FOLLOWING IN WILFRED AND HERBERT FOOTSTEPS

By Brian Sanderson,

After cutting the hedge  I went with Ron Stansfield to watch some Huddersfield League.The sun was shinning but there was a cold breeze as we arrived at Kirkheaton were the seconds were playing Lepton Highlanders. The closed club house had grills and the door and windows .This is the pavilion that Wilfred Rhodes and George Hirst opened in 1950.I  think they would be shocked by the grills.

Lepton batted first as we sat outside the pavilion looking at the greenfields which the greats would have seen.There were some boys playing football in June which would not have happen in the 1950,s.We left after 15 overs with one wicket fallen and the score 40.

The next match was Lascelles Hall against Paddock.Recently there has been a fire which destroyed the pavilion and has now been replaced by flat roof building.The tea ladies said that it had rained in during the heavy rain of yesterday.This club  was the bedrock of Yorkshire cricket in the 1870,s and deserves to have better facilities.
There is magnificent views over Kirkheaton  and you can see the cricket ground in the distance.The home side were batting and had scored 120 for 6 as wel left.

We heard that Lepton had been bowled out for 47 so we moved on to the ground about five minutes away.
The ground is shared by the football team and Thongsbridge required 7 runs to win with ten wickets avaliable.
When the scores were tied one batsman got out caught which would not have pleased the number3.The came was soon over and we moved on to Emley.

The ground took some finding.I wish the cricket clubs could put up a sign giving people clues were the match is being played.Here again the cricket pitch was on the old football pitch and there was little seating.Holmfirth had bowled first but could not see the score.Decided to move on as it would have been difficult to find somewere Ron could sit.

Next match was Kirkburton against Hoylandswain.Hoylandswain were just winning the match as we arrived.The ground is in clear view of Emley Moor mast and all the grounds we visited the mast was visible.

Good afternoon visiting grounds in good weather for a change.