Posted by Tony Hutton
Wednesday 31st August - Yorkshire II v MCC Young Cricketers (Weetwood, Leeds) - first day of 3 - 11.00.
Thursday 1st September - Yorkshire under 15s schools final - Leeds v Huddersfield at Methley CC - 12 noon
Friday 2nd Sept. - Greyfox Trophy final at Headingley - 1 p.m. Bradford Bhuddies v Fishlake - 30 overs per side
Sat 3rd Sept. - St Georges v Cambridge Methodists (Harewood House)
Sun 4th Sept. - National Village Final at Lord's - Woodhouses (Lancs) v Rottingdean (Sussex)
Yorkshire Premier League cup final - Yorkshire Academy v Scarborough (Weetwood, Leeds) - 12.00. Also a full programme of Huddersfield Central League games.
At the request of John Taplin - Yorkshire Council play off semi-finals - /wickersley v Elsecar and Methley v Wrenthorpe.
Yorkshire Council Supplementary cup final - Kexborough v Darton (Warmsworth CC).
Jack Lee cup final for Joe Lumb under 17s runners up - Huddersfield v Barnsley at Lascelles Hall.
County over 50s semi-finals (Yorkshire not involved) -
Gloucester over 50s v Kent over 50s (Gloucester City CC) and
Warwick over 50s vKent over 50s (Leamington Spa CC) - both 12.30 starts
Mon 5th Sept. Yorkshire Bunbury Schools Final at New Rover, Leeds - QUEGS Wakefield v Grammar School at Leeds - 1.30 p.m.(according to Yorkshire Cricket Board) - start time may change.
Tues 6th Sept. - County 2nd XI championship final (3 days) - Warwick II v Glamorgan II (Coventry and North Warwickshire CC)
Wed 7th Sept. - Yorkshire Academy v British Fire Service (Streethouse CC)
Over 60s County final - Essex Over 60s v Cheshire over 60s (Oakham CC) - 12 noon.
Thurs 8th Sept. - Lord's Taverners Under 14s schools final at New Rover, Leeds-
Shelley High School v Grammar School at Leeds. - Possibly 12 noon (never certain).
Sat 10th Sept. - St Georges v Otley Hawks (Harewood House) - 13.30
Sun 11th Sept. - Full programme of Huddersfield Central and Saddleworth cricket leagues fixtures.
Yorkshire Council play off final at Elsecar.
Mon 12th Sept - County 2nd XI trophy (1 day) final - Lancashire II v Notts II
at Aigburth, Liverpool
Mon 12th Sept. - last round of county championship matches start (Yorkshire not involved) - 10.30 starts
Saturday 17th Sept. CB 40 Final (Lord's)
ECB Club Knock out final at Derby - Shrewsbury v Cambridge Granta - 13.00
Arthington v Mutineers - 13.30
Sun 18th Sept - County over 50s final at Wormsley (Warwick or Derby v Gloucester or Kent
Huddersfield Central League - full programme of matches (last of season)
Arthington v Romany - 13.30
Mon 19th Sept. - Nidderdale Show XI v Craven League XI (Pateley Bridge) - 11.00
Cockspur cup T20 finals day at Chelmsford - live on Sky Sports - Ealing (Middlesex) v St Just (Cornwall) and Hyde (Cheshire) v Chester le Street (Durham)
Arthington festival will continue each Saturday and Sunday through to 8th October.
September games start at 13.30 and October games at 13.00
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Monday, 29 August 2011
Yorkshire Academy do it yet again
Posted by Tony Hutton
Torkshire Premier League - Yorkshire Academy v York at Weetwood, Leeds.
After their eventful win over York last Sunday at the same venue in the cup semi-final, the Academy entered this league game full of optimism that they could once again beat the top side in the league for the third time this season.
York could have used the excuse last weekend that they were not at full strength, but not today with the return of the league's leading bowler, left arm spinner Dan Woods, who was away playing for Cheshire last week.
York batted first and found themselves facing up to Ajmal Shahzad, who played for England not long ago. He was having a try out after injury and soon proved his fitness by clean bowling opener Simpson for nought. Ben Coad the left arm seamer soon got rid of the dangerous Duncan Snell, who was out lbw for only 5.
So with the score only 7-2 York really were in trouble but an excellent partnership between Liam McKendry and skipper Wood took the score to 77 before McKendry was well caught on the boundary off a dreadfully short ball from Ross. How often does the bad ball get a wicket ?
At this stage I left proceedings in order to watch the Rugby League Challenge cup final on TV. It proved to be a much closer game than expected with two bad refereeing errors robbing Leeds of possible victory. No doubt we will hear more from Brian Sanderson who went to Wembley to watch the game.
With help of the admirable Total Cricket Scorer website I was able to keep up to date with events at Weetwood and to my great surprise found that Coad had taken 6-31 and reduced York to 138-9 when rain stopped play.
It rained for quite a long time and as a result many league games throughout Yorkshire were abandoned. I had switched my attention to the T20 finals on TV by this time but shortly before six o'clock realised the rain had stopped so checked on Total Cricket Scorer and sure enough, after a gap of almost three hours, play had re-started at Weetwood. York had been bowled out and the Academy had just started their reply.
Back I went, and after some confusion the electronic scoreboard got the overs remaining right and revealed that only 26 overs remained - so roughly half the overs York had taken to make 143. Shahzad opened the batting presumably in a pinch hitter role but was soon bowled by Kay for only 9.
The dangerous Woods, who played his university cricket on this ground, opened from the other end with his left arm spin. With his track record in this league you would have put money on him bowling the young Academy side out or at least in containing their victory charge.
He did in fact get the next wicket getting the prolific Academy captain Alex Leeds lbw for 26. Jack Leaning, in excellent form recently, carried on the attack and kept the rate around the required six an over. However when given out lbw to Kay for 44 he showed his displeasure in no uncertain manner. According to one York supporter he hit the ball harder than some of his fours.
Lilley had already gone cheaply, also to Kay, so 115-4 with only four overs remaining and thirty more runs required looked a difficult target for youngsters Ross and Tattersall. Leaning had already hit Woods for one huge six and Ross proceeded to hit two equally long hits to turn the game and the match was won with a four off the first ball of the last over.
Ross finished on 40 not out, a real match winning innings and Tattersall kept his head at the other end with ten runs off only nine balls. Alas poor Woods, taken off with two overs remaining with figures of 11-0-51-1. So another excellent victory for this very young side. As last week when Lilley bowled them out, Coad this time was the match winner with the ball.
They can look forward to the Yorkshire League cup final against Scarborough with some confidence. It seems likely that this will be played at Weetwood on Sunday 4th September.
Torkshire Premier League - Yorkshire Academy v York at Weetwood, Leeds.
After their eventful win over York last Sunday at the same venue in the cup semi-final, the Academy entered this league game full of optimism that they could once again beat the top side in the league for the third time this season.
York could have used the excuse last weekend that they were not at full strength, but not today with the return of the league's leading bowler, left arm spinner Dan Woods, who was away playing for Cheshire last week.
York batted first and found themselves facing up to Ajmal Shahzad, who played for England not long ago. He was having a try out after injury and soon proved his fitness by clean bowling opener Simpson for nought. Ben Coad the left arm seamer soon got rid of the dangerous Duncan Snell, who was out lbw for only 5.
So with the score only 7-2 York really were in trouble but an excellent partnership between Liam McKendry and skipper Wood took the score to 77 before McKendry was well caught on the boundary off a dreadfully short ball from Ross. How often does the bad ball get a wicket ?
At this stage I left proceedings in order to watch the Rugby League Challenge cup final on TV. It proved to be a much closer game than expected with two bad refereeing errors robbing Leeds of possible victory. No doubt we will hear more from Brian Sanderson who went to Wembley to watch the game.
With help of the admirable Total Cricket Scorer website I was able to keep up to date with events at Weetwood and to my great surprise found that Coad had taken 6-31 and reduced York to 138-9 when rain stopped play.
It rained for quite a long time and as a result many league games throughout Yorkshire were abandoned. I had switched my attention to the T20 finals on TV by this time but shortly before six o'clock realised the rain had stopped so checked on Total Cricket Scorer and sure enough, after a gap of almost three hours, play had re-started at Weetwood. York had been bowled out and the Academy had just started their reply.
Back I went, and after some confusion the electronic scoreboard got the overs remaining right and revealed that only 26 overs remained - so roughly half the overs York had taken to make 143. Shahzad opened the batting presumably in a pinch hitter role but was soon bowled by Kay for only 9.
The dangerous Woods, who played his university cricket on this ground, opened from the other end with his left arm spin. With his track record in this league you would have put money on him bowling the young Academy side out or at least in containing their victory charge.
He did in fact get the next wicket getting the prolific Academy captain Alex Leeds lbw for 26. Jack Leaning, in excellent form recently, carried on the attack and kept the rate around the required six an over. However when given out lbw to Kay for 44 he showed his displeasure in no uncertain manner. According to one York supporter he hit the ball harder than some of his fours.
Lilley had already gone cheaply, also to Kay, so 115-4 with only four overs remaining and thirty more runs required looked a difficult target for youngsters Ross and Tattersall. Leaning had already hit Woods for one huge six and Ross proceeded to hit two equally long hits to turn the game and the match was won with a four off the first ball of the last over.
Ross finished on 40 not out, a real match winning innings and Tattersall kept his head at the other end with ten runs off only nine balls. Alas poor Woods, taken off with two overs remaining with figures of 11-0-51-1. So another excellent victory for this very young side. As last week when Lilley bowled them out, Coad this time was the match winner with the ball.
They can look forward to the Yorkshire League cup final against Scarborough with some confidence. It seems likely that this will be played at Weetwood on Sunday 4th September.
QUARTER FINALS
By Brian Sanderson,
Looking at the weather forecast I decided to go to see two Yorkshire Council Championships Quarter Finals.The first one was Whitley Hall against Methley,The ground is situated in Ecclesfield which is on the outskirts of Sheffield.There a new pavilion and the ground slopes down to the carpark.There are trees at the back of the carpark with excellent houses overlooking the ground.
The match was a forty-five over match and started at twelve.Methley won the toss and decided to bowl.A quick fell and then the best stand of the match between Siddall and Longhurst brought the score up to 56.Then Purdy, Rickers and Connolly stopped the scoring and started to take wickets. They bowled twenty-one overs and only conceed forty-one runs.So Whitley were bowled out for 104 with twelve overs to spare.
During the interval children were playing cricket on the pitch instead of football. Good to see.
When Methley batted they also lost a quick wicket but Khan and Holliday steady the ship.Holliday looks a good keeper and a good bat.The only downside was the programme did not have the names of the players.
Moving on to Elsecar and Streethouses match.Elsecar club was established in 1854 and is near the Heritage Centre.Streethouses had scored 162 before we arrived. Elsecar was batting with Ainsley Swallow scoring a good 37 in the score of just over 40.During the innings Bob Procter had a excellent strawberry trifle and I had a slice of peach flan.Excellent fare.Elsecar looked like they were struggling until Afzal came in to score a quick thirty.Elsecar won the match and move on to the semi-final next week.
We were very lucky with the weather as there was no rain with the occassional sunshine.Back to the stadium to-day.Oh-dear.
Looking at the weather forecast I decided to go to see two Yorkshire Council Championships Quarter Finals.The first one was Whitley Hall against Methley,The ground is situated in Ecclesfield which is on the outskirts of Sheffield.There a new pavilion and the ground slopes down to the carpark.There are trees at the back of the carpark with excellent houses overlooking the ground.
The match was a forty-five over match and started at twelve.Methley won the toss and decided to bowl.A quick fell and then the best stand of the match between Siddall and Longhurst brought the score up to 56.Then Purdy, Rickers and Connolly stopped the scoring and started to take wickets. They bowled twenty-one overs and only conceed forty-one runs.So Whitley were bowled out for 104 with twelve overs to spare.
During the interval children were playing cricket on the pitch instead of football. Good to see.
When Methley batted they also lost a quick wicket but Khan and Holliday steady the ship.Holliday looks a good keeper and a good bat.The only downside was the programme did not have the names of the players.
Moving on to Elsecar and Streethouses match.Elsecar club was established in 1854 and is near the Heritage Centre.Streethouses had scored 162 before we arrived. Elsecar was batting with Ainsley Swallow scoring a good 37 in the score of just over 40.During the innings Bob Procter had a excellent strawberry trifle and I had a slice of peach flan.Excellent fare.Elsecar looked like they were struggling until Afzal came in to score a quick thirty.Elsecar won the match and move on to the semi-final next week.
We were very lucky with the weather as there was no rain with the occassional sunshine.Back to the stadium to-day.Oh-dear.
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Sunshine and Showers
posted by John Winn
Yesterday I fulfilled a promise I made to myself at the beginning of the season and travelled along the A59 to see, for the first time, Lancashire League cricket. Poor weather caused the abandonment of a visit I intended to make a few weeks ago but with time running out, at least for this season, I decided that the prospects for cricket yesterday in that area were good enough for me to travel.
The top attraction was at Thorneyholme Road, the surprisingly rural home of Accrington CC. Situated on the edge of town and easily accessible from the M65 the ground was yesterday host to Accrington's first eleven match with Lowerhouse, 'second v. top'. Nearing the ground I passed through a heavy shower which delayed the start by 15 minutes. Accrington soon lost their openers and 'House' Pro, South African Francois Haasbroek went onto take seven wickets as Accrington were bowled out for 155 with veteran Graham Lloyd top scoring.Lowerhouse fell 23 short of this total but their lead at the top of the table still suggests they will be champions for only the second time in their history.
As a further shower threatened to halt play I left after an hour and headed for Burnley where the rain was torrential and on reaching the ground, which is immediately adjacent to Turf Moor, the home of Burnley FC, it was no surprise to find the covers on and large puddles on the outfield. I decided I would cut my losses, and save my £2 admission, and made the short journey to Nelson. The contrast could not have been greater, for here, at the Seedhill ground, the sun was very warm and about 30 spectators were enjoying the home team's dominance of Rishton's rather feeble batting. I enjoyed a cup of tea in the opulent clubroom where the honours' board listed the many well known professionals the club has employed over the years. At the centre was a photograph of the greatest of them all, Sir Learie Constantine, Nelson's 'pro' for many years in the 1930s. Evidence of Constantine's genius is provide by the statistic that Nelson are the only club to have won the league four years in succession, 1934-37.
With Rishton bowled out for 115, which Nelson subsequently knocked off for three wickets,I moved along the valley to neighbouring Colne. Here my timing was spot on for for the players had just finished tea in the 'award winning tearoom', and I was allowed to run amok amongst the remaining sandwiches and cakes for just £1. I note from the excellent league handbook that Colne last year surrendered the title of 'best tearoom' to Ramsbottom. On yesterday's evidence the winners in 2007, 8 and 9 are fighting to eradicate this stain on their aprons.
