By Brian Sanderson,
This is some fixtures from Brian Cobb diary.
AUGUST 1 -Durham v Australia A Durham
Derby Seconds v Warwick Seconds Dunstall
Under 13 Fixtures
Barnsley v Aire-Wharfe Cawthorne
Upper Airedale v Scarborough Embsay
Nidderdale v East Yorks Bishop Monkton
Bradford v Sheffield Pudsey St. Lawrence
Leeds v Huddersfield Altofts
York v Heavy Woollen Clifton Alliance
Pontefract v Wetherby Whitley Bridge
AUGUST 2 - Yorkshire under 19 v Middlesex Undercliffe Two day match
Semi-Finals of Under 13 at West Bretton and Upper Wharfedale
AUGUST 3 Final of under 13 Cleckheaton.
Under15 Scarborough v Nidderdale
Wetherby v Nidderdale Saxton
AUGUST 4 LEAGUE MATCHES
AUGUST 5 Heavy Woollen Cup Wakefield Thornes v Wrenthorpe Liversedge 12.00
Oddfellow Cup Final
Earnshaw Cup Final
Waddilow Cup Final Ben Rhydding v Collingham Ilkley
Yorkshire under 15 v Lancashire under 15 Pudsey Congs
Under 15 Leeds v Wetherby Colton
OULTON 10.00a.m. National Cockspur Cup
AUGUST 6 Under15
Huddersfield v Aire-Wharfe Selmanthorpe
Heavy Wollen v Noth Yorks West Bretton
Nidderdale v Halifax Spofforth
Leeds v Scarborough Morley
AUGUST 7
Derby Seconds v Scotland A Denby
M.C.C Universities v Yorkshire York
Yorkshire under 17 v Derbyshire Weetwood Two days
Under 15
Aire-Wharfe v Sheffield North Leeds
Huddersfield v Upper Wharfedale Broad Oak
Bradford v Pontefract Nortowarm
Halifax v Leeds Queensbury
Wetherby v Nidderdale Church Fenton
AUGUST 8
Leicester Seconds v Nottingham Seconds Kibworth Three days
Under 15
Sheffield v Huddersfield Whitley Hall
Upper Airedale v Aire-Wharfe Ingrow
York v Bradford Sheriff Hutton Bridge
AUGUST 9
Semi-Finals of Under 15 at Penistone and Bardsey
Yorkshire under 19 v Middlesex Undercliffe Two days
Yorkshire under 17 v Derbyshire Weetwood
Unicorns v Durham Sheffield Collegates
AUGUST 10
Unicorns v Yorkshire Seconds Abbeydale
Under 15 final Methley
AUGUST 12
Priestley Shield Cup Final Farsley 12.00
Syes Cup Final
AUGUST 13
Yorkshire under 16 v Durham Richmond
AUGUST 14
Yorkshire Seconds v Lancashire Todmorden
AUGUST 15
Yorkshire Seconds v Lancashire 2 Day match Todmorden
M.C.C.Noth-East v M.C.C Scotland York 2 Day match.
AUGUST 19
Cumberland v Hertifordshire SEDBURGH Three day match
M.C.C V Askern Welfare
Paddock Shield Final
AUGUST 21
Yorkshire Seconds v Warwick Weetwood
Durham Seconds v Lancs Seconds Middlesborough 3 Day match
Leicester Seconds v Nothants Lutterworth 3 day match
AUGUST 22
M.C.C East -Midlands v M.C.C Notth -East Harrogate
Yorkshire Seconds v Warwick Stamford Bridge 3 day match
AUGUST 25
R.L.FINAL WEMBLEY
AUGUST 26
Priestley Cp Final Spen Victoria
York v Bamford Fieldhouse 1.00 Semi-Final
Joe Lumb Final Stamford Bridge.
AUGUST 28
Durham Seconds v Scotland A Longhirst Hall
AUGUST 29
M.C.C V Nidderdale Birstwith
Hope the fixtures are useful and the weather is fine and warm.Remember Scarborough in M ay
Lancashire under 19 v Yorkshire under 19 Todmorden 2 Day match
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Monday, 30 July 2012
East too good for west
posted by John Winn
Woodhouse Grange had a comfortable victory over Streethouse in their Village Cup quarter final yesterday. When I arrived shortly before the scheduled 13:00 start a goodly crowd had assembled on a largely sunny if breezy afternoon. The West Yorkshire team followers had set up camp on either side of the scoreboard while home support stretched round from the pavilion to the nets in the furthest corner of the ground. The tournament is sponsored by Yorkshire Tea and from their distinctive van free cups of tea together with sample boxes of tea bags were dispensed throughout the afternoon. This rather made me wish they had swapped sponsorship with Kingfisher Beer who this year are supporting the National Club KO competition.
