By Brian Sanderson,
There is a Australian touring side coming in August. Fixtures below.
7 August Knaresborough Forest 2P.M
8 August Thornton- Watless 4.P.M. 20/20
9 August Bilton 2.P.M.
11 August Harrogate 2 P.M.
14 August Goldsborough 11A.M
16 August Spofforth 2.P.M
17 August Stafford Bridge 2P.M.
18 August Ilkley 2 P.M.
Sunday, 31 July 2011
NO ICE CREAM
By Brian Sanderson,
This year is the last year of the Ambleforth Cricket Festival so I had to go.There were four of us including Brian Senior, David Thorpe and Graham, a friend of David.The sun was shining and was very warm.The Abbey is home of the Benedictine monks since 1802.The view of the four cricket grounds is excellent.
There are eight teams playing and split into two groups.In the first group Essex were leading and Yorkshire second.In the second group Durham were first and Cardiff second.
Yorkshire were playing Durham who scored 202 in the first innings.Essex were playing Cardiff and scored 211 in their innings.
At lunch time we went to Gilling East village which has a excellent pub and The Church of the Holy Cross.The clock in the tower was bought and placed there through the efforts of Prince Ranjitsinhji, the cricketer.He often lived in the village in 1889.He organised cricket matches at Gilling in which county cricketers played, to rise money for the clock and the repair of the tower.After lunch we went to see the cricket ground which is now in a school.
Going back to the Abbey we called into the Tea shop and David wanted a icecream however they did not sell them.He had to settle for a chocolate cake.
Going back to the cricket matches we saw Essex beat Cardiff. The coach for Essex was Keith Fletcher who still looked well.Yorkshire won their match by three wickets and overs to spare.
I would recommend people to go to the Abbey to discover the grounds.Thank you for Tony Hutton for taking me the first time.
This year is the last year of the Ambleforth Cricket Festival so I had to go.There were four of us including Brian Senior, David Thorpe and Graham, a friend of David.The sun was shining and was very warm.The Abbey is home of the Benedictine monks since 1802.The view of the four cricket grounds is excellent.
There are eight teams playing and split into two groups.In the first group Essex were leading and Yorkshire second.In the second group Durham were first and Cardiff second.
Yorkshire were playing Durham who scored 202 in the first innings.Essex were playing Cardiff and scored 211 in their innings.
At lunch time we went to Gilling East village which has a excellent pub and The Church of the Holy Cross.The clock in the tower was bought and placed there through the efforts of Prince Ranjitsinhji, the cricketer.He often lived in the village in 1889.He organised cricket matches at Gilling in which county cricketers played, to rise money for the clock and the repair of the tower.After lunch we went to see the cricket ground which is now in a school.
Going back to the Abbey we called into the Tea shop and David wanted a icecream however they did not sell them.He had to settle for a chocolate cake.
Going back to the cricket matches we saw Essex beat Cardiff. The coach for Essex was Keith Fletcher who still looked well.Yorkshire won their match by three wickets and overs to spare.
I would recommend people to go to the Abbey to discover the grounds.Thank you for Tony Hutton for taking me the first time.
In the footsteps of Nico
Posted by John Winn
Back from a few days holiday either side of the English-Welsh border I am grateful to Brian for keeping the blog going. My wife and I did over seven hundred miles as we travelled to, from and round Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and mid-Wales.Reading his postings it seems as though Brian has done almost as much.
In 'Two Men and A Blog', Tony and Peter's account of their 2009 season,Tony introduced me to the delightful books of Nico Craven, since when I have read two of them. Craven died last year and his work and life were sufficiently admired for him to merit obituaries in the national press.Despite living in Cumbria and in his later years being in poor health, Craven's cricketing year centred on his visit to The Cheltenham Festival (cricket not racing), held each July. I last saw cricket in the college grounds in 1999 when Worcestershire were the visitors and it was not entirely by chance that when the fixtures showed that this year would provide the opportunity to see one of my 'listed matches' in such splendid surroundings, a day in Cheltenham was somehow included in our holiday plans.
Thus at precisely one minute to eleven last Wednesday morning I took my seat with probably a couple of thousand others, mostly with unfamiliar accents, to see Gloucestershire take on Surrey.Cheltenham has every right to call itself a 'festival'; eleven days cricket squeezed into twelve calendar days and with various marquees occupying about 150 degrees of the circle.In addition there were plenty of food outlets and even a military band playing in the lunch interval.The former England and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper, Jack Russell had many of his paintings for sale and there was an interesting tent in which an array of second hand cricket books was on offer. Alas,and this was the only disappointment of the day, no Nico Craven among them!
The match itself came to an exciting climax yesterday with Surrey winning by two wickets and lifting themselves into a challenging positon for promotion from the second division. Two other points of interest emerged from the game yesterday. Firstly a rare instance of a batsman being given out for 'obstructing the field' in this case Mark Ramprakash, who 'had a long conversation with the umpires before trudging off'. The second event is more disappointing, namely the announcement by Jon Lewis, who made his debut for Gloucestershire in 1995 and played in his only test match in 2006, that he will be joining Surrey for the 2012 season.
To keep banging the drum for the County Championship, this last week has seen cricket played on four 'out grounds' which has produced exciting finishes and spectacular collapses. Tuesday sees the start of six more matches. I shall be at The Riverside where Durham,leaders only by the narrowest of margins, take on Notts, and Yorkshire travel to The Rosebowl for a match the significance of which is only too apparent.
Back from a few days holiday either side of the English-Welsh border I am grateful to Brian for keeping the blog going. My wife and I did over seven hundred miles as we travelled to, from and round Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and mid-Wales.Reading his postings it seems as though Brian has done almost as much.
In 'Two Men and A Blog', Tony and Peter's account of their 2009 season,Tony introduced me to the delightful books of Nico Craven, since when I have read two of them. Craven died last year and his work and life were sufficiently admired for him to merit obituaries in the national press.Despite living in Cumbria and in his later years being in poor health, Craven's cricketing year centred on his visit to The Cheltenham Festival (cricket not racing), held each July. I last saw cricket in the college grounds in 1999 when Worcestershire were the visitors and it was not entirely by chance that when the fixtures showed that this year would provide the opportunity to see one of my 'listed matches' in such splendid surroundings, a day in Cheltenham was somehow included in our holiday plans.
Thus at precisely one minute to eleven last Wednesday morning I took my seat with probably a couple of thousand others, mostly with unfamiliar accents, to see Gloucestershire take on Surrey.Cheltenham has every right to call itself a 'festival'; eleven days cricket squeezed into twelve calendar days and with various marquees occupying about 150 degrees of the circle.In addition there were plenty of food outlets and even a military band playing in the lunch interval.The former England and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper, Jack Russell had many of his paintings for sale and there was an interesting tent in which an array of second hand cricket books was on offer. Alas,and this was the only disappointment of the day, no Nico Craven among them!
The match itself came to an exciting climax yesterday with Surrey winning by two wickets and lifting themselves into a challenging positon for promotion from the second division. Two other points of interest emerged from the game yesterday. Firstly a rare instance of a batsman being given out for 'obstructing the field' in this case Mark Ramprakash, who 'had a long conversation with the umpires before trudging off'. The second event is more disappointing, namely the announcement by Jon Lewis, who made his debut for Gloucestershire in 1995 and played in his only test match in 2006, that he will be joining Surrey for the 2012 season.
To keep banging the drum for the County Championship, this last week has seen cricket played on four 'out grounds' which has produced exciting finishes and spectacular collapses. Tuesday sees the start of six more matches. I shall be at The Riverside where Durham,leaders only by the narrowest of margins, take on Notts, and Yorkshire travel to The Rosebowl for a match the significance of which is only too apparent.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
ANOTHER NEW LEAGUE
By Brian Sanderson,
Another Saturday and a trip up to Darlinton area with the two Ronnies.The first ground was Sedgefield which is situated near the Racecourse.The Seconds were playing Hartlepool Seconds in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League Divison 2.The first thing you notice is the number of different flowers in the ground.There is a new scoreboard and a new pavilion.There is a large field next to the ground which is used for parking for the horse racing.It is a large field but the wicket looked very dry.
However overall a very nice ground.
The second ground was a contrast Trimdon which is situated in a school playing field.
They were playing Catterick Village in the Darlington and District League.The view from the entrance is a view of electricity pillons stretching into the distance.
We heard that Trimdon Collery play on the same ground as their pavilion was burnt down.
Moving on to Mainforth who were playing Esh Winning in the Readers Durham County League which none of us had heard of until to-day.Yasim Martaza, spin bowler, for Esh bowled out the home side for 75.The ground was the enterence to the pit which now is closed.It has been grassed over with again numberous flowers. There is a new pavilion and the old pavilion is the bar which had numerous old photographs of the old teams.
Next ground in the same league was Tudhoe who were playing Willington.Simon Davies from the home side had scored 328 in a 45 over match this season.When we arrived they had scored 240.It was tea-time and Tudhoe were due to bowl with Shawn Findlay, from West Indies , opening the bowling.He looked quick but no wickets fell while we were there.A nice ground.
Contrast again Spennymore were playing Cliffe.We heard later that the last time a player played there a burnt out car was on the ground.The pavilion has grill all round the building and looked like a prison.Spennymore were being thrashed so we moved on.
The next ground was Gilling West were Richmondshire Fourth were playing Barton Seconds.The ground is very nice but has no running water eventhough they have a tap.The neighbour will not allow it eventhough they have offered to pay for the water.This ground is used by Richmond when the main ground is being used.Barton won the match which was a thiry-five over match eventhough the league plays foty-five. They make up their own rules in this League.
Moving a few miles down the road we saw Richmond Seconds beat Seaton Carew Seconds.
We watched the match from the club house looking across to the Church and Castle.
Very nice.
End of another Saturday seeing contrasting grounds in sunshine.Even Ron Deaton took his sweater off.
Another Saturday and a trip up to Darlinton area with the two Ronnies.The first ground was Sedgefield which is situated near the Racecourse.The Seconds were playing Hartlepool Seconds in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League Divison 2.The first thing you notice is the number of different flowers in the ground.There is a new scoreboard and a new pavilion.There is a large field next to the ground which is used for parking for the horse racing.It is a large field but the wicket looked very dry.
However overall a very nice ground.
The second ground was a contrast Trimdon which is situated in a school playing field.
They were playing Catterick Village in the Darlington and District League.The view from the entrance is a view of electricity pillons stretching into the distance.
We heard that Trimdon Collery play on the same ground as their pavilion was burnt down.
Moving on to Mainforth who were playing Esh Winning in the Readers Durham County League which none of us had heard of until to-day.Yasim Martaza, spin bowler, for Esh bowled out the home side for 75.The ground was the enterence to the pit which now is closed.It has been grassed over with again numberous flowers. There is a new pavilion and the old pavilion is the bar which had numerous old photographs of the old teams.
Next ground in the same league was Tudhoe who were playing Willington.Simon Davies from the home side had scored 328 in a 45 over match this season.When we arrived they had scored 240.It was tea-time and Tudhoe were due to bowl with Shawn Findlay, from West Indies , opening the bowling.He looked quick but no wickets fell while we were there.A nice ground.
Contrast again Spennymore were playing Cliffe.We heard later that the last time a player played there a burnt out car was on the ground.The pavilion has grill all round the building and looked like a prison.Spennymore were being thrashed so we moved on.
The next ground was Gilling West were Richmondshire Fourth were playing Barton Seconds.The ground is very nice but has no running water eventhough they have a tap.The neighbour will not allow it eventhough they have offered to pay for the water.This ground is used by Richmond when the main ground is being used.Barton won the match which was a thiry-five over match eventhough the league plays foty-five. They make up their own rules in this League.
Moving a few miles down the road we saw Richmond Seconds beat Seaton Carew Seconds.
We watched the match from the club house looking across to the Church and Castle.
Very nice.
End of another Saturday seeing contrasting grounds in sunshine.Even Ron Deaton took his sweater off.
Thursday, 28 July 2011
WEST COAST VISIT
By Brian Sanderson,
On a sunny morning at Skipton Ron Deaton join me to go to Southport were Lancashire were playing Nottingham.The weather forecast said there would be light rain at 1.ooP.M.
Lancashire required 258 to win the match in the fourth innings.The highest score of the match was by White who had scored 53 so the bowlers were winning.We sat down next to a man who had been born in Southport but it was his first match at the ground for fifty years.
No Lancashire batsmen were happy and at lunch they had scored 79 for 4.There was a good crowd and we managed to get a sets next to the scoreboard and on alleviated view.
All the professional cricket watchers from Lancashire were there including Jeff from Stockport.