The match being played here was a second eleven game between Colne and Rawtenstall and I watched, along with about six others, the visitors begin their chase of Colne's 158. In the tearoom there was an photograph evocative of a different age.It was taken at a match between Colne and Nelson in 1929 when the object of the spectators' curiosity was the first appearance at 'The Horsfield' of Sir Learie.Not only is the ground full but there are no spaces on the stone wall that surrounds it.
Driving back across The Pennines the evening sun continued to shine but descending into Harrogate from Blubberhouses I met with more rain and reached home to hear from my wife that there had been a thunder storm in the locality during the afternoon. Given such capricious weather I was grateful that I had seen cricket on three new grounds and that on two of those a sun hat would not looked out of place.
Yesterday I fulfilled a promise I made to myself at the beginning of the season and travelled along the A59 to see, for the first time, Lancashire League cricket. Poor weather caused the abandonment of a visit I intended to make a few weeks ago but with time running out, at least for this season, I decided that the prospects for cricket yesterday in that area were good enough for me to travel.
The top attraction was at Thorneyholme Road, the surprisingly rural home of Accrington CC. Situated on the edge of town and easily accessible from the M65 the ground was yesterday host to Accrington's first eleven match with Lowerhouse, 'second v. top'. Nearing the ground I passed through a heavy shower which delayed the start by 15 minutes. Accrington soon lost their openers and 'House' Pro, South African Francois Haasbroek went onto take seven wickets as Accrington were bowled out for 155 with veteran Graham Lloyd top scoring.Lowerhouse fell 23 short of this total but their lead at the top of the table still suggests they will be champions for only the second time in their history.
As a further shower threatened to halt play I left after an hour and headed for Burnley where the rain was torrential and on reaching the ground, which is immediately adjacent to Turf Moor, the home of Burnley FC, it was no surprise to find the covers on and large puddles on the outfield. I decided I would cut my losses, and save my £2 admission, and made the short journey to Nelson. The contrast could not have been greater, for here, at the Seedhill ground, the sun was very warm and about 30 spectators were enjoying the home team's dominance of Rishton's rather feeble batting. I enjoyed a cup of tea in the opulent clubroom where the honours' board listed the many well known professionals the club has employed over the years. At the centre was a photograph of the greatest of them all, Sir Learie Constantine, Nelson's 'pro' for many years in the 1930s. Evidence of Constantine's genius is provide by the statistic that Nelson are the only club to have won the league four years in succession, 1934-37.
With Rishton bowled out for 115, which Nelson subsequently knocked off for three wickets,I moved along the valley to neighbouring Colne. Here my timing was spot on for for the players had just finished tea in the 'award winning tearoom', and I was allowed to run amok amongst the remaining sandwiches and cakes for just £1. I note from the excellent league handbook that Colne last year surrendered the title of 'best tearoom' to Ramsbottom. On yesterday's evidence the winners in 2007, 8 and 9 are fighting to eradicate this stain on their aprons.
The match being played here was a second eleven game between Colne and Rawtenstall and I watched, along with about six others, the visitors begin their chase of Colne's 158. In the tearoom there was an photograph evocative of a different age.It was taken at a match between Colne and Nelson in 1929 when the object of the spectators' curiosity was the first appearance at 'The Horsfield' of Sir Learie.Not only is the ground full but there are no spaces on the stone wall that surrounds it.
Driving back across The Pennines the evening sun continued to shine but descending into Harrogate from Blubberhouses I met with more rain and reached home to hear from my wife that there had been a thunder storm in the locality during the afternoon. Given such capricious weather I was grateful that I had seen cricket on three new grounds and that on two of those a sun hat would not looked out of place.
Friday, 26 August 2011
Always look on the bright side
Posted by Tony Hutton
Having just read John Winn's tale of woe regarding events at Headingley yesterday, I am glad I did not return after lunch to see Yorkshire's second innings. As I write it is still raining in Southampton where Worcester were in sight of victory against
Hampshire.
Without wishing to enter into a debate on the current state of Yorkshire cricket, all I will say is that relegation will not be the end of the world and could give Yorkshire's squad time to re-group and develop the considerable talents that do exist.
On a personal note I shall be pleased to see some new teams and new faces being entertained in Yorkshire and possibly even a trip to Lord's to play Middlesex.
However, it has not been a good week for cricket in Yorkshire generally with the second XI going down to defeat at Worcester in their three day game, after declaring on the last day. The star performance in the game was that of Yorkshire's under 17 captain, Jack Leaning, with 150 not out. This after winning the one=day game with some good bowling from one of the forgotten men, Oliver Hannon-Dolby.
There were defeats also for the two Yorkshire seniors sides, the over 50s losing their quarter final away to Gloucester and the over 60s losing their semi-final away at Essex.
Now for the good news, the Under 15s lost very narrowly in their knock out final at Oakham School and the Under 17s are through to their final against Surrey at Leicester on 1st and 2nd of September.
So let's look forward to what is still to come. In the world of Minor Counties cricket Berkshire beat Hertfordshire in the one day final at Lord's. The championship play off final, over 4 days, will be played at March Town between Cambridgeshire and Devon.
The county second X1 Trophy semi finals will be Somerset v Lancashire at Taunton Vale on Monday 29th August and the following day will see Notts play Glamorgan at Trent Bridge. I am advised by John Winn that the second XI three day final starting on 6th September will be between Warwickshire and Glamorgan at the Coventry and North Warwickshire ground.
More locally The Olicanian cricket club's festival was due to start today, but their
planned junior tournament no doubt fell foul of the weather.There is cricket on their attractive ground every day until next weekend, with the highlight being the Aire Wharfe third teams cup final between Thackley and Guiseley on Monday 29th August.
Several other cup finals will be played this Sunday, 28th August, including the Bradford League's Priestley cup final at Bingley between East Bierley and Pudsey St Lawrence starting at 1 p.m. Also the under 17s Joe Lumb final is being played at Stamford Bridge, between York Senior League and North Yorks and South Durham League.
The Wetherby League are staging two eveing league cup finals at Old Modernians ground in Leeds on Sunday. The senior evening cup final sees Kirk Deighton take on Sicklinghall and the reserve evening cup finals sees Kirk Deighton's second team play Leeds Police.
Later next week the annual match between the Nidderdale league and M.C.C. takes place at Burton Leonard CC (between Harrogate and Ripon) on Wed 31st August - 11.30 start. On the same day Yorkshire 2nd XI take on M.C.C. Young Cricketers in a three day friendly at the Weetwood ground in Leeds.
If the last game finishes early I understand that the final of the Greyfox trophy, for over 50s club sides, is taking place at Headingley on Friday. As this tournament had been shrouded in mystery I am unable to advise the finalists.
All these games are of course an alternative to going to support Yorkshire at Edgbaston, but as John Winn has already said not really an enticing prospect.
However, whatever the outcome of the county championship relegation battle, always look on the bright side - there is plenty of cricket out there to enjoy as long as the sun shines.
P.S. I now find that play has started at Southampton, but Hampshire have not yet lost another wicket. There does not appear to be time for Worcester to snatch victory, but stranger things have happened.
Having just read John Winn's tale of woe regarding events at Headingley yesterday, I am glad I did not return after lunch to see Yorkshire's second innings. As I write it is still raining in Southampton where Worcester were in sight of victory against
Hampshire.
Without wishing to enter into a debate on the current state of Yorkshire cricket, all I will say is that relegation will not be the end of the world and could give Yorkshire's squad time to re-group and develop the considerable talents that do exist.
On a personal note I shall be pleased to see some new teams and new faces being entertained in Yorkshire and possibly even a trip to Lord's to play Middlesex.
However, it has not been a good week for cricket in Yorkshire generally with the second XI going down to defeat at Worcester in their three day game, after declaring on the last day. The star performance in the game was that of Yorkshire's under 17 captain, Jack Leaning, with 150 not out. This after winning the one=day game with some good bowling from one of the forgotten men, Oliver Hannon-Dolby.
There were defeats also for the two Yorkshire seniors sides, the over 50s losing their quarter final away to Gloucester and the over 60s losing their semi-final away at Essex.
Now for the good news, the Under 15s lost very narrowly in their knock out final at Oakham School and the Under 17s are through to their final against Surrey at Leicester on 1st and 2nd of September.
So let's look forward to what is still to come. In the world of Minor Counties cricket Berkshire beat Hertfordshire in the one day final at Lord's. The championship play off final, over 4 days, will be played at March Town between Cambridgeshire and Devon.
The county second X1 Trophy semi finals will be Somerset v Lancashire at Taunton Vale on Monday 29th August and the following day will see Notts play Glamorgan at Trent Bridge. I am advised by John Winn that the second XI three day final starting on 6th September will be between Warwickshire and Glamorgan at the Coventry and North Warwickshire ground.
More locally The Olicanian cricket club's festival was due to start today, but their
planned junior tournament no doubt fell foul of the weather.There is cricket on their attractive ground every day until next weekend, with the highlight being the Aire Wharfe third teams cup final between Thackley and Guiseley on Monday 29th August.
Several other cup finals will be played this Sunday, 28th August, including the Bradford League's Priestley cup final at Bingley between East Bierley and Pudsey St Lawrence starting at 1 p.m. Also the under 17s Joe Lumb final is being played at Stamford Bridge, between York Senior League and North Yorks and South Durham League.
The Wetherby League are staging two eveing league cup finals at Old Modernians ground in Leeds on Sunday. The senior evening cup final sees Kirk Deighton take on Sicklinghall and the reserve evening cup finals sees Kirk Deighton's second team play Leeds Police.
Later next week the annual match between the Nidderdale league and M.C.C. takes place at Burton Leonard CC (between Harrogate and Ripon) on Wed 31st August - 11.30 start. On the same day Yorkshire 2nd XI take on M.C.C. Young Cricketers in a three day friendly at the Weetwood ground in Leeds.
If the last game finishes early I understand that the final of the Greyfox trophy, for over 50s club sides, is taking place at Headingley on Friday. As this tournament had been shrouded in mystery I am unable to advise the finalists.
All these games are of course an alternative to going to support Yorkshire at Edgbaston, but as John Winn has already said not really an enticing prospect.
However, whatever the outcome of the county championship relegation battle, always look on the bright side - there is plenty of cricket out there to enjoy as long as the sun shines.
P.S. I now find that play has started at Southampton, but Hampshire have not yet lost another wicket. There does not appear to be time for Worcester to snatch victory, but stranger things have happened.
You never know
Posted by John Winn
'....they knew they were going down long before survival became impossible with defeat in their penultimate game at Edgbaston.' Wisden Cricketers' Almanac 2003.
The 'penultimate game' was played in September 2002 and despite scoring over 800 runs in the match defeat by six wickets condemned Yorkshire to second division cricket in 2003.
Next Wednesday at Edgbaston Yorkshire begin their 'penultimate game' of this season's campaign.Given yesterday's events at Headingley this must seem as enticing as spending Boxing Day with relatives with whom one has just spent a particularly disappointing Christmas Day. A quick trawl this morning of various media sources' descriptions of yesterday's play, including the YCCC website, finds liberal use of words and phrases like 'brink', 'trapdoor', 'very fragile', 'virtually condemned', 'staring in the face', etc.Yet shortly after lunch yesterday when Root wrapped up the Warwickshire tail, and is there a message in that for Yorkshire's management, all that was required to save what had become an unwinnable match was for the home team to repeat what they had done in their first innings i.e. bat for 94overs.Given today's weather this would probably have been more than enough to give them them the draw and seven points from the match.A quick 'vox pop' in the ten minutes between innings, however, found few members who were confident that this could be achieved. When, with the fourth ball of his first over Keith Barker had Rudolph caught behind the few became very few and when shortly afterwards both scoreboards read Yorkshire 25 for 4 the very few probably became none. The fall of each wicket seemed to jolt the memory of a number of supporters that they had a bus to catch, a dog to walk, a meal to cook, a lawn to mow, anything thing in fact but watch more humiliation.
All this on a lovely sunny afternoon at the end of three days when only ten minutes' play had been lost to rain. Are things so bad? Yes, I hear you say. Can nothing save them, no would be the commonest reply for when yesterday afternoon the majority expressed no faith in the batting, one can't help feeling that whatever the captain or coach might have said the team were similarly lacking belief. The rumours that have circulated for the last three days in themselves justify setting up a separate website and it is not, I believe, the purpose of this blog to discuss such matters in any detail. Suffice to say they seem to focus around dressing room unrest and several players who would prefer to wear another county's cap next season, which, if true, easily transfer to poor performances on the field especially when the opposition are in an excellent position to pip Lancashire for the championship.
Before closing let me suggest a few straws readers might like to clutch.
1) There is a 99% chance of rain in Southampton today
2) Bairstow will be back from his pointless trip to Dublin. Yes I know The Bears will be reinforced too, but Yorkshire's need is greater than Warwickshire's.
3) Hampshire's last three games are against Somerset, Lancashire and Warwickshire.
4) Worcestershire's remaing opponents include Lancashire.
5) Yorkshire still have 48 possible points to play for.
6) Yorkshire don't play in the last round of matches in the second week of September which is notorious for rain. OK I made that up but 50% of optimism is based on wild speculation.
7) When in 1999-00 in a Test match between Australia and Pakistan in Hobart Adam Gilchrist joined Justin Langer at the crease Australia were 126 for 5 needing a further 243 to win. Langer welcomed the incoming batsman with the words 'You never know.' Gilchrist hit 149 not out off 163 balls and Australia won by four wickets. You never know.
'....they knew they were going down long before survival became impossible with defeat in their penultimate game at Edgbaston.' Wisden Cricketers' Almanac 2003.
The 'penultimate game' was played in September 2002 and despite scoring over 800 runs in the match defeat by six wickets condemned Yorkshire to second division cricket in 2003.
Next Wednesday at Edgbaston Yorkshire begin their 'penultimate game' of this season's campaign.Given yesterday's events at Headingley this must seem as enticing as spending Boxing Day with relatives with whom one has just spent a particularly disappointing Christmas Day. A quick trawl this morning of various media sources' descriptions of yesterday's play, including the YCCC website, finds liberal use of words and phrases like 'brink', 'trapdoor', 'very fragile', 'virtually condemned', 'staring in the face', etc.Yet shortly after lunch yesterday when Root wrapped up the Warwickshire tail, and is there a message in that for Yorkshire's management, all that was required to save what had become an unwinnable match was for the home team to repeat what they had done in their first innings i.e. bat for 94overs.Given today's weather this would probably have been more than enough to give them them the draw and seven points from the match.A quick 'vox pop' in the ten minutes between innings, however, found few members who were confident that this could be achieved. When, with the fourth ball of his first over Keith Barker had Rudolph caught behind the few became very few and when shortly afterwards both scoreboards read Yorkshire 25 for 4 the very few probably became none. The fall of each wicket seemed to jolt the memory of a number of supporters that they had a bus to catch, a dog to walk, a meal to cook, a lawn to mow, anything thing in fact but watch more humiliation.