Whilst waiting for the start and having my first complimentary cup of tea I received a text from a friend who had been at The Riverside to see Durham's remarkable victory over Middlesex by 15 runs with the bowlers digging them out of the mire they had got into on Friday. Forty wickets down in under seven sessions and a highest total of 200 and yet I suspect no questions will be asked about the pitch.
Grange won the toss and batted and Streethouse looked very much on their toes when they took the field with most of the players supporting names and numbers on their backs to which was added the third 'n', noise, as soon as the first ball was bowled. Batting was not easy and the openers had some lucky escapes but were not parted until 94 had been added and Hattee was comprehensively yorked by Patel. With thirty of the forty overs gone the score stood at 132 for 3 but the introduction of spin against two left handers saw the game taken away fron Streethouse as five of the bowlers conceded a total of 112 runs with the chief destructor being Chris Bilton who reached his hundred off the last ball, it having taken 52 balls and the second fifty having come off just 19 balls. How much I wonder did the Streethouse skipper regret not having kept some overs in reserve for use by Wild who had bowled splendidly at the beginning of the innings? Bilton's thrilling knock came on top of the 98 he scored on Saturday before being run out!
The feeling amongst home supporters seated near me was that this was far too many runs for Streethouse to get and the loss of early wickets which saw them at 54 for 5 in the 16th over effectively put the game beyond their reach. Streethouse spirits were lifted slightly by a sixth wicket stand of 66 but the running between the wickets rarely pressurised the Woodhouse fielders into mistakes and the rate remained well below the 8 an over which had become needed by the time this pair were parted. Top score for the visitors came from skipper Richard Vigars with 56 but when they were all out in the 39th over they were still 70 runs short.
So Woodhouse proceed without too much worry into the semi finals where I understand they will play either Water Orton or Cropston* at home but as this knowledge was imparted to me by a gentleman who had spent much of the game in the bar I shall seek confirmation elsewhere. In fairness it does make sense from a travelling point of view that their opponents should be from the midland rather than from the southern groups. In those groups there was an outstanding win for Wiltshire club Goatcare who defeated Wraysbury by 130 runs but in the other southern group Reed CC beat Plumpton by only one run..
In the National KO cup htere were wins yesterday for York, Bamford Fieldhouse and Havant. Wanstead and Snaresbrook play Bridgewater next week to decide the fourth semi finalist.
*Although the is no result on the official play cricket website the Cropston website has a match report of their victory over Water Orton.
Woodhouse Grange had a comfortable victory over Streethouse in their Village Cup quarter final yesterday. When I arrived shortly before the scheduled 13:00 start a goodly crowd had assembled on a largely sunny if breezy afternoon. The West Yorkshire team followers had set up camp on either side of the scoreboard while home support stretched round from the pavilion to the nets in the furthest corner of the ground. The tournament is sponsored by Yorkshire Tea and from their distinctive van free cups of tea together with sample boxes of tea bags were dispensed throughout the afternoon. This rather made me wish they had swapped sponsorship with Kingfisher Beer who this year are supporting the National Club KO competition.
Whilst waiting for the start and having my first complimentary cup of tea I received a text from a friend who had been at The Riverside to see Durham's remarkable victory over Middlesex by 15 runs with the bowlers digging them out of the mire they had got into on Friday. Forty wickets down in under seven sessions and a highest total of 200 and yet I suspect no questions will be asked about the pitch.
Grange won the toss and batted and Streethouse looked very much on their toes when they took the field with most of the players supporting names and numbers on their backs to which was added the third 'n', noise, as soon as the first ball was bowled. Batting was not easy and the openers had some lucky escapes but were not parted until 94 had been added and Hattee was comprehensively yorked by Patel. With thirty of the forty overs gone the score stood at 132 for 3 but the introduction of spin against two left handers saw the game taken away fron Streethouse as five of the bowlers conceded a total of 112 runs with the chief destructor being Chris Bilton who reached his hundred off the last ball, it having taken 52 balls and the second fifty having come off just 19 balls. How much I wonder did the Streethouse skipper regret not having kept some overs in reserve for use by Wild who had bowled splendidly at the beginning of the innings? Bilton's thrilling knock came on top of the 98 he scored on Saturday before being run out!
The feeling amongst home supporters seated near me was that this was far too many runs for Streethouse to get and the loss of early wickets which saw them at 54 for 5 in the 16th over effectively put the game beyond their reach. Streethouse spirits were lifted slightly by a sixth wicket stand of 66 but the running between the wickets rarely pressurised the Woodhouse fielders into mistakes and the rate remained well below the 8 an over which had become needed by the time this pair were parted. Top score for the visitors came from skipper Richard Vigars with 56 but when they were all out in the 39th over they were still 70 runs short.
