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on the edge of the city centre and use to be next to the football ground.The football side have moved grounds and has been replaced by sheltered housing.There is some excellent pictures in the bar area including a picture of Herbert Sutcliffe.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.