balls spare.Not a good start for Yorkshire.
Moved on to Kirkstall were Leeds Met Ladies were playing a 50 over match against Loughborough.They had scored over 200 for 4 with ten overs to go.Ian from Lancaster joined us.This was his third match he had watched a innings at Blackly were Huddersfield New College were playing.
Next match was at Weetwood were Leeds University were playing Liverpool.Liverpool had scored 128 including 30 extras.We watch Leeds lose two wickets but had scored 50 runs quickly.
Returning to Headingley to watch the Derbyshire batting in the second match.Yorkshire had scored 98 in twenty overs with only five wickets down.Poor performance.Derbyshire proceed to win the match easily.
It will be a future quiz question when did Yorkshire lose two match in a day.Could not understand why they played two matches on the same day.Why not play a forty over match.
To-day was the first time I had watched two 20/20 matches on the same day against the same opponents.The match was between Yorkshire seconds and Derbyshire seconds at Headingley.The first match started at 11.30 and the second 3.00.Yorkshire batted first on both occasions.
We were lucky there was a free scorecard however you could only fill in one match details.Yorkshire batting was not out standing and reached 113.Derby bowled their overs in 75 minutes which was a excellent rate.One of their bowlers was Mark Footit who I had not seen this season but was a England under19 fast bowler some years ago.
I left after the Yorkshire innings to have lunch .On my return Derbyshire were two wickets down.However Needham showed his experence to hold the Derbyshire innings together.One bright spot for Yorkshire was George Ross bowling.He picked up four wickets in the innings included two wickets in two balls.Derbyshire won the match with four balls spare.Not a good start for Yorkshire.
Moved on to Kirkstall were Leeds Met Ladies were playing a 50 over match against Loughborough.They had scored over 200 for 4 with ten overs to go.Ian from Lancaster joined us.This was his third match he had watched a innings at Blackly were Huddersfield New College were playing.
Next match was at Weetwood were Leeds University were playing Liverpool.Liverpool had scored 128 including 30 extras.We watch Leeds lose two wickets but had scored 50 runs quickly.
Returning to Headingley to watch the Derbyshire batting in the second match.Yorkshire had scored 98 in twenty overs with only five wickets down.Poor performance.Derbyshire proceed to win the match easily.
It will be a future quiz question when did Yorkshire lose two match in a day.Could not understand why they played two matches on the same day.Why not play a forty over match.
QUARTET OF STUMPERS
By Brian Sanderson,
I must first of all apoligise to Caverley Cricket Club ,they beat Kirkstall on Sunday eventhough I thought they would not.Wrong again.
On Tuesday we had a trip down to Barnsley again to see the Academy against Derby.Barnsley ground is situated on Shaw Lane and has attracted five first class matches.The club it,s self was formed in 1862.Information found on the excellent club web-site.
After my cup of coffee I met my first stumper Simon Guy who had kept at Liverpool and was now coaching the wicket-keepers at the match.A full collection of professional cricket watchers in force including Blackpool Ken who had set out at 7.30.
Yorkshire batted first with Lees and Geldart.Behind the stumps was Harvey Richard Hossein who looked 12 but was infact 15.His height was about 5 foot but he kept very well.Geldart was again in good form and scored a excellent 77.The surprise to me was George Ross who scored a excellent 100.It is the best innings I have seen him play.
Coming in five was Edward Wilson who is the Golcar wicket-keeper.Alex Lilly helped Yorkshire to reach 322 for 7 in the fifty overs.
There was a cold strong wind blowing again and had to sit next to the wall for pretection.The final keeper was Barney Gibson who had his first class debut at Durham .One of the new bowlers I had not seen before was Alex Leyshon who comes from Wakefield. He had taken four wickets for the Academy on Saturday.He bowls left arm spin and took one wicket to-day.
I left at 4.15 with Derby three wickets down for about 80.Looking at Yorkshire web-site to-day Derby was bowled out for 200 with Ross taking three wickets.
I must first of all apoligise to Caverley Cricket Club ,they beat Kirkstall on Sunday eventhough I thought they would not.Wrong again.
On Tuesday we had a trip down to Barnsley again to see the Academy against Derby.Barnsley ground is situated on Shaw Lane and has attracted five first class matches.The club it,s self was formed in 1862.Information found on the excellent club web-site.
After my cup of coffee I met my first stumper Simon Guy who had kept at Liverpool and was now coaching the wicket-keepers at the match.A full collection of professional cricket watchers in force including Blackpool Ken who had set out at 7.30.
Yorkshire batted first with Lees and Geldart.Behind the stumps was Harvey Richard Hossein who looked 12 but was infact 15.His height was about 5 foot but he kept very well.Geldart was again in good form and scored a excellent 77.The surprise to me was George Ross who scored a excellent 100.It is the best innings I have seen him play.
Coming in five was Edward Wilson who is the Golcar wicket-keeper.Alex Lilly helped Yorkshire to reach 322 for 7 in the fifty overs.
There was a cold strong wind blowing again and had to sit next to the wall for pretection.The final keeper was Barney Gibson who had his first class debut at Durham .One of the new bowlers I had not seen before was Alex Leyshon who comes from Wakefield. He had taken four wickets for the Academy on Saturday.He bowls left arm spin and took one wicket to-day.
I left at 4.15 with Derby three wickets down for about 80.Looking at Yorkshire web-site to-day Derby was bowled out for 200 with Ross taking three wickets.
Cardus caught out.
Posted by John Winn
A letter in today's Guardian brought a hearty 'here here' to my lips at the breakfast table. From an exiled Lancastrian, it was an expression of disgust at the newspaper's failure to devote even one line to the exciting finish of The Roses match at Liverpool on Saturday. This from a newspaper that once was proud of its Manchester origins and which for twenty years had as its correspondent,the Lancastrian, Neville Cardus, considered by many one of the greatest writers on cricket.
The paper's sports section normally runs to ten pages, five of which are devoted to football in today's edition. A correspondent can be spared to cover one of the seven championship matches currently taking place, Hampshire v Liverpool. I spoke to a friend recently, a Telegraph reader, who expressed the same disappointment over his paper's cricket coverage. What would E.W.S. have said? The papers would I am sure argue that they offer more reports on their websites and, of course, by definition readers of this blog do have access to the internet, but not everybody does and in any case why should cricket be the sport demoted in this way?
We are of course very fortunate to have regional papers and local radio whose budgets still run to excellent coverage of Yorkshire and Durham and is anywhere in the country better served by the Monday editions of The Yorkshire Post and The Northern Echo for their detailed reporting of league cricket? I doubt it.For the cricket lovers in Yorkshire and the north east can a pound be better spent than on these two papers after the weekend's cricket?
The reference to Neville Cardus brings to mind a favourite story of his, which turned out to be just that, a story. In his autobiography he describes how, on his wedding day in June 1921, the date is important, he went 'as usual to Old Trafford....and saw Hallows and Makepeace come forth to bat.'Cardus then took a taxi to the registry office where he 'committed the most responsible and irrevocable act in mortal man's life', i.e. got married. He then returned to Old Trafford (with his new bride) to find that in his absence Lancashire had added just seventeen, Makepeace 5, Hallows 11 and one leg-bye.Wonderful stuff but whether Cardus was mistaken in recalling the date of his wedding, or whether his memory of the cricket was a little careless, and on such a day that would be excusable, but Makepeace and Hallows opened the batting only once at Old Trafford in June 1921. On Wednesday June 1st they took first knock against Sussex and Makepeace was out for four. In the second innings Hallows was bowled by Gilligan for a duck and in the same innings Makepeace retired hurt and did not play at Old Trafford again until July. Cardus quite reasonably did not consider, when his description of that day was published, that there would be those who would take down the relevant issue of Wisden from their shelves, just out of curiosity to know a little more of the detail (or these days consult Cricket Archive), and that amongst these aficionados there would be nitpickers, like this blogger, who would take pleasure in finding it could not have happened. But isn't there a saying about not letting the facts get in the way of a good story?
Few would think Old Trafford an ideal place to spend the first few days of their married life, certainly not from this side of The Pennines. I suppose today the reception could be held in The Point, what would Neville have made of that?
A letter in today's Guardian brought a hearty 'here here' to my lips at the breakfast table. From an exiled Lancastrian, it was an expression of disgust at the newspaper's failure to devote even one line to the exciting finish of The Roses match at Liverpool on Saturday. This from a newspaper that once was proud of its Manchester origins and which for twenty years had as its correspondent,the Lancastrian, Neville Cardus, considered by many one of the greatest writers on cricket.
The paper's sports section normally runs to ten pages, five of which are devoted to football in today's edition. A correspondent can be spared to cover one of the seven championship matches currently taking place, Hampshire v Liverpool. I spoke to a friend recently, a Telegraph reader, who expressed the same disappointment over his paper's cricket coverage. What would E.W.S. have said? The papers would I am sure argue that they offer more reports on their websites and, of course, by definition readers of this blog do have access to the internet, but not everybody does and in any case why should cricket be the sport demoted in this way?
We are of course very fortunate to have regional papers and local radio whose budgets still run to excellent coverage of Yorkshire and Durham and is anywhere in the country better served by the Monday editions of The Yorkshire Post and The Northern Echo for their detailed reporting of league cricket? I doubt it.For the cricket lovers in Yorkshire and the north east can a pound be better spent than on these two papers after the weekend's cricket?
The reference to Neville Cardus brings to mind a favourite story of his, which turned out to be just that, a story. In his autobiography he describes how, on his wedding day in June 1921, the date is important, he went 'as usual to Old Trafford....and saw Hallows and Makepeace come forth to bat.'Cardus then took a taxi to the registry office where he 'committed the most responsible and irrevocable act in mortal man's life', i.e. got married. He then returned to Old Trafford (with his new bride) to find that in his absence Lancashire had added just seventeen, Makepeace 5, Hallows 11 and one leg-bye.Wonderful stuff but whether Cardus was mistaken in recalling the date of his wedding, or whether his memory of the cricket was a little careless, and on such a day that would be excusable, but Makepeace and Hallows opened the batting only once at Old Trafford in June 1921. On Wednesday June 1st they took first knock against Sussex and Makepeace was out for four. In the second innings Hallows was bowled by Gilligan for a duck and in the same innings Makepeace retired hurt and did not play at Old Trafford again until July. Cardus quite reasonably did not consider, when his description of that day was published, that there would be those who would take down the relevant issue of Wisden from their shelves, just out of curiosity to know a little more of the detail (or these days consult Cricket Archive), and that amongst these aficionados there would be nitpickers, like this blogger, who would take pleasure in finding it could not have happened. But isn't there a saying about not letting the facts get in the way of a good story?
Few would think Old Trafford an ideal place to spend the first few days of their married life, certainly not from this side of The Pennines. I suppose today the reception could be held in The Point, what would Neville have made of that?
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Fixtures update and an apology
Posted by Tony Hutton
Ever mindful of the needs of our small but select band of readers, I am pleased to add fixtures for the ever popular Joe Lumb under 17s competition for the next few weeks. Always played on Sundays, these games are usually of a high standard and provide excellent entertainment.
Sun 29/5 - York v Aire/Wharfe (Stamford Bridge) and Huddersfield v Upper Airedale (Elland)
Sun 5/6 - Aire/Wharfe v NYSD (Pool), York v Bradford (Stillington), East Yorks v Upper Airedale (Beverley), Huddersfield v Pontefract (Almondbury Wesleyans), Doncaster v Barnsley (Bentley)
Sun 12/6 - NYSD v Heavy Woollen (Middlesborough),Upper Airedale v Nidderdale (Bolton Abbey), Barnsley v Scarborough (Wath)
Sun 19/6 - Aire/Wharfe v Heavy Woollen (New Rover, Leeds), East Yorks v Pontefract (to be confirmed),Nidderdale v Huddersfield (Beckwithshaw), Halifax v Doncaster (Thornton)
Sun 26/6 - Upper Airedale v Leeds (Silsden), Pontefract v Nidderdale (Carlton Towers), Scarborough v Wetherby (to be confirmed).
Finally an apology to the visiting Sri Lankans. My comments after the first day of their match with the England Lions at Derby must have reached them. I suggested that their bowling attack would never bowl out an international team twice (or even once).
They proceeded to make me eat my words by bowling out the Lions on day four to win the match. Although in my defence it was reported in some areas of the press that the England hopefuls lost all interest in the game when the Test side had been announced !
Ever mindful of the needs of our small but select band of readers, I am pleased to add fixtures for the ever popular Joe Lumb under 17s competition for the next few weeks. Always played on Sundays, these games are usually of a high standard and provide excellent entertainment.
Sun 29/5 - York v Aire/Wharfe (Stamford Bridge) and Huddersfield v Upper Airedale (Elland)
Sun 5/6 - Aire/Wharfe v NYSD (Pool), York v Bradford (Stillington), East Yorks v Upper Airedale (Beverley), Huddersfield v Pontefract (Almondbury Wesleyans), Doncaster v Barnsley (Bentley)
Sun 12/6 - NYSD v Heavy Woollen (Middlesborough),Upper Airedale v Nidderdale (Bolton Abbey), Barnsley v Scarborough (Wath)
Sun 19/6 - Aire/Wharfe v Heavy Woollen (New Rover, Leeds), East Yorks v Pontefract (to be confirmed),Nidderdale v Huddersfield (Beckwithshaw), Halifax v Doncaster (Thornton)
Sun 26/6 - Upper Airedale v Leeds (Silsden), Pontefract v Nidderdale (Carlton Towers), Scarborough v Wetherby (to be confirmed).
Finally an apology to the visiting Sri Lankans. My comments after the first day of their match with the England Lions at Derby must have reached them. I suggested that their bowling attack would never bowl out an international team twice (or even once).
They proceeded to make me eat my words by bowling out the Lions on day four to win the match. Although in my defence it was reported in some areas of the press that the England hopefuls lost all interest in the game when the Test side had been announced !
Monday 23 May 2011
Harrogate back on the national stage
Posted by Tony Hutton
Sunday 22nd May - Harrogate v Stockton (ECB National Knock out)
It is quite a few years ago now since Harrogate went to Lord's for the final of this national competition. They were a very strong club in those days, although they lost in the final, but are now going through a re-building period both on and off the field.
The new pavilion is now partially in use, following the disastrous fire which destroyed the old building, remembered for many Yorkshire county games in the past.
However there is still a lot of builders fencing and debris around, with rather a lack of seating which will hopefully all be tidied up ready for the official opening of the new building next month.
On the field things are also looking up with captain Ryan Bradshaw able to call on such experienced campaigners as Alexis Twigg and Victor Craven among the batsman, and some very promising young bowlers who are growing in experience every week.
After beating Easingwold in the previous round of this competition, they faced strong opposition in the shape of Stockton from the North Yorkshire and South Durham League, with a ground used by Durham in their early days in the county championship.