So Woodhouse proceed without too much worry into the semi finals where I understand they will play either Water Orton or Cropston* at home but as this knowledge was imparted to me by a gentleman who had spent much of the game in the bar I shall seek confirmation elsewhere. In fairness it does make sense from a travelling point of view that their opponents should be from the midland rather than from the southern groups. In those groups there was an outstanding win for Wiltshire club Goatcare who defeated Wraysbury by 130 runs but in the other southern group Reed CC beat Plumpton by only one run..
In the National KO cup htere were wins yesterday for York, Bamford Fieldhouse and Havant. Wanstead and Snaresbrook play Bridgewater next week to decide the fourth semi finalist.
*Although the is no result on the official play cricket website the Cropston website has a match report of their victory over Water Orton.
Sunday, 29 July 2012
The A64 corridor
posted by John Winn
The section of the A64 between York and Scarborough rarely receives a good press. Its jams get frequent mentions in the traffic reports on local radio and the fact that large sections of it are single carriageway are held to blame, in part at least, for Scarborough's economic problems. Yesterday however, it served me well for after a late start from York I visited four new grounds in the York Senior and York Vale leagues, all of which might justifiably include in their descriptions 'easily reached from the A64'.
I began in the Vale of York League which started this season with 54 teams in 6 divisions although two teams failed to come under umpires' orders when 'play' was called. Writing about the league last season I mentioned its problems in securing permanent officials in key positions. This year's handbook would suggest that this difficulty has now been overcome. Also in one of last season's postings I described a visit to the ground of Stockton and Hopgrove at the Hopgrove Sports Field, close to the infamous Hopgrove roundabout on the outskirts of York. In 2011 I found this vast open space bare, except for an archery competition, S and H's opponents having withdrawn from the league. This time my luck was in, for in the distance a game was in progress with York side Ovington, the visitors. Some fifty yards from the changing rooms was the boundary where the home side, who were batting, had set up camp with a score box on wheels and a windbreak and a few chairs. This is Division 1 of the league and while I admire those who play in such spartan conditions I would not enjoyed cricket on such a featureless ground, and even though this was a fine, sunny afternoon there did not appear to be any other spectators. The cricket was keenly fought however and while I was there Stockton lost their first wicket with the score at 43 for 1. They went on to make 257 for 4 which Ovington knocked off for the loss of 3 wickets.
Next, a few miles up the road I took the turn marked Kirkham Priory, whose ruins lie next to the River Derwent, and two miles further on arrived at the ground of Westow CC, for a second division York Vale match with Barmby Moor the visitors who were batting. Those of you lucky enough to be in possession of a copy of 'Off the beaten track', may recall a visit to this ground by Messrs Hutton, Davies, Bourne and Senior in 2006. Their description of the ground is accompanied by a photograph of the last three gentlemen at the ground, taken by Tony. The Kirkham Road ground is a typical village ground making use of what was once presumably a farmer's field with a small pavilion and separate score box. The square is at the highest point and the outfield rather slopes down to the boundaries. Barmby Moor were mounting something of a recovery, approaching a 100 for 4 wickets and there were murmurings of discontent amongst home fielders and even one fellow who thought things were 'too quiet'. Not in my book
Fenced off at one end of the field are the foundations of a new pavilion and I was informed by the groundsman that the fund raising effort to complete the project is well in hand. The game finished with 9 wicket win for the home side
From Westow I took the pretty route to Malton and first visited the York Senior League game (Second Division) between Malton and Old Malton and visitors from York, Osbaldwick. The ground on Old Maltongate is a splendid affair, combining good looks with an excellent clubhouse. Here I was served with a cup of tea but not before my credentials were checked out by the tea lady for as she didn't recognise me I could not be local and if I wasn't with Osbaldwick why was I there? She even asked if I was famous and whether she ought to know me. These hurdles having been surmounted to her satisfaction I enjoyed my tea and watched Osbaldwick begin their reply to Malton's daunting 241 for 2. Their final effort fell far short at 95 all out.
Next to the Old Maltongate ground is the well appointed local Rugby Union ground and immediately beyond that another Malton and Old Malton eleven play in the Vale of York league at the The Gannock ground. Yesterday's opponents were East Yorkshire outfit Melbourne. Tea was being taken with Malton having hit 210 for 7 off their 40 overs. I managed to acquire a league handbook which showed this to be a Div 3 match between two teams that finished fourth and fifth in this division last year. Melbourne began their reply in boisterous fashion aided by some wayward bowling but although a squally shower was not enough to drive the players from the field it drove me to my car and off down the A64 towards home, passing through a number of similar showers on the way. Melbourne finished 24 short in their chase, all out 186.
Another day of contrasting grounds and standards of cricket but what a pleasant change to have been able to have gone in search of entertainment without having to worry about the weather. Off to Woodhouse Grange in an hour's time for their village cup quarter final with Streethouse, the winners will be only one step away from Lord's. Details on the blog tomorrow and hopefully with the results of the other ties in the competition.