All this on a lovely sunny afternoon at the end of three days when only ten minutes' play had been lost to rain. Are things so bad? Yes, I hear you say. Can nothing save them, no would be the commonest reply for when yesterday afternoon the majority expressed no faith in the batting, one can't help feeling that whatever the captain or coach might have said the team were similarly lacking belief. The rumours that have circulated for the last three days in themselves justify setting up a separate website and it is not, I believe, the purpose of this blog to discuss such matters in any detail. Suffice to say they seem to focus around dressing room unrest and several players who would prefer to wear another county's cap next season, which, if true, easily transfer to poor performances on the field especially when the opposition are in an excellent position to pip Lancashire for the championship.
Before closing let me suggest a few straws readers might like to clutch.
1) There is a 99% chance of rain in Southampton today
2) Bairstow will be back from his pointless trip to Dublin. Yes I know The Bears will be reinforced too, but Yorkshire's need is greater than Warwickshire's.
3) Hampshire's last three games are against Somerset, Lancashire and Warwickshire.
4) Worcestershire's remaing opponents include Lancashire.
5) Yorkshire still have 48 possible points to play for.
6) Yorkshire don't play in the last round of matches in the second week of September which is notorious for rain. OK I made that up but 50% of optimism is based on wild speculation.
7) When in 1999-00 in a Test match between Australia and Pakistan in Hobart Adam Gilchrist joined Justin Langer at the crease Australia were 126 for 5 needing a further 243 to win. Langer welcomed the incoming batsman with the words 'You never know.' Gilchrist hit 149 not out off 163 balls and Australia won by four wickets. You never know.
Monday, 22 August 2011
Two for the price of one
Posted by Tony Hutton
Saturday 20th August
Adel v Otley and Adel 'A' v Apperley Bridge.
Back to watch my local club, Adel, my first visit since July 2nd. Nothing much has changed. The two leading bowlers Shires father and son were missing to attend a wedding and the batting was not at full strength either.
Otley started well with a quick 40 by opener Missett who was the victim of a run out mix up and what looked like being a big score failed to happen. Most of the batsmen got double figures but only Benton with 36, including a huge six into the churchyard, got much further. One of the replacement bowlers, Kirkham, who I had not seen before, bowled at a lively pace and got three wickets. Otley finally all out for 193 in 49 overs.
This meant that Adel had an extra over to bat which was to prove crucial at the end. Adel started badly with five of the top six going quickly against the opening attack of Halloran and Dobson. Number five Robinson made 32 and an eighth wicket partnership between Grey (27) and the aforementioned Kirkham (23) made Adel at least in with the chance of a draw.
However after the last pair of Robertson and Stubbs had withstood all the bowlers for six or seven overs and looked like saving the game, the final ball of the 51st over saw Robertson, the Australian, bowled by Giles and Otley took the full six points at the last gasp.
While all this was going on we took the opportunity of also watching some of the action on the adjacent pitch bwtween Adel's third team and Apperley Bridge (formerly BT Bradford) in the Dales Council league.
The visitors, a wholly Asian side, were knocking up the runs with great gusto and the players were cheering on their No.3 batsman Mohammed Kursid who reached 72 with only four overs remaining. With his teamates consistently advising him of his score he got to 96 with only one ball remaining, but sadly failed to make contact.
The final score of 241-8 proved too much for Adel who were all out for 140, despite a brave 77 from James McFarlane. We were told by one of the visiting players that this was their 24th game without defeat. They have already won the Dales Council cup and will be promoted from Division B to Division A next season. Obviously a team to watch, although they pointed out that they were unable to celebrate for at least another two hours as they are currently fasting for Ramadan.
York wide of the mark
posted by John Winn
On Saturday my wife sponsored the match ball for the Nidderdale League match between Ouseburn and Goldsborough. The visitors batted first and an aggressive approach saw the score rise quickly but the innings declined from 98 for 1 to to 160 all out, largely due to some excellent bowling from Chris Morrison who took 6 for 29 off his 12 overs. He was well supported by some good catching and ground fielding.
When Ouseburn batted last week's hero Tom Parker went early but skipper Ollie Uffindall and Jamie Bryant put together a century stand and the league leaders went on to win by 8 wickets with 14 overs to spare, a result that leaves Ouseburn needing just one win from their last three games to take the championship. It would be fitting if that were to come at nearest rivals Pannall next week.
If Ouseburn's victory was comfortable it was nothing compared with the game I attended at Weetwood yesterday, a semi final in The Yorkshire League KO cup between the Academy and York. On a beautiful afternoon the Academy had its usual core of dedicated support. York won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket that clearly had some juice in it and were soon reduced to 16 for 2.A stand of 63 for the seventh wicket between Ryan McKendry and Richard Love brought some respectability but a final score of 138 was never likely to be enough. Yorkshire's bowling hero was Alex Lilley who took 7 for 10 off his 7 overs.
The early loss of Jonathan Tattersall was York's only success for the other Alex, Lees, and Jack Leaning hit off the runs with 17 overs to spare. The winners will play Scarborough at home on a yet to be decided date.League leaders York, clearly not at full strength were plagued by wides, conceding 23 runs this way. Chief culprit was Jake Murphy who bowled ten wides, costing 14 runs.The two sides meet again next Saturday in a league match when York will be very anxious to avenge yesterday's defeat and the one handed out to them by the Academy at Clifton Park in May.
Towards the end of York's innings Tony Hutton appeared at the ground for a brief spell and then returned later to see out the game. It was good to have the opportunity to have a long chat with him and see that his recovery from shingles is continuing.
On Saturday my wife sponsored the match ball for the Nidderdale League match between Ouseburn and Goldsborough. The visitors batted first and an aggressive approach saw the score rise quickly but the innings declined from 98 for 1 to to 160 all out, largely due to some excellent bowling from Chris Morrison who took 6 for 29 off his 12 overs. He was well supported by some good catching and ground fielding.
When Ouseburn batted last week's hero Tom Parker went early but skipper Ollie Uffindall and Jamie Bryant put together a century stand and the league leaders went on to win by 8 wickets with 14 overs to spare, a result that leaves Ouseburn needing just one win from their last three games to take the championship. It would be fitting if that were to come at nearest rivals Pannall next week.
If Ouseburn's victory was comfortable it was nothing compared with the game I attended at Weetwood yesterday, a semi final in The Yorkshire League KO cup between the Academy and York. On a beautiful afternoon the Academy had its usual core of dedicated support. York won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket that clearly had some juice in it and were soon reduced to 16 for 2.A stand of 63 for the seventh wicket between Ryan McKendry and Richard Love brought some respectability but a final score of 138 was never likely to be enough. Yorkshire's bowling hero was Alex Lilley who took 7 for 10 off his 7 overs.
The early loss of Jonathan Tattersall was York's only success for the other Alex, Lees, and Jack Leaning hit off the runs with 17 overs to spare. The winners will play Scarborough at home on a yet to be decided date.League leaders York, clearly not at full strength were plagued by wides, conceding 23 runs this way. Chief culprit was Jake Murphy who bowled ten wides, costing 14 runs.The two sides meet again next Saturday in a league match when York will be very anxious to avenge yesterday's defeat and the one handed out to them by the Academy at Clifton Park in May.
Towards the end of York's innings Tony Hutton appeared at the ground for a brief spell and then returned later to see out the game. It was good to have the opportunity to have a long chat with him and see that his recovery from shingles is continuing.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
HISTORY LESSON
By Brian Sanderson,
Recently I purchased a postcard , 1913 of the Ramsbottom side who play in the Lancasgire Cricket League.The professional for the side was Emmott Robinson who played there from 1908 to 1913.When he fist play for the club he was twenty-four years old.He played 413 matches for Yorkshire and played until he was 47 years old.
The Ramsbottom ground is just before the East Lancs Railway and behind the old mill.
Would you believe it there is a football next door.There is a beautiful pavilion which had a picture of Emmott and his record for the club.Also there are pictures of other club professional together with pictures of the team down the ages.A excellent collection which should be done by other clubs.
Ramsbottom were playing Haslingden on a warm day.The opposition batted first and struggled against good bowling and a green wicket.They scored 130 with Mo Intiaz scoring a good 51 . There was a big six hit by Moneeb Ahmed which landed on the factory roof. The lending league wicket taker Fielding took another four wickets.
After tea Ramsbottom soon lost a wicket but Webb and Stewart won the match with overs to spare.
On the way back home we called into Rawtenstall and Bacup but the matches finished early.We noticed that there was a match on at Walsden and were entertain by Allan Stuttard.
It was a interesting day seeing were Emmett played.
Recently I purchased a postcard , 1913 of the Ramsbottom side who play in the Lancasgire Cricket League.The professional for the side was Emmott Robinson who played there from 1908 to 1913.When he fist play for the club he was twenty-four years old.He played 413 matches for Yorkshire and played until he was 47 years old.
The Ramsbottom ground is just before the East Lancs Railway and behind the old mill.
Would you believe it there is a football next door.There is a beautiful pavilion which had a picture of Emmott and his record for the club.Also there are pictures of other club professional together with pictures of the team down the ages.A excellent collection which should be done by other clubs.
Ramsbottom were playing Haslingden on a warm day.The opposition batted first and struggled against good bowling and a green wicket.They scored 130 with Mo Intiaz scoring a good 51 . There was a big six hit by Moneeb Ahmed which landed on the factory roof. The lending league wicket taker Fielding took another four wickets.
After tea Ramsbottom soon lost a wicket but Webb and Stewart won the match with overs to spare.
On the way back home we called into Rawtenstall and Bacup but the matches finished early.We noticed that there was a match on at Walsden and were entertain by Allan Stuttard.
It was a interesting day seeing were Emmett played.
Cricket veterans get top billing
England over sixties prepare to do battle with the Aussies
Posted by Tony Hutton
Friday 19th August 2011 - England over sixties v Australia over sixties at New Rover cricket club, Leeds.
A good crowd had gathered in bright sunshine at the pleasant Richmond Oval, looking spick and span as ever thanks to the hard working groundsman Keith Boyce.
A television van from BBC's regional 'Look North' programme had appeared, the flags of the two nations were proudly displayed in front of the pavilion and all was set for a major cricketing occasion.
Unfortunately no big names from the past were present, but all the veteran club cricketers from both countries were treating this as the real thing. The early BBC interview set the tone when the Australian representative was asked 'How does it feel to be facing the number one Test cricket nation in the world'. He surprising managed to compose a reply that was suitable for live television.
England batted first in this 50 overs per side match and opened with one of the two Yorkshire representatives, Miles Rawlings who still plays regularly for Harrogate's third eleven, and Bob Newman from Essex. However disaster struck early on when a misunderstanding led to both batsman ending up at the same end and Rawlings, who still scores prolifically in all forms of cricket, was run out.
In at number three came Bob Eames all the way from Devon. Someone said it probably took him longer to get here than the Australians ! One of the players said they thought Eames was originally from Yorkshire and he seemed to confirm this by scoring a splendid century. Understandably the fielding was not of the highest quality and it was suggested that the outfielders should be given motorised scooters. The bowling too was not threatening, but even so this was an excellent innings in any form of cricket.
The other opener,Newman, had gone for 25, and Eames had been joined by Graham Swann's father,Ray Swann from Northants. These two certainly put the Aussies in their place by putting on a 200 partnership and England ended with an impressive total of 284-4. Swann, who by this time looked exhausted managed to get strike for the last ball of the innings on 99. To everyone's dismay, although he did make contact, the ball went straight to mid off who caught it.
Surely if the Australian fielder had understood the spirit of cricket he would have dropped it ! However a great knock - Swann's 99 coming off only 87 balls. During the interval, when many of the spectators took advantage of the mobile fish and chip van, doubts were expressed about the fitness of the Aussie batsmen after their gruelling time in the field.
Sadly this was how it turned out. Thanks to some very tight bowling and some excellent wicket-keeping from England's captain Richard Owen from Derbyshire,who completed no less than four stumpings, seven of the first eight batsmen went for single figures.
The exception was vice captain John Bell from Queensland, who got his head down, despite batting with a pronounced limp and declining the use of a runner. Thanks to his efforts, he finished on 58 not out, and number nine Ken Last from Tasmania who made 38, Australia finally reached 149-8.
The other Yorkshire representative, Phil Taylor who is well known in Bradford League circles, bowled a tight spell 0f 10-5-16-0, Kevin Anderson from Essex took 3-31 and Powell from Cheshire and Pratt, also from Essex, both took two wickets.
So a great victory for England and the celebrations continued while Mr Ogden of BBC Look North attempted to give the evening's sports news live from New Rover. While interviewing representatives from both sides, the groundsman's dog appeared and looked as if he was about to pee on the presenter's feet. One of the technicians grabbed her mobile phone to photograph the event, but the dog eventually walked quietly away !
The Australian tourists now move on for a second international with England at Sunbury on Thames on Thursday and then England have a game against Wales at Llanarth CC, near Raglan on the following Sunday, 28th August. In this final match Alan Hampshire, once of Yorkshire, now of Derbyshire, will be playing for England.
Saturday, 20 August 2011
IS THE FOOTBALL SEASON OR CRICKET ?
By Brian Sanderson,
To-day I went with the two Ronnies to Darlington again to try and visit all the grounds of the Darlington and District League.The weather was fine and warm.
First ground was Shildon Railway who were playing Willington in the Durham County League.The ground is adject to a football ground and they also share the clubhouse.
The home side was batting but struggling.Speaking to the locals Shildon was struggling to get a team especially this week as Newcastle were playing Sunderland at football.
The ground is situated next to the railway line and is a large ground.The old pavilion is still standing because they could not afford to pull it down.They were complaining they were not receiving any money from the E.C.B. to help grass root cricket.
Next ground was Bishop Auckland were the seconds were playing Wolviston.The ground is on the edge of the city centre and use to be next to the football ground.The football side have moved grounds and has been replaced by sheltered housing.There is some excellent pictures in the bar area including a picture of Herbert Sutcliffe.
The lads were watching the football on the television.
The third ground was King James who play in the Darlington and district League.It is situated next to The Bishop Auckland Rugby Union ground.The match was off because they could not rise a side due to football.
Fourth ground was Witton -le- Wear who were playing Cliffe, my favorite ground in the league.The ground is situated down a lane next to the river.The electricity is created by a dymano.It is a large flat field and a pavilion with iron bars on the window.The bowling of Witton was poor and Cliffe looked like they would score 200.One of the players said they had only one good bowler.
Moving on to have some tea we arrived at Evenwood were the seconds were playing Mainforth.Sky T.V. had been there last weekend looking at a local cricket club.There is a new pavilion with iron bars on the window.There was a football ground next door.