The start was delayed by a heavy rain shower and the overs reduced from 45 to 40 per side. Harrogate batted first in the very windy conditions and put on a fifty partnership for the first wicket. When Twigg was out for 31, Pryor was joined by the former Yorkshire all rounder Victor Craven, back at his old home club.
Craven rapidly overhauled Pryor's score, with the opener content to play the sheet anchor role. Craven went on to a faultless century against some rather sloppy bowling towards the end of the innings. At the start of the last over the Harrogate score was 236-1 with Craven on 111. He then hit two sixes and a four before being bowled attempting another big hit for 127. Lindley then scored two before he was also out and the final score was a challenging 257-3.
Stockton started the chase well, putting on 68 for the first wicket. Opener Kevin Ward was then joined by captain Matthew Brown and they took the score to 144 before Brown was stumped off spinner Dan Craven for 42. Ward continued to score freely before he was caught for a splendid 76 off only 68 balls, including 13 fours and one six.
Two more Wards, Stephen and James, then continued to go for the runs, but when Stephen was bowled by Rob Stanworth for 35, the game turned rapidly towards Harrogate. From 191-3 Stockton subsided to 199-8, mainly due to Stanworth who took four more wickets quickly to destroy the middle order. Some late hitting took the visitors to 230 all out in the 38th over and rather spoiled Stanworth's figures, but he remained the match winner with 5-63 and Harrogate won by 27 runs.
As I understand it, Harrogate will now play Chester-le-Street, who surprisingly beat York yesterday, in the next round on June 19th, hopefully at home again. Unfortunately the final is no longer held at Lord's, and saying 'we're on our way to Derby' hasn't got quite the same ring about it.
Sunday 22 May 2011
FIRST ROUND OF THE CUP,
By Brian Sanderson,
I had decided to visit Bolton Villas ground as Burley were playing them in the Waddilow Cup.It was a ground I had never visited and was very pleased with my visit.The ground is situated in Idle and is in the middle of a housing estate.
There was a new pavilion with excellent pictures and award boards.The club started in 1924.The ground slopes down from the changing rooms to the pavilion with a new electric scorboard by the changing rooms.There was a strong westerly wind blowing across the pitch with a threat of showers.As it happen the match was only reduced by two overs because of rain.To my surprise in the pavilion was Ken from Blackpool and Mick from Idle with Peter Mann,Burleys supporter.
Bolton Villas are in the second division of the Airedale and Wharfedale League and Burley are in the first .Bolton Villas batted first and soon started to lose wickets.There was a set back for Burley when Etherington,the opening bowler, pulled a leg muscel and could not complete his overs.There was no scorecard so struggled to know the Bolton Villas batters.One of them scored 60 and another 30 bring their score up to 167 in 42 overs.In this match the overs were 45 with a maximum of nine overs per bowler.
There was a excellent tea which Peter and Mick tucked into with relish.Bolton Villas opened with Umar Yaqoob who turn out to be the best bowler.Burley started quickly but lost two wickets.However N.Brooke and D.Healey but a partnreship of nearly a hundred before Healey was out for 48.Brooke went on to score over 60 to help to win the match with overs to spare.This pleased Ken as he did not have to rush to get his train.He hoped to to back home at 10.30 after catching the 9,00 train in the mornig.A long day again for him but was good to see him.
On the way back home I called into the Caverley against Kirksstall Education in the same cup fixture.Kirkstall had scored over 260 and Caverley were behind the scoring rate with five wickets down.As I was leaving I recognised Dave Hodgson with his hood on to protect him from the cold wind. Hope Kirkstall win.
The visit to Bolton Villas was a pleasent expereience.
I had decided to visit Bolton Villas ground as Burley were playing them in the Waddilow Cup.It was a ground I had never visited and was very pleased with my visit.The ground is situated in Idle and is in the middle of a housing estate.
There was a new pavilion with excellent pictures and award boards.The club started in 1924.The ground slopes down from the changing rooms to the pavilion with a new electric scorboard by the changing rooms.There was a strong westerly wind blowing across the pitch with a threat of showers.As it happen the match was only reduced by two overs because of rain.To my surprise in the pavilion was Ken from Blackpool and Mick from Idle with Peter Mann,Burleys supporter.
Bolton Villas are in the second division of the Airedale and Wharfedale League and Burley are in the first .Bolton Villas batted first and soon started to lose wickets.There was a set back for Burley when Etherington,the opening bowler, pulled a leg muscel and could not complete his overs.There was no scorecard so struggled to know the Bolton Villas batters.One of them scored 60 and another 30 bring their score up to 167 in 42 overs.In this match the overs were 45 with a maximum of nine overs per bowler.
There was a excellent tea which Peter and Mick tucked into with relish.Bolton Villas opened with Umar Yaqoob who turn out to be the best bowler.Burley started quickly but lost two wickets.However N.Brooke and D.Healey but a partnreship of nearly a hundred before Healey was out for 48.Brooke went on to score over 60 to help to win the match with overs to spare.This pleased Ken as he did not have to rush to get his train.He hoped to to back home at 10.30 after catching the 9,00 train in the mornig.A long day again for him but was good to see him.
On the way back home I called into the Caverley against Kirksstall Education in the same cup fixture.Kirkstall had scored over 260 and Caverley were behind the scoring rate with five wickets down.As I was leaving I recognised Dave Hodgson with his hood on to protect him from the cold wind. Hope Kirkstall win.
The visit to Bolton Villas was a pleasent expereience.
The York Vale League
Posted by John Winn
The York Vale League embraces 40 clubs with 52 teams spread over five divisions. Its catchment area stretches from Malton in the north to Goole in the south and Tony Hutton et al described an enjoyable visit to a number of the league's grounds in 'Off The Beaten Track', their diary of the 2006 season.
Having been to Trent Bridge and Lord's this last week I decided to stay fairly close to home yesterday.I hoped I would have more luck than last year when trying to visit grounds in this league for, on a lovely sunny midsummer's day, I arrived at Hopgrove Sports Field on the outskirts of York to find it deserted. A phone call revealed that Stockton and Hopgrove's scheduled opponents, Carlton Towers, had been unable to fulfill their fixtures and had withdrawn from the York Vale League.
From there I had intended to go to Westow, a short journey up the A64.What I had not anticipated was that thousands of others had also decided to pass an hour or so negotiating the infamous Hopgrove roundabout. It may be that some were en route to Westoe but more likely that on such a hot day they had packed buckets and spades rather than bats and pads, with Scarborough as their destination. I gave up and took in some grounds in The York Senior league.
This year I chose a cooler day and went anti-clockwise round the York Outer Ring Road and despite a flutter of apprehension when I saw signs directing traffic for York Races the afternoon went smoothly. Just to confuse readers I began by calling in at Bolton Percy, midway between York and Tadcaster, who actually play in The York Senior League. This is a gem of a ground with, unusually for club cricket, a pavilion with a players' balcony and a neat scorebox whose sloping roof would not look out of place in The Tyrol. The match in progress was a YSL Division Two match between Bolton Percy and Pocklington.
While I was there the church clock struck two, time to move onto Bishopthorpe where the home team were playing a HPH (sponsors of The Vale League)Cup match aginst Stockton and Hopgrove. This KO competition is restricted to those teams finishing in the top sixteen of the league in the previous season.The ground is shared with the local football club and its principal disadvantage is that the cricketers are unable to watch the game from the dressing rooms. The home team were making unspectacular progress but had not lost any wickets when I left.
Just a few miles away at Copmanthorpe, again in The HPH cup, the visitors were York University Staff who were in the field. Like Dringhouses that I visited last week one boundary of the ground is formed by the east coast main line. A helpful member of the batting side acquired me a league handbook and I had a most interesting conversation with former league chairman Peter Northfield who had read 'Off The Beaten Track' and who expressed interest in the blog. Peter had been involved in the publication of a booklet to commemorate the league's 75th anniversary and he kindly put me in touch with the league secretary who is going to send me a copy. One problem the league is facing is a shortage of people willing to take on the key administrative jobs on a permanent basis. The league officials for this season include an 'interim' chairman and an 'acting'treasurer. To emphasise the seriousness of the situation an article in the handbook by Martin Jarred, the league's Media Officer, appeals for more help with the administration of the league.
As last week I finished off at Ouseburn where the first eleven beat Burton Leonard by two wickets to make it six wins out of six. There was added interest in this game from the presence of two former Ouseburn players in the visiting eleven. To tidy things up Bolton Percy had the better of a draw against Pocklington and now stand second in their division and Bishopthorpe and Copmanthorpe both progressed to the last eight of the cup competition.
The York Vale League embraces 40 clubs with 52 teams spread over five divisions. Its catchment area stretches from Malton in the north to Goole in the south and Tony Hutton et al described an enjoyable visit to a number of the league's grounds in 'Off The Beaten Track', their diary of the 2006 season.
Having been to Trent Bridge and Lord's this last week I decided to stay fairly close to home yesterday.I hoped I would have more luck than last year when trying to visit grounds in this league for, on a lovely sunny midsummer's day, I arrived at Hopgrove Sports Field on the outskirts of York to find it deserted. A phone call revealed that Stockton and Hopgrove's scheduled opponents, Carlton Towers, had been unable to fulfill their fixtures and had withdrawn from the York Vale League.
From there I had intended to go to Westow, a short journey up the A64.What I had not anticipated was that thousands of others had also decided to pass an hour or so negotiating the infamous Hopgrove roundabout. It may be that some were en route to Westoe but more likely that on such a hot day they had packed buckets and spades rather than bats and pads, with Scarborough as their destination. I gave up and took in some grounds in The York Senior league.
This year I chose a cooler day and went anti-clockwise round the York Outer Ring Road and despite a flutter of apprehension when I saw signs directing traffic for York Races the afternoon went smoothly. Just to confuse readers I began by calling in at Bolton Percy, midway between York and Tadcaster, who actually play in The York Senior League. This is a gem of a ground with, unusually for club cricket, a pavilion with a players' balcony and a neat scorebox whose sloping roof would not look out of place in The Tyrol. The match in progress was a YSL Division Two match between Bolton Percy and Pocklington.
While I was there the church clock struck two, time to move onto Bishopthorpe where the home team were playing a HPH (sponsors of The Vale League)Cup match aginst Stockton and Hopgrove. This KO competition is restricted to those teams finishing in the top sixteen of the league in the previous season.The ground is shared with the local football club and its principal disadvantage is that the cricketers are unable to watch the game from the dressing rooms. The home team were making unspectacular progress but had not lost any wickets when I left.
Just a few miles away at Copmanthorpe, again in The HPH cup, the visitors were York University Staff who were in the field. Like Dringhouses that I visited last week one boundary of the ground is formed by the east coast main line. A helpful member of the batting side acquired me a league handbook and I had a most interesting conversation with former league chairman Peter Northfield who had read 'Off The Beaten Track' and who expressed interest in the blog. Peter had been involved in the publication of a booklet to commemorate the league's 75th anniversary and he kindly put me in touch with the league secretary who is going to send me a copy. One problem the league is facing is a shortage of people willing to take on the key administrative jobs on a permanent basis. The league officials for this season include an 'interim' chairman and an 'acting'treasurer. To emphasise the seriousness of the situation an article in the handbook by Martin Jarred, the league's Media Officer, appeals for more help with the administration of the league.
As last week I finished off at Ouseburn where the first eleven beat Burton Leonard by two wickets to make it six wins out of six. There was added interest in this game from the presence of two former Ouseburn players in the visiting eleven. To tidy things up Bolton Percy had the better of a draw against Pocklington and now stand second in their division and Bishopthorpe and Copmanthorpe both progressed to the last eight of the cup competition.
Saturday 21 May 2011
CAR FULL ON A SATURDAY TRIP
By Brian Sanderson,
My first port of call was to pick Ron Stansfield up at Horsforth and on to Bramhope to pick up Bob Procter.Next stop was Bilton to pick Ron Deaton and set off to Newby Hall.
On the second pitch Burton Lenard 3rd X1 were playing Studley Royal 5th X1 on Newby Hall second ground.This was 9thDivision of the Nidderdale League match and all the grounds would be in The Nidderdale League.
On the main ground Newby Hall were playing Knaresborough Forest in Division Two.The grounds are situated in the grounds of Newby Hall.Both grounds were in excellent condition.Talking to the Burton Lendarn fielder they were 15 players short in the three teams and his grand daughter was playing her first cricket match to make up the eleven.
Moving on to Dishforth where they were playing Bishop Monkton in Division 5.The ground is situated next to the airfield and in the distace you can see the White Horse on the hill side.Next to the ground is a football pitch were the groundsman was marking out the pitch. Walking round the ground you could see rabbit holes in the outfield.
Moving on to get a cup of tea we went to Helperby who were playing Killinghall in Division 1.This is a excellent ground with trees surrouding two sides of the ground which enabled us to get out off the wind.There is a woodern pavilion were we purchased four cups of tea for a pound. Compare that to Headingley prices.Ron spoke to the President of the club who was a local farmer.The ground is leased and they have numerous junior teams. A excellent run club that was thriving.
The next ground was Boroughbridge who were playing Studley Royal third team in the 5th Division.This was another ground which was next to a football ground.They were struggling to keep young playersThey had at one time played in the York League which is a higher standard but had gradually slipped down the league.
The final ground was Marton-cum-Grafton who were playing Arthington in the 7 Division.The ground used to be a quarry and had been filled in.The ground is leased from he council.There is a small changing rooms with windows broken.I spoke to one of the Marton fielders who had started to play again after two years and was over fifty.He was the third youngest player in the team.One of the Arthington Umpires was Denis the seventy year opening bowler for Arthington.Arthington were also struggling to get eleven men and the groudsman had to play to make up the team.
Some teams were thriving but other were struggling to get eleven people for a side.
My first port of call was to pick Ron Stansfield up at Horsforth and on to Bramhope to pick up Bob Procter.Next stop was Bilton to pick Ron Deaton and set off to Newby Hall.
On the second pitch Burton Lenard 3rd X1 were playing Studley Royal 5th X1 on Newby Hall second ground.This was 9thDivision of the Nidderdale League match and all the grounds would be in The Nidderdale League.
On the main ground Newby Hall were playing Knaresborough Forest in Division Two.The grounds are situated in the grounds of Newby Hall.Both grounds were in excellent condition.Talking to the Burton Lendarn fielder they were 15 players short in the three teams and his grand daughter was playing her first cricket match to make up the eleven.
Moving on to Dishforth where they were playing Bishop Monkton in Division 5.The ground is situated next to the airfield and in the distace you can see the White Horse on the hill side.Next to the ground is a football pitch were the groundsman was marking out the pitch. Walking round the ground you could see rabbit holes in the outfield.
Moving on to get a cup of tea we went to Helperby who were playing Killinghall in Division 1.This is a excellent ground with trees surrouding two sides of the ground which enabled us to get out off the wind.There is a woodern pavilion were we purchased four cups of tea for a pound. Compare that to Headingley prices.Ron spoke to the President of the club who was a local farmer.The ground is leased and they have numerous junior teams. A excellent run club that was thriving.