The section of the A64 between York and Scarborough rarely receives a good press. Its jams get frequent mentions in the traffic reports on local radio and the fact that large sections of it are single carriageway are held to blame, in part at least, for Scarborough's economic problems. Yesterday however, it served me well for after a late start from York I visited four new grounds in the York Senior and York Vale leagues, all of which might justifiably include in their descriptions 'easily reached from the A64'.
I began in the Vale of York League which started this season with 54 teams in 6 divisions although two teams failed to come under umpires' orders when 'play' was called. Writing about the league last season I mentioned its problems in securing permanent officials in key positions. This year's handbook would suggest that this difficulty has now been overcome. Also in one of last season's postings I described a visit to the ground of Stockton and Hopgrove at the Hopgrove Sports Field, close to the infamous Hopgrove roundabout on the outskirts of York. In 2011 I found this vast open space bare, except for an archery competition, S and H's opponents having withdrawn from the league. This time my luck was in, for in the distance a game was in progress with York side Ovington, the visitors. Some fifty yards from the changing rooms was the boundary where the home side, who were batting, had set up camp with a score box on wheels and a windbreak and a few chairs. This is Division 1 of the league and while I admire those who play in such spartan conditions I would not enjoyed cricket on such a featureless ground, and even though this was a fine, sunny afternoon there did not appear to be any other spectators. The cricket was keenly fought however and while I was there Stockton lost their first wicket with the score at 43 for 1. They went on to make 257 for 4 which Ovington knocked off for the loss of 3 wickets.
Next, a few miles up the road I took the turn marked Kirkham Priory, whose ruins lie next to the River Derwent, and two miles further on arrived at the ground of Westow CC, for a second division York Vale match with Barmby Moor the visitors who were batting. Those of you lucky enough to be in possession of a copy of 'Off the beaten track', may recall a visit to this ground by Messrs Hutton, Davies, Bourne and Senior in 2006. Their description of the ground is accompanied by a photograph of the last three gentlemen at the ground, taken by Tony. The Kirkham Road ground is a typical village ground making use of what was once presumably a farmer's field with a small pavilion and separate score box. The square is at the highest point and the outfield rather slopes down to the boundaries. Barmby Moor were mounting something of a recovery, approaching a 100 for 4 wickets and there were murmurings of discontent amongst home fielders and even one fellow who thought things were 'too quiet'. Not in my book
Fenced off at one end of the field are the foundations of a new pavilion and I was informed by the groundsman that the fund raising effort to complete the project is well in hand. The game finished with 9 wicket win for the home side
From Westow I took the pretty route to Malton and first visited the York Senior League game (Second Division) between Malton and Old Malton and visitors from York, Osbaldwick. The ground on Old Maltongate is a splendid affair, combining good looks with an excellent clubhouse. Here I was served with a cup of tea but not before my credentials were checked out by the tea lady for as she didn't recognise me I could not be local and if I wasn't with Osbaldwick why was I there? She even asked if I was famous and whether she ought to know me. These hurdles having been surmounted to her satisfaction I enjoyed my tea and watched Osbaldwick begin their reply to Malton's daunting 241 for 2. Their final effort fell far short at 95 all out.
Next to the Old Maltongate ground is the well appointed local Rugby Union ground and immediately beyond that another Malton and Old Malton eleven play in the Vale of York league at the The Gannock ground. Yesterday's opponents were East Yorkshire outfit Melbourne. Tea was being taken with Malton having hit 210 for 7 off their 40 overs. I managed to acquire a league handbook which showed this to be a Div 3 match between two teams that finished fourth and fifth in this division last year. Melbourne began their reply in boisterous fashion aided by some wayward bowling but although a squally shower was not enough to drive the players from the field it drove me to my car and off down the A64 towards home, passing through a number of similar showers on the way. Melbourne finished 24 short in their chase, all out 186.
Another day of contrasting grounds and standards of cricket but what a pleasant change to have been able to have gone in search of entertainment without having to worry about the weather. Off to Woodhouse Grange in an hour's time for their village cup quarter final with Streethouse, the winners will be only one step away from Lord's. Details on the blog tomorrow and hopefully with the results of the other ties in the competition.
Saturday, 28 July 2012
COMPLETION OF THE DARLINGTON AND DISTRICT
By Brian Sanderson,
On a sunny Saturday afternoon another trip to the North-East with the great help sat-nav Deaton.
The first ground we visited was Richmond who were playing Darlington in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League which started at 1.00PMThe pavilion is situated on a slope looking towards the town.Darlington star player is Gary Pratt who helped to win the Ashes with being the star sub-fielder so upsetting Ponting. Darlington were batting put struggled against two left-arm fast bowler. There were more overs bowled than runs as we left to go to Catterick.
Catterick ground is at the side of the old A1 with a community changing rooms with a football pitch next to the cricket.It is a functual ground put that just left us one more ground to visit in the Darlington and District League to have visited them all.