Brown was soon bowled after lunch for the Lancashire highest score of the innings of 23 in 75 minutes.We spoke to the groundsman in the tea tent who confirmed the ball was swinging and there was nothing wrong with the wicket.Lancashire were all out for 128 by 3.30 and there batting was not good enough.
This my be the last Championship match at Southport which will be pity and all the spectators enjoyed the ground.It did rain about 2.00P.M. but the umpires were keen to resume play quickly.Well done.
On a sunny morning at Skipton Ron Deaton join me to go to Southport were Lancashire were playing Nottingham.The weather forecast said there would be light rain at 1.ooP.M.
Lancashire required 258 to win the match in the fourth innings.The highest score of the match was by White who had scored 53 so the bowlers were winning.We sat down next to a man who had been born in Southport but it was his first match at the ground for fifty years.
No Lancashire batsmen were happy and at lunch they had scored 79 for 4.There was a good crowd and we managed to get a sets next to the scoreboard and on alleviated view.
All the professional cricket watchers from Lancashire were there including Jeff from Stockport.
Brown was soon bowled after lunch for the Lancashire highest score of the innings of 23 in 75 minutes.We spoke to the groundsman in the tea tent who confirmed the ball was swinging and there was nothing wrong with the wicket.Lancashire were all out for 128 by 3.30 and there batting was not good enough.
This my be the last Championship match at Southport which will be pity and all the spectators enjoyed the ground.It did rain about 2.00P.M. but the umpires were keen to resume play quickly.Well done.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
FIXTURES FOR AUGUST
By Brian Sanderson,
I have put together some fixtures for this weekend and August.Hope Brian Cobb finds it interesting and I am sure it will not be as good as Tony Hutton,s fixture earlier in the season.
I found out yesterday that Lincolnshire lost by one run at Cleethorpes.
In the Wath Cup on Tuesday evening Helperby beat Blubberhouses by 24 runs.
28 July Peter Bentley Cup Spennithorne v Birstwith at Dacre Bank 6.15.
Ambleforth starts.
31 July Gomersal v Shepley at Spen Victoria 12.00.
1 August Lancshire v Warwickshire Liverpool 4 Days.
Derbyshire u17 v Yorkshire u17 Denby 10.45.
2 August England Lions v Sri Lanka A Scarborough
Durham v Nottingham
3 August Yorkshire under13 v Derbyshire under13 Denby Dale.
Derby Seconds v M.C.C. Universities Belpher Meadows.
4 August Semi-Final Yorkshire under 15 Silsden
5 August Final Yorkshire under 15 Methley
7 August Gomersal v Pudsey St. Lawrence Lightcliffe 1.00 P.M
Burley v Follifoot Colton.
Shepley v Skelmanthorpe Skyes Cup Final.
9 August Yorkshire Seconds v Northants Pudsey Congs
Yorkshire under 17 v Cheshire under 17 Weetwood.
Galphay @ Winksley v Spofforth Kirkby Malzard 6.15
10 August Yorkshire Seconds v Northants Headingley
Yorkshire under 14 v Barmy Army Colts Yorkshire Methley
14 August Derby v Yorkshire Chesterfield.
Bilton v Beckwithshaw Otley
Scholes v Slaithwaite 1.00
Yorkshire under 13 v Lancashire under 13 Harrogate 10.45.
16 August Brophy X1 V Dunnington 2.30.
Derby Seconds v Nottingham Denby.
Lancashire Seconds v Durham Lytham.
17 August Lancashire v Worcester Blackpool
Derby v Northants Chesterfield.
Yorkshire under 19 v Lancshire under 19 Elland 2Day.
18 August Saints v Sratford Harrogate 1.30.
19 August England over 60 v Australia New Rover.
21 August Cumberland v Northumberland Barrow
Cheshire v Oxfordshire Alderley Edge.
Wrenthorpe v Whitley Hall Hanging Heaton 1.00
Atkinson / Swins Cup Masham 2.00
23 August Yorkshire under 15 v Warwick Elscar 11.30.
Yorkshire under 13.B v West Yorkshire under 13 Old Mods.
28 August East Bierley v Pudsey St. Lawrence Bingley 1.00
29 August Crowther Cup Final.
31 August Yorkshire Seconds v M.C.C. Y.C Weetwood.
Iam sure there plenty more matches that Ihave not mentioned including League games.
Hope the weather stays fine.
I have put together some fixtures for this weekend and August.Hope Brian Cobb finds it interesting and I am sure it will not be as good as Tony Hutton,s fixture earlier in the season.
I found out yesterday that Lincolnshire lost by one run at Cleethorpes.
In the Wath Cup on Tuesday evening Helperby beat Blubberhouses by 24 runs.
28 July Peter Bentley Cup Spennithorne v Birstwith at Dacre Bank 6.15.
Ambleforth starts.
31 July Gomersal v Shepley at Spen Victoria 12.00.
1 August Lancshire v Warwickshire Liverpool 4 Days.
Derbyshire u17 v Yorkshire u17 Denby 10.45.
2 August England Lions v Sri Lanka A Scarborough
Durham v Nottingham
3 August Yorkshire under13 v Derbyshire under13 Denby Dale.
Derby Seconds v M.C.C. Universities Belpher Meadows.
4 August Semi-Final Yorkshire under 15 Silsden
5 August Final Yorkshire under 15 Methley
7 August Gomersal v Pudsey St. Lawrence Lightcliffe 1.00 P.M
Burley v Follifoot Colton.
Shepley v Skelmanthorpe Skyes Cup Final.
9 August Yorkshire Seconds v Northants Pudsey Congs
Yorkshire under 17 v Cheshire under 17 Weetwood.
Galphay @ Winksley v Spofforth Kirkby Malzard 6.15
10 August Yorkshire Seconds v Northants Headingley
Yorkshire under 14 v Barmy Army Colts Yorkshire Methley
14 August Derby v Yorkshire Chesterfield.
Bilton v Beckwithshaw Otley
Scholes v Slaithwaite 1.00
Yorkshire under 13 v Lancashire under 13 Harrogate 10.45.
16 August Brophy X1 V Dunnington 2.30.
Derby Seconds v Nottingham Denby.
Lancashire Seconds v Durham Lytham.
17 August Lancashire v Worcester Blackpool
Derby v Northants Chesterfield.
Yorkshire under 19 v Lancshire under 19 Elland 2Day.
18 August Saints v Sratford Harrogate 1.30.
19 August England over 60 v Australia New Rover.
21 August Cumberland v Northumberland Barrow
Cheshire v Oxfordshire Alderley Edge.
Wrenthorpe v Whitley Hall Hanging Heaton 1.00
Atkinson / Swins Cup Masham 2.00
23 August Yorkshire under 15 v Warwick Elscar 11.30.
Yorkshire under 13.B v West Yorkshire under 13 Old Mods.
28 August East Bierley v Pudsey St. Lawrence Bingley 1.00
29 August Crowther Cup Final.
31 August Yorkshire Seconds v M.C.C. Y.C Weetwood.
Iam sure there plenty more matches that Ihave not mentioned including League games.
Hope the weather stays fine.
Monday, 25 July 2011
MINOR COUNTIES
By Brian Sanderson,
With the weather fine myself and the family went to Cleethorpes.Here Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire were playing a three day Minor County Eastern Division Championship match.At the start of the match Lincolnshire had 38 points and Hertfordshire had 30.
As I approached the ground I notice Ken walking to the match.The last time I had seen him was at Weetwood for the Yorkshire under 17 match.Walking to the pavilion I saw Mick Cowan, ex-Yorkshire fast bowler in the 1950,s,who had come with his grandsons.
On Sunday Hertfordshire had scored 314 in 88.2 overs so collected three bonus points with Lincolshire collecting four.Lincolnshire were three wickets down for 55.It would require some good batting.However this did not happen with them been bowled out for 209 so only collecting one bonus point.Houston was the top score with 48 so he came to the rescue.
One of the spectators was the son of Ginger Evans who had played for Glamorgan in 1950. He had recently died and there was a obituary in the Wisden Cricketer.So I told the son to speak to Mick Cowan who had played against him.
Hertifordshire batted again with a 105 run lead.They also found it difficult and were 142 for 9 at the end of the day.Shepherd had taken three wickets for twenty-three.
The weather was find but again tld breeze across the ground but we were able to watch the match protected by a hedge so keeping warm.The ground is only five minutes from the sea-front and it is a pity there are not more grounds in seaside resorts.
With the weather fine myself and the family went to Cleethorpes.Here Lincolnshire and Hertfordshire were playing a three day Minor County Eastern Division Championship match.At the start of the match Lincolnshire had 38 points and Hertfordshire had 30.
As I approached the ground I notice Ken walking to the match.The last time I had seen him was at Weetwood for the Yorkshire under 17 match.Walking to the pavilion I saw Mick Cowan, ex-Yorkshire fast bowler in the 1950,s,who had come with his grandsons.
On Sunday Hertfordshire had scored 314 in 88.2 overs so collected three bonus points with Lincolshire collecting four.Lincolnshire were three wickets down for 55.It would require some good batting.However this did not happen with them been bowled out for 209 so only collecting one bonus point.Houston was the top score with 48 so he came to the rescue.
One of the spectators was the son of Ginger Evans who had played for Glamorgan in 1950. He had recently died and there was a obituary in the Wisden Cricketer.So I told the son to speak to Mick Cowan who had played against him.
Hertifordshire batted again with a 105 run lead.They also found it difficult and were 142 for 9 at the end of the day.Shepherd had taken three wickets for twenty-three.
The weather was find but again tld breeze across the ground but we were able to watch the match protected by a hedge so keeping warm.The ground is only five minutes from the sea-front and it is a pity there are not more grounds in seaside resorts.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
LANCASHIRE LEAGUE
By Brian Sanderson
To-day I went we Peter Mann to one of my favorite grounds Todmorden.I think everybody soon go at least once a year to this delightful ground.
The match was Todmorden against Nelson in the Lancashire League.These matches relay on the professionals for the sides.Todmorden had Qaiser Abbas who is a left hand bat and left arm spin bowler.He has played one Test match for Pakistan against England.Whilst Nelson had Ben Laughlin who has played 5 O.DI for Australia.He is a right arm medium paced bowler who was a had been playing for Netherfield.His father played in this League in 1977 .
Todmorden batted first and lost three quick wickets to Laughlin.However Abbas and the captain but a stand to-gether. Abbas scored 62 with some wild shorts before he was bowled by Laughlin who finished with five wickets. Todmorden score was 181 and the locals wanted more runs.
At tea-time I was able to speak to Malcom Heywood who with his son has writted a book about the history of Todmorden.He will be speaking at Peter Davies mettings at Golcar in March.
Nelson started well but Abbas started taking wickets.There was some poor batting and when we left eight wickets had fallen with Abbas taking six. Laughlin scored about twenty caught with a excellent catch on the boundary.Nelson needed over 60 runs in six overs with eight wickets down when we drove out of the gates.
The teams in the Lancashire League rely on the profeessional to win the matches and in this match Abbas was the difference between the two sides.The teas were excellent with home made fruit pies with cream.What more could you ask for.
To-day I went we Peter Mann to one of my favorite grounds Todmorden.I think everybody soon go at least once a year to this delightful ground.
The match was Todmorden against Nelson in the Lancashire League.These matches relay on the professionals for the sides.Todmorden had Qaiser Abbas who is a left hand bat and left arm spin bowler.He has played one Test match for Pakistan against England.Whilst Nelson had Ben Laughlin who has played 5 O.DI for Australia.He is a right arm medium paced bowler who was a had been playing for Netherfield.His father played in this League in 1977 .
Todmorden batted first and lost three quick wickets to Laughlin.However Abbas and the captain but a stand to-gether. Abbas scored 62 with some wild shorts before he was bowled by Laughlin who finished with five wickets. Todmorden score was 181 and the locals wanted more runs.
At tea-time I was able to speak to Malcom Heywood who with his son has writted a book about the history of Todmorden.He will be speaking at Peter Davies mettings at Golcar in March.
Nelson started well but Abbas started taking wickets.There was some poor batting and when we left eight wickets had fallen with Abbas taking six. Laughlin scored about twenty caught with a excellent catch on the boundary.Nelson needed over 60 runs in six overs with eight wickets down when we drove out of the gates.
The teams in the Lancashire League rely on the profeessional to win the matches and in this match Abbas was the difference between the two sides.The teas were excellent with home made fruit pies with cream.What more could you ask for.
Saturday, 23 July 2011
COUNTRY LANES
By Brian Sanderson,
Ron Deaton had organised another trip to the Darlington and District Cricket league.