The next ground was Boroughbridge who were playing Studley Royal third team in the 5th Division.This was another ground which was next to a football ground.They were struggling to keep young playersThey had at one time played in the York League which is a higher standard but had gradually slipped down the league.
The final ground was Marton-cum-Grafton who were playing Arthington in the 7 Division.The ground used to be a quarry and had been filled in.The ground is leased from he council.There is a small changing rooms with windows broken.I spoke to one of the Marton fielders who had started to play again after two years and was over fifty.He was the third youngest player in the team.One of the Arthington Umpires was Denis the seventy year opening bowler for Arthington.Arthington were also struggling to get eleven men and the groudsman had to play to make up the team.
Some teams were thriving but other were struggling to get eleven people for a side.
Friday 20 May 2011
LOCAL CRICKET TIE.
By Brian Sanderson,
The only cricket I watched yesterday was at Kirkstall Education.They were formed in 1854 and play at this time in The Airedale @ Wharfedale League. The match was a second match in the new Headingley T20 League consisting of ten teams situated round Headingley.They were playing St.Chads Broomfield who play in the Wetherby League who I saw at the begining of the season.
As I arrived St.Chads were batting and I noticed Andy Siddal captaining his old side of Kirkstall.He is now the cricket coach of Leeds Met and plays for Pudsey Congs.As usual Dave Hodson was around just starting the barbecue and talking cricket.St Chads put together a reasonable score of 141 on the small ground.
Kirkstall started off slowly and got to the stage that had to score 90 of ten overs.When Andy Siddal came in the scoring rate increased but was out in the nineth over with 6 runs to win.However they could just scramble a tie.Last week they had also tied with Horsforth Hall Park.A comment on the Kirkstall web-site says the ICC Anti Corruption Unit are taking a keen interest and any unusual betting pattens.
Watch this space.
The only cricket I watched yesterday was at Kirkstall Education.They were formed in 1854 and play at this time in The Airedale @ Wharfedale League. The match was a second match in the new Headingley T20 League consisting of ten teams situated round Headingley.They were playing St.Chads Broomfield who play in the Wetherby League who I saw at the begining of the season.
As I arrived St.Chads were batting and I noticed Andy Siddal captaining his old side of Kirkstall.He is now the cricket coach of Leeds Met and plays for Pudsey Congs.As usual Dave Hodson was around just starting the barbecue and talking cricket.St Chads put together a reasonable score of 141 on the small ground.
Kirkstall started off slowly and got to the stage that had to score 90 of ten overs.When Andy Siddal came in the scoring rate increased but was out in the nineth over with 6 runs to win.However they could just scramble a tie.Last week they had also tied with Horsforth Hall Park.A comment on the Kirkstall web-site says the ICC Anti Corruption Unit are taking a keen interest and any unusual betting pattens.
Watch this space.
A good day at Derby
Posted by Tony Hutton
Yesterday was the first time I have felt warm in about two weeks. The sun shone for most of the day and I was able to enjoy sipping a pint in the afternoon sunshine. It was much cheaper than John Winn's at Lord's and bought for me by a friend I met anyway !
England Lions were playing Sri Lanka at Derby in the first day of a four day game.
A string of England hopefuls, including Yorkshire's Johnny Bairstow and Ajmal Shahzad, lined up against the tourists in their second game of the tour. Having won well against Middlesex at Uxbridge they are now preparing for the first test at Cardiff next week.
The England selectors and management were here in force, together with a large media presence, including Sky Sports News, and a large collection of professional autograph hunters. I sat with two of these gentlemen from Huddersfield, who had already got signatures from the entire Sri Lanka squad of players and officials, despite having had very little sleep after celebrating Huddersfield Town's great victory in the play-offs the previous night.
I was also joined by Darlo Eddie, yet another professional cricket watcher, from Darlington, who was making his first ever visit to Derby. He travels the north of England in search of cricket always by rail and was busy studying the new timetables which John Winn has already helpfully warned us about, particularly new obstacles in travelling to Chester-le-Street.
Sri Lanka having won the toss surprisingly asked the Lions to bat. The wicket did look somewhat green and a bit of early movement led to the openers Taylor of Leicestershire and Adams of Hampshire taking things carefully. Perera however produced a beauty to demolish Adams' stumps and the Lions were 7-1. This brought in Bopara, something of an enigma at international level, and although the media are all talking him into the Test team he did not impress. He was dropped at slip early on by the usually reliable Jayawardene, before being caught behind for only 17.
Hildreth, the Lions captain from Somerset, who took Yorkshire apart at Taunton last season, played some nice shots and got the scoreboard moving with six fours in a brisk 35, but Taylor, not usually an opener, took time to play himself in.
He is only a small man, but very nimble on his feet and when the spinner, Randiv, came on he launched him into the sightscreen for six.
After lunch (at 80-2) when Morgan joined Taylor the runs began to flow and after a quiet start, the Irishman showed that he is quite capable of playing proper cricket, just as he is with the biff bang of T20. It was a surprise when Taylor was caught behind for 76, but I am sure we will see more of him in the future. Morgan, now partnered by Samit Patel from Notts, continued to prosper.
The Sri Lankan bowling attack with Muralitharan, Vass and now Malinga all gone looked to lack variation and all the seamers made hard work of it. It is difficult to see them bowling an international side out twice (or perhaps even once). The entertainment got better as the day went on and the partnership really prospered after tea when both players went on to centuries and the boundaries came thick and fast.
Geoff Miller, chairman of England's selectors, paraded around the ground where he used to play, escorted by his female ECB minder, and made a guest appearance at a wedding reception being held in a marquee on the ground, before returning to his more serious deliberations.
So a pleasant and entertaining day, with a good raised viewpoint from the new stand which contrasted with the previous ground level view which was the norm here for so long. There are still a good number of modern white seats which one can sit in around the boundary edge and the whole atmosphere was one of relaxation and enjoyment.
All that remained was for me to escort Darlo Eddie back to the railway station by the rather tortuous pedestrian route, which would be very difficult to explain to anyone. He found it quicker than his journey by two buses on arrival. Suffice to say it involves dodging cyclists, taking a footbridge alongside the railway over a six lane highway, down a private road to the Derby Telegraph premises, over another footbridge across the river, through a park and hey presto the railway station appears. The trains all ran on time too !
Yesterday was the first time I have felt warm in about two weeks. The sun shone for most of the day and I was able to enjoy sipping a pint in the afternoon sunshine. It was much cheaper than John Winn's at Lord's and bought for me by a friend I met anyway !
England Lions were playing Sri Lanka at Derby in the first day of a four day game.
A string of England hopefuls, including Yorkshire's Johnny Bairstow and Ajmal Shahzad, lined up against the tourists in their second game of the tour. Having won well against Middlesex at Uxbridge they are now preparing for the first test at Cardiff next week.
The England selectors and management were here in force, together with a large media presence, including Sky Sports News, and a large collection of professional autograph hunters. I sat with two of these gentlemen from Huddersfield, who had already got signatures from the entire Sri Lanka squad of players and officials, despite having had very little sleep after celebrating Huddersfield Town's great victory in the play-offs the previous night.
I was also joined by Darlo Eddie, yet another professional cricket watcher, from Darlington, who was making his first ever visit to Derby. He travels the north of England in search of cricket always by rail and was busy studying the new timetables which John Winn has already helpfully warned us about, particularly new obstacles in travelling to Chester-le-Street.
Sri Lanka having won the toss surprisingly asked the Lions to bat. The wicket did look somewhat green and a bit of early movement led to the openers Taylor of Leicestershire and Adams of Hampshire taking things carefully. Perera however produced a beauty to demolish Adams' stumps and the Lions were 7-1. This brought in Bopara, something of an enigma at international level, and although the media are all talking him into the Test team he did not impress. He was dropped at slip early on by the usually reliable Jayawardene, before being caught behind for only 17.
Hildreth, the Lions captain from Somerset, who took Yorkshire apart at Taunton last season, played some nice shots and got the scoreboard moving with six fours in a brisk 35, but Taylor, not usually an opener, took time to play himself in.
He is only a small man, but very nimble on his feet and when the spinner, Randiv, came on he launched him into the sightscreen for six.
After lunch (at 80-2) when Morgan joined Taylor the runs began to flow and after a quiet start, the Irishman showed that he is quite capable of playing proper cricket, just as he is with the biff bang of T20. It was a surprise when Taylor was caught behind for 76, but I am sure we will see more of him in the future. Morgan, now partnered by Samit Patel from Notts, continued to prosper.
The Sri Lankan bowling attack with Muralitharan, Vass and now Malinga all gone looked to lack variation and all the seamers made hard work of it. It is difficult to see them bowling an international side out twice (or perhaps even once). The entertainment got better as the day went on and the partnership really prospered after tea when both players went on to centuries and the boundaries came thick and fast.
Geoff Miller, chairman of England's selectors, paraded around the ground where he used to play, escorted by his female ECB minder, and made a guest appearance at a wedding reception being held in a marquee on the ground, before returning to his more serious deliberations.
So a pleasant and entertaining day, with a good raised viewpoint from the new stand which contrasted with the previous ground level view which was the norm here for so long. There are still a good number of modern white seats which one can sit in around the boundary edge and the whole atmosphere was one of relaxation and enjoyment.
All that remained was for me to escort Darlo Eddie back to the railway station by the rather tortuous pedestrian route, which would be very difficult to explain to anyone. He found it quicker than his journey by two buses on arrival. Suffice to say it involves dodging cyclists, taking a footbridge alongside the railway over a six lane highway, down a private road to the Derby Telegraph premises, over another footbridge across the river, through a park and hey presto the railway station appears. The trains all ran on time too !
A trip to headquarters
Posted by John Winn
Lord's looked splendid in the sunshine yesterday morning as Middlesex prepared to entertain Glamorgan on the first day of their Division Two County Championship match. Middlesex finished eighth last season with only Derbyshire below them but victories in their first four matches in 2011 has brought the promise of a much better campaign.
County cricket clubs are not immune to turbulent winters with Yorkshire setting a high standard in the recent past but events at Glamorgan last November take some beating. In short, chairman, coach, captain and coach's son all departed to be replaced by a new captain,South African Alviro Petersen and a new coach Australian Matthew Mott. And all this on the back of a relatively successful season in four day cricket in 2010 when only stubborn resistance from Derbyshire's middle order denied them promotion on the last day of the season. A nice touch was added to yesterday's proceedings by the presence in the Middlesex side of Glamorgan's exiting skipper,Jamie Dalrymple.Despite all this turbulence there is a refreshing continuity to Glamorgan's line up, Croft, Wallace and Powell for example have served the Principality side for more than fifty seasons in total.
The feature of the morning was an excellent spell of bowling from James Harris. His CV shows he was the youngest Glamorgan player ever to take a first class wicket and the youngest for any county to take ten wickets in a Championship match. Yesterday he became possibly the youngest Glamorgan player to take three wickets before 11:45 at Lord's on a Thursday.His victims included Andrew Strauss and overseas batsman Chris Rogers.Middlesx were all out for 150 shortly before tea with Dalrymple top scorer on 44. It suited this blogger that he was caught Bragg bowled Wragg. It probably suited Glamorgan that by the close of play they had a lead of one run with nine wickets in hand.
The smallish crowd were kept well informed throughout the day by the carefully enunciated tones of the announcer, who for example advised us that 'the luncheon interval would be of forty minutes duration' and to my surprise that we might 'perambulate on the outfield' during that time. I heard one man telephoning to express his delight that he was standing on 'the Halloween turf'.
If Lord's still has one foot in the past it has had no problems embracing twenty first century prices for its catering. To offset the modest admission charge of £7:50 for senior citizens it offers beer at £4:20 per pint. Throw in a pie and Desperate Dan would have to seriously think of going on a diet.Having been before I took pack up.
Lord's looked splendid in the sunshine yesterday morning as Middlesex prepared to entertain Glamorgan on the first day of their Division Two County Championship match. Middlesex finished eighth last season with only Derbyshire below them but victories in their first four matches in 2011 has brought the promise of a much better campaign.
County cricket clubs are not immune to turbulent winters with Yorkshire setting a high standard in the recent past but events at Glamorgan last November take some beating. In short, chairman, coach, captain and coach's son all departed to be replaced by a new captain,South African Alviro Petersen and a new coach Australian Matthew Mott. And all this on the back of a relatively successful season in four day cricket in 2010 when only stubborn resistance from Derbyshire's middle order denied them promotion on the last day of the season. A nice touch was added to yesterday's proceedings by the presence in the Middlesex side of Glamorgan's exiting skipper,Jamie Dalrymple.Despite all this turbulence there is a refreshing continuity to Glamorgan's line up, Croft, Wallace and Powell for example have served the Principality side for more than fifty seasons in total.
The feature of the morning was an excellent spell of bowling from James Harris. His CV shows he was the youngest Glamorgan player ever to take a first class wicket and the youngest for any county to take ten wickets in a Championship match. Yesterday he became possibly the youngest Glamorgan player to take three wickets before 11:45 at Lord's on a Thursday.His victims included Andrew Strauss and overseas batsman Chris Rogers.Middlesx were all out for 150 shortly before tea with Dalrymple top scorer on 44. It suited this blogger that he was caught Bragg bowled Wragg. It probably suited Glamorgan that by the close of play they had a lead of one run with nine wickets in hand.
The smallish crowd were kept well informed throughout the day by the carefully enunciated tones of the announcer, who for example advised us that 'the luncheon interval would be of forty minutes duration' and to my surprise that we might 'perambulate on the outfield' during that time. I heard one man telephoning to express his delight that he was standing on 'the Halloween turf'.
If Lord's still has one foot in the past it has had no problems embracing twenty first century prices for its catering. To offset the modest admission charge of £7:50 for senior citizens it offers beer at £4:20 per pint. Throw in a pie and Desperate Dan would have to seriously think of going on a diet.Having been before I took pack up.
Thursday 19 May 2011
VISITNG GEORGE,S SCHOOL DAYS
By Brian Sanderson,
I have been looking to go to Reeth to watch a Wensley Dale Evening League match but wanted to combien it with another match.The opportunity arrived on Wednesday.The M.C.C. were playing Barnard Castle school during the afternoon.
So picking Ron Deaton up at 2.00 we set of to the school which is situated next to the Bowes Museum .No connection with Bill.M.C.C. had scored 180 and were starting to bowl to the school.The ground slopes up from the school buildings and has numberous nets.
We sat down next to the changing rooms to have protection from the strong wind.A father of one the pupils was watching the match.He recognised by accent and started talking about Leeds.He used to play for Horsforth in the 1960 and 70,s and knew some of the league players who I played with.
At tea time with the school were two wickets down for about 80 we went in for a cup of tea.On the wall in the refrectory was a picture of George Macaulay who was one only of four bowlers for Yorkshire to take over 200 wickets.His name was on three boards about cricket in 1911,1912 and 1913.He was born in Thirsk. A note said he used to take Yorkshire teams to the school to play cricket in the 1930,s.