Mainforth had only ten players including a young fifteen year old girl who was playing her first match.Players had decided to go to the football.
The last ground was Barningham who were playing Middleton in Tees, it is called the Deer Park.Beautiful ground surround by sheep and cows with the manson looking over the ground.Half the ground is in Durham and the other in North Yorkshire.The home side was batting chasing 113.They were 50 for 2 when we arrived and within a few overs they were bowled out for 72. A young leg-spinner took six wickets. A good finish to the day just two more grounds to see cricket on to finish the Darlington and District League ie King James and Catterick.
Lancashire won and Yorkshire drew.Looking to spend a week in Worcester next summer.
To-day I went with the two Ronnies to Darlington again to try and visit all the grounds of the Darlington and District League.The weather was fine and warm.
First ground was Shildon Railway who were playing Willington in the Durham County League.The ground is adject to a football ground and they also share the clubhouse.
The home side was batting but struggling.Speaking to the locals Shildon was struggling to get a team especially this week as Newcastle were playing Sunderland at football.
The ground is situated next to the railway line and is a large ground.The old pavilion is still standing because they could not afford to pull it down.They were complaining they were not receiving any money from the E.C.B. to help grass root cricket.
Next ground was Bishop Auckland were the seconds were playing Wolviston.The ground is on the edge of the city centre and use to be next to the football ground.The football side have moved grounds and has been replaced by sheltered housing.There is some excellent pictures in the bar area including a picture of Herbert Sutcliffe.
The lads were watching the football on the television.
The third ground was King James who play in the Darlington and district League.It is situated next to The Bishop Auckland Rugby Union ground.The match was off because they could not rise a side due to football.
Fourth ground was Witton -le- Wear who were playing Cliffe, my favorite ground in the league.The ground is situated down a lane next to the river.The electricity is created by a dymano.It is a large flat field and a pavilion with iron bars on the window.The bowling of Witton was poor and Cliffe looked like they would score 200.One of the players said they had only one good bowler.
Moving on to have some tea we arrived at Evenwood were the seconds were playing Mainforth.Sky T.V. had been there last weekend looking at a local cricket club.There is a new pavilion with iron bars on the window.There was a football ground next door.
Mainforth had only ten players including a young fifteen year old girl who was playing her first match.Players had decided to go to the football.
The last ground was Barningham who were playing Middleton in Tees, it is called the Deer Park.Beautiful ground surround by sheep and cows with the manson looking over the ground.Half the ground is in Durham and the other in North Yorkshire.The home side was batting chasing 113.They were 50 for 2 when we arrived and within a few overs they were bowled out for 72. A young leg-spinner took six wickets. A good finish to the day just two more grounds to see cricket on to finish the Darlington and District League ie King James and Catterick.
Lancashire won and Yorkshire drew.Looking to spend a week in Worcester next summer.
Friday, 19 August 2011
Optimism dashed
Posted by John Winn
I thought I had enjoyed the last two days at Scarborough in the company of two friends from Sussex who follow their county to most of its away venues but by the time I got home this evening I began to think I had got things wrong.On the one hand what was not to enjoy? Joe Root, whose career many of us have followed through the academy and second eleven, made his maiden first class century and was eventually dismissed for 160, albeit in controversial circumstances. As my view of 'the catch' was obscured by the sight screen I can offer no opinion on its legitimacy but it occurred when the balance of the game was moving in favour of Yorkshire. Root and Ballance had added 190 for the fifth wicket and reduced the first innings deficit to 53 when Root was out and from here Yorkshire lost their remaining wickets for 43 runs.
First ball after lunch Ballance who was closing in on a well deserved century, pulled a long hop into Goodwin's hands at long leg, the Sussex players, thirsty after one ball in the field, celebrated with a drink, and by mid afternoon they were batting again.
Although I left the ground shortly after tea I did so thinking that if Yorkshire were able to prise out two or three Sussex batsmen before the close at not too steep a cost then Saturday might offer an interesting day's play, which indeed they did.At stumps Sussex had a lead of 136 with seven wickets in hand. A conversation with three fellow train travellers however, put my guarded optimism into a completely different light. Firstly the point was made that today had been the sort of day that nobody should have to pay to watch for the run rate had been slow, (2.73 per over) and that neither side really had showed much interest in winning the game. To make matters worse Worcestershire were making a decent fist of chasing 329 to beat Lancashire so we must face the ignominy of hoping our red rose rivals win a game that will take them to the top of the table in order to save Yorkshire from relegation. From this point the discussion widened to include various suggestions as to how such turgid days as today can be avoided, these suggestions included the return of the heavy roller to break up pitches to enable spinners to thrive and even a return to uncovered pitches. If the worst happens and Sussex bat themselves to safety tomorrow at a scoring rate similar to today's and Worcestershire's remaining five wickets get the 126 they still need for victory then the memory of two days at my favourite ground in lovely sunshine in the company of long standing friends will be as nothing.
I thought I had enjoyed the last two days at Scarborough in the company of two friends from Sussex who follow their county to most of its away venues but by the time I got home this evening I began to think I had got things wrong.On the one hand what was not to enjoy? Joe Root, whose career many of us have followed through the academy and second eleven, made his maiden first class century and was eventually dismissed for 160, albeit in controversial circumstances. As my view of 'the catch' was obscured by the sight screen I can offer no opinion on its legitimacy but it occurred when the balance of the game was moving in favour of Yorkshire. Root and Ballance had added 190 for the fifth wicket and reduced the first innings deficit to 53 when Root was out and from here Yorkshire lost their remaining wickets for 43 runs.
First ball after lunch Ballance who was closing in on a well deserved century, pulled a long hop into Goodwin's hands at long leg, the Sussex players, thirsty after one ball in the field, celebrated with a drink, and by mid afternoon they were batting again.
Although I left the ground shortly after tea I did so thinking that if Yorkshire were able to prise out two or three Sussex batsmen before the close at not too steep a cost then Saturday might offer an interesting day's play, which indeed they did.At stumps Sussex had a lead of 136 with seven wickets in hand. A conversation with three fellow train travellers however, put my guarded optimism into a completely different light. Firstly the point was made that today had been the sort of day that nobody should have to pay to watch for the run rate had been slow, (2.73 per over) and that neither side really had showed much interest in winning the game. To make matters worse Worcestershire were making a decent fist of chasing 329 to beat Lancashire so we must face the ignominy of hoping our red rose rivals win a game that will take them to the top of the table in order to save Yorkshire from relegation. From this point the discussion widened to include various suggestions as to how such turgid days as today can be avoided, these suggestions included the return of the heavy roller to break up pitches to enable spinners to thrive and even a return to uncovered pitches. If the worst happens and Sussex bat themselves to safety tomorrow at a scoring rate similar to today's and Worcestershire's remaining five wickets get the 126 they still need for victory then the memory of two days at my favourite ground in lovely sunshine in the company of long standing friends will be as nothing.
MATCHES AT BOTH COASTS
By Brian Sanderson,
On Thursday myself and the family went to Scarborough.I saw the second day of the Yorkshire match.The forecast was dry with a chance of rain.
Yorkshire managed to bowl out Sussex.Pyrah and Rashid doing the damage.There was a good crowd which had not been put off my yesterdays play.The Yorkshire supporters are brillent in turning up eventhough Yorkshire are not playing well.
During the morning Trevor Jesty,the umpire, had to go off because he was feeling ill.He was replace firstly by Craig White and then a local umpire.
In the afternoon Joe Root went to his maiden century and had a good stand with Garry Ballance,the latest Harrow educated Yorkshire player.The weather was fine but the match seemed to be going to a draw but was pleased to see Joe Root century.
After fish and chip tea arrived home about nine o,clock.
Next morning at eight forty-five, I set off with Bob Procter to Blackpool.This was the third day of the Lancashire and Worcester match at Stanley Park.Going into the match one of the Lancashire P.C.W.said that there may be further matches at out grounds for Lancashire next Year because Old Trafford is still being improved.Watch this space.
Lancashire were three wickets down with Brown and Croft batting.I felt that Lancashire would score over three hundred and then start to bowl Worcester out.However I was wrong seven lancashire wickets fell before lunch.They finished at 248 only Brown looked in control.
After lunch Worcester lost their first wicket to Chapple.What are Lancashire going to do when Chapple finishs.Solanki and Ali put Worcester 116 for 2 at tea .They looked in control until Keedy got Ali wicket.It started to rain so we decided to leave the match.
Arrived home about seven-thirty to find Worcester score was 207 for 5 so the rain must have stopped.Solanki had reached his century.Lancashire must be favorite now five wickets had fallen.Their attack was poor apart from Chapple and Keeedy.Lancashire must win this match to give them a chance to win the Championship.
We will see to-morrow.
On Thursday myself and the family went to Scarborough.I saw the second day of the Yorkshire match.The forecast was dry with a chance of rain.
Yorkshire managed to bowl out Sussex.Pyrah and Rashid doing the damage.There was a good crowd which had not been put off my yesterdays play.The Yorkshire supporters are brillent in turning up eventhough Yorkshire are not playing well.
During the morning Trevor Jesty,the umpire, had to go off because he was feeling ill.He was replace firstly by Craig White and then a local umpire.
In the afternoon Joe Root went to his maiden century and had a good stand with Garry Ballance,the latest Harrow educated Yorkshire player.The weather was fine but the match seemed to be going to a draw but was pleased to see Joe Root century.
After fish and chip tea arrived home about nine o,clock.
Next morning at eight forty-five, I set off with Bob Procter to Blackpool.This was the third day of the Lancashire and Worcester match at Stanley Park.Going into the match one of the Lancashire P.C.W.said that there may be further matches at out grounds for Lancashire next Year because Old Trafford is still being improved.Watch this space.
Lancashire were three wickets down with Brown and Croft batting.I felt that Lancashire would score over three hundred and then start to bowl Worcester out.However I was wrong seven lancashire wickets fell before lunch.They finished at 248 only Brown looked in control.
After lunch Worcester lost their first wicket to Chapple.What are Lancashire going to do when Chapple finishs.Solanki and Ali put Worcester 116 for 2 at tea .They looked in control until Keedy got Ali wicket.It started to rain so we decided to leave the match.
Arrived home about seven-thirty to find Worcester score was 207 for 5 so the rain must have stopped.Solanki had reached his century.Lancashire must be favorite now five wickets had fallen.Their attack was poor apart from Chapple and Keeedy.Lancashire must win this match to give them a chance to win the Championship.
We will see to-morrow.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Back in action
Posted by Tony Hutton
As Brian has reported, a slight improvement in my health problems has meant that I can now return to my more normal way of life at least for the odd hour or so at grounds near to home.
Unfortunately travelling any distance is still out of the question, so what should have been one of the highlight weeks of my season, taking in visits to Colwyn Bay, Blackpool, Chesterfield and Scarborough just has not happened.
However, the last two days have seen an interesting game at Weetwood where Yorkshire Under 17s were taking on Warwickshire in the semi-final of their national two day competition. I have greatly enjoyed meeting up with so many of my cricket watching friends, who I had not seen for about eight weeks, after the longest mid-season break ever known.
Warwickshire batted on Tuesday and after a solid start, when they put on 79 for the first wicket and progressed to 127-2, suffered from a mid innings collapse which saw them reduced to 163-8. However a ninth wicket partnership of 46 took them to respectability and a final total of 214 all out in 95 overs.
Throughout all the clatter of wickets, Warwickshire's number three batsman with the unlikely name of Jamie Klapper remained unperturbed and was 58 not out at the end of the innings having batted for three and a quarter hours - a real marathon.
Yorkshire's best bowler was spinner Johnathan Booth who finished with excellent figures of 19.4 - 10 - 24 - 5. It has certainly been a spinners wicket here at Weetwood throughout the season, yet it is often late in the proceedings when they
appear.
When Yorkshire batted on Wednesday the opening pair of Henry Chadwick and Johnathan Tattersall were content to take things very quietly against the duo of left arm
pacemen who had bowled out Northants for only 50 last week. The tactic seemed to be to see off danger man Jack Grundy in his opening spell and similar tactics were employed later in the innings when he re-appeared to finish with figures of 14 - 7 - 12 - 1.
With 100 overs in which to reach their target Yorkshire's tactics worked perfectly despite the loss of two wickets, including skipper Jack Leaning, just before lunch.
Again it was the spinners who took the wickets and George Ross followed soon after so that from 80-0 Yorkshire suddenly found themselves 108-3.
Throughout all this Tattersall remained immovable and played the perfect sheet anchor role, a real lesson in concentration which reminded some of the watchers of the young Joe Root, who was to distinguish himself at Scarbrough the following day.
Joined by wicketkeeper Wilson, they put on a valuable fifty partnership.
When Wilson was out Tattersall was on 70 not out and when joined by Rhodes suddenly started to go for the runs, including four fours in an over. Suddenly Yorkshire were in sight of victory before tea and with ten required Tattersall was on 99 not out.
We were not sure whether he knew this or not as the Weetwood scoreboard does not show individual scores. Rhodes hit a four, only six required. The spectators wondered whether Tattersall would not get the strike and be stuck on 99.
However it worked out well with Tattersall going to a highly deserved century and winning the match in the last over before tea, with still 25 overs to spare.
At last a great victory for a Yorkshire side and they now go forward to play Surrey in the national final on September 1st and 2nd at Grace Road, Leicester.
This is the venue shown on the Yorkshire website, despite many of the parents present thinking it was going to be the Oval or Canterbury.
Good to be back.
As Brian has reported, a slight improvement in my health problems has meant that I can now return to my more normal way of life at least for the odd hour or so at grounds near to home.
Unfortunately travelling any distance is still out of the question, so what should have been one of the highlight weeks of my season, taking in visits to Colwyn Bay, Blackpool, Chesterfield and Scarborough just has not happened.
However, the last two days have seen an interesting game at Weetwood where Yorkshire Under 17s were taking on Warwickshire in the semi-final of their national two day competition. I have greatly enjoyed meeting up with so many of my cricket watching friends, who I had not seen for about eight weeks, after the longest mid-season break ever known.
Warwickshire batted on Tuesday and after a solid start, when they put on 79 for the first wicket and progressed to 127-2, suffered from a mid innings collapse which saw them reduced to 163-8. However a ninth wicket partnership of 46 took them to respectability and a final total of 214 all out in 95 overs.
Throughout all the clatter of wickets, Warwickshire's number three batsman with the unlikely name of Jamie Klapper remained unperturbed and was 58 not out at the end of the innings having batted for three and a quarter hours - a real marathon.
Yorkshire's best bowler was spinner Johnathan Booth who finished with excellent figures of 19.4 - 10 - 24 - 5. It has certainly been a spinners wicket here at Weetwood throughout the season, yet it is often late in the proceedings when they
appear.