However I first popped into Headingley to see the start of the fourth day of the Roses Match.Gale and Sidebottom were batting well when Sidebottom decided to try drive a ball off Chapple to be caught at slip.As I was leaving there was a roar and found out later Gale was out L.B.W.
We arrived at Middleton in Teesdale about two o,clock and they were playing the top of the League Haughton.The ground is behind a Fire Station and has good views into the hills.The Zambian for Haughton opened the batting but soon had to retire. He had conjunctiuitis and good not see properly.He was hoping to return to bat but we will have to see the web-site if he did return.
Moving on to Lands were the second team were playing St. James who had nine men a girl playing.The ground is about 1000 feet high and is always windy.It is large ground with a resonable pavilion.The home team were batting and were 90 for 2 when we left.
Moving to the west of Darlington we went to see Middleton St. George who were playing Barningham.It was tea time when we arrived and the home side had scored 183.I won the domino card and collected £10.Barningham looked a poor batting side and had lost four quick wickets when we left.
Moving over the river Tees we finally found the East Cowton ground which is situated behind some new houses.They were playing Lands first team who were fielding.On three sides of the ground is farmers fields.We left at the drinks break and it looked like Lands soon win.
On the way to Scruton ground we passed Cattrick ground but the match had finished.
Scruton were playing Norton in The Langbarough League.The home side had batted and scored 169 but Neston soon lost there wickets when we arrived so losing the match. The ground is a new ground with a excellent pavilion.
During the trip we heard Yorkshire lost as was expected.Seems funny a batsman scores 100 and the bats number eleven.The sun shone all day and was a excellent trip. We have seven more grounds to visit in this League.
Ron Deaton had organised another trip to the Darlington and District Cricket league.
However I first popped into Headingley to see the start of the fourth day of the Roses Match.Gale and Sidebottom were batting well when Sidebottom decided to try drive a ball off Chapple to be caught at slip.As I was leaving there was a roar and found out later Gale was out L.B.W.
We arrived at Middleton in Teesdale about two o,clock and they were playing the top of the League Haughton.The ground is behind a Fire Station and has good views into the hills.The Zambian for Haughton opened the batting but soon had to retire. He had conjunctiuitis and good not see properly.He was hoping to return to bat but we will have to see the web-site if he did return.
Moving on to Lands were the second team were playing St. James who had nine men a girl playing.The ground is about 1000 feet high and is always windy.It is large ground with a resonable pavilion.The home team were batting and were 90 for 2 when we left.
Moving to the west of Darlington we went to see Middleton St. George who were playing Barningham.It was tea time when we arrived and the home side had scored 183.I won the domino card and collected £10.Barningham looked a poor batting side and had lost four quick wickets when we left.
Moving over the river Tees we finally found the East Cowton ground which is situated behind some new houses.They were playing Lands first team who were fielding.On three sides of the ground is farmers fields.We left at the drinks break and it looked like Lands soon win.
On the way to Scruton ground we passed Cattrick ground but the match had finished.
Scruton were playing Norton in The Langbarough League.The home side had batted and scored 169 but Neston soon lost there wickets when we arrived so losing the match. The ground is a new ground with a excellent pavilion.
During the trip we heard Yorkshire lost as was expected.Seems funny a batsman scores 100 and the bats number eleven.The sun shone all day and was a excellent trip. We have seven more grounds to visit in this League.
Friday, 22 July 2011
Ebb and flow
Posted by John Winn
About two o'clock yesterday afternoon the tide of The Roses' Match, which in the morning had flowed strongly in Lancashire's favour, was arrested and in quick time reversed, by aggressive batting from Pyrah more than ably supported by Sidebottom. With help from Tim Bresnan, both with bat and ball,Yorkshire found themselves at close of play in a position where a third championship victory of the season was a possibility.
In yesterday's posting I suggested that the morning session might'well determine who would take the winner's points'. So what has gone wrong, for there will be few cricket followers who would be prepared to say that, probably before lunch tomorrow, the Lancashire team coach will not be heading westwards along the M62 with a victory that will see them at the top of the championship table.
Yet all did go Yorkshire's way before lunch today with five Lancashire wickets falling in the session but just, as on Thursday, the afternoon saw a dramatic reversal of fortune, so did today and again it was brought about by two batsmen in the side primarily for their bowling.For Pyrah and Sidebottom read Mahmood and Hogg.The third fifty of Lancashire's innings came up at almost a run a ball with both batsmen playing aggressive but orthodox cricket.The introduction of Rashid was something of a gamble, but it brought instant success when he bowled Mahmood in his first over and not long after the innings closed when Hogg was run out.
This set Yorkshire 289 to win when at lunchtime something closer to 200 had seemed a real possibility. During an extended interval caused by rain and bad light, I spent time in the long room with Brian Sanderson and others closer to the heart of Yorkshire cricket than me and I had the temerity to suggest that the target might be fifty too many.To my surprise I found that the consensus was that the deficit was at least 100 if not 150 beyond Yorkshire's capabilities.
At close of play Yorkshire are 148 in arrears with only four wickets in hand. I will spare you the details, for they are available elsewhere and some may prefer not to know them but suffice to say when Gale and Sidebottom resume the innings tomorrow then should the best happen one or more of Yorkshire's remaining batsmen will have achieved great things. Those among the excellent crowds on Thursday afternoon when Yorkshire were 45 for 8 made alternative plans for Saturday may tonight feel their forward planning was sensible.
About two o'clock yesterday afternoon the tide of The Roses' Match, which in the morning had flowed strongly in Lancashire's favour, was arrested and in quick time reversed, by aggressive batting from Pyrah more than ably supported by Sidebottom. With help from Tim Bresnan, both with bat and ball,Yorkshire found themselves at close of play in a position where a third championship victory of the season was a possibility.
In yesterday's posting I suggested that the morning session might'well determine who would take the winner's points'. So what has gone wrong, for there will be few cricket followers who would be prepared to say that, probably before lunch tomorrow, the Lancashire team coach will not be heading westwards along the M62 with a victory that will see them at the top of the championship table.
Yet all did go Yorkshire's way before lunch today with five Lancashire wickets falling in the session but just, as on Thursday, the afternoon saw a dramatic reversal of fortune, so did today and again it was brought about by two batsmen in the side primarily for their bowling.For Pyrah and Sidebottom read Mahmood and Hogg.The third fifty of Lancashire's innings came up at almost a run a ball with both batsmen playing aggressive but orthodox cricket.The introduction of Rashid was something of a gamble, but it brought instant success when he bowled Mahmood in his first over and not long after the innings closed when Hogg was run out.
This set Yorkshire 289 to win when at lunchtime something closer to 200 had seemed a real possibility. During an extended interval caused by rain and bad light, I spent time in the long room with Brian Sanderson and others closer to the heart of Yorkshire cricket than me and I had the temerity to suggest that the target might be fifty too many.To my surprise I found that the consensus was that the deficit was at least 100 if not 150 beyond Yorkshire's capabilities.
At close of play Yorkshire are 148 in arrears with only four wickets in hand. I will spare you the details, for they are available elsewhere and some may prefer not to know them but suffice to say when Gale and Sidebottom resume the innings tomorrow then should the best happen one or more of Yorkshire's remaining batsmen will have achieved great things. Those among the excellent crowds on Thursday afternoon when Yorkshire were 45 for 8 made alternative plans for Saturday may tonight feel their forward planning was sensible.
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Pyrah's technics
Posted by John Winn
'For those who like that kind of thing, that is what they like' The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Muriel Spark.
For those who like county championship cricket today is what they like. Sixteen wickets, almost three hundred runs and a game so poised that tomorrow's first session may well determine who takes the winner's points.
Yorkshire wrapped up Lancashire's first innings quickly enough but home supporters, of whom there was a goodly gathering, had to try and eat lunch with the board reading 45 for 6 and Kyle Hogg having taken five wickets and twice been on a hat trick.Discussion in the long room was subdued, a tad bitter and the most pessimistic were making plans for Friday, let alone Saturday. For those for whom the glass is half full things could only get better, but they would have to wait until they had got worse for before two o'clock the score was pessimists 45 optimists 8 and Sidebottom had joined Pyrah at the crease.
By tea 45 for 8 had become 217 for 9 with the home crowd having spent the afternoon bobbing up and down to acknowledge a succession of milestones. Pyrah's fifty, the hundred partnership, Sidebottoms' fifty, the avoidance of the follow on,Pyrah's hundred, his first in the championship, the 150 partnership, to name but a few and not necessarily in that order. I was not alone in thinking that their teammates might have applauded their efforts from outside the dressing room, rather than from behind glass.Perhaps they were blushing at their pre- lunch collapse.
When Sidebottom was finally dismissed there followed something akin to 'Stars in their Eyes' with Ian Wardlaw announcing 'Tonight Matthew I shall be Tim Bresnan', for it was Tim who emerged from the pavilion, released by England but arriving in time to bring up the rear for Yorkshire and together with Pyrah add another 30 valuable runs.When 'Rich' was last out Lancashire's advantage had been cut to 89 which they extended to 122 by the close, but not without the loss of three wickets. Two of the three went to the late running Bresnan courtesy of catches by McGrath and in the last over Shazad removed Brown to set up an intriguing day tomorrow.
Having left at six I heard the closing overs on local radio where the feeling was that Yorkshire would not wish to chase more than 250 in the last innings. With Root, Gale and Ballance each on a pair I think most who were there today would agree.
'For those who like that kind of thing, that is what they like' The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Muriel Spark.
For those who like county championship cricket today is what they like. Sixteen wickets, almost three hundred runs and a game so poised that tomorrow's first session may well determine who takes the winner's points.
Yorkshire wrapped up Lancashire's first innings quickly enough but home supporters, of whom there was a goodly gathering, had to try and eat lunch with the board reading 45 for 6 and Kyle Hogg having taken five wickets and twice been on a hat trick.Discussion in the long room was subdued, a tad bitter and the most pessimistic were making plans for Friday, let alone Saturday. For those for whom the glass is half full things could only get better, but they would have to wait until they had got worse for before two o'clock the score was pessimists 45 optimists 8 and Sidebottom had joined Pyrah at the crease.
By tea 45 for 8 had become 217 for 9 with the home crowd having spent the afternoon bobbing up and down to acknowledge a succession of milestones. Pyrah's fifty, the hundred partnership, Sidebottoms' fifty, the avoidance of the follow on,Pyrah's hundred, his first in the championship, the 150 partnership, to name but a few and not necessarily in that order. I was not alone in thinking that their teammates might have applauded their efforts from outside the dressing room, rather than from behind glass.Perhaps they were blushing at their pre- lunch collapse.
When Sidebottom was finally dismissed there followed something akin to 'Stars in their Eyes' with Ian Wardlaw announcing 'Tonight Matthew I shall be Tim Bresnan', for it was Tim who emerged from the pavilion, released by England but arriving in time to bring up the rear for Yorkshire and together with Pyrah add another 30 valuable runs.When 'Rich' was last out Lancashire's advantage had been cut to 89 which they extended to 122 by the close, but not without the loss of three wickets. Two of the three went to the late running Bresnan courtesy of catches by McGrath and in the last over Shazad removed Brown to set up an intriguing day tomorrow.
Having left at six I heard the closing overs on local radio where the feeling was that Yorkshire would not wish to chase more than 250 in the last innings. With Root, Gale and Ballance each on a pair I think most who were there today would agree.
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
PETER,S LEAVING DO
By Brian Sanderson,
In the morning I called up to Weetwood to see Yorkshire under17 against Durham under17.
When I arrived there were no spectators but four arrived later including Jenny, Malcolm and Ken.Also a person from Redcar who had not been to Weetwood before.The Durham coach informed us the Durham lost on Friday at St.Peters however in the Yorkshire innings there were seven overs with seven balls so he was claiming a tie.
At lunchtime when I left Yorkshire were 90 for 3 in the two hour session.The match is a two day match.
In the afternoon I went to Huddersfield to Peter Davies leaving party from the University.David Thorpe, Brian Senior and Mick Bourne were also there.Afterwards we went to a Indian resturant which Peter paid for. Thank you Peter and all the best in your retirement.
In the morning I called up to Weetwood to see Yorkshire under17 against Durham under17.
When I arrived there were no spectators but four arrived later including Jenny, Malcolm and Ken.Also a person from Redcar who had not been to Weetwood before.The Durham coach informed us the Durham lost on Friday at St.Peters however in the Yorkshire innings there were seven overs with seven balls so he was claiming a tie.