After tea the school gradually lost wickets and when we went they were eight wickets down and still sixty runs short.Moving on to Barnard Castle Cricket Club just to look at the ground.The flag outside the ground stated it was formed in 1834.
A new pavilion had been built with the old one used by the groundsman.It is a large playing area situated around houses and abbatoir which was empty.
After a walk round the ground we sent off to Reeth across the Moors.Arriving at the ground with Eyrholme batting. A new pavilion was in the process of been built with a new five aside football pitch next door.There is a caravan site next to the ground and reminded me of Esholt.The ground had been used for football so was very bumpy and the river was at the far side of the pitch.Excellent views into the hills.Dales Cricket Club play on the ground and had nine men. Eryholme scored 127 for three in the twenty overs.
Looking at the web-site this morning Dales were bowled out for 62.They are struggling to keep playing with one of the player in his seventies.Three completely different new grounds and a excellent visit with the weather staying dry.
I have been looking to go to Reeth to watch a Wensley Dale Evening League match but wanted to combien it with another match.The opportunity arrived on Wednesday.The M.C.C. were playing Barnard Castle school during the afternoon.
So picking Ron Deaton up at 2.00 we set of to the school which is situated next to the Bowes Museum .No connection with Bill.M.C.C. had scored 180 and were starting to bowl to the school.The ground slopes up from the school buildings and has numberous nets.
We sat down next to the changing rooms to have protection from the strong wind.A father of one the pupils was watching the match.He recognised by accent and started talking about Leeds.He used to play for Horsforth in the 1960 and 70,s and knew some of the league players who I played with.
At tea time with the school were two wickets down for about 80 we went in for a cup of tea.On the wall in the refrectory was a picture of George Macaulay who was one only of four bowlers for Yorkshire to take over 200 wickets.His name was on three boards about cricket in 1911,1912 and 1913.He was born in Thirsk. A note said he used to take Yorkshire teams to the school to play cricket in the 1930,s.
After tea the school gradually lost wickets and when we went they were eight wickets down and still sixty runs short.Moving on to Barnard Castle Cricket Club just to look at the ground.The flag outside the ground stated it was formed in 1834.
A new pavilion had been built with the old one used by the groundsman.It is a large playing area situated around houses and abbatoir which was empty.
After a walk round the ground we sent off to Reeth across the Moors.Arriving at the ground with Eyrholme batting. A new pavilion was in the process of been built with a new five aside football pitch next door.There is a caravan site next to the ground and reminded me of Esholt.The ground had been used for football so was very bumpy and the river was at the far side of the pitch.Excellent views into the hills.Dales Cricket Club play on the ground and had nine men. Eryholme scored 127 for three in the twenty overs.
Looking at the web-site this morning Dales were bowled out for 62.They are struggling to keep playing with one of the player in his seventies.Three completely different new grounds and a excellent visit with the weather staying dry.
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Ashes heroes on view
It is always a pleasure to visit Trent Bridge and today's County Championship match between Notts and Warwickshire had added promise as it afforded the rare opportunity to see four of the winter's successful England team in action for their county sides, Broad and Swan for the home side and Trott and Bell for the visitors. Reed's decision to field first on winning the toss made things even better for it meant that Broad would be taking the new ball and in anticipation of early wickets it seemed likely that he would soon be testing Bell and Trott.
At The Riverside last week Phil Mustard gave Somerset first knock and they responded with 645. At what point did the Durham captain consign plan A to that large dustbin marked 'seemed like a good idea at the time'? At Trent Bridge today Reed's decision seemed eminently sensible; the pitch had a greenish tinge and there was heavy cloud cover but Chopra and Porterfield opened up with a partnership of 72 off 16 overs before Chopra drove loosely at Shreck and was well caught by Voges at slip. Shortly after this, rain sent the players from the field and when play resumed at twenty past two only two overs were possible before the rain returned. In a day when thirty seven overs were lost, all the Warwickshire batsmen made solid contributions and Bell was sixty eight not out at the close. Tomorrow's forecast is much better and Bell and Yousuf will hope to extend their stand, already worth 53. With Maddy at number eight the Bears have plenty of batting to come and the two captains will probably feel the game is reasonably balanced but the pre lunch session tomorrow could be critical.
Broad and Swann both ended the day wicketless, indeed Swann's two overs went for fifteen but there can be no question that they will be in Strauss's side at Cardiff next Thursday, as of course will Bell and Trott.
By the time I got back to York the belt of rain had moved away and the evening was fine and sunny.It was of course disappointing to have been there on a day when so much play was lost but I was charged only £8 for my excellent seat and I can strongly recommend the chicken and mushroom pie served at lunch.
At The Riverside last week Phil Mustard gave Somerset first knock and they responded with 645. At what point did the Durham captain consign plan A to that large dustbin marked 'seemed like a good idea at the time'? At Trent Bridge today Reed's decision seemed eminently sensible; the pitch had a greenish tinge and there was heavy cloud cover but Chopra and Porterfield opened up with a partnership of 72 off 16 overs before Chopra drove loosely at Shreck and was well caught by Voges at slip. Shortly after this, rain sent the players from the field and when play resumed at twenty past two only two overs were possible before the rain returned. In a day when thirty seven overs were lost, all the Warwickshire batsmen made solid contributions and Bell was sixty eight not out at the close. Tomorrow's forecast is much better and Bell and Yousuf will hope to extend their stand, already worth 53. With Maddy at number eight the Bears have plenty of batting to come and the two captains will probably feel the game is reasonably balanced but the pre lunch session tomorrow could be critical.
Broad and Swann both ended the day wicketless, indeed Swann's two overs went for fifteen but there can be no question that they will be in Strauss's side at Cardiff next Thursday, as of course will Bell and Trott.
By the time I got back to York the belt of rain had moved away and the evening was fine and sunny.It was of course disappointing to have been there on a day when so much play was lost but I was charged only £8 for my excellent seat and I can strongly recommend the chicken and mushroom pie served at lunch.
Under 13s District cricket festival
Posted by Tony Hutton
I have now been able to find out the venues for this popular festival.
They are as follows :-
Tues 31st May - East Yorks v South Yorks East at Driffield Town and
West Yorks West v West Yorks East at Addingham
Wed 1st June - North Yorks v East Yorks at Woodhouse Grange and West Yorks East v South Yorks West at Barwick in Elmet
Thurs 2nd June = South Yorks East v North Yorks at Barnsley and South Yorks West v West Yorks West at Eckington
Finals on Frid 3rd June - 1st place at Undercliffe, 2nd place at Pudsey Congs and 3rd place at Farsley.
All games start at 12.30.
I have now been able to find out the venues for this popular festival.
They are as follows :-
Tues 31st May - East Yorks v South Yorks East at Driffield Town and
West Yorks West v West Yorks East at Addingham
Wed 1st June - North Yorks v East Yorks at Woodhouse Grange and West Yorks East v South Yorks West at Barwick in Elmet
Thurs 2nd June = South Yorks East v North Yorks at Barnsley and South Yorks West v West Yorks West at Eckington
Finals on Frid 3rd June - 1st place at Undercliffe, 2nd place at Pudsey Congs and 3rd place at Farsley.
All games start at 12.30.
Monday 16 May 2011
A busy couple of days
Posted by John Winn
In a letter to 'The Cricketer' magazine in 1990 a reader claimed to have seen every county play every other county home and away in first class cricket, a total of 272 matches at that time. Being by nature a compiler and ticker of lists the idea of seeing every county play every other county just once appealed to me. Over twenty years later there are still thirty games I need to see to complete this venture.
No sooner had I decided that this might be a good idea than Durham were admitted to the ranks adding a further seventeen matches , making a total of 153. The challenge has become more difficult for a number of reasons, mainly because of changes in the structure of the County Championship. First of all by the introduction of four day cricket and the consequent reduction in the number of games played. In a typical week in May 1966, when every county played twenty eight matches per season there were fifteen championship matches, eight beginning on Wednesday and seven on Saturday. In the corresponding week this year there are just seven in total.
The added complication of two divisions is obvious. Derbyshire have played Lancashire in only one season in the last ten for example.Bad weather too can be a source of frustration. In 1998, along with a few hundred others I sat very patiently at Basingstoke while the ground staff mopped up after heavy rain. Play it was announced, would begin at three o'clock, at 2:55 the rain returned and the day was a washout. Hampshire v Derbyshire remains on my list.
This season offers me seven of my remaining 'listed matches', one of which, Essex v Glamorgan, I will not be to fit in on either of the occasions they will meet.The ECB can hardly be expected to draw up the fixtures to suit my pecularities so the week ahead will see me at Trent Bridge for Notts v Bears on Wednesday and Lord's on Thursday for Middlesex v Glamorgan.It never rains but it pours, let's hope not.
In a letter to 'The Cricketer' magazine in 1990 a reader claimed to have seen every county play every other county home and away in first class cricket, a total of 272 matches at that time. Being by nature a compiler and ticker of lists the idea of seeing every county play every other county just once appealed to me. Over twenty years later there are still thirty games I need to see to complete this venture.
No sooner had I decided that this might be a good idea than Durham were admitted to the ranks adding a further seventeen matches , making a total of 153. The challenge has become more difficult for a number of reasons, mainly because of changes in the structure of the County Championship. First of all by the introduction of four day cricket and the consequent reduction in the number of games played. In a typical week in May 1966, when every county played twenty eight matches per season there were fifteen championship matches, eight beginning on Wednesday and seven on Saturday. In the corresponding week this year there are just seven in total.
The added complication of two divisions is obvious. Derbyshire have played Lancashire in only one season in the last ten for example.Bad weather too can be a source of frustration. In 1998, along with a few hundred others I sat very patiently at Basingstoke while the ground staff mopped up after heavy rain. Play it was announced, would begin at three o'clock, at 2:55 the rain returned and the day was a washout. Hampshire v Derbyshire remains on my list.
This season offers me seven of my remaining 'listed matches', one of which, Essex v Glamorgan, I will not be to fit in on either of the occasions they will meet.The ECB can hardly be expected to draw up the fixtures to suit my pecularities so the week ahead will see me at Trent Bridge for Notts v Bears on Wednesday and Lord's on Thursday for Middlesex v Glamorgan.It never rains but it pours, let's hope not.
Sunday 15 May 2011
EAST COAST VISIT
By Brian Sanderson,
I had decided to see Estrick Park not realising John Winn had visited yesterday.
Looking through the divisions on the internet I decided to visit the East Yorkshire Cricket Alliance League.This consists of four divisions covering teams around Hull.
The match I decided to see was the only one in this league Kirkella against South Holderness which was in the EYCA Cup.After riding round Kirk Ella I found the ground.
As usual there were no signs outside the ground. It is situated behind a big house who sold the land to the Cricket Club in the 1960,s.The match started at 12.00 and so I thought it was a fifty over match however when arriving South Holderness walked off after 20 overs. They had scored 151 for 7.
Talking to the Kirkella scorer the cup was now a twenty over match from last year.He could not understand why as the match would finish at about 3.00 so losing good cricket time.
Kirkella started slowly and were behind the scoring rate after 10 overs.However they started to hit the ball into the fields surrouding the pitch. So in the last over they required 16 off the last over to win.First two balls went for two sixes.After a long delay trying to find the ball in vain there was a run out bring the eighth wicket to fall.Next two ball brought three runs.One run to win off the last bowl Kirkella could not achieve it and a run out happen.It was a tie but Kirkella lost the match because they had lost more wickets.I had been helping the scorer so found it vey interesting.
Moving on to Estrick were Yorkshire Gentlemen were batting against York Ramblers.
There was steady drizzle and went in side to see the photographs.Noticed Capt Standyforth in the Army side.He is one of my favorite Yorkshire players.He played three times for Yorkshire but was England Captain on tour to South Africa.A quote from one the South Africans stated that Standyforth may be not the best batsman but was a excellent speaker at lunches.
One of the Gentlemen players was Geoff Barker who played as Arthington in October.He said that it was his first season with the club and was opening the batting and bowling.He scored 58 to help the Gentlemen reach 188 for 3 when they declared.
York went in for thirty minutes before tea and scored 48 for no lose.The rain was still falling so decided to go home and watch Yorkshire on the computor.
A very different day from the last four.
I had decided to see Estrick Park not realising John Winn had visited yesterday.
Looking through the divisions on the internet I decided to visit the East Yorkshire Cricket Alliance League.This consists of four divisions covering teams around Hull.
The match I decided to see was the only one in this league Kirkella against South Holderness which was in the EYCA Cup.After riding round Kirk Ella I found the ground.
As usual there were no signs outside the ground. It is situated behind a big house who sold the land to the Cricket Club in the 1960,s.The match started at 12.00 and so I thought it was a fifty over match however when arriving South Holderness walked off after 20 overs. They had scored 151 for 7.
Talking to the Kirkella scorer the cup was now a twenty over match from last year.He could not understand why as the match would finish at about 3.00 so losing good cricket time.
Kirkella started slowly and were behind the scoring rate after 10 overs.However they started to hit the ball into the fields surrouding the pitch. So in the last over they required 16 off the last over to win.First two balls went for two sixes.After a long delay trying to find the ball in vain there was a run out bring the eighth wicket to fall.Next two ball brought three runs.One run to win off the last bowl Kirkella could not achieve it and a run out happen.It was a tie but Kirkella lost the match because they had lost more wickets.I had been helping the scorer so found it vey interesting.
Moving on to Estrick were Yorkshire Gentlemen were batting against York Ramblers.
There was steady drizzle and went in side to see the photographs.Noticed Capt Standyforth in the Army side.He is one of my favorite Yorkshire players.He played three times for Yorkshire but was England Captain on tour to South Africa.A quote from one the South Africans stated that Standyforth may be not the best batsman but was a excellent speaker at lunches.
One of the Gentlemen players was Geoff Barker who played as Arthington in October.He said that it was his first season with the club and was opening the batting and bowling.He scored 58 to help the Gentlemen reach 188 for 3 when they declared.
York went in for thirty minutes before tea and scored 48 for no lose.The rain was still falling so decided to go home and watch Yorkshire on the computor.
A very different day from the last four.
Professional Cricket Watchers fixtures - June
Posted by Tony Hutton
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIXTURE BETWEEN LEEDS/BRADFORD UNIVERSITY AND THE YORKSHIRE ACADEMY SCHEDULED FOR NEXT TUESDAY 17TH MAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
With the imminent arrival of endless T20 games at both county first team and second team level, time to search for more palatable venues for the discerning cricket watcher. Here are just a few suggestions for the month of June.
