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.