At lunchtime when I left Yorkshire were 90 for 3 in the two hour session.The match is a two day match.
In the afternoon I went to Huddersfield to Peter Davies leaving party from the University.David Thorpe, Brian Senior and Mick Bourne were also there.Afterwards we went to a Indian resturant which Peter paid for. Thank you Peter and all the best in your retirement.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Entertaining Andrew
By Brian Sanderson,
It was good to hear from Tony and I wish him all the best.From Wednesday until Sunday I have been with Andrew Wickham watching cricket.Andrew lives in London but was born in Harrogate.He decided to come up last week to watch Yorkshire Seconds against Ireland A. instead of going to Scarborough.He will be going to Scarborough in August.
Wednesday,Ireland A won the toss and decided to bat.The sun was shining but there was another cold wind.The new pavilion barely finished and we were able to watch the laying of the grass in front of it .They reached 260 before the innings ended shortly before 4pm.No partnership bettered the eighth at 58 , wicket keeper Rory McCann was unbeaten at 40.The best bowling figures came from Moin Ashraf who took 3-44. Wardlaw looked fast and the slip fielders struggled to catch the ball of him due to his speed.
We saw Sayers caught on the boundary of his first ball.
So we moved off to see two matchs in the Wensleydale Evening League.We had lunch at the pub at Thornton-Watlass who were playing Eryholme.There are a number of trees in the field which caused the ball to strike them by the home side batsmen.They scored 114 and we moved on to Masham.I found out later Eryholme won with six overs to spare.
Masham were playing Spennithorne on the pretty ground.Thev away side had scored 110 which was enough to win the match.There were more enthusiasm in this match than Harrogate.
Thursday. Arrived at Harrogate to find that Brophy had scored 101 while we had been in the Dales.Half the grass had been laid down.Brophy was soon out but we were able to watch Lees reach his century.After lunch he was out for 138 but Wainwright was batting very well. Comments by the Yorkshire players was that he looked like a white Brian Lara.He reached 180 runs in 179 balls.Yorkshire declared at 537 for 7.Two Irish wickets fell during the tea session.We moved on to watch Northallerton against Spennithorne in the Peter Bentley Cup.Spennithorne had sored 137 for 5 and when we arrived Northallerton were batting.Two batsmen reached 33 but five players were out for a duck.The home side lost by 27 runs so we went to the bar. There I started talking to a Leeds Rugby supporter who had seen the 1952 Cup Final.A very interesting conversation.
Friday.The match started at 10.15 so the Irish side could catch the early evening flight . There was no difficulty in this as they were all out by Noon.So we went to St. Peter.s to watch Yorkshire Under 19,s against Durham Academy who were batting.
We had leave early so I could watch Leeds v Hull at Rugby.
Saturday. We went to Hanging Heaton against Farsley.There was talk about the ten point deduction to Farsley for fielding a uneligible player.There was a delayed start due to rain and surprisingly Farsley batted.They reached 129 in 34. 2 overs with Mark Lawson taking three wickets.All the Farsley supporters thought they would lose however this was not the case. Ingram taking four cheap wickets after his run out while he was batting.
Sunday. Hoped to watch Saltaire against Bankfoot but the rain stopped that so we moved on to Headingley. Yorkshire were batting against Middlesex in a forty over match.Yorkshire reached 196 with the help of Lyth and Ballance.I had to take Andrew to his train while Yorkshire lost the match.
A busy few days and now I can write the blog and print out the matches we saw.
It was good to hear from Tony and I wish him all the best.From Wednesday until Sunday I have been with Andrew Wickham watching cricket.Andrew lives in London but was born in Harrogate.He decided to come up last week to watch Yorkshire Seconds against Ireland A. instead of going to Scarborough.He will be going to Scarborough in August.
Wednesday,Ireland A won the toss and decided to bat.The sun was shining but there was another cold wind.The new pavilion barely finished and we were able to watch the laying of the grass in front of it .They reached 260 before the innings ended shortly before 4pm.No partnership bettered the eighth at 58 , wicket keeper Rory McCann was unbeaten at 40.The best bowling figures came from Moin Ashraf who took 3-44. Wardlaw looked fast and the slip fielders struggled to catch the ball of him due to his speed.
We saw Sayers caught on the boundary of his first ball.
So we moved off to see two matchs in the Wensleydale Evening League.We had lunch at the pub at Thornton-Watlass who were playing Eryholme.There are a number of trees in the field which caused the ball to strike them by the home side batsmen.They scored 114 and we moved on to Masham.I found out later Eryholme won with six overs to spare.
Masham were playing Spennithorne on the pretty ground.Thev away side had scored 110 which was enough to win the match.There were more enthusiasm in this match than Harrogate.
Thursday. Arrived at Harrogate to find that Brophy had scored 101 while we had been in the Dales.Half the grass had been laid down.Brophy was soon out but we were able to watch Lees reach his century.After lunch he was out for 138 but Wainwright was batting very well. Comments by the Yorkshire players was that he looked like a white Brian Lara.He reached 180 runs in 179 balls.Yorkshire declared at 537 for 7.Two Irish wickets fell during the tea session.We moved on to watch Northallerton against Spennithorne in the Peter Bentley Cup.Spennithorne had sored 137 for 5 and when we arrived Northallerton were batting.Two batsmen reached 33 but five players were out for a duck.The home side lost by 27 runs so we went to the bar. There I started talking to a Leeds Rugby supporter who had seen the 1952 Cup Final.A very interesting conversation.
Friday.The match started at 10.15 so the Irish side could catch the early evening flight . There was no difficulty in this as they were all out by Noon.So we went to St. Peter.s to watch Yorkshire Under 19,s against Durham Academy who were batting.
We had leave early so I could watch Leeds v Hull at Rugby.
Saturday. We went to Hanging Heaton against Farsley.There was talk about the ten point deduction to Farsley for fielding a uneligible player.There was a delayed start due to rain and surprisingly Farsley batted.They reached 129 in 34. 2 overs with Mark Lawson taking three wickets.All the Farsley supporters thought they would lose however this was not the case. Ingram taking four cheap wickets after his run out while he was batting.
Sunday. Hoped to watch Saltaire against Bankfoot but the rain stopped that so we moved on to Headingley. Yorkshire were batting against Middlesex in a forty over match.Yorkshire reached 196 with the help of Lyth and Ballance.I had to take Andrew to his train while Yorkshire lost the match.
A busy few days and now I can write the blog and print out the matches we saw.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
A canine repast
Posted by John Winn
Having been frustrated by a washout at Ouseburn yesterday, where my wife would have been match ball sponsor, but surprised to find that a match was played at Alne just four miles away, I have now gone almost a week without seeing any cricket. With the weather forecast suggesting that unsettled conditions will persist in the week ahead it may be a few days before I can report on any live cricket watching.
Once a year I try to meet up with old friends from my time living in Sussex with Grace Road our usual venue. This year we are due to meet on Wednesday when Leicestershire are due to play Sri Lanka A but with long journeys involved, especially for one friend coming from the East Sussex coast, the prospect of midweek rain may cause an abandonment of our plans. Headingley will of course provide me with a very acceptable alternative and a much shorter journey.
At the beginning of June I suggested in a posting that 20/20 cricket might be losing its charm. This was based on the slender evidence of seeing Lancashire's game with Leicestershire and having to play spot the crowd. I also confessed in the same posting that I had enjoyed the match and on the principle that one might as well be hung for a sweater as a pair of socks I now admit that I have watched a further number of games, some of which have been entertaining and in some cases have been watched by packed houses.As most followers will know the game has now reached the knockout stage, that didn't take too long did it? Only 144 matches.
The SKY commentary team has on more than one occasion said that the southern group has been the stronger. If this is true then Hampshire will be firm favourites to triumph in the final next month. Despite a two point forfeit from last season they have topped the 'stronger' group by three points and at home won seven out of eight with one no result. In the quarter finals they will host Durham, who have not been impressive, and so will expect to pass through to Egbaston in late August. But here's my point, and you may have wondered if there was ever going to be one, Hampshire have so far failed to win a game in the championship and despite their captain's assurance that all will be well they may just be playing second division cricket in 2012.By way of further illustration of the disparity of form in these two contrasting styles of the game then one would could point to the neighbouring counties of Leicestershire and Northants. Matthew Hoggard's boys find themselves with a home draw in 20/20 but with just one win in nine in the four day game whereas Northants top the second division table with five wins but have been dismal in 20/20.
Of the four counties with home draws in the next stage of 20/20 I suggest only Sussex will be satisfied with their season so far in first class cricket and that might have been different if they had not won a tight game with Hampshire last week.
There are six championship games this week all beginning on Wednesday which has a nice familiar ring to it and the competition has a relatively smooth run in to its climax in eight weeks.
Just in case you were thinking we were back to the good old days I was speaking to a friend from Durham this morning who said he was debating whether to go to The Riverside for the Clydesdale Bank 40 game this afternoon, a competition in which most counties have not played for eight weeks.This means that when Durham's opponents Surrey take on Middlesex at Guildford next Wednesday in the championship they will have played in three different competitions in less than a week. What a dog's breakfast!
The same friend did say one remarkable thing this morning and that was when I told him I had a grand day out at Scarborough on Monday, he said 'I know, I read it on the blog.' Blimey!
Having been frustrated by a washout at Ouseburn yesterday, where my wife would have been match ball sponsor, but surprised to find that a match was played at Alne just four miles away, I have now gone almost a week without seeing any cricket. With the weather forecast suggesting that unsettled conditions will persist in the week ahead it may be a few days before I can report on any live cricket watching.
Once a year I try to meet up with old friends from my time living in Sussex with Grace Road our usual venue. This year we are due to meet on Wednesday when Leicestershire are due to play Sri Lanka A but with long journeys involved, especially for one friend coming from the East Sussex coast, the prospect of midweek rain may cause an abandonment of our plans. Headingley will of course provide me with a very acceptable alternative and a much shorter journey.
At the beginning of June I suggested in a posting that 20/20 cricket might be losing its charm. This was based on the slender evidence of seeing Lancashire's game with Leicestershire and having to play spot the crowd. I also confessed in the same posting that I had enjoyed the match and on the principle that one might as well be hung for a sweater as a pair of socks I now admit that I have watched a further number of games, some of which have been entertaining and in some cases have been watched by packed houses.As most followers will know the game has now reached the knockout stage, that didn't take too long did it? Only 144 matches.
The SKY commentary team has on more than one occasion said that the southern group has been the stronger. If this is true then Hampshire will be firm favourites to triumph in the final next month. Despite a two point forfeit from last season they have topped the 'stronger' group by three points and at home won seven out of eight with one no result. In the quarter finals they will host Durham, who have not been impressive, and so will expect to pass through to Egbaston in late August. But here's my point, and you may have wondered if there was ever going to be one, Hampshire have so far failed to win a game in the championship and despite their captain's assurance that all will be well they may just be playing second division cricket in 2012.By way of further illustration of the disparity of form in these two contrasting styles of the game then one would could point to the neighbouring counties of Leicestershire and Northants. Matthew Hoggard's boys find themselves with a home draw in 20/20 but with just one win in nine in the four day game whereas Northants top the second division table with five wins but have been dismal in 20/20.
Of the four counties with home draws in the next stage of 20/20 I suggest only Sussex will be satisfied with their season so far in first class cricket and that might have been different if they had not won a tight game with Hampshire last week.
There are six championship games this week all beginning on Wednesday which has a nice familiar ring to it and the competition has a relatively smooth run in to its climax in eight weeks.
Just in case you were thinking we were back to the good old days I was speaking to a friend from Durham this morning who said he was debating whether to go to The Riverside for the Clydesdale Bank 40 game this afternoon, a competition in which most counties have not played for eight weeks.This means that when Durham's opponents Surrey take on Middlesex at Guildford next Wednesday in the championship they will have played in three different competitions in less than a week. What a dog's breakfast!
The same friend did say one remarkable thing this morning and that was when I told him I had a grand day out at Scarborough on Monday, he said 'I know, I read it on the blog.' Blimey!
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Medical bulletin
Posted by Tony Hutton
First of all apologies for my lack of input during the past couple of weeks, but unfortunately the symptoms of my shingles attack have got worse rather than better and it looks very much as though my cricket season has ended rather prematurely.
To add to my problems, my wife has now snapped her achilles tendon and will have her leg in plaster for the next twelve weeks. However we now have a large stock of equipment in the shape of a stair lift, wheel chair, zimmer frames, bathroom seats etc etc. which makes life easier for her.
I have at last caught up with all the recent blogs from Brian and John and although cricket is currently near the bottom of my list of priorities it was good to have a phone call from Brian Senior up dating me on all his recent trips including a good three days at Sedbergh.