So the final ground was at Etherley were King James team has just moved to from the Bishop Auckland Rugby ground.Etherley finished last season after being a strong side in Durham. In the tea-room there is a plaque showing numberous trophies they had won.A spoke to local man who said ther had been over fifty youngers playing on Friday night.So there is hope the ground will be used in the future.So over the last two season we have been to all grounds in the Darlington and District League and we were very pleased.
Moving on to another league Durham County League and Crook Town who were playing Tudhoe who we had seen last season.Crook has been established 137 years ago and one their famous players is Andrew Pratt ,brother of Gary who we had seen at Richmond.Andrew was fielding to-day on the boundary edge trying to stop over 250 in the fifty overs but failed.We had tea here were there was a buffet which one local lady went round at least five times. There is no web-site for this league so it is very hard to find the fixtures.Crook are playing in a cup-final on Sunday at their home ground.
The last league we visited was North East Durham League which again has no web-site.Willington Seconds were playing Brandon Seconds on a N.C. B owned ground.There is a nice old fashion pavilion opposite the enterance and a new one opposite.It is a typical recovered Mining cricket ground very flat but featureless. We spoke to the groundsman who used to play on the ground and was watching his grandson batting.
Moving on to Hunwick ground which is on reclaimed land also but this time the pitch is on old bricks which has caused the outfield to be unplayable.There is article by Mike Amos ,of The Northern Echo fame,on the papers web-site.The seconds have not played a home match this season and only two away.The first team had played only one home match and two away.There is no electricty in the pavilion and are waiting for a grant to have it fitted.The tea-lady wished it would hurry up.
The last match was at Coundon in the same league.It is another community building with another football pitch nearby.The only good feature of the ground is excellent views to the hills in the distance.
Another interesting Saturday and seeing new grounds.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon another trip to the North-East with the great help sat-nav Deaton.
The first ground we visited was Richmond who were playing Darlington in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League which started at 1.00PMThe pavilion is situated on a slope looking towards the town.Darlington star player is Gary Pratt who helped to win the Ashes with being the star sub-fielder so upsetting Ponting. Darlington were batting put struggled against two left-arm fast bowler. There were more overs bowled than runs as we left to go to Catterick.
Catterick ground is at the side of the old A1 with a community changing rooms with a football pitch next to the cricket.It is a functual ground put that just left us one more ground to visit in the Darlington and District League to have visited them all.
So the final ground was at Etherley were King James team has just moved to from the Bishop Auckland Rugby ground.Etherley finished last season after being a strong side in Durham. In the tea-room there is a plaque showing numberous trophies they had won.A spoke to local man who said ther had been over fifty youngers playing on Friday night.So there is hope the ground will be used in the future.So over the last two season we have been to all grounds in the Darlington and District League and we were very pleased.
Moving on to another league Durham County League and Crook Town who were playing Tudhoe who we had seen last season.Crook has been established 137 years ago and one their famous players is Andrew Pratt ,brother of Gary who we had seen at Richmond.Andrew was fielding to-day on the boundary edge trying to stop over 250 in the fifty overs but failed.We had tea here were there was a buffet which one local lady went round at least five times. There is no web-site for this league so it is very hard to find the fixtures.Crook are playing in a cup-final on Sunday at their home ground.
The last league we visited was North East Durham League which again has no web-site.Willington Seconds were playing Brandon Seconds on a N.C. B owned ground.There is a nice old fashion pavilion opposite the enterance and a new one opposite.It is a typical recovered Mining cricket ground very flat but featureless. We spoke to the groundsman who used to play on the ground and was watching his grandson batting.
Moving on to Hunwick ground which is on reclaimed land also but this time the pitch is on old bricks which has caused the outfield to be unplayable.There is article by Mike Amos ,of The Northern Echo fame,on the papers web-site.The seconds have not played a home match this season and only two away.The first team had played only one home match and two away.There is no electricty in the pavilion and are waiting for a grant to have it fitted.The tea-lady wished it would hurry up.
The last match was at Coundon in the same league.It is another community building with another football pitch nearby.The only good feature of the ground is excellent views to the hills in the distance.
Another interesting Saturday and seeing new grounds.
'Cook keeps faith with his batsmen'
posted by John Winn
This headline in 'The Journal' yesterday confirmed that despite the high scoring of Jennings and Singh in the second eleven game at Darlington earlier in the week Durham would stick with the batting line up which had gained only nine batting points in ten championship matches this season. A more detailed reading of the article suggested that this policy was more attributable to new captain Paul Collingwood rather than coach Geoff Cook.
'A failed train' just outside Durham station delayed my arrival at The Riverside so that the game had been in progress fifteen minutes when I got my first view of the scoreboard showing that Smith had already departed for a duck and that Middlesex, having won the toss, had, to nobody's surprise, asked Durham to bat and with the assistance of England paceman Steve Finn were turning the screw on the struggling batsmen.
