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.