We have been helped by two recent visits from my son and the good news is that he and his family will be returning from Dubai to live in Leeds as from the end of August. Eldest grandson Sam has already been accepted by the Grammar School at Leeds.
So a lot to look forward to - Hope to have Sam performing for Adel Under nines next season.
Despite our problems, there are always people worse off and in particular Peter Davies who is leaving the University of Huddersfield with an ill health pension. I am so sorry to be missing his farewell party, but know that he is full of plans for the future and has already put together a full programme of speakers for his new cricket society, the Pennine Cricket Society to be based in Huddersfield, next winter.
Good luck to Peter for the future and hopefully at some stage he will be able to resume his blogging career.
First of all apologies for my lack of input during the past couple of weeks, but unfortunately the symptoms of my shingles attack have got worse rather than better and it looks very much as though my cricket season has ended rather prematurely.
To add to my problems, my wife has now snapped her achilles tendon and will have her leg in plaster for the next twelve weeks. However we now have a large stock of equipment in the shape of a stair lift, wheel chair, zimmer frames, bathroom seats etc etc. which makes life easier for her.
I have at last caught up with all the recent blogs from Brian and John and although cricket is currently near the bottom of my list of priorities it was good to have a phone call from Brian Senior up dating me on all his recent trips including a good three days at Sedbergh.
We have been helped by two recent visits from my son and the good news is that he and his family will be returning from Dubai to live in Leeds as from the end of August. Eldest grandson Sam has already been accepted by the Grammar School at Leeds.
So a lot to look forward to - Hope to have Sam performing for Adel Under nines next season.
Despite our problems, there are always people worse off and in particular Peter Davies who is leaving the University of Huddersfield with an ill health pension. I am so sorry to be missing his farewell party, but know that he is full of plans for the future and has already put together a full programme of speakers for his new cricket society, the Pennine Cricket Society to be based in Huddersfield, next winter.
Good luck to Peter for the future and hopefully at some stage he will be able to resume his blogging career.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Some York Cricket History
Last month I was quite rightly taken to task by a blog reader for a mistake when when writing about Keith Gillhouley, namely that I called him Kevin. By way of an apology I said I would at some point reveal an interesting link between Keith and the history of cricket in York.
In researching Keith's career from 'Cricket Archive' I discovered that the first record of him playing in a representative match was in August 1952 for Yorkshire Juniors against Durham Juniors at Wigginton Road, York, now the site of York Hospital.Keith took 6 for 25 in a one innings match and scored 13 not out in a one wicket win for Yorkshire.
As I suspect many followers will know (if we have many followers) Wigginton Road was the home of York CC until 1967 when they moved to Clifton Park on land obtained from Clifton Hospital. The Cricket Archive data base shows cricket played at Wigginton Road as far back as 1864 when the Gentlemen of Yorkshire played the Gentlemen of Notts. The ground was actually known as the Yorkshire Gentlemen's Cricket Ground until 1932 when they moved to their present ground at Escrick and York CC moved in. One first class match was played there, in 1890 when Yorkshire beat Kent by 8 wickets.
Yorkshire II played there occasionally between 1927 and 1959 in The Minor Counties Championship and on the last occasion, when they played Cumberland, Yorkshire's first three batsmen were HD Bird, JB Bolus and PJ Sharpe and one H Halliday top scored for the visitors.
The last match of note to be played at Wigginton Road was in 1967 between a full Yorkshire eleven and The International Cavaliers who won by six wickets. The two undefeated batsmen were Clive Lloyd and Ted Dexter. Don Wilson took 3 for 26 with Kanhai and Sobers amongst his victims, not a bad finale for a ground with over a hundred year's existence.
In researching Keith's career from 'Cricket Archive' I discovered that the first record of him playing in a representative match was in August 1952 for Yorkshire Juniors against Durham Juniors at Wigginton Road, York, now the site of York Hospital.Keith took 6 for 25 in a one innings match and scored 13 not out in a one wicket win for Yorkshire.
As I suspect many followers will know (if we have many followers) Wigginton Road was the home of York CC until 1967 when they moved to Clifton Park on land obtained from Clifton Hospital. The Cricket Archive data base shows cricket played at Wigginton Road as far back as 1864 when the Gentlemen of Yorkshire played the Gentlemen of Notts. The ground was actually known as the Yorkshire Gentlemen's Cricket Ground until 1932 when they moved to their present ground at Escrick and York CC moved in. One first class match was played there, in 1890 when Yorkshire beat Kent by 8 wickets.
Yorkshire II played there occasionally between 1927 and 1959 in The Minor Counties Championship and on the last occasion, when they played Cumberland, Yorkshire's first three batsmen were HD Bird, JB Bolus and PJ Sharpe and one H Halliday top scored for the visitors.
The last match of note to be played at Wigginton Road was in 1967 between a full Yorkshire eleven and The International Cavaliers who won by six wickets. The two undefeated batsmen were Clive Lloyd and Ted Dexter. Don Wilson took 3 for 26 with Kanhai and Sobers amongst his victims, not a bad finale for a ground with over a hundred year's existence.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
LONGEST ALBANIAN RIVER
By Brian Sanderson,
I also went to Scarborough on Monday and three interested items happen as well as the cricket.John might have heard on the microphone one of the quiz questions for Tuesday night which was what was the longest Albanian river.Answer later.When I arrived at the ground I saw Graham Eccles on the gate.Graham was Leeds Rugby second row forward in the 1980,s and ex steward of Leeds Supporters Club.He now lives in Bridlington and was offered a job for four days.The last interesting happening was watching Shahzad dancing while listening to his I-Pod while fielding.
After travelling 430 miles in three days I went with Ron Stansfield to Weetwood. The match was 2nd Eleven Championship match between M.C.C. Universities v Nottingham.When we arrived there were six spectators including Jenny and Nottingham were batting.The opening batters were Akil Patel, who is the brother of Samit, and Karl Turner who played for Durham last year.They put on a stand of 130 for the first wicket before Patel was out.
After lunch we were handed a print-out of the players and noticed Billy Roots name on the sheet.Talking to Paul Johnson ,he said that Billy had been released by Yorkshire and was playing his first match for Nottingham.He was down to bat 5.
Ali Brown came into bat three who is 41 years old.He scored 60 quickly and Turner batted on.Next came Elstone who also hit a number of boundaries but was caught out on the boundary.Next came Billy Root but was soon out caught in the covers.Poor Lad.
We left at tea with the score 340 for 4 with Turner still not out over 100.
The answer to the river question was Drin.
Hoping Tony Hutton is well and is reading the blog.
I also went to Scarborough on Monday and three interested items happen as well as the cricket.John might have heard on the microphone one of the quiz questions for Tuesday night which was what was the longest Albanian river.Answer later.When I arrived at the ground I saw Graham Eccles on the gate.Graham was Leeds Rugby second row forward in the 1980,s and ex steward of Leeds Supporters Club.He now lives in Bridlington and was offered a job for four days.The last interesting happening was watching Shahzad dancing while listening to his I-Pod while fielding.
After travelling 430 miles in three days I went with Ron Stansfield to Weetwood. The match was 2nd Eleven Championship match between M.C.C. Universities v Nottingham.When we arrived there were six spectators including Jenny and Nottingham were batting.The opening batters were Akil Patel, who is the brother of Samit, and Karl Turner who played for Durham last year.They put on a stand of 130 for the first wicket before Patel was out.
After lunch we were handed a print-out of the players and noticed Billy Roots name on the sheet.Talking to Paul Johnson ,he said that Billy had been released by Yorkshire and was playing his first match for Nottingham.He was down to bat 5.
Ali Brown came into bat three who is 41 years old.He scored 60 quickly and Turner batted on.Next came Elstone who also hit a number of boundaries but was caught out on the boundary.Next came Billy Root but was soon out caught in the covers.Poor Lad.
We left at tea with the score 340 for 4 with Turner still not out over 100.
The answer to the river question was Drin.
Hoping Tony Hutton is well and is reading the blog.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Grandmother scrubs up well.
Posted by John Winn
If one heard that one's grandmother had had a face lift then one might be a trifle nervous that on next seeing her she might look like breast of mutton desperately trying to pass itself off as spring lamb. Scarborough cricket ground and I have a relationship that goes back sixty years for it was on the 15th of August 1951 when I was VERY young that I first saw cricket at North Marine Road and when by a nice coincidence Yorkshire played Worcestershire. Yorkshire, missing Hutton, Lowson, Watson and Brennan, all on test duty at the Oval against South Africa, lost by 8 runs when with half an hour to play they had looked certain winners. It would be nice to say that I remember being gripped by the excitement of the finish but a lie, for I have only the vaguest memories of a large cricket ground and none whatsoever of the cricket. But I was there and today I was there again and it was good to see the ground looking splendid in the sunshine after its tasteful renovation and that seemed to be the opinion of most people I spoke to or overheard. Indeed one man gazed so fondly upwards in the gents' loos on the popular side that he might have been admiring the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Normally I travel to Scarborough by train but as I mentioned in yesterday's posting, today I was able to take advantage of a lift with my friend John Gawthrope who also provided us with a splendid picnic lunch.
Depite the fact that the season has passed its halfway point Scarborough serves to reunite old friends who have not met since last year's festival, so unusual as it might seem, I heard the question, how was your winter?
A pleasant start to the day came when Andrew Gale presented Johnny Bairstow with his county cap and Gale's next important duty was to win the toss and put Worcestershire in on a pitch with more than a tinge of green. This worked even better than one dared to hope for by lunch Worcestershire were 60 for 6, despite some dropped catches in the slips.Batting became easier after lunch but when tea was taken early because of a shower Worcestershire were 8 down and shortly after tea Lyth and Root set about chasing a modest 168.Tragedy struck when Root was run out without facing and Lyth's dismissal made it 15 for 2. Gale and McGrath showed enterprise and put on 92 in 19 overs the highlight of which was when Gale struck Ajmal for five consecutive fours.
John and I left at six o'clock just as McGrath was lbw and by stumps Yorkshire had lost two further wickets to end on 135 for 5 and this important game in the balance, no pun intended.The first session tomorrow will be critical.
One mystery arising out of the renovation which intrigued me during the day was the purpose of a rather grand set of wooden steps leading up to the first floor of the pavilion, by the side of which was a stern warning 'Authorised Personnel Only'. As nobody climbed these steps between the hours of 10:00 and 18: 00 I can only assume no such authorised persons were present.
All this warm sunshine, large crowd and gleaming paint were in contrast with a couple of hours spent at Manningham Mills yesterday on a cold cheerless afternoon when Pudsey St Lawrence triumphed in an exciting finish to reach the final of The Priestley Cup where they will meet East Bierley. Scotchman Road could do with a bit of Tesco's cash if there is any left over after Scarborough's face lift.
If one heard that one's grandmother had had a face lift then one might be a trifle nervous that on next seeing her she might look like breast of mutton desperately trying to pass itself off as spring lamb. Scarborough cricket ground and I have a relationship that goes back sixty years for it was on the 15th of August 1951 when I was VERY young that I first saw cricket at North Marine Road and when by a nice coincidence Yorkshire played Worcestershire. Yorkshire, missing Hutton, Lowson, Watson and Brennan, all on test duty at the Oval against South Africa, lost by 8 runs when with half an hour to play they had looked certain winners. It would be nice to say that I remember being gripped by the excitement of the finish but a lie, for I have only the vaguest memories of a large cricket ground and none whatsoever of the cricket. But I was there and today I was there again and it was good to see the ground looking splendid in the sunshine after its tasteful renovation and that seemed to be the opinion of most people I spoke to or overheard. Indeed one man gazed so fondly upwards in the gents' loos on the popular side that he might have been admiring the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Normally I travel to Scarborough by train but as I mentioned in yesterday's posting, today I was able to take advantage of a lift with my friend John Gawthrope who also provided us with a splendid picnic lunch.
Depite the fact that the season has passed its halfway point Scarborough serves to reunite old friends who have not met since last year's festival, so unusual as it might seem, I heard the question, how was your winter?
A pleasant start to the day came when Andrew Gale presented Johnny Bairstow with his county cap and Gale's next important duty was to win the toss and put Worcestershire in on a pitch with more than a tinge of green. This worked even better than one dared to hope for by lunch Worcestershire were 60 for 6, despite some dropped catches in the slips.Batting became easier after lunch but when tea was taken early because of a shower Worcestershire were 8 down and shortly after tea Lyth and Root set about chasing a modest 168.Tragedy struck when Root was run out without facing and Lyth's dismissal made it 15 for 2. Gale and McGrath showed enterprise and put on 92 in 19 overs the highlight of which was when Gale struck Ajmal for five consecutive fours.