When Yorkshire batted on Wednesday the opening pair of Henry Chadwick and Johnathan Tattersall were content to take things very quietly against the duo of left arm
pacemen who had bowled out Northants for only 50 last week. The tactic seemed to be to see off danger man Jack Grundy in his opening spell and similar tactics were employed later in the innings when he re-appeared to finish with figures of 14 - 7 - 12 - 1.
With 100 overs in which to reach their target Yorkshire's tactics worked perfectly despite the loss of two wickets, including skipper Jack Leaning, just before lunch.
Again it was the spinners who took the wickets and George Ross followed soon after so that from 80-0 Yorkshire suddenly found themselves 108-3.
Throughout all this Tattersall remained immovable and played the perfect sheet anchor role, a real lesson in concentration which reminded some of the watchers of the young Joe Root, who was to distinguish himself at Scarbrough the following day.
Joined by wicketkeeper Wilson, they put on a valuable fifty partnership.
When Wilson was out Tattersall was on 70 not out and when joined by Rhodes suddenly started to go for the runs, including four fours in an over. Suddenly Yorkshire were in sight of victory before tea and with ten required Tattersall was on 99 not out.
We were not sure whether he knew this or not as the Weetwood scoreboard does not show individual scores. Rhodes hit a four, only six required. The spectators wondered whether Tattersall would not get the strike and be stuck on 99.
However it worked out well with Tattersall going to a highly deserved century and winning the match in the last over before tea, with still 25 overs to spare.
At last a great victory for a Yorkshire side and they now go forward to play Surrey in the national final on September 1st and 2nd at Grace Road, Leicester.
This is the venue shown on the Yorkshire website, despite many of the parents present thinking it was going to be the Oval or Canterbury.
Good to be back.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
POOR DAY AT THE OFFICE
By Brian Sanderson,
Unlike John Winn I want to the East coast to see Yorkshire and Sussex.The weather was cool in the morning with a cool breeze which stopped blowing in the afternoon.
Sussex won the toss and batted.I meet Andrew and Colin from London who were stopping to watch the match.Colin had not seen Yorkshire this year and was pleased with the morning session when Yorkshire collected four wickets.Hopes were rising for a Yorkshire day.
After lunch all changed Yardy and Brown put on a stand of 198 with both players reaching their centuries.Brown innings was of good quality whilst Yardy was more workman like.Yorkshire bowlers did not look like taking a wicket.At tea people were not happy.
After tea the new ball was taken and Brown was caught out.Pyrah was Sidebottom opening partner which shows what Rudolph thought of Asraf and Pattinson.No-body was happy at the end of the day apart from the Sussex supporters.Surprised to find Sidebottom bowling figures were 20-9-30-4.Excellent figures ,pity no other bowlers could help him.
There was a good crowd for the first day but I think it will be less to-morrow.We will see and Sussex bat on.
Unlike John Winn I want to the East coast to see Yorkshire and Sussex.The weather was cool in the morning with a cool breeze which stopped blowing in the afternoon.
Sussex won the toss and batted.I meet Andrew and Colin from London who were stopping to watch the match.Colin had not seen Yorkshire this year and was pleased with the morning session when Yorkshire collected four wickets.Hopes were rising for a Yorkshire day.
After lunch all changed Yardy and Brown put on a stand of 198 with both players reaching their centuries.Brown innings was of good quality whilst Yardy was more workman like.Yorkshire bowlers did not look like taking a wicket.At tea people were not happy.
After tea the new ball was taken and Brown was caught out.Pyrah was Sidebottom opening partner which shows what Rudolph thought of Asraf and Pattinson.No-body was happy at the end of the day apart from the Sussex supporters.Surprised to find Sidebottom bowling figures were 20-9-30-4.Excellent figures ,pity no other bowlers could help him.
There was a good crowd for the first day but I think it will be less to-morrow.We will see and Sussex bat on.
Fresh air and fun
posted by John Winn
A friend of mind, a Nottinghamshire member who I usually meet up with once a year reckons the saddest day of the cricket season arrives when we reach the last page of fixtures in Playfair. Sad to report then that this week we have reached just that point and there was certainly a hint of autumn in the air when I left home at 7:15 this morning to drive to Blackpool for the Lancashire v Worcestershire game. This is the sixth and last of my 'listed matches' for this season and I have been very lucky, for only one day, that at Trent bridge in June, has been rain affected.
Listening to Radio Lancashire as I reached 'the other side' the forecast promised plenty of sunshine.This proved to be the case and even if the breeze from the sea was a little cool at times it was nevertheless a good day to watch cricket from the excellent vantage point of the south end at Stanley Park. The last time I saw cricket in Blackpool, in 2007, 18 wickets fell on the first day and only one of those before lunch. If today's events were not quite so spectacular Lancashire still found themselves four down at lunch but were then rescued by Croft and Maharoof in the afternoon. Croft, Blackpool born, scored a century which included four sixes, being particularly severe on Ali and Choudry.
Lancashire lost their remaining wickets quickly after tea but soon had 'The Pears' in tatters at 21 for 5. Kapil and Andrew brought about a revival to finish on 77 for 5, but Worcestershire will start tomorrow over 200 in arrears on a wicket, which without being devilish will almost certainly produce a result if the weather allows, which it probably will. If the result goes in the hosts' favour then Lancashire will have taken a big step towards the championship, especially as Somerset were restricted to only half an hour's play at Taunton today in which they lost their two openers for twenty runs.
I enjoyed the company of some Lancashire pcws today, one of whom by coincidence had been at the game I attended at Methley on Sunday.Also close by were two Worcestershire visitors who see the second relegation place as a battle between them selves and Yorkshire. After a disheartening day at Stanley Park their spirits will have been raised somewhat by the news from the opposite coast, namely Sussex's revival at Scarborough. I will be at North Marine Road tomorrow, let's hope I can lift the petals of the white rose.
An added bonus today was the opportunity after tea to drive a couple of miles to St Anne's CC where Lancashire II were taking on Durham II in a SET three day game.I spent an hour there enjoying a cup of tea in the splendid club house. The cricket was rather turgid but Lancashire's batsmen had built up a commanding position when I left at six o'clock. Once I left the M55 and M6 behind I enjoyed the drive home through Craven and North Yorkshire in lovely evening sunshine. Let's hope there is as much fresh air and fun at Scarborough tomorrow.
A friend of mind, a Nottinghamshire member who I usually meet up with once a year reckons the saddest day of the cricket season arrives when we reach the last page of fixtures in Playfair. Sad to report then that this week we have reached just that point and there was certainly a hint of autumn in the air when I left home at 7:15 this morning to drive to Blackpool for the Lancashire v Worcestershire game. This is the sixth and last of my 'listed matches' for this season and I have been very lucky, for only one day, that at Trent bridge in June, has been rain affected.
Listening to Radio Lancashire as I reached 'the other side' the forecast promised plenty of sunshine.This proved to be the case and even if the breeze from the sea was a little cool at times it was nevertheless a good day to watch cricket from the excellent vantage point of the south end at Stanley Park. The last time I saw cricket in Blackpool, in 2007, 18 wickets fell on the first day and only one of those before lunch. If today's events were not quite so spectacular Lancashire still found themselves four down at lunch but were then rescued by Croft and Maharoof in the afternoon. Croft, Blackpool born, scored a century which included four sixes, being particularly severe on Ali and Choudry.
Lancashire lost their remaining wickets quickly after tea but soon had 'The Pears' in tatters at 21 for 5. Kapil and Andrew brought about a revival to finish on 77 for 5, but Worcestershire will start tomorrow over 200 in arrears on a wicket, which without being devilish will almost certainly produce a result if the weather allows, which it probably will. If the result goes in the hosts' favour then Lancashire will have taken a big step towards the championship, especially as Somerset were restricted to only half an hour's play at Taunton today in which they lost their two openers for twenty runs.
I enjoyed the company of some Lancashire pcws today, one of whom by coincidence had been at the game I attended at Methley on Sunday.Also close by were two Worcestershire visitors who see the second relegation place as a battle between them selves and Yorkshire. After a disheartening day at Stanley Park their spirits will have been raised somewhat by the news from the opposite coast, namely Sussex's revival at Scarborough. I will be at North Marine Road tomorrow, let's hope I can lift the petals of the white rose.
An added bonus today was the opportunity after tea to drive a couple of miles to St Anne's CC where Lancashire II were taking on Durham II in a SET three day game.I spent an hour there enjoying a cup of tea in the splendid club house. The cricket was rather turgid but Lancashire's batsmen had built up a commanding position when I left at six o'clock. Once I left the M55 and M6 behind I enjoyed the drive home through Craven and North Yorkshire in lovely evening sunshine. Let's hope there is as much fresh air and fun at Scarborough tomorrow.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
SURPRISE VISITOR
By Brian Sanderson,
This morning I went up to Weetwood to see Yorkshire under17 against Warwickshire in a two day semi-final.The weather was overcast and the match started at noon.As I arrived Tony Hutton also arrived.Pleased to see him again at a game of cricket.
Yorkshire won the toss and choosed to bowl on a green track.Warwick started well with the Yorkshire bowling being poor.At lunch Warwark were sixty for one.The main bowlers for Yorkshire was Coad,Shaw,Gibson, Whiles and Rhodes.They are all right arm medium bowlers so the bowling was much the same.
After lunch Yorkshire pinned Warwick back to only scoring 65 runs in the two hour session and losing five wickets.We were joined by Mick Bourne who had been down to Arundel to see a cricket tournament and kept us entertained.There was a strong cool wind blowing from the west which made watching uncomfortable.
After tea Yorkshire took another wicket which made them favorite at the present time.However we do not know how strong the Warwick bowling is.
Going to Scarborough to-morrow so hoping the weather is warmer and Yorkshire play well.
This morning I went up to Weetwood to see Yorkshire under17 against Warwickshire in a two day semi-final.The weather was overcast and the match started at noon.As I arrived Tony Hutton also arrived.Pleased to see him again at a game of cricket.
Yorkshire won the toss and choosed to bowl on a green track.Warwick started well with the Yorkshire bowling being poor.At lunch Warwark were sixty for one.The main bowlers for Yorkshire was Coad,Shaw,Gibson, Whiles and Rhodes.They are all right arm medium bowlers so the bowling was much the same.
After lunch Yorkshire pinned Warwick back to only scoring 65 runs in the two hour session and losing five wickets.We were joined by Mick Bourne who had been down to Arundel to see a cricket tournament and kept us entertained.There was a strong cool wind blowing from the west which made watching uncomfortable.
After tea Yorkshire took another wicket which made them favorite at the present time.However we do not know how strong the Warwick bowling is.
Going to Scarborough to-morrow so hoping the weather is warmer and Yorkshire play well.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Captains Courageous
posted by John Winn
Today I ventured into what is, for me, rarely visited territory,namely the Central Yorkshire League, for the final of the league's KO cup, aka the Jack Hampshire Trophy, to be played on the ground of last year's winners Methley CC. This year's finalists were Wrenthorpe, last year's losers, current league leaders and favourites, and mid table Townville.
A large crowd gathered on a warm and initially cloudy afternoon, but which later turned to lovely sunshine,to see Wrenthorpe put into bat and make 213 for 9 off their 40 overs. I reported on a match featuring Townville in April when they defeated New Farnley in an early round of the National Club Championship. On that occasion I described their behaviour in the field as 'boisterous'and to avoid digging further into the barrel of euphemisms suffice to say the decibels have not declined over the intervening four months.
Wrenthorpe's innings was dominated by skipper Gary Fellows, tersely descibed in the match programme as '(Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Medium) Capt', who scored 110 before he was dismissed in the penultimate over at which point he had scored 60% of his team's runs. This left just ten balls in which number nine Joe Ellis tried very hard to emulate Praveen Kumar's feat at Edgbaston yesterday of hitting a six into a pint of beer (now there's an idea that might brighten up Saturday evening TV, I'm sure Charles Colville could be persuaded to compere). Ellis's hitting resulted in 25 off the last ten balls and a total that a sizeable gathering of Townville supporters seated near me thought was achievable if the openers made a good start.
Alas such a start was not forthcoming for 'big dog {John Trower}..a solid opener who loves a cover drive' was caught behind first ball off Ellis and with a highest partnership of only 47 Townville's innings never really threatened to match that of Wrenthorpe. Top scorer for Townville was skipper Tim Walton with 61 but when he was out in the 31st over the game was up,in spite of a last wicket stand of 28 between Liam Booth and Dean Woolsey.370 runs had been scored in the afternoon of which the two captains contributed almost half.
Countryfile's 'all important weather forecast' this evening suggests a better week lies ahead and don't be surprised if the word 'coast' appears at least once in the titles of my postings for both Blackpool and Scarborough feature in my itinerary.
You have been warned.
Today I ventured into what is, for me, rarely visited territory,namely the Central Yorkshire League, for the final of the league's KO cup, aka the Jack Hampshire Trophy, to be played on the ground of last year's winners Methley CC. This year's finalists were Wrenthorpe, last year's losers, current league leaders and favourites, and mid table Townville.
A large crowd gathered on a warm and initially cloudy afternoon, but which later turned to lovely sunshine,to see Wrenthorpe put into bat and make 213 for 9 off their 40 overs. I reported on a match featuring Townville in April when they defeated New Farnley in an early round of the National Club Championship. On that occasion I described their behaviour in the field as 'boisterous'and to avoid digging further into the barrel of euphemisms suffice to say the decibels have not declined over the intervening four months.
Wrenthorpe's innings was dominated by skipper Gary Fellows, tersely descibed in the match programme as '(Right Hand Bat/Right Arm Medium) Capt', who scored 110 before he was dismissed in the penultimate over at which point he had scored 60% of his team's runs. This left just ten balls in which number nine Joe Ellis tried very hard to emulate Praveen Kumar's feat at Edgbaston yesterday of hitting a six into a pint of beer (now there's an idea that might brighten up Saturday evening TV, I'm sure Charles Colville could be persuaded to compere). Ellis's hitting resulted in 25 off the last ten balls and a total that a sizeable gathering of Townville supporters seated near me thought was achievable if the openers made a good start.
Alas such a start was not forthcoming for 'big dog {John Trower}..a solid opener who loves a cover drive' was caught behind first ball off Ellis and with a highest partnership of only 47 Townville's innings never really threatened to match that of Wrenthorpe. Top scorer for Townville was skipper Tim Walton with 61 but when he was out in the 31st over the game was up,in spite of a last wicket stand of 28 between Liam Booth and Dean Woolsey.370 runs had been scored in the afternoon of which the two captains contributed almost half.
Countryfile's 'all important weather forecast' this evening suggests a better week lies ahead and don't be surprised if the word 'coast' appears at least once in the titles of my postings for both Blackpool and Scarborough feature in my itinerary.
You have been warned.
NASSER HUSSAIN AT CHURCH
By Brian Sanderson,
With Bob Procter ,we decided to go to Church who play in the Lancashire League.They were playing Todmorden who were second in the league.On the way we passed through heavy rain but it was dry at Oswaldtwistle.Last week Church had lost in the cup to Ramsbottom.