Muchall, whose form has been probably the most wretched was showing some steadiness with Stoneman when he was run out via a deflection from bowler Murtagh's foot. Enter Stokes who, third ball, played a shot of abject tameness to Morgan at cover. 18 for 3 was soon 24 for 4 and so on, as a decent Riverside crowd with a good contingent of Middlesex support saw a struggling Durham 61 for 6 at lunch.
Durham had been forced to make one change with Richardson in for the injured Mustard. Richardson who played five championship innings last season, in two of which he reached 50, had been among the centurions at Feethams against Ireland A and for those of us who have been urging Durham to make changes there was a measure of satisfaction when he was last out with a top score of 22. Some satisfaction but not enough to compensate for a total of 102.
When Midddlesex began their reply Rodgers immediately made it look a different game. As the sun shone the Australian dominated the opening stand with his fellow Sydneysider Robson. The stand was broken when Robson was trapped lbw by Thorpe but when I left at tea Middlesex were 63 for 1, past half way in their pursuit of Durham's total.
After tea, and not for the first time this season, Durham's bowlers dragged them back into the game. Stokes made up for his dismal morning duck with the wickets of Denly, Morgan and Simpson and when with his only ball of the day Borthwick removed Rayner, stumps were pulled with Middlesex 42 ahead with 3 wickets left. Should their batsmen raise that to something anywhere near three figures this morning then the pressure will be back on Durham's batsmen. If they fail again then selection for the attractive game on Wednesday with Australia A will be very interesting. Does the Cook/Collingwood team give them yet another chance to rediscover form or does it see how second eleven batters will perform against an attack much stronger than that of Ireland A?
This headline in 'The Journal' yesterday confirmed that despite the high scoring of Jennings and Singh in the second eleven game at Darlington earlier in the week Durham would stick with the batting line up which had gained only nine batting points in ten championship matches this season. A more detailed reading of the article suggested that this policy was more attributable to new captain Paul Collingwood rather than coach Geoff Cook.
'A failed train' just outside Durham station delayed my arrival at The Riverside so that the game had been in progress fifteen minutes when I got my first view of the scoreboard showing that Smith had already departed for a duck and that Middlesex, having won the toss, had, to nobody's surprise, asked Durham to bat and with the assistance of England paceman Steve Finn were turning the screw on the struggling batsmen.
Muchall, whose form has been probably the most wretched was showing some steadiness with Stoneman when he was run out via a deflection from bowler Murtagh's foot. Enter Stokes who, third ball, played a shot of abject tameness to Morgan at cover. 18 for 3 was soon 24 for 4 and so on, as a decent Riverside crowd with a good contingent of Middlesex support saw a struggling Durham 61 for 6 at lunch.
Durham had been forced to make one change with Richardson in for the injured Mustard. Richardson who played five championship innings last season, in two of which he reached 50, had been among the centurions at Feethams against Ireland A and for those of us who have been urging Durham to make changes there was a measure of satisfaction when he was last out with a top score of 22. Some satisfaction but not enough to compensate for a total of 102.
When Midddlesex began their reply Rodgers immediately made it look a different game. As the sun shone the Australian dominated the opening stand with his fellow Sydneysider Robson. The stand was broken when Robson was trapped lbw by Thorpe but when I left at tea Middlesex were 63 for 1, past half way in their pursuit of Durham's total.
After tea, and not for the first time this season, Durham's bowlers dragged them back into the game. Stokes made up for his dismal morning duck with the wickets of Denly, Morgan and Simpson and when with his only ball of the day Borthwick removed Rayner, stumps were pulled with Middlesex 42 ahead with 3 wickets left. Should their batsmen raise that to something anywhere near three figures this morning then the pressure will be back on Durham's batsmen. If they fail again then selection for the attractive game on Wednesday with Australia A will be very interesting. Does the Cook/Collingwood team give them yet another chance to rediscover form or does it see how second eleven batters will perform against an attack much stronger than that of Ireland A?
Thursday, 26 July 2012
VISIT TO SOUTH YORKSHIRE
By Brian Sanderson,
Myself and Ron Stansfield travelled down the M1 to Rotherham cricket ground on Clifton Lane.
The ground is shared with the Rugby Union side but has a seperate pavilion with the bar up stairs.
The match was Yorkshire under 19 against Staffordshire Development X1.The Yorkshire side is run by Brian Lymbury who played in the Bradford League from 1959 to 1988 and is the sixth highest run scorer in the league.The weather was hazy but the sun was due to come out in the afternoon and it did.