John and I left at six o'clock just as McGrath was lbw and by stumps Yorkshire had lost two further wickets to end on 135 for 5 and this important game in the balance, no pun intended.The first session tomorrow will be critical.
One mystery arising out of the renovation which intrigued me during the day was the purpose of a rather grand set of wooden steps leading up to the first floor of the pavilion, by the side of which was a stern warning 'Authorised Personnel Only'. As nobody climbed these steps between the hours of 10:00 and 18: 00 I can only assume no such authorised persons were present.
All this warm sunshine, large crowd and gleaming paint were in contrast with a couple of hours spent at Manningham Mills yesterday on a cold cheerless afternoon when Pudsey St Lawrence triumphed in an exciting finish to reach the final of The Priestley Cup where they will meet East Bierley. Scotchman Road could do with a bit of Tesco's cash if there is any left over after Scarborough's face lift.
Sunday, 10 July 2011
BIRTHDAY TREAT
By Brian Sanderson,
To-day was a special day in my calendar. My birthday and a trip to Sedbergh School.The ground is my favorite in the North of England. The match was the first day of Cumberland against Bedfordshire in the Minor County Championship.
The forecast was a threat of a shower about 1.00P.M however this did not happen and the sunshined all day.Before lunch myself, Brian Senior and Peter Mann sat looking at the cricket facing the school.Cumberland won the toss and put Bedfordshire in to bat.They soon lost the wicket of Simpson to Marcus Sharp.Up to lunch Stubbings and Kettleborough batted slowly.
We retired to The Red Lion for Sunday lunch which was excellent espically the beef.We started talking to a music master at the school who orginally came from South Wales and his ofice looks on to the cricket pitch.He told us that the school brass band had played twice at Lords during a Test Match.
After lunch Stubbings reached 60 in about 52 overs whilst Kettleborough was out for 48.It looked like Bedfordshire would reach over 300 however mainly due to Lowe, who took five wickets, they only reached 288.We watched the action looking at the fells were sheep grazed.
Cumberland innings did not go well and at the end of the day they were 61 for 3.Brian Senior was stopping to watch the whole match and soon see a result.
I would recommend that everbody spends at least one day at Sedbergh watching the cricket and eating the Sunday beef.
To-day was a special day in my calendar. My birthday and a trip to Sedbergh School.The ground is my favorite in the North of England. The match was the first day of Cumberland against Bedfordshire in the Minor County Championship.
The forecast was a threat of a shower about 1.00P.M however this did not happen and the sunshined all day.Before lunch myself, Brian Senior and Peter Mann sat looking at the cricket facing the school.Cumberland won the toss and put Bedfordshire in to bat.They soon lost the wicket of Simpson to Marcus Sharp.Up to lunch Stubbings and Kettleborough batted slowly.
We retired to The Red Lion for Sunday lunch which was excellent espically the beef.We started talking to a music master at the school who orginally came from South Wales and his ofice looks on to the cricket pitch.He told us that the school brass band had played twice at Lords during a Test Match.
After lunch Stubbings reached 60 in about 52 overs whilst Kettleborough was out for 48.It looked like Bedfordshire would reach over 300 however mainly due to Lowe, who took five wickets, they only reached 288.We watched the action looking at the fells were sheep grazed.
Cumberland innings did not go well and at the end of the day they were 61 for 3.Brian Senior was stopping to watch the whole match and soon see a result.
I would recommend that everbody spends at least one day at Sedbergh watching the cricket and eating the Sunday beef.
Two Sams mash Masham.
Posted by John Winn
Friday's heavy storms caused me, like Brian, to rethink my plans for yesterday's outing. I had intended to head north to the fringes of the North Yorks Moors National Park covering clubs in three different leagues but that can wait until conditions are more settled.Instead I decided to stay very close to home and spend the afternoon at Ouseburn CC where the first team were entertaining Masham. The ground had had a good soaking on Friday and there had been seepage under the covers but play started on time and when I arrived the league leaders were struggling at 22 for 3, a situation which appeared more dire when I heard that top all rounder Olly Uffindall was absent from the team.
In the next two hours however, OCC lost only one wicket while adding 249 runs. A fourth wicket partnership of 96 between Chris Morrison and Sam Dale set the recovery well under way and when Morrison was out the two Sams (Dale and Parker) picked up their muskets and blasted some ragged Masham bowling to all parts, chiefly the neighbouring corn field.In Masham's defence they were short of three regulars but the later bowling could not contain the big hitting and even with nine men on the boundary the spate of runs could not be staunched.
272 was always likely to be too many for a Masham side containing three juniors and so it proved but an obdurate second wicket stand of 69 between Andrew and Adam Smith gave the visitors a chance of a losing draw and it was not until the 44th over that the last wicket fell.
Tomorrow is one of those extra special days in the pcw calendar, cricket at Scarborough,and Yorkshire face the only team they have beaten in championship cricket this season, Worcestershire, in what, if a ridculous football expression is adapted, is a forty eight pointer. Those Yorkshire members who welcome Rudolph's return, and judging by conversations at the U17 game last week not all do, will regret that his second coming does not start until next week.The forecast is good and I am to be chauffered by my friend John Gawthrope, roll on!
Friday's heavy storms caused me, like Brian, to rethink my plans for yesterday's outing. I had intended to head north to the fringes of the North Yorks Moors National Park covering clubs in three different leagues but that can wait until conditions are more settled.Instead I decided to stay very close to home and spend the afternoon at Ouseburn CC where the first team were entertaining Masham. The ground had had a good soaking on Friday and there had been seepage under the covers but play started on time and when I arrived the league leaders were struggling at 22 for 3, a situation which appeared more dire when I heard that top all rounder Olly Uffindall was absent from the team.
In the next two hours however, OCC lost only one wicket while adding 249 runs. A fourth wicket partnership of 96 between Chris Morrison and Sam Dale set the recovery well under way and when Morrison was out the two Sams (Dale and Parker) picked up their muskets and blasted some ragged Masham bowling to all parts, chiefly the neighbouring corn field.In Masham's defence they were short of three regulars but the later bowling could not contain the big hitting and even with nine men on the boundary the spate of runs could not be staunched.
272 was always likely to be too many for a Masham side containing three juniors and so it proved but an obdurate second wicket stand of 69 between Andrew and Adam Smith gave the visitors a chance of a losing draw and it was not until the 44th over that the last wicket fell.
Tomorrow is one of those extra special days in the pcw calendar, cricket at Scarborough,and Yorkshire face the only team they have beaten in championship cricket this season, Worcestershire, in what, if a ridculous football expression is adapted, is a forty eight pointer. Those Yorkshire members who welcome Rudolph's return, and judging by conversations at the U17 game last week not all do, will regret that his second coming does not start until next week.The forecast is good and I am to be chauffered by my friend John Gawthrope, roll on!
Saturday, 9 July 2011
HISTORY TRIP
By Brian Sanderson,
After a rainy Friday there was a change of plan. Orginally we plan to go to Darlington and District League however it was changed to visit clubs round York due to the weather forecast.
Myself and two Ron,s,Stansfield and Deaton,set off to Thirsk.On the way there was a very heavy rainstorm and it looked worse over Easingwold.However when we got to Thirsk the rain had passed and the match would start on time. The club was formed over 160 years ago. In the bar is a excellent picture of George Freeman who played for Yorkshire from 1865 to 1881.Also a plaque for Thomas Lord who found The Lords ground in London.He was born in Thirsk.
The match was Thirsk Seconds against York1V in The York and District Senior League.There are eight Divisions in the league.The ground is in the middle of the racecourse.York batted first and lost a wicket so we moved on.
Next ground was Stillingworth who were due to play Pickering Seconds but when we arrived no-body was around.There had been a large amount of rain in a short time. Another mystery.
Moving on to Sherrif Hutton which is situated next to a 14th Century Castle and had been owned by Richard 111.It was recently up for sale for 1.3 million pounds.
The rain caused a delay in the match and tea was taken early.So Ron Deaton and myself went one mile down the road to see Sherriff Hutton Bridge Seconds against Yapham.This club was established in 1949 and won the National Village Compertition in 2005.
Returning back to Sherriff Hutton the match had just stated with New Earswick batting.We were offered some jam scones with our cup of tea.They were very nice.
The next ground was New Earswick were the seconds were playing Londesborough Park seconds.New Earwick is a village that was built by Joseph Rowntree for his workers.
Next match was Rowntree Seconds against Carlton Towers Seconds.The pavilion has all the windows boarded up and is in poor state of repair.Nestle will not allow the player to repaint it and are looking to sell it to York Council.To see a ground in this state is heart-breaking.
Next grounds were situated next to each other at Heworth were the first were playing Easingwold.Across the road Heworth Thirds were playing University of York Staff.This was in the York Vale League Divison 2.
On the way back to Harrogate we called into Acomb were the seconds won the match against Fenners Seconds on the last ball of the match.This was at 7.35.Odds at arriving at a match like this must be quite high.
Another excellent trip with a lot of history to see and hear about.
After a rainy Friday there was a change of plan. Orginally we plan to go to Darlington and District League however it was changed to visit clubs round York due to the weather forecast.
Myself and two Ron,s,Stansfield and Deaton,set off to Thirsk.On the way there was a very heavy rainstorm and it looked worse over Easingwold.However when we got to Thirsk the rain had passed and the match would start on time. The club was formed over 160 years ago. In the bar is a excellent picture of George Freeman who played for Yorkshire from 1865 to 1881.Also a plaque for Thomas Lord who found The Lords ground in London.He was born in Thirsk.
The match was Thirsk Seconds against York1V in The York and District Senior League.There are eight Divisions in the league.The ground is in the middle of the racecourse.York batted first and lost a wicket so we moved on.
Next ground was Stillingworth who were due to play Pickering Seconds but when we arrived no-body was around.There had been a large amount of rain in a short time. Another mystery.
Moving on to Sherrif Hutton which is situated next to a 14th Century Castle and had been owned by Richard 111.It was recently up for sale for 1.3 million pounds.
The rain caused a delay in the match and tea was taken early.So Ron Deaton and myself went one mile down the road to see Sherriff Hutton Bridge Seconds against Yapham.This club was established in 1949 and won the National Village Compertition in 2005.
Returning back to Sherriff Hutton the match had just stated with New Earswick batting.We were offered some jam scones with our cup of tea.They were very nice.
The next ground was New Earswick were the seconds were playing Londesborough Park seconds.New Earwick is a village that was built by Joseph Rowntree for his workers.
Next match was Rowntree Seconds against Carlton Towers Seconds.The pavilion has all the windows boarded up and is in poor state of repair.Nestle will not allow the player to repaint it and are looking to sell it to York Council.To see a ground in this state is heart-breaking.
Next grounds were situated next to each other at Heworth were the first were playing Easingwold.Across the road Heworth Thirds were playing University of York Staff.This was in the York Vale League Divison 2.
On the way back to Harrogate we called into Acomb were the seconds won the match against Fenners Seconds on the last ball of the match.This was at 7.35.Odds at arriving at a match like this must be quite high.
Another excellent trip with a lot of history to see and hear about.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
McGrath shows form and fitness.
Posted by John Winn
I went to Clifton Park, York yesterday where Yorkshire II were playing MCC Universities in the SEC. When I arrived Yorkshire were approaching 100. with two wickets down, Root(J) and Geldart back in the pavilion and McGrath and Lees making slow progress in the middle. There was a good crowd in attendance,not Stamford Bridge size, but much above average for second team cricket.There were plenty of familiar faces, including fellow blogger Brian Sanderson who was justifiably excited by a scrap book donated to the county archive by the family of the late Frank Smailes.
Progress after lunch resumed at the morning's tempo, somewhere between largo and adagio. In other words 'less than riveting'. Fortunately I was in the company of two of my regular comrades from Headingley and the conversation covered a variety of topics including the Wetherby bomb scare, which went national today, and the bus wars, also in Wetherby, featured on 'Look North,,but unlikely to go national and Darlington's forthcoming encounter with Braintree Town, definitely not going national.
More seriously, at least from a cricketing point of view, we remarked that it was eight weeks since we had last had the opportunity to watch YCC in championship action at Headingley since when Yorkshire have played at Liverpool,Taunton,Hove and Chester le Street. In some ways following the championship this year has been like watching a character in a play who dominates the first act, April to mid-May, disappears except for brief appearances in the second act, mid June and mid-July at which times he is competing with a rowdy chorus for our attention,and then returns to dominate the third act in August and September.