Wed. 1/6 - (13.00) - Yorkshire over 50s v Durham over 50s (Masham)
Notts over 50s v Lancs over 50s (Cuckney)
Derby over 50s v Cheshire over 50s (Ticknall)
(11.00) - Durham Academy v Yorkshire Academy (Longhirst Hall, Morpeth) - day 2 of 3
Under 13s district cricket festival (day 2) - (12.30) - West Yorkshire East v South Yorkshire West and North Yorkshire v East Yorkshire (venues to be advised)
Thurs. 2/6 - (11.00) - Durham Academy v Yorkshire Academy (Longhirst Hall, Morpeth) - day 3
(12.00) - Durham 2nd XI v Unicorns 'A' (Brandon) - 2nd XI Trophy
(12.30) - Under 13s district cricket festival (day 3) - South Yorkshire East v North
Yorkshire and South Yorkshire West v West Yorkshire West (venues to be advised)
(18.30) - Headingley and District Evening league - Headingley v New Rover (Glen Road),Leeds University Staff v Horsforth (Weetwood), Adel v St Chads and Old Modernians v Hall Park.
Frid. 3/6 - (12.00) - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Unicorns'A' (Todmorden) - 2nd XI Trophy
(11.30) - Cumbria under 17s v M.C.C. (Netherfield, Kendal)
(12.30) - Under 13s district festival (finals day) - matches at Undercliffe, Pudsey Congs and one other venue to be advised.
Sun. 5/6 - (13.00) - Heavy Woollen Cup third round - Hanging Heaton v Morley, Delph and Dobcross v Gomersal, Shepley v Woodlands and Slaithwaite v Yeadon.
(11.00) - Minor Counties Knock out - Cumberland v Shropshire (Netherfield, Kendal) and Lincolnshire v Norfolk (Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln)
Black Sheep Champions Trophy (Round 1) - Burley in Wharfedale v York and Dunnington v Pudsey Congs.
Fred Fleetwood Cup (Wetherby league) - second round, includes Old Modernians v Great Preston and Kippax v St Chads
(11.00) - Yorkshire under 15s v Lancashire under 15s (Pocklington School)
Mon 6/6 - (18.30) - C.B. Atkinson Trophy (Harrogate Evening league teams)
Tues 7/6 - (11.30) - Durham University v M.C.C. (Racecourse Ground) - day 1 of 3
(11.00) - Derbyshire Academy v Northants Academy (Denby) - day 1 of 2
Yorkshire under 14s B v Cleveland (Harrogate)
Wed. 8/6 - (11.30) - Durham University v M.C.C. (Racecourse Ground) - day 2
(11.30) - Durham School v Durham Pilgrims
(13.00) - Lancashire over 50s v Yorkshire over 50s (Atherton)
Thurs. 9/6 - (11.30) - Durham University v M.C.C. (Racecourse Ground) - day 3
(18.30) - Headingley and District Evening league - New Rover v Adel, St Chads v Old Mods, Hall Park v Leeds University Staff and Kirkstall v Headingley.
Frid. 10/6 - (12.30) - Leeds/Bradford University v Exeter University (Weetwood, Leeds) - BUCS Trophy
Sun. 12/6 - (11.00) - Minor Counties Championship - Cumberland v Buckinghamshire (Furness CC, Barrow) - day 1 of 3
Waddilove Cup second round (Aire/Wharfe league)
Yorkshire Premier league cup quarter finals
(12.00) - Yorkshire Gentlemen v Romany (Escrick Park)
Mon. 13/6 - (12.00) - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Derby 2nd XI (Marske) - 2nd XI Trophy
(12.30) - Leeds/Bradford University v Cambridge University (Weetwood) - BUCS
Trophy
Tues 14/6 - (11.00) - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Derby 2nd XI (Stamford Bridge) - day 1 of 3
(11.00) - Leeds/Bradford University v Cambridge University (Weetwood) - day 1 of 2
(11.00) - Durham Academy v Lancs Academy (Sunderland) - day 1 of 2
(13.30) - Yorkshire over 60s v Lincolnshire over 60s (Fishlake)
Wed 15/6 - see above day 2 of games at Stamford Bridge and Weetwood
Thurs. 16/6 - see above day 3 of Stamford Bridge game
(12.00) - Yorkshire under 14s v Warwickshire under 14s (Rotherham)
(18.30) - Headingley and District evening league - Ade; v Kirkstall, Old Mods v New Rover, Horsforth v Hall Park and Leeds University Staff v St Chads (Weetwood)
Frid. 17/6 - Whit Friday cricket and brass bands in Saddlworth district.
Greenfield v Saddleworth and Saddleworth II v Greenfield II
Sun 19/6 - Priestley Cup third round
(13.00) - Aire Wharfe under 17s v Heavy Woollen under 17s (New Rover) - Joe Lumb
(12.00) - Langdales Lovelies v Yorkshire Gentlemen (Chatsworth House, Derbyshire)
Mon 20/6 - (11.00) - Durham 2nd XI v Yorkshire 2nd XI (Darlington) - 2nd XI Trophy
(11.30)- Giggleswick School v M.C.C.
Tues. 21/6 - (11.00)Durham 2nd XI v Yorkshire 2nd XI (Darlington) - day 1 of 3
Yorks Under 14B v Lancashire (Illingworth)
Wed 22/6 - (13.00) - Yorkshire over 50s v Notts over 50s (Elland)
Yorkshire under 14s v Cheshire under 14s (New Rover)
(11.30) - Minor Counties Cricket Association v MCC (Abbeydale Park, Sheffield) - to be confirmed.
Thurs. 23/6 - (1830) - Headingley and District evening league - Headingley v Adel, New Rover v Leeds University staff, St Chads v Horsforth and Kirkstall v Old Mods.
Frid 24/6 - (12.00) - Derby 2nd XI v Lancashire 2nd XI (Glossop) - 2nd XI Trophy
Sun. 26th June - (12.00) - Yorkshire Academy v Appleby Frodingham (Weetwood)
Fred Fleetwood Cup (Wetherby League) - quarter finals
National Village KO - Round five
Mon. 27/6 - (11.00) - MCC Universities final (Lord's)
(12.00) - Durham 2nd XI v Derby 2nd XI (Stokesley) - 2nd XI Trophy
(11.30) - Ashvill College, Harrogate v MCC
Yorkshire under 14s v Northumberland under 14s (Richmond)
Tues 28/6 - (11.00) - Durham 2nd XI v Derby 2nd XI (Marton) - day 1 of 3
(12.00) - Yorkshire over 60s v Cheshire over 60s (New Rover, Leeds)
(11.30) - Ampleforth College v Woodhouse Grove School
Yorkshire under 15s B v Lancashire under 15s (venue to be confirmed)
Cholmondeley Castle (Cheshire) v Australian Crusaders
Wed. 29/6 - (11.30) - Huddersfield New College v MCC (Barkisland)
(11.00) - MCC Universities v Lancashire 2nd XI (Durham University) - day 1 of 3
(11.00) - Lancashire under 15s v Yorkshire under 15s (St Annes)
(13.30) - St Peters School York v York CC
Colwyn Bay v Australian Crusaders and Carmel & District (North Wales) v Australian Crusaders
Thursday 30/6 - see above - matches at Marton and Durham University continue.
Yorkshire under 14s v Lancashire under 14s (East Bierley)
(18.30) - Headingley and District evening league - Horsforth v New Rover, Hall Park v St Chads, Leeds University Staff v Kirkstall and Old Modernians v Headingley
Chester Boughton Hall v Australian Crusaders
As usual these fixtures come with a general warning that games can be cancelled, re-arranged, start times altered etc etc.
Do check first before travelling long distances.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIXTURE BETWEEN LEEDS/BRADFORD UNIVERSITY AND THE YORKSHIRE ACADEMY SCHEDULED FOR NEXT TUESDAY 17TH MAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
With the imminent arrival of endless T20 games at both county first team and second team level, time to search for more palatable venues for the discerning cricket watcher. Here are just a few suggestions for the month of June.
Wed. 1/6 - (13.00) - Yorkshire over 50s v Durham over 50s (Masham)
Notts over 50s v Lancs over 50s (Cuckney)
Derby over 50s v Cheshire over 50s (Ticknall)
(11.00) - Durham Academy v Yorkshire Academy (Longhirst Hall, Morpeth) - day 2 of 3
Under 13s district cricket festival (day 2) - (12.30) - West Yorkshire East v South Yorkshire West and North Yorkshire v East Yorkshire (venues to be advised)
Thurs. 2/6 - (11.00) - Durham Academy v Yorkshire Academy (Longhirst Hall, Morpeth) - day 3
(12.00) - Durham 2nd XI v Unicorns 'A' (Brandon) - 2nd XI Trophy
(12.30) - Under 13s district cricket festival (day 3) - South Yorkshire East v North
Yorkshire and South Yorkshire West v West Yorkshire West (venues to be advised)
(18.30) - Headingley and District Evening league - Headingley v New Rover (Glen Road),Leeds University Staff v Horsforth (Weetwood), Adel v St Chads and Old Modernians v Hall Park.
Frid. 3/6 - (12.00) - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Unicorns'A' (Todmorden) - 2nd XI Trophy
(11.30) - Cumbria under 17s v M.C.C. (Netherfield, Kendal)
(12.30) - Under 13s district festival (finals day) - matches at Undercliffe, Pudsey Congs and one other venue to be advised.
Sun. 5/6 - (13.00) - Heavy Woollen Cup third round - Hanging Heaton v Morley, Delph and Dobcross v Gomersal, Shepley v Woodlands and Slaithwaite v Yeadon.
(11.00) - Minor Counties Knock out - Cumberland v Shropshire (Netherfield, Kendal) and Lincolnshire v Norfolk (Bracebridge Heath, Lincoln)
Black Sheep Champions Trophy (Round 1) - Burley in Wharfedale v York and Dunnington v Pudsey Congs.
Fred Fleetwood Cup (Wetherby league) - second round, includes Old Modernians v Great Preston and Kippax v St Chads
(11.00) - Yorkshire under 15s v Lancashire under 15s (Pocklington School)
Mon 6/6 - (18.30) - C.B. Atkinson Trophy (Harrogate Evening league teams)
Tues 7/6 - (11.30) - Durham University v M.C.C. (Racecourse Ground) - day 1 of 3
(11.00) - Derbyshire Academy v Northants Academy (Denby) - day 1 of 2
Yorkshire under 14s B v Cleveland (Harrogate)
Wed. 8/6 - (11.30) - Durham University v M.C.C. (Racecourse Ground) - day 2
(11.30) - Durham School v Durham Pilgrims
(13.00) - Lancashire over 50s v Yorkshire over 50s (Atherton)
Thurs. 9/6 - (11.30) - Durham University v M.C.C. (Racecourse Ground) - day 3
(18.30) - Headingley and District Evening league - New Rover v Adel, St Chads v Old Mods, Hall Park v Leeds University Staff and Kirkstall v Headingley.
Frid. 10/6 - (12.30) - Leeds/Bradford University v Exeter University (Weetwood, Leeds) - BUCS Trophy
Sun. 12/6 - (11.00) - Minor Counties Championship - Cumberland v Buckinghamshire (Furness CC, Barrow) - day 1 of 3
Waddilove Cup second round (Aire/Wharfe league)
Yorkshire Premier league cup quarter finals
(12.00) - Yorkshire Gentlemen v Romany (Escrick Park)
Mon. 13/6 - (12.00) - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Derby 2nd XI (Marske) - 2nd XI Trophy
(12.30) - Leeds/Bradford University v Cambridge University (Weetwood) - BUCS
Trophy
Tues 14/6 - (11.00) - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Derby 2nd XI (Stamford Bridge) - day 1 of 3
(11.00) - Leeds/Bradford University v Cambridge University (Weetwood) - day 1 of 2
(11.00) - Durham Academy v Lancs Academy (Sunderland) - day 1 of 2
(13.30) - Yorkshire over 60s v Lincolnshire over 60s (Fishlake)
Wed 15/6 - see above day 2 of games at Stamford Bridge and Weetwood
Thurs. 16/6 - see above day 3 of Stamford Bridge game
(12.00) - Yorkshire under 14s v Warwickshire under 14s (Rotherham)
(18.30) - Headingley and District evening league - Ade; v Kirkstall, Old Mods v New Rover, Horsforth v Hall Park and Leeds University Staff v St Chads (Weetwood)
Frid. 17/6 - Whit Friday cricket and brass bands in Saddlworth district.
Greenfield v Saddleworth and Saddleworth II v Greenfield II
Sun 19/6 - Priestley Cup third round
(13.00) - Aire Wharfe under 17s v Heavy Woollen under 17s (New Rover) - Joe Lumb
(12.00) - Langdales Lovelies v Yorkshire Gentlemen (Chatsworth House, Derbyshire)
Mon 20/6 - (11.00) - Durham 2nd XI v Yorkshire 2nd XI (Darlington) - 2nd XI Trophy
(11.30)- Giggleswick School v M.C.C.
Tues. 21/6 - (11.00)Durham 2nd XI v Yorkshire 2nd XI (Darlington) - day 1 of 3
Yorks Under 14B v Lancashire (Illingworth)
Wed 22/6 - (13.00) - Yorkshire over 50s v Notts over 50s (Elland)
Yorkshire under 14s v Cheshire under 14s (New Rover)
(11.30) - Minor Counties Cricket Association v MCC (Abbeydale Park, Sheffield) - to be confirmed.
Thurs. 23/6 - (1830) - Headingley and District evening league - Headingley v Adel, New Rover v Leeds University staff, St Chads v Horsforth and Kirkstall v Old Mods.
Frid 24/6 - (12.00) - Derby 2nd XI v Lancashire 2nd XI (Glossop) - 2nd XI Trophy
Sun. 26th June - (12.00) - Yorkshire Academy v Appleby Frodingham (Weetwood)
Fred Fleetwood Cup (Wetherby League) - quarter finals
National Village KO - Round five
Mon. 27/6 - (11.00) - MCC Universities final (Lord's)
(12.00) - Durham 2nd XI v Derby 2nd XI (Stokesley) - 2nd XI Trophy
(11.30) - Ashvill College, Harrogate v MCC
Yorkshire under 14s v Northumberland under 14s (Richmond)
Tues 28/6 - (11.00) - Durham 2nd XI v Derby 2nd XI (Marton) - day 1 of 3
(12.00) - Yorkshire over 60s v Cheshire over 60s (New Rover, Leeds)
(11.30) - Ampleforth College v Woodhouse Grove School
Yorkshire under 15s B v Lancashire under 15s (venue to be confirmed)
Cholmondeley Castle (Cheshire) v Australian Crusaders
Wed. 29/6 - (11.30) - Huddersfield New College v MCC (Barkisland)
(11.00) - MCC Universities v Lancashire 2nd XI (Durham University) - day 1 of 3
(11.00) - Lancashire under 15s v Yorkshire under 15s (St Annes)
(13.30) - St Peters School York v York CC
Colwyn Bay v Australian Crusaders and Carmel & District (North Wales) v Australian Crusaders
Thursday 30/6 - see above - matches at Marton and Durham University continue.