Todmorden batted first on a green wicket.The ground slopes down from the pavilion.The Church professional Anwar bowled off-breaks and used the slope to help him spin the ball.At the other end Jamil bowled medium and collected four wickets for twenty -four runs in fourteen overs.Todmorden lost wickets consistently and the professional Abbas was caught off the first ball by Nasser Hussain.The Todmorden captain A.Sutcliffe batted well to get to fifty-one in the forty-nineth over so bring the team score to one hundred and twenty-three.
The sun came out during the break and Abbas opening the bowling .He bowls left-arm spin but could only manage one wicket for forty runs in his eighteen overs.The Todmorden side starting shouting for leg-befores which caused the umpires to ask the captain to keep the appeals to a minimum which they did.Then when the opening batter was caught by the captain, he cheered the result close to the batsman face. Agaiin the umpires had a word with the captain asking him to calm down.
Beenwhile Anwar was dropped twice but collected fifty runs to win the match by six wickets.Also he run out Nasser Hussain who was not happy.
Pleased the umpires stepped to stop any problems. It is a pity this was not yesterday.
A excellent day with good company and excellent views to the hills.
With Bob Procter ,we decided to go to Church who play in the Lancashire League.They were playing Todmorden who were second in the league.On the way we passed through heavy rain but it was dry at Oswaldtwistle.Last week Church had lost in the cup to Ramsbottom.
Todmorden batted first on a green wicket.The ground slopes down from the pavilion.The Church professional Anwar bowled off-breaks and used the slope to help him spin the ball.At the other end Jamil bowled medium and collected four wickets for twenty -four runs in fourteen overs.Todmorden lost wickets consistently and the professional Abbas was caught off the first ball by Nasser Hussain.The Todmorden captain A.Sutcliffe batted well to get to fifty-one in the forty-nineth over so bring the team score to one hundred and twenty-three.
The sun came out during the break and Abbas opening the bowling .He bowls left-arm spin but could only manage one wicket for forty runs in his eighteen overs.The Todmorden side starting shouting for leg-befores which caused the umpires to ask the captain to keep the appeals to a minimum which they did.Then when the opening batter was caught by the captain, he cheered the result close to the batsman face. Agaiin the umpires had a word with the captain asking him to calm down.
Beenwhile Anwar was dropped twice but collected fifty runs to win the match by six wickets.Also he run out Nasser Hussain who was not happy.
Pleased the umpires stepped to stop any problems. It is a pity this was not yesterday.
A excellent day with good company and excellent views to the hills.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
CANCELLED MATCH
By Brian Sanderson,
This morning I decided to start at Weetwood were The Academy were playing Sheffield Collegiate.As usual Mollie and Jenny had set up their chairs waiting for the match to start.Sheffield batted first and were in trouble in the next few overs .They lost three quick wickets including Billy Root who is now playing for Worcestershire.He was cleaned bowled by Wainman.Looking later Sheffiekd were bowled out for 76 with Lilley taking four wickets. The Academy won by six wickets.
Moving on to East Bierley who were playing Pudsey Congs.Pudsey Congs batted fist and soon lost wickets on a green wicket.There were a lot of shouting for L.B.W.,s.Eddy Walmsley was given out caught but stood at the wicket along time and walked slowly off. Andy Siddall did the right thing and told him to leave the field.Then Burzler was given out L.B.W. and walked to the umpire to say that was a bad decision. These incidents should not happen but the umpires were not will to stop it.
Ther was a last wicket stand of fifty between Roberts and Hewitt with Roberts finishing on 39 not out.Excellent innings.
At tea time we heard that the match between Manningham Mills and East Bierley second team had been stopped at half-time by the umpires.The home team had made marks on the pitch.More will come of this.
East Bierley batted and agained lost wickets. It was a century stand between Rennison and Owens which helped to win the match by four wickets.The batting was very slow and boring.Brian Cobb and Harry joined us for the second half. He had been to Idle to watch Bowling Old Lane.
Hoping to-morrow cricket is better.
This morning I decided to start at Weetwood were The Academy were playing Sheffield Collegiate.As usual Mollie and Jenny had set up their chairs waiting for the match to start.Sheffield batted first and were in trouble in the next few overs .They lost three quick wickets including Billy Root who is now playing for Worcestershire.He was cleaned bowled by Wainman.Looking later Sheffiekd were bowled out for 76 with Lilley taking four wickets. The Academy won by six wickets.
Moving on to East Bierley who were playing Pudsey Congs.Pudsey Congs batted fist and soon lost wickets on a green wicket.There were a lot of shouting for L.B.W.,s.Eddy Walmsley was given out caught but stood at the wicket along time and walked slowly off. Andy Siddall did the right thing and told him to leave the field.Then Burzler was given out L.B.W. and walked to the umpire to say that was a bad decision. These incidents should not happen but the umpires were not will to stop it.
Ther was a last wicket stand of fifty between Roberts and Hewitt with Roberts finishing on 39 not out.Excellent innings.
At tea time we heard that the match between Manningham Mills and East Bierley second team had been stopped at half-time by the umpires.The home team had made marks on the pitch.More will come of this.
East Bierley batted and agained lost wickets. It was a century stand between Rennison and Owens which helped to win the match by four wickets.The batting was very slow and boring.Brian Cobb and Harry joined us for the second half. He had been to Idle to watch Bowling Old Lane.
Hoping to-morrow cricket is better.
LAST DAY
By Brian Sanderson,
Friday was a cloudy morning in Headingley.It was the last day of the Northants match which did not start until 11.30 as the umpires Malone and Parker decided it was raining.I was joined by David Thorpe for the first time this match.Northants batted on to reach 304 for 8 and declared.This left Yorkshire to reach this total in 80 overs asboth teams had decided just to play a one innings match.
Joe Sayers was soon out for 2 caught off his glove bowled by Burton who has just sign another contract with Northants.David Alexander Burton has played for Surrey , Sussex,
Essex, Glos, Middlesex ,Leics and Northants. He is only 26 years old so he has been busy in his career.He collected three wickets for 34 runs.Lucas bowled very well but could not get a wicket.In his eleven overs he only conceed 21 runs.
I counted the crowd in the afternoon and came to under 40 people.Again Mr Girling turned up to watch his son bat.He scored no runs in forty balls and struggled.
Yorkshire managed to reach 138 for 5 due Brophy scoring 65 not out.So Yorkshire struggled to a draw.We heard from John Blain that Yorkshire under 17 were playing Warkshire on Tuesday and Wednesday at Weetwood subject to the weather.Another fixture in a busy next week of cricket.
Friday was a cloudy morning in Headingley.It was the last day of the Northants match which did not start until 11.30 as the umpires Malone and Parker decided it was raining.I was joined by David Thorpe for the first time this match.Northants batted on to reach 304 for 8 and declared.This left Yorkshire to reach this total in 80 overs asboth teams had decided just to play a one innings match.
Joe Sayers was soon out for 2 caught off his glove bowled by Burton who has just sign another contract with Northants.David Alexander Burton has played for Surrey , Sussex,
Essex, Glos, Middlesex ,Leics and Northants. He is only 26 years old so he has been busy in his career.He collected three wickets for 34 runs.Lucas bowled very well but could not get a wicket.In his eleven overs he only conceed 21 runs.
I counted the crowd in the afternoon and came to under 40 people.Again Mr Girling turned up to watch his son bat.He scored no runs in forty balls and struggled.
Yorkshire managed to reach 138 for 5 due Brophy scoring 65 not out.So Yorkshire struggled to a draw.We heard from John Blain that Yorkshire under 17 were playing Warkshire on Tuesday and Wednesday at Weetwood subject to the weather.Another fixture in a busy next week of cricket.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
WHAT DIFFERENCE A VENUE MAKES
By Brian Sanderson,
On Tuesday the sun was shining and set of to the Britannia Ground at Pudsey.Arriving at 11.45 for a 12.00 start the ground was full.A helpful young person shown be were to park the car.Yorkshire Seconds were playing Northampton Seconds in a forty over match.
Pleased to see people from Lancashire at the match including Ian from Lancaster.Yorkshire batted first with Sayers and Lyth.They put on a opening stand of 137 on a good batting wicket.We were able to get a drink of tea for fifty pence and sit in the sun.Yorkshire went on to score 244 for 6 but should have scored more.Dave Hodgson,groundsman from Kirkstall Education, arrived at the ground. He told me he had been involved in preparing the wicket. He had done a good job.
After the break Northants got off to a quick start until Joe Root got a wicket in his first over.When I left Northants were 72 for 5 however Lucas and Murphy enbled the side to get to 207.Yorkshire won a match.An excellent day was had by all.Ralph Middlebrook must have pleased with the match.
Next day I walked to Headingley for a three day match at Headingley.It was the same two teams.When the match started there must have been about fifteen people watching with about the same amount of security staff.Only eight overs was able to be bowled in the day due to rain.I left about 4.30 when the rain came again. The only plus was that I could watch the Test Match on the T.V.No-body enjoyed the day.
To-day I agained walked over to see the second day.During the morning Brian Senior counted the crowd which came about forty.Northants were batting .Yorkshire bowling was poor .We were joined in the evening by Jack Girling father.Jack had taken three wickets for 39.He had bowled one excellent ball which got a wicket and gifted two others.Ashraf caught one ball after he had thrown his hat off.At first we thought he was going to use the cap to catch the ball. It did not happen but he held the catch.Two other catches had gone down during the day.
Northants reached 293 for 7 when the rains came again.I wish that Yorkshire would play all their second team matches away from Headingley were there is no atmosphere and people will not turn out to watch matches here.
Good news in the last few days, Tony Hutton turned up at Weetwood for an hour. He is looking forward to going to Atherington in September.Hope to see you there Tony.
On Tuesday the sun was shining and set of to the Britannia Ground at Pudsey.Arriving at 11.45 for a 12.00 start the ground was full.A helpful young person shown be were to park the car.Yorkshire Seconds were playing Northampton Seconds in a forty over match.
Pleased to see people from Lancashire at the match including Ian from Lancaster.Yorkshire batted first with Sayers and Lyth.They put on a opening stand of 137 on a good batting wicket.We were able to get a drink of tea for fifty pence and sit in the sun.Yorkshire went on to score 244 for 6 but should have scored more.Dave Hodgson,groundsman from Kirkstall Education, arrived at the ground. He told me he had been involved in preparing the wicket. He had done a good job.
After the break Northants got off to a quick start until Joe Root got a wicket in his first over.When I left Northants were 72 for 5 however Lucas and Murphy enbled the side to get to 207.Yorkshire won a match.An excellent day was had by all.Ralph Middlebrook must have pleased with the match.
Next day I walked to Headingley for a three day match at Headingley.It was the same two teams.When the match started there must have been about fifteen people watching with about the same amount of security staff.Only eight overs was able to be bowled in the day due to rain.I left about 4.30 when the rain came again. The only plus was that I could watch the Test Match on the T.V.No-body enjoyed the day.
To-day I agained walked over to see the second day.During the morning Brian Senior counted the crowd which came about forty.Northants were batting .Yorkshire bowling was poor .We were joined in the evening by Jack Girling father.Jack had taken three wickets for 39.He had bowled one excellent ball which got a wicket and gifted two others.Ashraf caught one ball after he had thrown his hat off.At first we thought he was going to use the cap to catch the ball. It did not happen but he held the catch.Two other catches had gone down during the day.
Northants reached 293 for 7 when the rains came again.I wish that Yorkshire would play all their second team matches away from Headingley were there is no atmosphere and people will not turn out to watch matches here.
Good news in the last few days, Tony Hutton turned up at Weetwood for an hour. He is looking forward to going to Atherington in September.Hope to see you there Tony.
Sunday, 7 August 2011
Compensation in Lincolnshire
After torrential rain in the lower Ure valley at lunchtime on Saturday seemed to wipe out all hope of seeing local cricket I was surprised to find that I need have travelled no further than Harrogate to see a match in the afternoon. With the available Saturdays beginning to run out I was annoyed that I had not looked further afield.
Yesterday brought compensation however, when a family celebration took me to my niece's home in Lincolnshire, where after a splendid lunch a family group were able to watch her two sons, my great nephews, playing for Fulbeck in The Lincoln and District League Division Three.Three of course really means four, there has to be a premirer division. With my brother and sister present it occurred to me that it would have been in the 1950s when the three of us last watched organised cricket together.
Yesterday Fulbeck were away to league leaders Aswarby and Sleaford Albion, who play at Aswarby Park which is just off the A17 south of Sleaford.It is a parkland ground which one reaches by driving across a rather bumpy field. We arrived for the closing overs of Aswarby's innings when some lusty hitting brought them to 121 for 8 off their forty overs. Not too difficult a target one might think but a stroll out to the middle in the tea interval showed a wicket of a sporty nature, one for which helmets were invented, and an outfield which would encourage the lofted shot and at the same time tempt fielders to wear gum shields.
Fulbeck's bright start lasted little more than two overs and the fall of the first wicket brought older g-nephew(known as Batesy) to the crease. He defended his first ball in a classical style ,the second singed his eyebrows and the third shot along the ground to have him lbw. Twelve for two became twelve for three in the same over and this brought in younger g-nephew (also known as Batesy) at number five.Batesey the younger demonstrated a sound defence but had still not got off the mark when it was time for us to leave with Fulbeck on 21 for 4. I was informed later in the evening that they had been all out for 70 with Nick (a rarely used alternative to Batesy) top scoring with 20, a creditable effort on such a wicket.
This week sees my wife and I in The Lake District for a few days, sadly Cumberland are away, but with the forecast continuing unsettled especially in the north I will probably come to regret even more my lack of enterprise on Saturday.
Yesterday brought compensation however, when a family celebration took me to my niece's home in Lincolnshire, where after a splendid lunch a family group were able to watch her two sons, my great nephews, playing for Fulbeck in The Lincoln and District League Division Three.Three of course really means four, there has to be a premirer division. With my brother and sister present it occurred to me that it would have been in the 1950s when the three of us last watched organised cricket together.
Yesterday Fulbeck were away to league leaders Aswarby and Sleaford Albion, who play at Aswarby Park which is just off the A17 south of Sleaford.It is a parkland ground which one reaches by driving across a rather bumpy field. We arrived for the closing overs of Aswarby's innings when some lusty hitting brought them to 121 for 8 off their forty overs. Not too difficult a target one might think but a stroll out to the middle in the tea interval showed a wicket of a sporty nature, one for which helmets were invented, and an outfield which would encourage the lofted shot and at the same time tempt fielders to wear gum shields.
