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.