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.