Yorkshire side was a strong side comprising main of the player who played at St. Peters two weeks ago.The opening bowlers were Ben Coad of the Academy and Jack Hartley who is the son of Neil Hartley ex Yorkshire.All the bowlers bowled well to restict the Staffordshire side to 118.There was no scorecards so we did not know there names.During the innings at the pavilion a man was doing so tiling on the roof behind the sight screen just to to hinder the batsmen.
There was an hour lunch break as Staffordshire innings finished an hours early.Brian Lymbury came round with a raffle and I won some Roses chocolate which went as a present to the wife.There was about fifty supporters including John Hampshire ex England and Yorkshire batsman.Staffordshire bowled well especially Dan Cummings who bowled fast from the Rugby end.George Ross was the highest Yorshire batsman with 30 and won the match with twenty overs spare.
It is nice to sit in warm weather watching good cricket.
Myself and Ron Stansfield travelled down the M1 to Rotherham cricket ground on Clifton Lane.
The ground is shared with the Rugby Union side but has a seperate pavilion with the bar up stairs.
The match was Yorkshire under 19 against Staffordshire Development X1.The Yorkshire side is run by Brian Lymbury who played in the Bradford League from 1959 to 1988 and is the sixth highest run scorer in the league.The weather was hazy but the sun was due to come out in the afternoon and it did.
Yorkshire side was a strong side comprising main of the player who played at St. Peters two weeks ago.The opening bowlers were Ben Coad of the Academy and Jack Hartley who is the son of Neil Hartley ex Yorkshire.All the bowlers bowled well to restict the Staffordshire side to 118.There was no scorecards so we did not know there names.During the innings at the pavilion a man was doing so tiling on the roof behind the sight screen just to to hinder the batsmen.
There was an hour lunch break as Staffordshire innings finished an hours early.Brian Lymbury came round with a raffle and I won some Roses chocolate which went as a present to the wife.There was about fifty supporters including John Hampshire ex England and Yorkshire batsman.Staffordshire bowled well especially Dan Cummings who bowled fast from the Rugby end.George Ross was the highest Yorshire batsman with 30 and won the match with twenty overs spare.
It is nice to sit in warm weather watching good cricket.
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
SOUTH AFRICANS KEEP SCORING
By Brian Sanderson,
Due to John Winn information I found out about Durham 11 against Ireland A at Darlington.The ground last had first class cricket in 2002 when Durham played Derbyshire.This was one of the question asked during the play to-day.I was joined by Andy from York who had enjoyed a hot day yesterday at the match.To-day the weather was cloundy.Ireland had scored 335 for 9 yesterday.During the morning John Winn turned up after been delayed in Northallerton.
Durham opening pair of Ramanpreet Singh , born in Newcastle, and a England under 19 player and Jennings ,born in South Africa.They put on a opening stand of 280 before Singh was stumped.The scoreboard had trouble putting the hundreds on the board and it was after dinner that the problem was solved,
In the afternoon we went into a private bar next to the changing rooms were there was a number of old photographs including the English touring side to Australia in 1911-12.Down stairs in the bar area there was a large picture of two team in 1909.The players included Wilfred Rhodes, George Hirst and Alzso Drake.This was the highlight of the day.
During the afternoon Jennings and Richardson piled on the runs against poor bowling.The score at tea was 425 fir 2. Jennings finished on 201. Overall it was poor standard and seemed like net practice.
Durham declared at 531 for 6.The only way you can find the score away from the ground is on Durham twitter web-site.It is not shown on the Durham web-site and no upto date scores on the Irish web-site. This is very poor.Also I could not get a scorecard.Hoping Rotherham is better to-morrow.
Due to John Winn information I found out about Durham 11 against Ireland A at Darlington.The ground last had first class cricket in 2002 when Durham played Derbyshire.This was one of the question asked during the play to-day.I was joined by Andy from York who had enjoyed a hot day yesterday at the match.To-day the weather was cloundy.Ireland had scored 335 for 9 yesterday.During the morning John Winn turned up after been delayed in Northallerton.
Durham opening pair of Ramanpreet Singh , born in Newcastle, and a England under 19 player and Jennings ,born in South Africa.They put on a opening stand of 280 before Singh was stumped.The scoreboard had trouble putting the hundreds on the board and it was after dinner that the problem was solved,
In the afternoon we went into a private bar next to the changing rooms were there was a number of old photographs including the English touring side to Australia in 1911-12.Down stairs in the bar area there was a large picture of two team in 1909.The players included Wilfred Rhodes, George Hirst and Alzso Drake.This was the highlight of the day.
During the afternoon Jennings and Richardson piled on the runs against poor bowling.The score at tea was 425 fir 2. Jennings finished on 201. Overall it was poor standard and seemed like net practice.