Yorkshire under 14s v Lancashire under 14s (East Bierley)
(18.30) - Headingley and District evening league - Horsforth v New Rover, Hall Park v St Chads, Leeds University Staff v Kirkstall and Old Modernians v Headingley
Chester Boughton Hall v Australian Crusaders
As usual these fixtures come with a general warning that games can be cancelled, re-arranged, start times altered etc etc.
Do check first before travelling long distances.
Saturday 14 May 2011
Grumpy old man reports
Posted by Tony Hutton
The Yorkshire v Hampshire match at Headingley this week has been reported on by our other contributors. Suffice to say that after an enjoyable first day, with fine innings from Bairstow and Bresnan, and meeting up with many people, including Cumberland secretary Gilbert Johnstone, things went downhill rapidly from my point of view on day two.
The weather was bad, with the biting cold wind and threat of rain, but the cricket in the first session was even worse. Shahzad's strangely negative performance with the bat, when he was stuck on 48 for about three quarters of an hour seemed inexplicable. Was he batting under orders ? If so, didn't Yorkshire realise they were wasting their own time in a game which looked certain to be shortened by weather interruptions ?
Whatever the reasons, I had enough after only an hour and a half and left the ground in disgust, not to return until the next day. Instead I had the rare pleasure of watching championship cricket on Sky Sports and an excellent third day's play which saw Sussex complete a nine wicket victory in the early evening.
The contrast between events at Headingley and Hove could not have been greater. For one thing the sun was shining and Notts with their backs to the wall, took a very positive attitude through Andre Adams, who went on the attack to score a very quick 64 off only 44 balls and put his side back into the game.
Chasing 184 to win, Sussex showed no apprehension in facing England bowlers Broad and Swan. A splendid century partnership from Joyce and Nash saw them very much in the driving seat. England under 19 player Luke Wells, son of former Sussex captain Alan Wells, came in at the fall of the first wicket and enhanced his rapidly growing reputation with quick runs which took Sussex home in style.
Even Sky commentator Bob Willis, not known as a supporter of county cricket, was impressed, and had to admit that the ebbs and flows of championship cricket played in a positive manner takes some beating. Sadly of course the bad weather and difficult conditions for both players and spectators continued at Headingley and the game finished in a predictable draw, despite initial hopes of a Yorkshire victory when early wickets fell in Hampshire's second innings.
The Yorkshire v Hampshire match at Headingley this week has been reported on by our other contributors. Suffice to say that after an enjoyable first day, with fine innings from Bairstow and Bresnan, and meeting up with many people, including Cumberland secretary Gilbert Johnstone, things went downhill rapidly from my point of view on day two.
The weather was bad, with the biting cold wind and threat of rain, but the cricket in the first session was even worse. Shahzad's strangely negative performance with the bat, when he was stuck on 48 for about three quarters of an hour seemed inexplicable. Was he batting under orders ? If so, didn't Yorkshire realise they were wasting their own time in a game which looked certain to be shortened by weather interruptions ?
Whatever the reasons, I had enough after only an hour and a half and left the ground in disgust, not to return until the next day. Instead I had the rare pleasure of watching championship cricket on Sky Sports and an excellent third day's play which saw Sussex complete a nine wicket victory in the early evening.
The contrast between events at Headingley and Hove could not have been greater. For one thing the sun was shining and Notts with their backs to the wall, took a very positive attitude through Andre Adams, who went on the attack to score a very quick 64 off only 44 balls and put his side back into the game.
Chasing 184 to win, Sussex showed no apprehension in facing England bowlers Broad and Swan. A splendid century partnership from Joyce and Nash saw them very much in the driving seat. England under 19 player Luke Wells, son of former Sussex captain Alan Wells, came in at the fall of the first wicket and enhanced his rapidly growing reputation with quick runs which took Sussex home in style.
Even Sky commentator Bob Willis, not known as a supporter of county cricket, was impressed, and had to admit that the ebbs and flows of championship cricket played in a positive manner takes some beating. Sadly of course the bad weather and difficult conditions for both players and spectators continued at Headingley and the game finished in a predictable draw, despite initial hopes of a Yorkshire victory when early wickets fell in Hampshire's second innings.
Gentlemen short of players
Posted by John Winn
Following a tip from Brian Sanderson I today made my way to Escrick Park, a few miles south of York, for a noon start in the match between The Yorkshire Gentlemen and Dragons CC. Pitching up about ten minutes after the scheduled start I was surprised to find there was no play. On enquiry this was because some of the home team had not arrived. I was, however, made to feel very welcome with coffee and biscuits and given a copy of the YGCC fixture card, The delay gave me the opportunity to look at the extensive display of team photographs that line the pavilion walls, dating back to 1908. The Gentlemen will celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2013 and it gives some idea of the club's origins to say that for the first 100 years of their existence all their presidents were either lords or knights. The rot set in in 1970 when they appointed an esquire and that has been the case since that time.
Play did get under way about 12:30 with The Dragons ( who are London based) struggling against the YG attack. It was something of a surprise when after about 20 minutes three fielders who unbeknown to me had been subs were replaced by the genuine article. Given the distance The Dragons had travelled and the fixture list of 'The Gents' the quality of the cricket was rather disappointing but the fixture list includes The Free Foresters and other well known nomadic sides and I will certainly visit this lovely ground again.
From Escrick I made the short journey to Cawood for a York Senior League Div 6 game between Cawood and the East Yorkshire based Londesborough Park II. The hosts were batting and when I left were struggling at 26 for 5. A Londesborough Park source, i.e. third man, told me that they had won all their previous games this season but this was in spite of poor batting. Their bowlers were certainly doing the business here.
Leaving Cawood I went back to York to see Dringhouses II aginst Pocklington II. Dringhouses' ground is close to York Racecourse and on one side is bordered by the East Coast mainline about a mile out of York station. Not a ground on which I would wish to play or watch. As I left, Pocklington lost their first wicket with the score at 91.
One more call in York took me to Acomb, another second team fixture with opponents Woodhouse Grange II in the fourth division of the York League. Some sharp turns required to find this pleasant oasis in a built up area and the play demonstrated a step up in quality from Div 6.
Time to get nearer home and 4:30 saw me at Ouseburn CC where the second eleven were taking on Rainton. Nice timing, for Ouseburn were just finishing their innings, posting a score of over 200 and I enjoyed the shelter of the pavilion from the cold wind that had blown on all the grounds I had visited. A cup of tea and a piece of chocolate cake and some good conversation with Ouseburn's regular supporters rounded off an interesting afternoon.
Following a tip from Brian Sanderson I today made my way to Escrick Park, a few miles south of York, for a noon start in the match between The Yorkshire Gentlemen and Dragons CC. Pitching up about ten minutes after the scheduled start I was surprised to find there was no play. On enquiry this was because some of the home team had not arrived. I was, however, made to feel very welcome with coffee and biscuits and given a copy of the YGCC fixture card, The delay gave me the opportunity to look at the extensive display of team photographs that line the pavilion walls, dating back to 1908. The Gentlemen will celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2013 and it gives some idea of the club's origins to say that for the first 100 years of their existence all their presidents were either lords or knights. The rot set in in 1970 when they appointed an esquire and that has been the case since that time.
Play did get under way about 12:30 with The Dragons ( who are London based) struggling against the YG attack. It was something of a surprise when after about 20 minutes three fielders who unbeknown to me had been subs were replaced by the genuine article. Given the distance The Dragons had travelled and the fixture list of 'The Gents' the quality of the cricket was rather disappointing but the fixture list includes The Free Foresters and other well known nomadic sides and I will certainly visit this lovely ground again.
From Escrick I made the short journey to Cawood for a York Senior League Div 6 game between Cawood and the East Yorkshire based Londesborough Park II. The hosts were batting and when I left were struggling at 26 for 5. A Londesborough Park source, i.e. third man, told me that they had won all their previous games this season but this was in spite of poor batting. Their bowlers were certainly doing the business here.
Leaving Cawood I went back to York to see Dringhouses II aginst Pocklington II. Dringhouses' ground is close to York Racecourse and on one side is bordered by the East Coast mainline about a mile out of York station. Not a ground on which I would wish to play or watch. As I left, Pocklington lost their first wicket with the score at 91.
One more call in York took me to Acomb, another second team fixture with opponents Woodhouse Grange II in the fourth division of the York League. Some sharp turns required to find this pleasant oasis in a built up area and the play demonstrated a step up in quality from Div 6.
Time to get nearer home and 4:30 saw me at Ouseburn CC where the second eleven were taking on Rainton. Nice timing, for Ouseburn were just finishing their innings, posting a score of over 200 and I enjoyed the shelter of the pavilion from the cold wind that had blown on all the grounds I had visited. A cup of tea and a piece of chocolate cake and some good conversation with Ouseburn's regular supporters rounded off an interesting afternoon.
PLANS CHANGED
By Brian Sanderson,
The plan this morning was to go to Headingley till lunch time and the move into the Leagues.When lunch time came the match still could in in three ways.Yorkshire struggled to get to 165 for 8 leaving Hampshire 289 to win in 59 overs.
At this stage I thought it was a fair declaration with our four international bowlers.
There was threat of rain and it did rain for about 10 minutes in the afternoon and then no more rain arrived. It was still freezing in the cold wind which blow across the pitch.Yorkshire started well and at tea Hampshire were 38 for 5 with 36 over still to bowl. Bresnan was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 7-3-7-3.
I was hopeful that Yorkshirev could win and was pleased I had stopped at Headingley.
Cork got to his 10,000 runs in his first-class career.My thoughts went to Phil Carrick of Yorkshire who finished his career on 9999 runs.When the final hour came Hampshire were 153 for 8. Bresnan had gone off the field.On the Yorkshire web-site it said he had a injury.
Also on the web-site it said there was unjustified jeers at Shahzad bowling. I thought this was a harsh comment as people expected a Test bowler to be able to bowl straight and this not happen. Another worry was why Sidebottom was not used in the last hour.Yorkshire could not obtain any wickets and the match was drawn.
A exciting ending to a four day match but a pity about the weather.
The plan this morning was to go to Headingley till lunch time and the move into the Leagues.When lunch time came the match still could in in three ways.Yorkshire struggled to get to 165 for 8 leaving Hampshire 289 to win in 59 overs.
At this stage I thought it was a fair declaration with our four international bowlers.
There was threat of rain and it did rain for about 10 minutes in the afternoon and then no more rain arrived. It was still freezing in the cold wind which blow across the pitch.Yorkshire started well and at tea Hampshire were 38 for 5 with 36 over still to bowl. Bresnan was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 7-3-7-3.
I was hopeful that Yorkshirev could win and was pleased I had stopped at Headingley.
Cork got to his 10,000 runs in his first-class career.My thoughts went to Phil Carrick of Yorkshire who finished his career on 9999 runs.When the final hour came Hampshire were 153 for 8. Bresnan had gone off the field.On the Yorkshire web-site it said he had a injury.
Also on the web-site it said there was unjustified jeers at Shahzad bowling. I thought this was a harsh comment as people expected a Test bowler to be able to bowl straight and this not happen. Another worry was why Sidebottom was not used in the last hour.Yorkshire could not obtain any wickets and the match was drawn.
A exciting ending to a four day match but a pity about the weather.
WET FRIDAY AFTERNOON
By Brian Sanderson,
Hoping for a better day at Headingley.The weather was fine but a cold wind.Sitting in the Trueman Stand we watched Hampshire bowled out for 232 before lunch.Shahzad taking his fifth wicket.
After lunch Yorkshire soon lost the wickets of Sayers and Lyth.The weather was coming darker with a threat of rain.Root was caught by the wicket-keeper of Cork and the next ball the umpires took the players of for bad light.It then started raining heavily.
I retreated to the Long Room. There I met Martin Howe who wrote a book on Rockley Wilson.He had come up to-day to give a scrapbook of Frank Smailes.Frank played for Yorkshire in the 1930,s and 1940,s having played in one Test Match.
Yorkshire are 62 for3 with a lead of 185.Prospect of rain so looks like a draw.
Hoping for a better day at Headingley.The weather was fine but a cold wind.Sitting in the Trueman Stand we watched Hampshire bowled out for 232 before lunch.Shahzad taking his fifth wicket.
After lunch Yorkshire soon lost the wickets of Sayers and Lyth.The weather was coming darker with a threat of rain.Root was caught by the wicket-keeper of Cork and the next ball the umpires took the players of for bad light.It then started raining heavily.
I retreated to the Long Room. There I met Martin Howe who wrote a book on Rockley Wilson.He had come up to-day to give a scrapbook of Frank Smailes.Frank played for Yorkshire in the 1930,s and 1940,s having played in one Test Match.
Yorkshire are 62 for3 with a lead of 185.Prospect of rain so looks like a draw.
Friday 13 May 2011
Some enchanted evening
Posted by John Winn
If you wanted to try and demonstrate to a sceptic what is so special about cricket then it might not have been a bad idea to take them to Newburgh Priory on Wednesday evening. The weather was perfect, the setting likewise, with a Jacobean house as the backdrop surrounded by trees in their best early summer colours and ,oh yes, a lake just beyond the boundary. The match was a Pilmoor Evening League Division One fixture between Newburgh and Sheriff Hutton Bridge. The cricket was a little rustic with several lusty blows and a comical run out as SHB made good progress. Having made a fruitless journey last year it was a delight to see cricket played there on such a perfect evening. If you can spare the time ( and petrol), the next home game is against local rivals Crayke on May 25th.
From Newburgh I made the relatively short journey to Sheriff Hutton, not to be confused with Sheriff Hutton Bridge, where 'the castlemen' were entertaining Raskelf. Sheriff Hutton get their nickname from the proximity of their ground to the ruined fourteenth century castle. On arrival the home side were just beginning their response to Raskelf's total of 113. After a slow start the pace quickened and although I left before the end I would be surprised if they did not reach their target. The ground is particularly well appointed, having been voted second best ground in the York League in 2009. On a noticeboard outside the pavilion there were detailed accounts of the club's matches so far this season with league tables attached. A nice touch and evidence that somebody really cares.
On Thursday I was at Headingley early before the gates opened. Of course I was looking forward to the cricket but the early attraction was the YCCSA breakfast in the Legends' bar in the old pavilion. The morning's cricket was mainly notable for what did not happen. Bresnan did not get his century, Shahzad did not get his fifty, Yorkshire did not get the fourth batting point and Hampshire did not get a third bowling point. This series of events that did not happen did not stir the blood on a cold windy morning with several interruptions for short showers. All this engendered a degree of negativity among the members who began to doubt the wisdom of Yorkshire bothering to bat at all. 'Declare and get them in' became the mantra but Yorkshire continued after lunch, taken slightly early because of rain, until they were out for 355. The bright spot being another useful contribution from Sidebottom.