Fulbeck's bright start lasted little more than two overs and the fall of the first wicket brought older g-nephew(known as Batesy) to the crease. He defended his first ball in a classical style ,the second singed his eyebrows and the third shot along the ground to have him lbw. Twelve for two became twelve for three in the same over and this brought in younger g-nephew (also known as Batesy) at number five.Batesey the younger demonstrated a sound defence but had still not got off the mark when it was time for us to leave with Fulbeck on 21 for 4. I was informed later in the evening that they had been all out for 70 with Nick (a rarely used alternative to Batesy) top scoring with 20, a creditable effort on such a wicket.
This week sees my wife and I in The Lake District for a few days, sadly Cumberland are away, but with the forecast continuing unsettled especially in the north I will probably come to regret even more my lack of enterprise on Saturday.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
RETURN TO PUDSEY
By Brian Sanderson,
On a wet Saturday morning the decision were to watch a match gets interesting.Originally I had planned to go to the Huddersfield League but could not find what matches were starting.Due to the Bradford League web-site you can see when matches start.
At 1.40 I found that Pudsey St. Lawrence had started against Farsley and Farsley were batting.My grand-mother living in Pudsey and my father was brought up there so it is nice to go back to Pudsey.
The crowd was not great but gradually people started to arrive including Raymond Illingworth who played for both clubs but now supports Farsley.He was vocal talking to Clough on the field wether the bowler was bowling leg-side wides.
Farsley collected there runs quickly in a 46 over match.No batsman reached fifty and the highest score was Simpson with 49.Ingram reached mid-twenties before been caught at point.He is still about fifty runs short of 1000 runs for the season.They reached 256 for 7.
After tea Pudsey soon lost a wicket but Robertshaw and Hester put on a stand of 107.However it left Pudsey to get 140 runs in twenty overs.It would not be easy but they had wickets in hand.The wickets soon fell mainly to Lumb who took four wickets.
The weather was now cloundy and cold plus I wanted my tea so I left with 14 overs to go.Pudsey lost the match.
On a wet Saturday morning the decision were to watch a match gets interesting.Originally I had planned to go to the Huddersfield League but could not find what matches were starting.Due to the Bradford League web-site you can see when matches start.
At 1.40 I found that Pudsey St. Lawrence had started against Farsley and Farsley were batting.My grand-mother living in Pudsey and my father was brought up there so it is nice to go back to Pudsey.
The crowd was not great but gradually people started to arrive including Raymond Illingworth who played for both clubs but now supports Farsley.He was vocal talking to Clough on the field wether the bowler was bowling leg-side wides.
Farsley collected there runs quickly in a 46 over match.No batsman reached fifty and the highest score was Simpson with 49.Ingram reached mid-twenties before been caught at point.He is still about fifty runs short of 1000 runs for the season.They reached 256 for 7.
After tea Pudsey soon lost a wicket but Robertshaw and Hester put on a stand of 107.However it left Pudsey to get 140 runs in twenty overs.It would not be easy but they had wickets in hand.The wickets soon fell mainly to Lumb who took four wickets.
The weather was now cloundy and cold plus I wanted my tea so I left with 14 overs to go.Pudsey lost the match.
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Season So Far - Part 2
Posted by Peter Davies
Saturday 4 June
A tour of Leeds grounds with Mick Bourne. He knows these places so well and it was great to get the benefit of his knowledge as we travelled around. Kit was Woodhouse, Whitkirk, East Leeds, Amaranth, Crossgates and Colton Institute. Really interesting stuff. Some nice food too – and we met some interesting characters along the way.
Friday 10 June
What a game! A late decision to go to Old Trafford for the 20/20 game against Yorkshire and probably the best limited-overs game I’ve seen for a long while. It ebbed and flowed throughout – with Rafiq cleverly winning the game for the visitors with some amazing improvised strokes in the last over.
Saturday 11 June
A tour of Scarborough League grounds in the company of our good friend Brian Heywood, who now lives over there.
Saturday 18 June
I attended a film course in Bradford in the morning and early afternoon, so I met Dad when it finished and we popped into Lightcliffe on the way back home. Wakefield Road was looking glorious. No sign of our friend Bob Horne, but as always a very pleasant visit. We also popped into Brighouse on the way back into Huddersfield. Always a pleasant place to visit and I even enquired about how much it would be to hire the function room which looks out onto the ground. Quite reasonable, I thought. Then a final stop at Blackley, looking glorious in the mid-summer sunshine.
Sunday 19 June
A couple of hours at Golcar – a very busy, sunny afternoon. Met David Thorpe and enjoyed sitting on one of the picnic tables outside the pavilion.
Sunday 26 June
A short visit to Almondbury Wes followed by an even shorter sojourn to Cumberworth.
Saturday 2 July
A super Halifax tour calling in at Greetland, Barkisland, Elland and Blackley. I had plenty if reading matter with me so I had a really good time. Trying to get into Dickens so dipped into a book that allegedly makes him simple. Not so sure about that!
Sunday 10 July
Popped into Shepley for half an hour. Said hello to Ian Watkinson and enjoyed the mid-afternoon sun. Did a couple of laps of the ground.
Tuesday & Wednesday 12 & 13 July
Met up with Brian Heywood at the ground for days two and three of the game. Stayed over at his place – very pleasant indeed. Yorkshire went on to win this game – Worcestershire, as ever, look a pretty poor team at this level. A few wobbles for the home side, but Gale and his middle-order batters eventually saw them home.
Saturday 16 July
A Bolton tour in the company of my good friend Malcolm Kinder. We did six or seven grounds and Malcolm, an ex-league umpire, seemed to know everyone at every ground we visited. Amazing.
Thursday 21 July
Headingley for the Roses Match. Arrived late because I fell asleep on the train from Halifax to Leeds (I’d had a lunch date in Halifax) and had to get a train back from Cross Gates to Leeds. When I arrived Yorkshire were fighting back with Richard Pyrah close to his century. But Lancashire finished them off. They then, worryingly, lost three wickets before the close.
Saturday 23 July
A whistlestop tour of the Saddleworth |Club in the company of league official Phil Taylor. We did 14 grounds – an amazing effort: Uppermill, Friarmere, Heyside, Hollinwood, Bamford Fieldhouse, Glodwick, Saddleworth, Shaw, Staley, Micklehurst, Moorside, Droylsden, Austerlands and Greenfield. Amazing effort.
Tuesday & Wednesday 26 & 27 July
Southport for Lancs v Nottinghamshire. This venue is a lovely one and one that I associate with my youth – lots of trips up the coast from Manchester. Really beautiful place and so good that Lancashire are now playing games here again. Lots of wickets falling and nip and tuck in terms of the overall balance of the game. Doesn’t look great Lancashire with their shaky batting.
Sunday 31 July
The Heavy Woollen Cup final at Spen with my local side Shepley in contention for the trophy. Really pleasant afternoon: a full house, Huddersfield League president Roger France doing the rounds with his wife Judith, and Alan Birkenshaw on the PA. We had a cup of tea and had a look at the club bookstall just outside the tearoom. Had a lie down on the boundary edge and very much enjoyed the atmosphere.
Saturday 4 June
A tour of Leeds grounds with Mick Bourne. He knows these places so well and it was great to get the benefit of his knowledge as we travelled around. Kit was Woodhouse, Whitkirk, East Leeds, Amaranth, Crossgates and Colton Institute. Really interesting stuff. Some nice food too – and we met some interesting characters along the way.
Friday 10 June
What a game! A late decision to go to Old Trafford for the 20/20 game against Yorkshire and probably the best limited-overs game I’ve seen for a long while. It ebbed and flowed throughout – with Rafiq cleverly winning the game for the visitors with some amazing improvised strokes in the last over.
Saturday 11 June
A tour of Scarborough League grounds in the company of our good friend Brian Heywood, who now lives over there.
Saturday 18 June
I attended a film course in Bradford in the morning and early afternoon, so I met Dad when it finished and we popped into Lightcliffe on the way back home. Wakefield Road was looking glorious. No sign of our friend Bob Horne, but as always a very pleasant visit. We also popped into Brighouse on the way back into Huddersfield. Always a pleasant place to visit and I even enquired about how much it would be to hire the function room which looks out onto the ground. Quite reasonable, I thought. Then a final stop at Blackley, looking glorious in the mid-summer sunshine.
Sunday 19 June
A couple of hours at Golcar – a very busy, sunny afternoon. Met David Thorpe and enjoyed sitting on one of the picnic tables outside the pavilion.
Sunday 26 June
A short visit to Almondbury Wes followed by an even shorter sojourn to Cumberworth.
Saturday 2 July
A super Halifax tour calling in at Greetland, Barkisland, Elland and Blackley. I had plenty if reading matter with me so I had a really good time. Trying to get into Dickens so dipped into a book that allegedly makes him simple. Not so sure about that!
Sunday 10 July
Popped into Shepley for half an hour. Said hello to Ian Watkinson and enjoyed the mid-afternoon sun. Did a couple of laps of the ground.
Tuesday & Wednesday 12 & 13 July
Met up with Brian Heywood at the ground for days two and three of the game. Stayed over at his place – very pleasant indeed. Yorkshire went on to win this game – Worcestershire, as ever, look a pretty poor team at this level. A few wobbles for the home side, but Gale and his middle-order batters eventually saw them home.
Saturday 16 July
A Bolton tour in the company of my good friend Malcolm Kinder. We did six or seven grounds and Malcolm, an ex-league umpire, seemed to know everyone at every ground we visited. Amazing.
Thursday 21 July
Headingley for the Roses Match. Arrived late because I fell asleep on the train from Halifax to Leeds (I’d had a lunch date in Halifax) and had to get a train back from Cross Gates to Leeds. When I arrived Yorkshire were fighting back with Richard Pyrah close to his century. But Lancashire finished them off. They then, worryingly, lost three wickets before the close.
Saturday 23 July
A whistlestop tour of the Saddleworth |Club in the company of league official Phil Taylor. We did 14 grounds – an amazing effort: Uppermill, Friarmere, Heyside, Hollinwood, Bamford Fieldhouse, Glodwick, Saddleworth, Shaw, Staley, Micklehurst, Moorside, Droylsden, Austerlands and Greenfield. Amazing effort.
Tuesday & Wednesday 26 & 27 July
Southport for Lancs v Nottinghamshire. This venue is a lovely one and one that I associate with my youth – lots of trips up the coast from Manchester. Really beautiful place and so good that Lancashire are now playing games here again. Lots of wickets falling and nip and tuck in terms of the overall balance of the game. Doesn’t look great Lancashire with their shaky batting.
Sunday 31 July
The Heavy Woollen Cup final at Spen with my local side Shepley in contention for the trophy. Really pleasant afternoon: a full house, Huddersfield League president Roger France doing the rounds with his wife Judith, and Alan Birkenshaw on the PA. We had a cup of tea and had a look at the club bookstall just outside the tearoom. Had a lie down on the boundary edge and very much enjoyed the atmosphere.
Season So Far - Part 1
Posted by Peter Davies
Saturday 2 April
The first day of my cricket-watching year and, as ever, it was New Rover where all the Professional Cricket Watchers headed. Tony Hutton, Mick Bourne and Brian Senior were all in attendance – with lots of sandwiches available too!
Friday 8 April
Lancashire v Sussex at Liverpool. The first of many visits, hopefully, to Lancashire’s new home ground, at least forn Championship cricket. Really love Liverpool. Really peaceful and relaxed. Not unpretty either. Stayed over in a Speke B&B and enjoyed the second day too. Dad came over for both days – very good effort. Went to nearby Speke Airport but was disappointed to discover there was no viewing area. Was looking forward to seeing some planes landing and taking off.
Saturday 16 April
Linthwaite – a traditional early-season venue for us. And this time there was a game going on! Had a sit by the factory wall and enjoyed the views up to the Transpennine rail line. Linthwaitwe’s ground always feels very closed – with all the tall trees hiding the ground from the main road. Then up to Slaithwaite for a short visit. Had a sit in front of the pavilion ands, again, enjoyed the magnificent Colne Valley views. Then finally Marsden – a Colne Valley hat-trick.
Sunday 17 April
A short visit to Kirkburton, looking radiant in the early-season sun. Had a cup of tea and sat in my favourite chair, close to the garage on the right-hand side as you enter the ground. Very sunny and pleasant.
Wednesday 20 April
Lancashire v Somerset at Liverpool. Second visit of the year. Now becoming a habit. Lancashire have had a good start to the year but Trescothick’s men could be serious challengers. But the home side are playing with a lot of confidence, especially at Liverpool. Could this be the secret weapon that brings them the Championship?
Sunday 24 April
My first one-dayer at Old Trafford for quite a while. Not over-keen on them. Also don’t like the idea of the Unicorns. But a pleasant enough day with Lancashire coming out on top. But all very low-key.
Friday 29 April
A day out with my Dad. We’d heard so much about Westhoughton – a possible Lancashire first-class venue? – and it didn’t disappoint. Very nice, but obviously not yet ready for first-class cricket. But the ground took an age to find – wedged in as it is in the midst of a modern housing estate.
New Rover
Saturday 30 April
Copley and then Mytholmroyd. Nothing beats the arches at Copley – and nothing beats the excellent teas at Mytholmroyd. Really sunny day. We sat by the pavilion at Mytholmroyd and parked nearby.
Thursday 5 May
My first-ever visit to Barnsley – for a 2nd XI county game – and what an impressive place it was. Met Brian Senior in the food bar at lunchtime – he wasn’t very pleased at all with how long it was taking for his food to arrive. Sat outside and met other Professional Cricket Watchers including Tony Hutton and his wife. Hurried back to the bus station with Brian after the game.
Saturday 7 May
Denby Dale then Kirkburton. Two of our big favourites. Both looking good.
Sunday 8 May
Lancashire v Glamorgan at Old Trafford. I was at unive3rsity in Cardiff and Swansea so I would say Glamorgan are my second favourite county. But not today!
Saturday 14 May
A Huddersfield League afternoon, popping into Lepton, Lascelles Hall, and Kirkheaton. Saw the FA Cup final at Lepton and very sad to see the damage caused at Lascelles Hall – but good to see a new pavilion building had been erected.
Thursday 19 May
Lancashire v Yorkshire at Liverpool so a trip across to Merseyside with Dave Thorpe – very kind of him. Lancashire had a good day and should hopefully wrap up a win some time soon. Funny to witness a Roses game at an outground but a nice novelty. Dave and his mate Graham sat by the main entrance – I wandered round a bit for a lie down, especially when my head pains came on.
Saturday 21 May
A trip to Mirfield Parish Cavaliers. We sat in our usual spot – just as you enter the ground from the main road and the odd little entrance by the scoreboard. I wasn’t feeling very well so we didn’t stay long. Not even time for a world-renowned Cavaliers tea! Then to Hanging Heaton where we bumped into the ubiquitous Brian Senior, rucksack on his back and strolling the streets of Batley like a seasoned Professional Cricket Watcher, which of course is what he is. We bought him a tea and he bought us some apple pie – so a fair deal all round.