Of course many will be looking forward to Scarborough next week,myself included, a Monday start just to keep us on our toes, but for many members championship cricket at HQ is the bread and butter of the summer and it will be another two weeks before Lancashire come to call, ten weeks since Hampshire left town.
In 2012 there will be fewer 20/20 matches which should one hopes, make for a more balanced programme of home and away games.As for Clifton Park, Yorkshire did up the tempo to allegro and Lees will be black and blue from self inflicted kicks after holing out to a long hop when on 79. Patchy rain arrived exactly as forecast at tea-time but McGrath went on to make 186 and Yorkshire declared on 403 for 6.MCCU used nine bowlers which suggests they were not at their strongest.
I went to Clifton Park, York yesterday where Yorkshire II were playing MCC Universities in the SEC. When I arrived Yorkshire were approaching 100. with two wickets down, Root(J) and Geldart back in the pavilion and McGrath and Lees making slow progress in the middle. There was a good crowd in attendance,not Stamford Bridge size, but much above average for second team cricket.There were plenty of familiar faces, including fellow blogger Brian Sanderson who was justifiably excited by a scrap book donated to the county archive by the family of the late Frank Smailes.
Progress after lunch resumed at the morning's tempo, somewhere between largo and adagio. In other words 'less than riveting'. Fortunately I was in the company of two of my regular comrades from Headingley and the conversation covered a variety of topics including the Wetherby bomb scare, which went national today, and the bus wars, also in Wetherby, featured on 'Look North,,but unlikely to go national and Darlington's forthcoming encounter with Braintree Town, definitely not going national.
More seriously, at least from a cricketing point of view, we remarked that it was eight weeks since we had last had the opportunity to watch YCC in championship action at Headingley since when Yorkshire have played at Liverpool,Taunton,Hove and Chester le Street. In some ways following the championship this year has been like watching a character in a play who dominates the first act, April to mid-May, disappears except for brief appearances in the second act, mid June and mid-July at which times he is competing with a rowdy chorus for our attention,and then returns to dominate the third act in August and September.
Of course many will be looking forward to Scarborough next week,myself included, a Monday start just to keep us on our toes, but for many members championship cricket at HQ is the bread and butter of the summer and it will be another two weeks before Lancashire come to call, ten weeks since Hampshire left town.
In 2012 there will be fewer 20/20 matches which should one hopes, make for a more balanced programme of home and away games.As for Clifton Park, Yorkshire did up the tempo to allegro and Lees will be black and blue from self inflicted kicks after holing out to a long hop when on 79. Patchy rain arrived exactly as forecast at tea-time but McGrath went on to make 186 and Yorkshire declared on 403 for 6.MCCU used nine bowlers which suggests they were not at their strongest.
Monday, 4 July 2011
CUP SHOCK
By Brian Sanderson,
I have just return from Harrogate were Bardsey and Studley Royal were playing in the Addison Cup Final. It was a twenty over match with Bardsey full of League professionals.
Ron Deaton arrived who played on the ground in the 1960,s.It has changed a lot since then and espically after the fire three years ago.Yorkshire won three County Championships on this ground and used to hold over ten thousand people.Now there was about one hundred watching the match and a new pavilion is being constructed.
Studley Royal won the toss and fielded.Bardsey struggled apart from Ba-Ba Butt who scored 44 out of 121.They did not run their runs fast enough and waited for another batsman to get a large score.
Studley Royal were in no problem and lost only three wickets reaching the total.There was only one team playing to-gether and wanting to win the match.At the interval I won the raffle again.It will help out Wombwell Cricket Society.
I have just return from Harrogate were Bardsey and Studley Royal were playing in the Addison Cup Final. It was a twenty over match with Bardsey full of League professionals.
Ron Deaton arrived who played on the ground in the 1960,s.It has changed a lot since then and espically after the fire three years ago.Yorkshire won three County Championships on this ground and used to hold over ten thousand people.Now there was about one hundred watching the match and a new pavilion is being constructed.
Studley Royal won the toss and fielded.Bardsey struggled apart from Ba-Ba Butt who scored 44 out of 121.They did not run their runs fast enough and waited for another batsman to get a large score.
Studley Royal were in no problem and lost only three wickets reaching the total.There was only one team playing to-gether and wanting to win the match.At the interval I won the raffle again.It will help out Wombwell Cricket Society.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
TWO WINNERS
By Brian Sanderson,
To-day I returned to East Bierley who were playing in The ECB National Club Championship against Hyde who play in the Cheshire County Premier League.
In the scorecard it shown the name Oliver Ashford but he had been injured at Blackley on Monday playing for Huddersfield New College . He was replaced by D.Abbott who played in the second team.Hyde won the toss and decided to bat .The first ball from Hutchinson bowled Twiney without playing a shot.When Robert James Joseph Woolley came in the score was 63 for 4.He plays for Lancashire Seconds and is right hand bat and right arm medium bowler.His age is 20 and was born in Ashton under Lyne.He finished on 140 not out with 19 4,s and 2 six,s.The Hyde total after 45 overs was 271 for9.The best bowler being Goddard , taking 3 for 53 in his nine overs.East Bierley stuggled to get a good fifth bowler.
After tea East Brierley lost there first six wickets for sixty in thirteen overs.Woolley taking three wickets.There was some excellent catchs taken .When I left East Bierley they were 165 for 9. Looking at the computor and total scorer the score had not moved.Something wrong with the web-site.
During tea I won a bottle of wine in the raffle which will go to prize at Wombwell Cricket Society during the winter.
To-day I returned to East Bierley who were playing in The ECB National Club Championship against Hyde who play in the Cheshire County Premier League.
In the scorecard it shown the name Oliver Ashford but he had been injured at Blackley on Monday playing for Huddersfield New College . He was replaced by D.Abbott who played in the second team.Hyde won the toss and decided to bat .The first ball from Hutchinson bowled Twiney without playing a shot.When Robert James Joseph Woolley came in the score was 63 for 4.He plays for Lancashire Seconds and is right hand bat and right arm medium bowler.His age is 20 and was born in Ashton under Lyne.He finished on 140 not out with 19 4,s and 2 six,s.The Hyde total after 45 overs was 271 for9.The best bowler being Goddard , taking 3 for 53 in his nine overs.East Bierley stuggled to get a good fifth bowler.
After tea East Brierley lost there first six wickets for sixty in thirteen overs.Woolley taking three wickets.There was some excellent catchs taken .When I left East Bierley they were 165 for 9. Looking at the computor and total scorer the score had not moved.Something wrong with the web-site.
During tea I won a bottle of wine in the raffle which will go to prize at Wombwell Cricket Society during the winter.
ARGUEMENTS IN THE PARK
By Brian Sanderson,
With Ron Stansfield I set out to Saltaire Park in the Bradford League.The last time I played here was over twenty years ago.Ron remembers watching a match here during The Second World War.Two of the famous players who played here was Sidney Barnes and Jim Laker.It is good to see photographs of both players in the improved pavilion.
Saltaire are second in the Second Division and Spen Victoria are tenth in the League.Saltaire won the toss and batted.The first wicket fell quickly with a caught behind.Then the fun started ,Burton appealed for a L.B.W which the umpire turned down. Burton refused to take his cap and sweater and stormed off to third man.A few overs later Burton obtained two L.B.W from the same umpire and the Saltaire batsman stood there and then storm off shouting at eveybody. As soon as he got to the pavilion he kicked a chair and stormed into the changing rooms.
Then Gomwe and Hicks put on a stand of 109, with Gomwe finishing on a excellent 94 not out.The Saltaire total got to 220 for 8 in the fifty overs.Tea was taken.
Round two Spen Victoria batted and again a wicket fell quickly.Only Deegan looked comfortable against te bowling.One of the Spen Players was given out L.B.W and was swored at when he left the pitch. Burton came into bat and the problem started again. He had to be pushed away from attacking one of the bowlers.When Burton was out the Spen innings soon finished on 94 in 32 overs.
It was nice to go back to the park but I did not enjoy the agruements on the pitch. I think the umpires should have been more strict.Hope to have a quieter at East Bierley to-day.
With Ron Stansfield I set out to Saltaire Park in the Bradford League.The last time I played here was over twenty years ago.Ron remembers watching a match here during The Second World War.Two of the famous players who played here was Sidney Barnes and Jim Laker.It is good to see photographs of both players in the improved pavilion.
Saltaire are second in the Second Division and Spen Victoria are tenth in the League.Saltaire won the toss and batted.The first wicket fell quickly with a caught behind.Then the fun started ,Burton appealed for a L.B.W which the umpire turned down. Burton refused to take his cap and sweater and stormed off to third man.A few overs later Burton obtained two L.B.W from the same umpire and the Saltaire batsman stood there and then storm off shouting at eveybody. As soon as he got to the pavilion he kicked a chair and stormed into the changing rooms.
Then Gomwe and Hicks put on a stand of 109, with Gomwe finishing on a excellent 94 not out.The Saltaire total got to 220 for 8 in the fifty overs.Tea was taken.
Round two Spen Victoria batted and again a wicket fell quickly.Only Deegan looked comfortable against te bowling.One of the Spen Players was given out L.B.W and was swored at when he left the pitch. Burton came into bat and the problem started again. He had to be pushed away from attacking one of the bowlers.When Burton was out the Spen innings soon finished on 94 in 32 overs.
It was nice to go back to the park but I did not enjoy the agruements on the pitch. I think the umpires should have been more strict.Hope to have a quieter at East Bierley to-day.
A hidden gem
Posted by John Winn
En route to post code LS8 yesterday I called at The Grammar School at Leeds at Alwoodley Gates where I was surprised to see so many cars. They had been attracted by something described as 'Junior Fun Day', a title which to a former schoolteacher, has the ring of doom. My interest was in a fifty over game between TGSAL and Manchester Grammar School. MGS cricketing alumni include Mike Atherton, Mark Chilton and John Crawley and of an earlier vintage, David Green. The pedigree of these four batsmen has, in some measure at least, been passed on for by the time I left the MGS openers were close to a century stand off 20 overs.
My first call in North Leeds was at the Leeds Police ground where the police were hosts to Shadwell in a Wetherby League Division One Fixture. Shadwell batted first and looked uncertain against the police bowling. I enquired of a boundary fielder if the police were, in fact, all police. No was the reply, criminals are welcome.Not having brought my kit I left.
From here it is but a short journey to 'The Homestead', the ground of North Leeds CC, on the edge of Roundhay Park. Aire Wharfe League here and the second teams of North Leeds and Rawdon were in opposition with the visitors batting. A small but growing crowd were enjoying the sunshine and some were alarmed at the rate of Rawdon's progress although it was under four an over. While I was there a second wicket fell,what looked like a straight forward caught behind, but the young batsmen paused, turned up his hands in supplication and set off for the pavilion at something of the speed of Thomas Gray's ploughman.It is not I think my imagination that this lind of dissent, for what else can it be, is increasing in the game at all levels.I was pleased to read that the Essex captain, James Foster has been disciplined by his county as well as the ECB for questioning an umpire's decision last month.
I returned home via Boston Spa and visited another new ground, one visited by Tony last month, that of Thorpe Arch and Boston Spa CC and situated in Thorpe Arch Village behind The Pax pub (Sorry no cricket parking), access being gained through the pub car park where a small gate opens onto a delightful scene and on a day like yesterday it was good that the far side of the ground offered some shade. Founded in 1873 TABS, as they are known, must have been spoilt for choice when they entered league cricket. They are but a few miles from Wetherby, the River Wharfe flows within half a mile of the village, but in 1963 they joined The York Senior League which for their two teams involves travel as far as Goole, Hull, Hornsea and Scarborough where the first were playing yesterday.
Yesterday's visitors were Pocklington II who were making merry and eventually closed on 269 for 5. I was surprised by the unwillingness of the TABs skipper to post fielders on the boundary as the score mounted but I need have had no worries for the home team reached their target with five wickets in hand.Almost 550 runs, beautiful sunshine and a gem of a ground, what more could the decent size crowd have wanted?
As has become my routine this season I finished up at Ouseburn CC, the fourth different league of the afternoon, where the seconds were taking on Hampsthwaite.We are now into the fourth month of the season and all Ouseburn's home fixtures have been played to a conclusion, a tribute to the excellent weather. Long may it continue, but I don't say that too loudly in earshot of those whose livelihoods are dependent on arable farming, some of whom are always among the spectators at the Great Ouseburn ground.