When Hampshire batted things got no better, it continued cold, windy and showery, with little of interest in the middle.During one of the interruptions I enjoyed a good chat with fellow blogger Brian Sanderson who was considering whether to take in some Evening League cricket in Leeds. For me the alternative of a concert in the town hall given by The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain seemed a better bet and the rapturous full house audience would take some persuading that I was wrong. One of Brian's friends predicted that Yorkshire would get three more wickets before the close, nearly right, they got four.
If you wanted to try and demonstrate to a sceptic what is so special about cricket then it might not have been a bad idea to take them to Newburgh Priory on Wednesday evening. The weather was perfect, the setting likewise, with a Jacobean house as the backdrop surrounded by trees in their best early summer colours and ,oh yes, a lake just beyond the boundary. The match was a Pilmoor Evening League Division One fixture between Newburgh and Sheriff Hutton Bridge. The cricket was a little rustic with several lusty blows and a comical run out as SHB made good progress. Having made a fruitless journey last year it was a delight to see cricket played there on such a perfect evening. If you can spare the time ( and petrol), the next home game is against local rivals Crayke on May 25th.
From Newburgh I made the relatively short journey to Sheriff Hutton, not to be confused with Sheriff Hutton Bridge, where 'the castlemen' were entertaining Raskelf. Sheriff Hutton get their nickname from the proximity of their ground to the ruined fourteenth century castle. On arrival the home side were just beginning their response to Raskelf's total of 113. After a slow start the pace quickened and although I left before the end I would be surprised if they did not reach their target. The ground is particularly well appointed, having been voted second best ground in the York League in 2009. On a noticeboard outside the pavilion there were detailed accounts of the club's matches so far this season with league tables attached. A nice touch and evidence that somebody really cares.
On Thursday I was at Headingley early before the gates opened. Of course I was looking forward to the cricket but the early attraction was the YCCSA breakfast in the Legends' bar in the old pavilion. The morning's cricket was mainly notable for what did not happen. Bresnan did not get his century, Shahzad did not get his fifty, Yorkshire did not get the fourth batting point and Hampshire did not get a third bowling point. This series of events that did not happen did not stir the blood on a cold windy morning with several interruptions for short showers. All this engendered a degree of negativity among the members who began to doubt the wisdom of Yorkshire bothering to bat at all. 'Declare and get them in' became the mantra but Yorkshire continued after lunch, taken slightly early because of rain, until they were out for 355. The bright spot being another useful contribution from Sidebottom.
When Hampshire batted things got no better, it continued cold, windy and showery, with little of interest in the middle.During one of the interruptions I enjoyed a good chat with fellow blogger Brian Sanderson who was considering whether to take in some Evening League cricket in Leeds. For me the alternative of a concert in the town hall given by The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain seemed a better bet and the rapturous full house audience would take some persuading that I was wrong. One of Brian's friends predicted that Yorkshire would get three more wickets before the close, nearly right, they got four.
Wednesday 11 May 2011
Kuwait on the up..
Posted by John Winn
Where would we be without Cricinfo? Where else could one get details of the ICC World Cricket League Division Seven Tournament held last week in Botswana? The competing nations were the host nation plus Germany, Japan, Norway, Nigeria and Kuwait.The fifty over competition was won by Kuwait who beat Nigeria by 72 runs in the final.
What I found of particular interest was the composition of the teams. The German team, judged by the surnames of players was entirely of Asian origin, as was Norway but Japan,again using the surname test was more than 50% Japanese. The other three teams seemed to have relied on their indigenous population.
Forty Eight teams are ranked globally by ICC with Ireland leading the non-test playing nations. The six teams who competed in Botswana last week are ranked from 37 to 42. Below this there is a whole host of nations who are ranked regionally. For example there are a further twenty European nations headed by France.
Kuwait are clearly a team on the up, having won the Division 8 tournament last year they will now compete in the Division Six tournament to be held in Malaysia in September, a nice way for the professional cricket watcher to prolong the season?
Where would we be without Cricinfo? Where else could one get details of the ICC World Cricket League Division Seven Tournament held last week in Botswana? The competing nations were the host nation plus Germany, Japan, Norway, Nigeria and Kuwait.The fifty over competition was won by Kuwait who beat Nigeria by 72 runs in the final.
What I found of particular interest was the composition of the teams. The German team, judged by the surnames of players was entirely of Asian origin, as was Norway but Japan,again using the surname test was more than 50% Japanese. The other three teams seemed to have relied on their indigenous population.
Forty Eight teams are ranked globally by ICC with Ireland leading the non-test playing nations. The six teams who competed in Botswana last week are ranked from 37 to 42. Below this there is a whole host of nations who are ranked regionally. For example there are a further twenty European nations headed by France.
Kuwait are clearly a team on the up, having won the Division 8 tournament last year they will now compete in the Division Six tournament to be held in Malaysia in September, a nice way for the professional cricket watcher to prolong the season?
Tuesday 10 May 2011
A good toss to lose
Posted by John Winn
I arrived at The Riverside at 11:10 this morning with mixed feelings; a bit annoyed to be late, surprised to find Durham had won the toss and offered Somerset's strong batting line up first use of a wicket on which the average first innings score in the previous two games this season has been over 350, but pleased to see the board showing 8 for 1 with Suppiah out for nought. That was as good as it was going to get for the Durham supporters for the second wicket partnership between Trescothick and Compton added 249 until shortly before tea Borthwick had the Somerset captain caught for 144, 98 of which had come in boundaries. The crowd was very generous in its applause for a magnificent innings. Trescothick was particularly severe on Brathwaite who had made his debut for Durham in the corresponding match last season when Durham's obdurate batting on the last day did much to deprive Somerset of their first championship.Brathwaite has made a promising start to this season but today must have served as a reality check, he went for almost eighty runs off his seventeen overs and wicketless.
If Durham thought that Trescothick's dismissal could somehow provide an opportunity for the home side to make Mustard's decision to put Somerset in look a master stroke then they were to be disappointed, for the post tea session yielded 124 runs and Compton remains to bat on tomorrow on 149 not out out of a total of 383 for 4.
Other commitments, including a day at Headingley, will prevent me seeing any more of this game but it is hard to see Durham salvaging any more than a draw.After a disappointing start to the season Somerset are beginning to justify their position as pre-season favourites,and they were without Kieswetter today who has been in excellent form.
I arrived at The Riverside at 11:10 this morning with mixed feelings; a bit annoyed to be late, surprised to find Durham had won the toss and offered Somerset's strong batting line up first use of a wicket on which the average first innings score in the previous two games this season has been over 350, but pleased to see the board showing 8 for 1 with Suppiah out for nought. That was as good as it was going to get for the Durham supporters for the second wicket partnership between Trescothick and Compton added 249 until shortly before tea Borthwick had the Somerset captain caught for 144, 98 of which had come in boundaries. The crowd was very generous in its applause for a magnificent innings. Trescothick was particularly severe on Brathwaite who had made his debut for Durham in the corresponding match last season when Durham's obdurate batting on the last day did much to deprive Somerset of their first championship.Brathwaite has made a promising start to this season but today must have served as a reality check, he went for almost eighty runs off his seventeen overs and wicketless.
If Durham thought that Trescothick's dismissal could somehow provide an opportunity for the home side to make Mustard's decision to put Somerset in look a master stroke then they were to be disappointed, for the post tea session yielded 124 runs and Compton remains to bat on tomorrow on 149 not out out of a total of 383 for 4.
Other commitments, including a day at Headingley, will prevent me seeing any more of this game but it is hard to see Durham salvaging any more than a draw.After a disappointing start to the season Somerset are beginning to justify their position as pre-season favourites,and they were without Kieswetter today who has been in excellent form.
SPINNERS WICKET AT WEETWOOD
By Brian Sanderson,
After a cricket free day I set off to Weetwood. The match was between Leeds and Bradford University and Durham Second X1. There was a strong cold wind blowing again and decided to watch the match from the side of the pavilion.
The forum was made up of Tony Hutton. Ron Stansfield and Malcolm.Durham were batting first with Coetzer and Raine. They started well with a opening stand of 37.Then Painter ,the medium bowler, took three wickets.Then Craddock came on with his leg-spin taking 6 wickets.
It rain for about 5 minutes when Durham were nine wickets down however when they return Claydon was soon out. Durham had scored 117.During the innings David Thorpe brought some press photographs of Dai Jenkins.Includig some off Leeds against Bradford Final in 1948.Brian Senior went to listen to a organ recital at about noon in the centre of Leeds.
Durham opening attack of Claydon and Rushworth soon got a quick wicket. However the spinners of Durham including Wood,Shahzad and Pringle soon took more wickets.However the sixth wicket partnership of Leach and Wilson took the University to victory.
The numbers of overs bowled was 28 and the match finished at 4 p.m.A short day.
Hope it is warmer to-morrow.
After a cricket free day I set off to Weetwood. The match was between Leeds and Bradford University and Durham Second X1. There was a strong cold wind blowing again and decided to watch the match from the side of the pavilion.
The forum was made up of Tony Hutton. Ron Stansfield and Malcolm.Durham were batting first with Coetzer and Raine. They started well with a opening stand of 37.Then Painter ,the medium bowler, took three wickets.Then Craddock came on with his leg-spin taking 6 wickets.
It rain for about 5 minutes when Durham were nine wickets down however when they return Claydon was soon out. Durham had scored 117.During the innings David Thorpe brought some press photographs of Dai Jenkins.Includig some off Leeds against Bradford Final in 1948.Brian Senior went to listen to a organ recital at about noon in the centre of Leeds.
Durham opening attack of Claydon and Rushworth soon got a quick wicket. However the spinners of Durham including Wood,Shahzad and Pringle soon took more wickets.However the sixth wicket partnership of Leach and Wilson took the University to victory.
The numbers of overs bowled was 28 and the match finished at 4 p.m.A short day.
Hope it is warmer to-morrow.
Monday 9 May 2011
Nostalgia sets in again
Posted by Tony Hutton
Although football is very low on my list of priorities these days, I still have lots of football memories from the dim and distant past when men were men and not constant whingers and moaners.
I can well understand John Winn's pride in Darlington's great Wembley victory, which I had already read about in this morning's Northern Echo, bought really for it's excellent league cricket coverage.
It reminded me of another great day I attended at Wembley in 1975 to be precise, when Matlock Town, where I was living at the time, also reached the F.A. Trophy final and beat the favourites, Scarborough 4-0. A marvellous day for almost the entire population of the town.
However back to the cricket and Johnny Bairstow's maiden century took me back to 1976
when I was fortunate enough to be present at Acklam Park, Middlesborough when David Bairstow scored his maiden century for Yorkshire.
It was a remarkable high-scoring game in the days of three day championship cricket, when the first innings was limited to 100 overs per side. Glamorgan had batted first and scored 349-7 with captain Alan Jones making 132. That was on the Saturday and on Sunday the teams decamped to Headingley for a John Player league game which Yorkshire won by five wickets.
I went to Middlesborough for the second days's play on Monday and Bairstow, batting unusually high in the order at number four, had been joined by night watchman Geoff Cope when Yorkshire slumped to 60-3. The two of them put on an unlikely partnership of 164, Cope making only 57 (so very similar to Bairstow junior and Sidebottom last week). Bairstow made 106 and Yorkshire just took a first innings lead with 352-8 declared.
That was excitement enough, but on Tuesday, when I was back at work, after Jones made his second hundred of the match, 156 not out in fact, Glamorgan declared on 320-3 setting Yorkshire the seemingly impossible target of 318 in three and a quarter hours. This time it was captain Boycott who was the hero.
Boycott played one of his best ever innings for the county, scoring 156 not out.
He scored his last 99 runs off only 81 balls and timed his effort to perfection with Yorkshire winning with just ten balls to spare. Wisden made the following acerbic comment - 'Glamorgan paid the price for some fielding that fell well below the expected standards.'
Amazing how these memories of so long ago can be triggered by today's events.
Although football is very low on my list of priorities these days, I still have lots of football memories from the dim and distant past when men were men and not constant whingers and moaners.
I can well understand John Winn's pride in Darlington's great Wembley victory, which I had already read about in this morning's Northern Echo, bought really for it's excellent league cricket coverage.
It reminded me of another great day I attended at Wembley in 1975 to be precise, when Matlock Town, where I was living at the time, also reached the F.A. Trophy final and beat the favourites, Scarborough 4-0. A marvellous day for almost the entire population of the town.
However back to the cricket and Johnny Bairstow's maiden century took me back to 1976
when I was fortunate enough to be present at Acklam Park, Middlesborough when David Bairstow scored his maiden century for Yorkshire.
It was a remarkable high-scoring game in the days of three day championship cricket, when the first innings was limited to 100 overs per side. Glamorgan had batted first and scored 349-7 with captain Alan Jones making 132. That was on the Saturday and on Sunday the teams decamped to Headingley for a John Player league game which Yorkshire won by five wickets.
I went to Middlesborough for the second days's play on Monday and Bairstow, batting unusually high in the order at number four, had been joined by night watchman Geoff Cope when Yorkshire slumped to 60-3. The two of them put on an unlikely partnership of 164, Cope making only 57 (so very similar to Bairstow junior and Sidebottom last week). Bairstow made 106 and Yorkshire just took a first innings lead with 352-8 declared.
That was excitement enough, but on Tuesday, when I was back at work, after Jones made his second hundred of the match, 156 not out in fact, Glamorgan declared on 320-3 setting Yorkshire the seemingly impossible target of 318 in three and a quarter hours. This time it was captain Boycott who was the hero.
Boycott played one of his best ever innings for the county, scoring 156 not out.
He scored his last 99 runs off only 81 balls and timed his effort to perfection with Yorkshire winning with just ten balls to spare. Wisden made the following acerbic comment - 'Glamorgan paid the price for some fielding that fell well below the expected standards.'
Amazing how these memories of so long ago can be triggered by today's events.
Sunday 8 May 2011
Championship Round-Up
Posted by John Winn
In both divisions of the County Championship all teams have now played a quarter of their fixtures. With a maximum of twenty four points available for a win things can change quickly. In Division One for example the gap between top and bottom is already 53 points and in Division Two 47 points. Surrey have shown the boost a victory can give by rising from bottom to fourth this week in Division Two and in Division One Warwickshire's two successive defeats have seen them slip from top to fifth.
Yet only four teams are undefeated and only two teams are without a win, so no need for anybody to get too depressed except perhaps at Worcester where the promoted side have lost all four games. The almost constant sunshine has meant a low percentage of games ending in draws and with the bonus of some close finishes.
Do the tables reveal any surprises? Writing from the east side of The Pennines one might be tempted to say Lancashire's position at the top of Division One falls somewhere between a mistake and a fluke but their financial situation has forced them to rely more on home grown products and young players like Brown, Proctor and Kerrigan have taken their opportunity readily. At the bottom of the top division Hampshire will be disappointed to be only three points better off than Worcestershire.
In Division Two it is gratifying to see Gloucestershire in third place and despite having lost nearly all last season's attack they have taken maximum bowling points.