Saturday 28 May
Our two favourite grounds: Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe. Very close together and both top-class venues. We have our favourite benches at both grounds and really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Saturday 2 April
The first day of my cricket-watching year and, as ever, it was New Rover where all the Professional Cricket Watchers headed. Tony Hutton, Mick Bourne and Brian Senior were all in attendance – with lots of sandwiches available too!
Friday 8 April
Lancashire v Sussex at Liverpool. The first of many visits, hopefully, to Lancashire’s new home ground, at least forn Championship cricket. Really love Liverpool. Really peaceful and relaxed. Not unpretty either. Stayed over in a Speke B&B and enjoyed the second day too. Dad came over for both days – very good effort. Went to nearby Speke Airport but was disappointed to discover there was no viewing area. Was looking forward to seeing some planes landing and taking off.
Saturday 16 April
Linthwaite – a traditional early-season venue for us. And this time there was a game going on! Had a sit by the factory wall and enjoyed the views up to the Transpennine rail line. Linthwaitwe’s ground always feels very closed – with all the tall trees hiding the ground from the main road. Then up to Slaithwaite for a short visit. Had a sit in front of the pavilion ands, again, enjoyed the magnificent Colne Valley views. Then finally Marsden – a Colne Valley hat-trick.
Sunday 17 April
A short visit to Kirkburton, looking radiant in the early-season sun. Had a cup of tea and sat in my favourite chair, close to the garage on the right-hand side as you enter the ground. Very sunny and pleasant.
Wednesday 20 April
Lancashire v Somerset at Liverpool. Second visit of the year. Now becoming a habit. Lancashire have had a good start to the year but Trescothick’s men could be serious challengers. But the home side are playing with a lot of confidence, especially at Liverpool. Could this be the secret weapon that brings them the Championship?
Sunday 24 April
My first one-dayer at Old Trafford for quite a while. Not over-keen on them. Also don’t like the idea of the Unicorns. But a pleasant enough day with Lancashire coming out on top. But all very low-key.
Friday 29 April
A day out with my Dad. We’d heard so much about Westhoughton – a possible Lancashire first-class venue? – and it didn’t disappoint. Very nice, but obviously not yet ready for first-class cricket. But the ground took an age to find – wedged in as it is in the midst of a modern housing estate.
New Rover
Saturday 30 April
Copley and then Mytholmroyd. Nothing beats the arches at Copley – and nothing beats the excellent teas at Mytholmroyd. Really sunny day. We sat by the pavilion at Mytholmroyd and parked nearby.
Thursday 5 May
My first-ever visit to Barnsley – for a 2nd XI county game – and what an impressive place it was. Met Brian Senior in the food bar at lunchtime – he wasn’t very pleased at all with how long it was taking for his food to arrive. Sat outside and met other Professional Cricket Watchers including Tony Hutton and his wife. Hurried back to the bus station with Brian after the game.
Saturday 7 May
Denby Dale then Kirkburton. Two of our big favourites. Both looking good.
Sunday 8 May
Lancashire v Glamorgan at Old Trafford. I was at unive3rsity in Cardiff and Swansea so I would say Glamorgan are my second favourite county. But not today!
Saturday 14 May
A Huddersfield League afternoon, popping into Lepton, Lascelles Hall, and Kirkheaton. Saw the FA Cup final at Lepton and very sad to see the damage caused at Lascelles Hall – but good to see a new pavilion building had been erected.
Thursday 19 May
Lancashire v Yorkshire at Liverpool so a trip across to Merseyside with Dave Thorpe – very kind of him. Lancashire had a good day and should hopefully wrap up a win some time soon. Funny to witness a Roses game at an outground but a nice novelty. Dave and his mate Graham sat by the main entrance – I wandered round a bit for a lie down, especially when my head pains came on.
Saturday 21 May
A trip to Mirfield Parish Cavaliers. We sat in our usual spot – just as you enter the ground from the main road and the odd little entrance by the scoreboard. I wasn’t feeling very well so we didn’t stay long. Not even time for a world-renowned Cavaliers tea! Then to Hanging Heaton where we bumped into the ubiquitous Brian Senior, rucksack on his back and strolling the streets of Batley like a seasoned Professional Cricket Watcher, which of course is what he is. We bought him a tea and he bought us some apple pie – so a fair deal all round.
Saturday 28 May
Our two favourite grounds: Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe. Very close together and both top-class venues. We have our favourite benches at both grounds and really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
YORKSHIRE CRICKET ARCHIVE MEETING
By Brian Sanderson,
I had another visit to Scarborough to-day to watch England Lions against Sri Lanka A.
The weather was sunny to start with in the morning and joined up with Bob Proctor and his son.The pitch looked drier than than the last Yorkshire match.England had been bowled out for 299 and Sri Lanka were batting.
The opening bowling of Dernbach and Harrison was not impressive which was not helped by Kieswtter stumping.The best bowler was Meaker who I last saw at York where he had to be taken off bowling when he bowled two beamers in one over.His figures today were 11-5-27-1.
Yesterday afternoon two fifty year old men striked across the ground before being taken away by the police.I understand it was not a pretty sight.
After lunch the weather was cloundy and Borthwick bowled his leg-spin very badly.The Sri Lankians hit two big sixes with one going through a open window in the pavilion.
A good sight was a wheelchair that was pushed behind the bowlers arm as he was bowling.Never seen that before.
After tea thunder could be heard in the distance and England took the new ball. This produced 5 wickets falling in 33 runs and the rain came down.Sri Lanka were 329 for8.
During the match I saw PaulDyson,David Allan and Howard Clayton who are all in the Cricket Archive Committee.A poor drive home on the A64 again.
I had another visit to Scarborough to-day to watch England Lions against Sri Lanka A.
The weather was sunny to start with in the morning and joined up with Bob Proctor and his son.The pitch looked drier than than the last Yorkshire match.England had been bowled out for 299 and Sri Lanka were batting.
The opening bowling of Dernbach and Harrison was not impressive which was not helped by Kieswtter stumping.The best bowler was Meaker who I last saw at York where he had to be taken off bowling when he bowled two beamers in one over.His figures today were 11-5-27-1.
Yesterday afternoon two fifty year old men striked across the ground before being taken away by the police.I understand it was not a pretty sight.
After lunch the weather was cloundy and Borthwick bowled his leg-spin very badly.The Sri Lankians hit two big sixes with one going through a open window in the pavilion.
A good sight was a wheelchair that was pushed behind the bowlers arm as he was bowling.Never seen that before.
After tea thunder could be heard in the distance and England took the new ball. This produced 5 wickets falling in 33 runs and the rain came down.Sri Lanka were 329 for8.
During the match I saw PaulDyson,David Allan and Howard Clayton who are all in the Cricket Archive Committee.A poor drive home on the A64 again.
Championship hotting up.
posted by John Winn
Yesterday offered the first championship cricket at The Riverside for six weeks. In the meantime Durham have maintained a slender lead at the top of the first division courtesy mainly of a win at Liverpool but suffered a heavy defeat at Taunton two weeks ago when for the second time this season Mustard invited Somerset to bat and Marcus Trescothick duly cashed in.Yesterday's visitors were Notts, last year's champions but this year rather let down by a fragile early order.
Mustard has been remarkably lucky with the toss but I was somewhat surprised to find that on an extremely sultry morning, Durham had taken first innings. The morning's play was probably just shaded by Notts,with Durham losing three wickets. Collingwood's dismissal for nought provided something to stir the breathless air for he was clearly not impressed with the decision which gave him caught behind and he appeared to exchange words with the umpire on his way from the middle.
The afternoon session was spoilt by the weather when shortly after two o'clock the almost inevitable heavy shower sent the players to the dressing rooms and even though the rain soon stopped, the light remained very poor and in total twenty three overs were lost.
Durham's man of the day was Michael Di Venuto who almost batted through the shortened day only to be out for 132 just before the close. Adams was particularly impressive for Notts and his four wickets were well deserved.
In fifth place in the table at the start of this match last year's champion's are probably resigned to a mid table position this campaign but any one of the four teams above them could take the pennant and of course the current match at Liverpool, now in its third day, is crucial. As I write Lancashire lead The Bears by 190 runs with seven second innings wickets still to fall and could set a very difficult last day's target for the visitors.Somerset, who earlier today were in a dire position against Sussex, have been rescued by Buttler and may well continue their good run of form which has gone a long way to offset their poor start to the season.At the other end Yorkshire appear to have put themselves in a position where they should at least deny Hampshire their first victory of the season.
Yorkshire are the odd men out in the top division at the end of the season for they will complete their programme before the last round of matches. Let us hope that during that week all their followers will be able to relax and take a purely academic interest in Durham v Worcestershire and Hampshire v Warwickshire.
Yesterday offered the first championship cricket at The Riverside for six weeks. In the meantime Durham have maintained a slender lead at the top of the first division courtesy mainly of a win at Liverpool but suffered a heavy defeat at Taunton two weeks ago when for the second time this season Mustard invited Somerset to bat and Marcus Trescothick duly cashed in.Yesterday's visitors were Notts, last year's champions but this year rather let down by a fragile early order.
Mustard has been remarkably lucky with the toss but I was somewhat surprised to find that on an extremely sultry morning, Durham had taken first innings. The morning's play was probably just shaded by Notts,with Durham losing three wickets. Collingwood's dismissal for nought provided something to stir the breathless air for he was clearly not impressed with the decision which gave him caught behind and he appeared to exchange words with the umpire on his way from the middle.
The afternoon session was spoilt by the weather when shortly after two o'clock the almost inevitable heavy shower sent the players to the dressing rooms and even though the rain soon stopped, the light remained very poor and in total twenty three overs were lost.
Durham's man of the day was Michael Di Venuto who almost batted through the shortened day only to be out for 132 just before the close. Adams was particularly impressive for Notts and his four wickets were well deserved.
In fifth place in the table at the start of this match last year's champion's are probably resigned to a mid table position this campaign but any one of the four teams above them could take the pennant and of course the current match at Liverpool, now in its third day, is crucial. As I write Lancashire lead The Bears by 190 runs with seven second innings wickets still to fall and could set a very difficult last day's target for the visitors.Somerset, who earlier today were in a dire position against Sussex, have been rescued by Buttler and may well continue their good run of form which has gone a long way to offset their poor start to the season.At the other end Yorkshire appear to have put themselves in a position where they should at least deny Hampshire their first victory of the season.
Yorkshire are the odd men out in the top division at the end of the season for they will complete their programme before the last round of matches. Let us hope that during that week all their followers will be able to relax and take a purely academic interest in Durham v Worcestershire and Hampshire v Warwickshire.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Thanks to Brian
Posted by John Winn
Earlier this season I was told that this would be the last Ampleforth College Festival but the matter had slipped from my mind until I read Brian's posting last night. Not having been before and knowing that this was a favourite venue of many pcws I hastily made plans this morning to drive the twenty miles from home ,by a really pretty route through the Hambledon Hills, and arrived just as the first innings of today's four games were coming to an end. The setting is indeed magnificent and the sun shone on the idyllic scene.
The key games today, the last day of the under 15 competition, were between Durham and Essex and Yorkshire and Cardiff/Glamorgan. Yorkshire's hopes of winning the title depended on them beating the youngsters from South Wales and hoping that Durham would beat Essex.In the end Essex won a low scoring game by three wickets and Yorkshire's comfortable victory was to no avail.
There were goodly number of spectators watching each game, mostly very committed parents, and it is sad that such an important competition in such a lovely setting should come to an end. Thanks to Brian I was there for the last rites.One little thing that intrigued me was that I was able to keep the Yorkshire players waiting to bat up to date with the score from Trent Bridge. Every bulletin I announced was met with the same question, 'How many has Tendulkar got'? If they were hoping that he might get his elusive one hundredth international century then of course they were to be disappointed. Call me old fashioned but I just wanted him to be out.
Earlier this season I was told that this would be the last Ampleforth College Festival but the matter had slipped from my mind until I read Brian's posting last night. Not having been before and knowing that this was a favourite venue of many pcws I hastily made plans this morning to drive the twenty miles from home ,by a really pretty route through the Hambledon Hills, and arrived just as the first innings of today's four games were coming to an end. The setting is indeed magnificent and the sun shone on the idyllic scene.
The key games today, the last day of the under 15 competition, were between Durham and Essex and Yorkshire and Cardiff/Glamorgan. Yorkshire's hopes of winning the title depended on them beating the youngsters from South Wales and hoping that Durham would beat Essex.In the end Essex won a low scoring game by three wickets and Yorkshire's comfortable victory was to no avail.
There were goodly number of spectators watching each game, mostly very committed parents, and it is sad that such an important competition in such a lovely setting should come to an end. Thanks to Brian I was there for the last rites.One little thing that intrigued me was that I was able to keep the Yorkshire players waiting to bat up to date with the score from Trent Bridge. Every bulletin I announced was met with the same question, 'How many has Tendulkar got'? If they were hoping that he might get his elusive one hundredth international century then of course they were to be disappointed. Call me old fashioned but I just wanted him to be out.
LORDS TAVENERS FIXTURES AND JOE LUMB
By Brian Sanderson,
I have been to Ilkley to day to see Aire-Wharfedale under 15 against Huddersfield under 15.Huddersfield score 182 in forty-five overs and Aire-Wharfe were being beaten easily when I left.
More fixtures
To-morrow Sheffield v Airewharfe Eckington
Upper Wharfedale v Huddersfield Earby.
Leeds v Halifax Methley.
Nidderdale v Wetherby Bilton.
Wednesday Huddersfields v Sheffield Skelmanthorpe.
Airewharfe v Upper Wharfedale Otley
Bradford v York Pudsey St. Lawrence
Wetherby v Scarborough Thorpe arch @ Boston Spa.
Leeds v Nidderdale Morley
28 August Joe Lumb Final York v Barnsley at Clifton Alliance
4 September Jack Lee Final Noth Yorkshire S.D v Huddersfield Thornaby.
Enjoy your cricket.
I have been to Ilkley to day to see Aire-Wharfedale under 15 against Huddersfield under 15.Huddersfield score 182 in forty-five overs and Aire-Wharfe were being beaten easily when I left.
More fixtures
To-morrow Sheffield v Airewharfe Eckington
Upper Wharfedale v Huddersfield Earby.
Leeds v Halifax Methley.
Nidderdale v Wetherby Bilton.
Wednesday Huddersfields v Sheffield Skelmanthorpe.
Airewharfe v Upper Wharfedale Otley
Bradford v York Pudsey St. Lawrence
Wetherby v Scarborough Thorpe arch @ Boston Spa.
Leeds v Nidderdale Morley
28 August Joe Lumb Final York v Barnsley at Clifton Alliance
4 September Jack Lee Final Noth Yorkshire S.D v Huddersfield Thornaby.
Enjoy your cricket.
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