En route to post code LS8 yesterday I called at The Grammar School at Leeds at Alwoodley Gates where I was surprised to see so many cars. They had been attracted by something described as 'Junior Fun Day', a title which to a former schoolteacher, has the ring of doom. My interest was in a fifty over game between TGSAL and Manchester Grammar School. MGS cricketing alumni include Mike Atherton, Mark Chilton and John Crawley and of an earlier vintage, David Green. The pedigree of these four batsmen has, in some measure at least, been passed on for by the time I left the MGS openers were close to a century stand off 20 overs.
My first call in North Leeds was at the Leeds Police ground where the police were hosts to Shadwell in a Wetherby League Division One Fixture. Shadwell batted first and looked uncertain against the police bowling. I enquired of a boundary fielder if the police were, in fact, all police. No was the reply, criminals are welcome.Not having brought my kit I left.
From here it is but a short journey to 'The Homestead', the ground of North Leeds CC, on the edge of Roundhay Park. Aire Wharfe League here and the second teams of North Leeds and Rawdon were in opposition with the visitors batting. A small but growing crowd were enjoying the sunshine and some were alarmed at the rate of Rawdon's progress although it was under four an over. While I was there a second wicket fell,what looked like a straight forward caught behind, but the young batsmen paused, turned up his hands in supplication and set off for the pavilion at something of the speed of Thomas Gray's ploughman.It is not I think my imagination that this lind of dissent, for what else can it be, is increasing in the game at all levels.I was pleased to read that the Essex captain, James Foster has been disciplined by his county as well as the ECB for questioning an umpire's decision last month.
I returned home via Boston Spa and visited another new ground, one visited by Tony last month, that of Thorpe Arch and Boston Spa CC and situated in Thorpe Arch Village behind The Pax pub (Sorry no cricket parking), access being gained through the pub car park where a small gate opens onto a delightful scene and on a day like yesterday it was good that the far side of the ground offered some shade. Founded in 1873 TABS, as they are known, must have been spoilt for choice when they entered league cricket. They are but a few miles from Wetherby, the River Wharfe flows within half a mile of the village, but in 1963 they joined The York Senior League which for their two teams involves travel as far as Goole, Hull, Hornsea and Scarborough where the first were playing yesterday.
Yesterday's visitors were Pocklington II who were making merry and eventually closed on 269 for 5. I was surprised by the unwillingness of the TABs skipper to post fielders on the boundary as the score mounted but I need have had no worries for the home team reached their target with five wickets in hand.Almost 550 runs, beautiful sunshine and a gem of a ground, what more could the decent size crowd have wanted?
As has become my routine this season I finished up at Ouseburn CC, the fourth different league of the afternoon, where the seconds were taking on Hampsthwaite.We are now into the fourth month of the season and all Ouseburn's home fixtures have been played to a conclusion, a tribute to the excellent weather. Long may it continue, but I don't say that too loudly in earshot of those whose livelihoods are dependent on arable farming, some of whom are always among the spectators at the Great Ouseburn ground.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Fixtures update
Posted by Tony Hutton
With a proliferation of fixtures heading our way during July, I will try and do regular updates to satisfy our voracious readership.
Here is the first one for followers of the Joe Lumb under 17 competition. All games start at 13.00.
Sun 3rd July - Sheffield v Bradford (Whitley Hall)
East Yorkshire v Huddersfield (Welton)
Pontefract v Leeds (Brodsworth)
Halifax v Wtherby (Sowerby Brdige Church Institute)
Sun 10th July - Aire/Wharfe v Sheffield (Tong Park Esholt)
Heavy Woollen v York (Gomersal)
Leeds v Nidderdale (Whitkirk)
Barnsley v Halifax (Cawthorne)
Wetherby v Doncaster (St Chads)
Sun 17th July - Sheffield v York (Killamarsh)
Leeds v Huddersfield (Colton)
Nidderdale v East Yorkshire (Follifoot)
Doncaster v Scarborough (Warmsworth)
Sun 24th July - Bradford v Heavy Woollen (Undercliffe)
Sun 31st July - Bradford v Aire/Wharfe (East Bierley)
Heavy Woollen v Sheffield (Moorlands, Mirfield)
Semi-finals will be played on Sun 7th and 14th August, with the final on 28th August.
The Jack Lee Tophy Final for the two runners up will be played on 4th September
With a proliferation of fixtures heading our way during July, I will try and do regular updates to satisfy our voracious readership.
Here is the first one for followers of the Joe Lumb under 17 competition. All games start at 13.00.
Sun 3rd July - Sheffield v Bradford (Whitley Hall)
East Yorkshire v Huddersfield (Welton)
Pontefract v Leeds (Brodsworth)
Halifax v Wtherby (Sowerby Brdige Church Institute)
Sun 10th July - Aire/Wharfe v Sheffield (Tong Park Esholt)
Heavy Woollen v York (Gomersal)
Leeds v Nidderdale (Whitkirk)
Barnsley v Halifax (Cawthorne)
Wetherby v Doncaster (St Chads)
Sun 17th July - Sheffield v York (Killamarsh)
Leeds v Huddersfield (Colton)
Nidderdale v East Yorkshire (Follifoot)
Doncaster v Scarborough (Warmsworth)
Sun 24th July - Bradford v Heavy Woollen (Undercliffe)
Sun 31st July - Bradford v Aire/Wharfe (East Bierley)
Heavy Woollen v Sheffield (Moorlands, Mirfield)
Semi-finals will be played on Sun 7th and 14th August, with the final on 28th August.
The Jack Lee Tophy Final for the two runners up will be played on 4th September
Friday, 1 July 2011
Cardiff steal the show at Lord's
Posted by Tony Hutton
Monday 27th June - M.C.C. Universities Challenge Final at Lord's
Durham M.C.C.U. v Cardiff M.C.C.U.
As previously pointed out the top six cricketing universities play each other in a two day competition which encourages sides to bat for 100 overs and play something more akin to proper cricket, than the usual limited overs thrash.
All well and good until we get to the final which reverts to the 50 over one day format. Durham must have been favourites for their ability to score around 400 runs in almost every one of their two day games. However always a great pleasure to be at Lord's and for me the small crowd which enables a leisurely walk around the ground and it's various attractions is a big advantage. To add to the occasion the women's university final was being played on the Nursery ground between Loughborough and
Leeds Met Universities.
In the main match Cardiff, who have improved considerably in recent seasons under coach Kevin Lyons, formerly of Glamorgan, batted first. Their openers put on 47 without any problem before Jones was out for 20 and Siddique followed immediately for a duck. Their main man, Ryan Bishop, who hails from South Africa, continued to dominate proceedings and when he was joined by Irishman Balbirnie they put on a fine partnership of 104.
Bishop was eventually stumped for 88 and Balbirnie caught behind for 73 both off spinner Watkins, who proved to be Durham's best bowler with 3-44 in his ten overs, although opening bowler Deuchar was the most economical with 0-22 in his spell. Some late hitting from Tom Friend, who comes from the Isle of Wight, took the Cambridge score to 255-7 in their fifty overs.
Due to the very slow over rate in the women's match it was possible to watch the end of the Loughborough innings during the men's lunch interval. In front of a respectable crowd, which I was told was the biggest ever seen for cricket on the Nursery ground, Loughborough just failed to reach 300, with the scourge of Leeds Met once again the immaculate Tamsin Beaumont with yet another century to add to her collection.
Back to the men's match and Durham's prolific top three batsmen looked well capable of knocking off the runs. Chris Jones of Somerset, Luc Durandt from South Africa and Greg Smith from Leicestershire have all scored consistently all season, but sadly today was not to be their day. Cardiff's ploy of opening the bowling with one seamer, Reed, and one spinner, Ransley, paid off.
Reed had Durandt caught for only 13, Jones was caught behined of Ransley for 32 and Smith made only 18 before falling lbw to Friend. Worse was to follow as Durham slumped from 92-3 to 105-6. The game looked as good as over but as so often the case the tailenders came to the rescue with two wicketkeepers, Smith who kept today and Jamie Atkinson at one time wicketkeeper for Hong Kong, put on a partnership of 66 before Smith was bowled by Balbirnie for 22.
Then a stand of 42 between Atkinson and Watkins took Durham to within reach of victory, Atkinson playing the leading role and the equation had gone down to a run a ball off the final six overs before Atkinson was ninth man out for a splendid 62. Two runs later it was all over - Durham's powerful batting side bowled out for 228 and Cardiff the winners by 27 runs.
If there was a man of the match award, it would surely have gone to Tom Friend, who not only scored a vital 42, but also took 4-48. So Cardiff are top of the University cricket tree, some consolation for losing the one day BUCS final to Cambridge at Wormsley last week.
On the way out, Leeds Met women were still batting against Loughborough, but no chance of reaching their target of 298 to win. We later learned that they were all out for a respectable 207.
Sparse up north
Posted by John Winn
An article by David Hopps in today's Guardian 'sport', otherwise swamped by Wimbledon, points out that although England began their 2011 domestic season in May it has taken them until July 1st to travel further north than Lord's when they pitch up at Headingley for the ODI against Sri Lanka. In a year when no test match will be played further north then Trent Bridge, the northern cricket watcher who enjoys international cricketer is restricted to an ODI at Chester-le Street, a T20 and LOI at Old Trafford and today's game. If international cricket with its high prices and beer garden atmosphere is not your cup of tea, or pint of lager, but fancy seeing some of the world's best cricketers when they are merely called 'The Indians' then be prepared to travel to Leicester or Northampton or Taunton or Hove or Canterbury.If you studied geography more than forty years ago you will have got my drift.
By now you may have sensed that this a source of irritation to this blogger, but it doesn't end there. For the pcw none of this may apply;they have other less high profile cricket to watch using Tony's excellent fixture lists published on this website.Just in case however you thought you might like to see the South African Under 19s who are to play their England counterparts in seven limited over games then there are two opportunites at Arundel, two more at Canterbury and one each at Northampton, Edgbaston and Taunton. Ring any bells?
Just one more little rant before I finish.Last week England's women played in a quadrangular T20 tournament and as you have probably sensed what's coming I will spare you the details, but suffice to say Chelmsford was their northern outpost. Things do get a little better this week with LOI women's games at Chesterfield and Derby and improve further at the end of this month when Sri Lanka A visit The Riverside and later Scarborough.
The imbalance of representative fixtures has been niggling away at me ever since the fixtures were published but it tookk Hopps' article today to make me express it through a posting. is is gratifying therefore that today's Daily Mirror features an interview with Tim Bresnan in which the all rounder 'has hit out at the lack of international cricket in his home county'.In the accompanying article The Mirror says 'the real injustice...this year sees thre days of cricket shared between Leeds. Manchester and Durham(sic), while fans in the Midlands and the South have 36 days to choose from'.
An article by David Hopps in today's Guardian 'sport', otherwise swamped by Wimbledon, points out that although England began their 2011 domestic season in May it has taken them until July 1st to travel further north than Lord's when they pitch up at Headingley for the ODI against Sri Lanka. In a year when no test match will be played further north then Trent Bridge, the northern cricket watcher who enjoys international cricketer is restricted to an ODI at Chester-le Street, a T20 and LOI at Old Trafford and today's game. If international cricket with its high prices and beer garden atmosphere is not your cup of tea, or pint of lager, but fancy seeing some of the world's best cricketers when they are merely called 'The Indians' then be prepared to travel to Leicester or Northampton or Taunton or Hove or Canterbury.If you studied geography more than forty years ago you will have got my drift.
By now you may have sensed that this a source of irritation to this blogger, but it doesn't end there. For the pcw none of this may apply;they have other less high profile cricket to watch using Tony's excellent fixture lists published on this website.Just in case however you thought you might like to see the South African Under 19s who are to play their England counterparts in seven limited over games then there are two opportunites at Arundel, two more at Canterbury and one each at Northampton, Edgbaston and Taunton. Ring any bells?
Just one more little rant before I finish.Last week England's women played in a quadrangular T20 tournament and as you have probably sensed what's coming I will spare you the details, but suffice to say Chelmsford was their northern outpost. Things do get a little better this week with LOI women's games at Chesterfield and Derby and improve further at the end of this month when Sri Lanka A visit The Riverside and later Scarborough.
The imbalance of representative fixtures has been niggling away at me ever since the fixtures were published but it tookk Hopps' article today to make me express it through a posting. is is gratifying therefore that today's Daily Mirror features an interview with Tim Bresnan in which the all rounder 'has hit out at the lack of international cricket in his home county'.In the accompanying article The Mirror says 'the real injustice...this year sees thre days of cricket shared between Leeds. Manchester and Durham(sic), while fans in the Midlands and the South have 36 days to choose from'.
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