What of Yorkshire? If the glass is half empty then one could point to their only victory being over Worcestershire and the debacle against Notts at Headingley. But the shock of that result has been considerably softened by last week's performance at Trent Bridge, in particular by Bairstow's wonderful innings and the encouraging start made by Joe Root.This week the underperforming Hampshire come to Headingley, not exactly a must win but who would not draw delight from beating a team led by Dominic Cork?
No cricket watching for me this last weekend. Devotees of these postings may just have noticed a couple of earlier references to a football match that took place at Wembley on Saturday. What you may not be aware of is the result given that in most national papers on Sunday it merited something close to Twitter's 140 character limit. Darlington, whose promotion prospects were scuppered by their failure to realise that goals scored by the opposition in stoppage time actually count against you, beat Mansfield 1-0 with a goal in the last minute of extra time and to take it even further into the realms of fantasy it came from header scored by the smallest man on the field. Joy was unconfined. I will be at Headingley on Thursday, recognisable by a wide grin.
In both divisions of the County Championship all teams have now played a quarter of their fixtures. With a maximum of twenty four points available for a win things can change quickly. In Division One for example the gap between top and bottom is already 53 points and in Division Two 47 points. Surrey have shown the boost a victory can give by rising from bottom to fourth this week in Division Two and in Division One Warwickshire's two successive defeats have seen them slip from top to fifth.
Yet only four teams are undefeated and only two teams are without a win, so no need for anybody to get too depressed except perhaps at Worcester where the promoted side have lost all four games. The almost constant sunshine has meant a low percentage of games ending in draws and with the bonus of some close finishes.
Do the tables reveal any surprises? Writing from the east side of The Pennines one might be tempted to say Lancashire's position at the top of Division One falls somewhere between a mistake and a fluke but their financial situation has forced them to rely more on home grown products and young players like Brown, Proctor and Kerrigan have taken their opportunity readily. At the bottom of the top division Hampshire will be disappointed to be only three points better off than Worcestershire.
In Division Two it is gratifying to see Gloucestershire in third place and despite having lost nearly all last season's attack they have taken maximum bowling points.
What of Yorkshire? If the glass is half empty then one could point to their only victory being over Worcestershire and the debacle against Notts at Headingley. But the shock of that result has been considerably softened by last week's performance at Trent Bridge, in particular by Bairstow's wonderful innings and the encouraging start made by Joe Root.This week the underperforming Hampshire come to Headingley, not exactly a must win but who would not draw delight from beating a team led by Dominic Cork?
No cricket watching for me this last weekend. Devotees of these postings may just have noticed a couple of earlier references to a football match that took place at Wembley on Saturday. What you may not be aware of is the result given that in most national papers on Sunday it merited something close to Twitter's 140 character limit. Darlington, whose promotion prospects were scuppered by their failure to realise that goals scored by the opposition in stoppage time actually count against you, beat Mansfield 1-0 with a goal in the last minute of extra time and to take it even further into the realms of fantasy it came from header scored by the smallest man on the field. Joy was unconfined. I will be at Headingley on Thursday, recognisable by a wide grin.
THREE BRIANS KEEP OUT OF THE WIND
By Brian Sanderson,
On Sunday morning decided to chance the rain and visit Golcar. This is the club of David Thorpe and were playing Delph and Dobcross in the second round of The Heavy Woollen Cup.
David was sitting on the wall in his usual place at mid-wicket. Golcar had played this team yesterday and lost easily.Golcar batted first and opened with Whitwam and Baxter who put on 117 for the first wicket. Whitwam batted very well until he was out caught and bowled.I moved out of the strong wind to sit near the scorebox. The first person I met was Brian Clough who is a long standing supporter of Bowling Old Lane nd started talking cricket. A young girl was hit on the head by the cricket ball. I wish people would watch the ball.With the help of a box of ice she seemed to get over the shock.
As the match was getting to tea Brian Senior arrived to get his excellent tea including crumble.I went out to the pitch to help David prepare the damage in the first half. Golcar had scored 209 in the fifty overs. They seem to lose there way in the second half.
When Delph started they batting very slowly scoring 75 for 1 in 26 overs.It was not exciting cricket. Lilley came in to increase the run rate and scored a quick 23. The experenced Khijee scored 50 in 96 runs.Delph went on to win the match with a over to spare.
I found out the result when looking at the tweeter report on the computor.There was no result on the Bradford web-site of this match.
On Sunday morning decided to chance the rain and visit Golcar. This is the club of David Thorpe and were playing Delph and Dobcross in the second round of The Heavy Woollen Cup.
David was sitting on the wall in his usual place at mid-wicket. Golcar had played this team yesterday and lost easily.Golcar batted first and opened with Whitwam and Baxter who put on 117 for the first wicket. Whitwam batted very well until he was out caught and bowled.I moved out of the strong wind to sit near the scorebox. The first person I met was Brian Clough who is a long standing supporter of Bowling Old Lane nd started talking cricket. A young girl was hit on the head by the cricket ball. I wish people would watch the ball.With the help of a box of ice she seemed to get over the shock.
As the match was getting to tea Brian Senior arrived to get his excellent tea including crumble.I went out to the pitch to help David prepare the damage in the first half. Golcar had scored 209 in the fifty overs. They seem to lose there way in the second half.
When Delph started they batting very slowly scoring 75 for 1 in 26 overs.It was not exciting cricket. Lilley came in to increase the run rate and scored a quick 23. The experenced Khijee scored 50 in 96 runs.Delph went on to win the match with a over to spare.
I found out the result when looking at the tweeter report on the computor.There was no result on the Bradford web-site of this match.
HOW TO UPSET A YORKSHIRE COACH
By Brian Sanderson,
First I would like to congratulate Jonathen Bairstow on scoring his maiden century and going on to score over 200. The last person to do this feat was Major Booth in 1911 when he scored 210 against Worcester.
On Friday I decided to go to the third day of the Yorkshire Seconds against Nottingham Seconds at Barnsley.Notts had scored 481 with Patel and Wessels scoring centuries.Yorkshire had been bowled out on Thursday for 184 and were one wicket down when we arrived.
Tony Hutton and David Thorpe had just arrived before us.Geldart scored his maiden century.The only other two batsmen to score any runs was Lees and Hargreaves.The seconds are still looking for a new batting star.
especially in middle order.
On Thursday evening Moxon had upset the Umpires when he complained it was to dark to bat.During Friday afternoon Oldham was getting more upset as the afternoon went on.It seemed he was upset with Robson ,one of the Nottingham players, walking over the pitch between overs.He even went out at tea time to look at the damage. The two umpires were G.Lloyd and D.Koch.
Yorkshire were bowled out for 352 leaving Nottingham to score 56 in 8 overs to win the match.I t got increasing warmer as the day went on.
First I would like to congratulate Jonathen Bairstow on scoring his maiden century and going on to score over 200. The last person to do this feat was Major Booth in 1911 when he scored 210 against Worcester.
On Friday I decided to go to the third day of the Yorkshire Seconds against Nottingham Seconds at Barnsley.Notts had scored 481 with Patel and Wessels scoring centuries.Yorkshire had been bowled out on Thursday for 184 and were one wicket down when we arrived.
Tony Hutton and David Thorpe had just arrived before us.Geldart scored his maiden century.The only other two batsmen to score any runs was Lees and Hargreaves.The seconds are still looking for a new batting star.
especially in middle order.
On Thursday evening Moxon had upset the Umpires when he complained it was to dark to bat.During Friday afternoon Oldham was getting more upset as the afternoon went on.It seemed he was upset with Robson ,one of the Nottingham players, walking over the pitch between overs.He even went out at tea time to look at the damage. The two umpires were G.Lloyd and D.Koch.
Yorkshire were bowled out for 352 leaving Nottingham to score 56 in 8 overs to win the match.I t got increasing warmer as the day went on.
Saturday 7 May 2011
Yorkshire batsmen in control at last
Posted by Tony Hutton
Wednesday 4th May - Notts v Yorkshire (Trent Bridge)
Day one of this Championship match saw Yorkshire win the toss and decide to bat first.
With a very short boundary on one side, due we were told to preparations of the test match wicket, Yorkshire were able to take full advantage. Lyth and Sayers put on an unbroken century partnership before lunch, with their individual scores keeping pace with each other for once. However both were out for well made fifties soon after the interval.
Root and Gale joined forces to repair the damage and did so very positively with a century partnership,until Gale was out for 32. Jonathon Bairstow joined Root and the two youngsters batted solidly for the rest of the day, not taking chances and really never looking in trouble against a Notts bowling attack looking below par. We learned later that three of their bowlers started the game with injuries and they were already missing Charlie Shreck who bowled so well at Headingley recently.
After tea I decided to call in at Derby on the way home, where the home side were entertaining Leeds/Bradford University. It is normally an expensive business going to Derby, with an admission charge of £15, and no concessions,together with another £5 to park your car. However today for the University game it was free admission !
Interesting to see the new lay out of the ground, with the wickets having been turned round, as is being done at Old Trafford. Also a new stand and hospitality tent and a general air of improvement all round. I saw the end of the Derbyshire innings for 305. Dan Redfern making a good 82 and Khawaja, the Australian test player 58. Best bowler for the university was acting captain Joe Leach with 5-50.
Thursday 5th May
Back to Trent Bridge this morning, together with my wife for her favourite tour de shops. Joe Root was not out 89 overnight and all the Yorkshire supporters present were willing him to get his maiden century. Unfortunately it was not to be as on 95 he edged a ball to the wicket keeper. However his time will come very soon I would think.
Bairstow meanwhile looked the picture of composure despite a sudden clatter of wickers as the ball began to swing in the heavy, overcast conditions. Brophy went for 0, Rashid for 4 and Pyrah for 9 in quick succession, before Shahzad began to give Bairstow some support. At one stage it looked as though Bairstow might not get his much wanted first century until after lunch, but with perfect timing just before the interval he hit Patel for two fours to go to 99 and then hit a single off the next ball to go to a well deserved hundred.
The sun came out in the afternoon, to mirror the very hot conditions of the previous day and Yorkshire went from strength to strength. Shahzad had gone for 18 with the score 383-8, but Ryan Sidebottom, with his new found batting confidence dropped anchor and for the next hour or so just played forward defensively with a very straight bat while Bairstow got on with the scoring.
There was a quiet period during mid afternoon, when the batsmen seemed uncertain as to whether a declaration was coming. Then Bairstow hit Patel for two sixes to the short leg side boundary and momentum was regained. Sidebottom also started to play shots, although he was unable to give Bairstow the strike as he approached his double hundred just before tea. In the last over before the interval with Bairstow on 199, Sdebottom hit two fours but could not manage a single to give his parter the strike.
After tea Bairstow did the job with another six - a marvellous double century to silence his critics who felt he could not go on to play a big innings. He was out immediately and Yorkshire declared on 534-9. with Sidebottom, who yet again played such a valuable part, on 45 not out.
Time again to leave with a view to calling in at Barnsley on the way home, as text messages from David Thorpe had alerted me to a Yorkshire collapse this morning to 26-6 chasing Notts seconds score of 481. As I was hoping to spend the day there on Friday, I needed to know whether it was going to be worth the effort.
On arrival the sky was overcast and dark, but Yorkshire had improved their first innings score to 184 and were following on, but making a good job of it with Geldart and Lees doing well. Soon after our arrival the drizzle started - our first rain for a very long time - and the players came off. At least we should get a good day's play tomorrow.
Wednesday 4th May - Notts v Yorkshire (Trent Bridge)
Day one of this Championship match saw Yorkshire win the toss and decide to bat first.
With a very short boundary on one side, due we were told to preparations of the test match wicket, Yorkshire were able to take full advantage. Lyth and Sayers put on an unbroken century partnership before lunch, with their individual scores keeping pace with each other for once. However both were out for well made fifties soon after the interval.
Root and Gale joined forces to repair the damage and did so very positively with a century partnership,until Gale was out for 32. Jonathon Bairstow joined Root and the two youngsters batted solidly for the rest of the day, not taking chances and really never looking in trouble against a Notts bowling attack looking below par. We learned later that three of their bowlers started the game with injuries and they were already missing Charlie Shreck who bowled so well at Headingley recently.
After tea I decided to call in at Derby on the way home, where the home side were entertaining Leeds/Bradford University. It is normally an expensive business going to Derby, with an admission charge of £15, and no concessions,together with another £5 to park your car. However today for the University game it was free admission !
Interesting to see the new lay out of the ground, with the wickets having been turned round, as is being done at Old Trafford. Also a new stand and hospitality tent and a general air of improvement all round. I saw the end of the Derbyshire innings for 305. Dan Redfern making a good 82 and Khawaja, the Australian test player 58. Best bowler for the university was acting captain Joe Leach with 5-50.
Thursday 5th May
Back to Trent Bridge this morning, together with my wife for her favourite tour de shops. Joe Root was not out 89 overnight and all the Yorkshire supporters present were willing him to get his maiden century. Unfortunately it was not to be as on 95 he edged a ball to the wicket keeper. However his time will come very soon I would think.
Bairstow meanwhile looked the picture of composure despite a sudden clatter of wickers as the ball began to swing in the heavy, overcast conditions. Brophy went for 0, Rashid for 4 and Pyrah for 9 in quick succession, before Shahzad began to give Bairstow some support. At one stage it looked as though Bairstow might not get his much wanted first century until after lunch, but with perfect timing just before the interval he hit Patel for two fours to go to 99 and then hit a single off the next ball to go to a well deserved hundred.
The sun came out in the afternoon, to mirror the very hot conditions of the previous day and Yorkshire went from strength to strength. Shahzad had gone for 18 with the score 383-8, but Ryan Sidebottom, with his new found batting confidence dropped anchor and for the next hour or so just played forward defensively with a very straight bat while Bairstow got on with the scoring.
There was a quiet period during mid afternoon, when the batsmen seemed uncertain as to whether a declaration was coming. Then Bairstow hit Patel for two sixes to the short leg side boundary and momentum was regained. Sidebottom also started to play shots, although he was unable to give Bairstow the strike as he approached his double hundred just before tea. In the last over before the interval with Bairstow on 199, Sdebottom hit two fours but could not manage a single to give his parter the strike.
After tea Bairstow did the job with another six - a marvellous double century to silence his critics who felt he could not go on to play a big innings. He was out immediately and Yorkshire declared on 534-9. with Sidebottom, who yet again played such a valuable part, on 45 not out.
Time again to leave with a view to calling in at Barnsley on the way home, as text messages from David Thorpe had alerted me to a Yorkshire collapse this morning to 26-6 chasing Notts seconds score of 481. As I was hoping to spend the day there on Friday, I needed to know whether it was going to be worth the effort.
On arrival the sky was overcast and dark, but Yorkshire had improved their first innings score to 184 and were following on, but making a good job of it with Geldart and Lees doing well. Soon after our arrival the drizzle started - our first rain for a very long time - and the players came off. At least we should get a good day's play tomorrow.
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