Durham declared at 531 for 6.The only way you can find the score away from the ground is on Durham twitter web-site.It is not shown on the Durham web-site and no upto date scores on the Irish web-site. This is very poor.Also I could not get a scorecard.Hoping Rotherham is better to-morrow.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
SECOND SPOUT HOUSES
By Brian Sanderson,
On a warm evening myself and Ron Deaton decided to go and watch a match in The Northallerton Evening League after Ron had checked it was on.The match was Silton against East Harsley.Silton is split between Nether and Over and the ground is in Nether.The villages are situated about 7 miles north of Thirsk in the North Yorkshire Moors and have a population of 170.The village was listed in the Doomsday Book.
As we looked at the ground the wicket had been cut but the outfield was not.The height of the grass was about 9 inces and cutter had broken down twice costing the Cricket club £100. One of the East Harsley players said he was coloured blind for the colours green and red so he would struggle to find the ball in the long grass.Ron had visited the ground last year and started talking a man who watched the match from the road side.Ron recogonised from his visit last year. Both sides had played a cup match at East Harsley last night and the home side won.The ground slopes down at one side making it hard to see the wicket.
The visitors batted first and scored 99 for 9 in the twenty overs.Most of the runs had to be hit in the air as it was impossible for the ball to go through the thick grass.So it was a good score.The home side batted in poor light as the sun had gone in.As we left they were 43 for 3 in ten overs.
The out field was not as thick as our visit to Spout Houses but run it close.
Our visitor from Ukraine has given up on the blog but we still have people from Russia reading us.Thank you.
On a warm evening myself and Ron Deaton decided to go and watch a match in The Northallerton Evening League after Ron had checked it was on.The match was Silton against East Harsley.Silton is split between Nether and Over and the ground is in Nether.The villages are situated about 7 miles north of Thirsk in the North Yorkshire Moors and have a population of 170.The village was listed in the Doomsday Book.
As we looked at the ground the wicket had been cut but the outfield was not.The height of the grass was about 9 inces and cutter had broken down twice costing the Cricket club £100. One of the East Harsley players said he was coloured blind for the colours green and red so he would struggle to find the ball in the long grass.Ron had visited the ground last year and started talking a man who watched the match from the road side.Ron recogonised from his visit last year. Both sides had played a cup match at East Harsley last night and the home side won.The ground slopes down at one side making it hard to see the wicket.
The visitors batted first and scored 99 for 9 in the twenty overs.Most of the runs had to be hit in the air as it was impossible for the ball to go through the thick grass.So it was a good score.The home side batted in poor light as the sun had gone in.As we left they were 43 for 3 in ten overs.
The out field was not as thick as our visit to Spout Houses but run it close.
Our visitor from Ukraine has given up on the blog but we still have people from Russia reading us.Thank you.
Couldn't be better
There are days in the pcw's season when everything comes together and an almost perfect day's cricket watching is the result. Today was one of those days when setting, weather, conversation and refreshments combined to make the cricket almost irrelevant.
Although it is forty years since I last lived in Darlington there is still something a little special when Iboard the train at York for the half hour journey north and then make the short walk down Victoria Road to the Feethams ground where my father and I both played and which I know several pcws would place high on their list of favourite grounds. The cricket today was a three day game between Durham II and Ireland A, and despite the best efforts of Durham to keep details of the game a secret, gradually a decent crowd assembled. Most people were caught off guard by a 10:45 start :all part of a schedule designed to allow the visitors to depart from Newcastle Airport at about six o'clock on Thursday evening.
Arriving before even this early start time iIwas surprised to see a sign which said 'weight watchers in the bar', certainly a welcome new approach to slimming, but I ignored it and after a chat with the manager of the Irish team I took my seat in the pavilion.
I was pleased to see Michael from Hartlepool amongst the other early arrivals for we had not met up previously this season and we were soon joined by Tony Hutton who had travelled up from Leeds by train. The Irish team were accompanied by their coach Phil Simmons and also present was the Durham coach Geoff Cook, perhaps with a view to giving an opportunity to some new faces to breakthrough into the first eleven for this Friday's championship match with Middlesex.
Ireland had first knock and when lunch was taken after a two and half hour session had reached 136 for 1 off forty overs thanks to a stand between the former Leeds Met player Chris Dougherty and John Anderson. Dougherty went to his fifty just before the break with a six off Blackwell, who was captaining Durham.
Hungry spectators were invited to eat as much as they could after the players had been served, and all for £3:00, splendid. When play resumed Harrison, who enjoyed success in the championship earlier in the season but who has been injured struck three times to make Ireland 149 for 4 and wickets for Wood and Pringle put the hosts on top at 181 for 6. Ireland recovered mainly through 68 from wicket keeper Stuart Poynter and eventually declared at 335 for 9 leaving Durham 16 overs batting. Singh and Jennings made good use of this to close on 72 without loss.
Could either of these young batsmen stake a claim for championship cricket on Friday with a good score tomorrow or will Cook and Collingwood persist with a batting order where nobody averages above thirty, and with the hapless Muchall at number three who in nine first class innings has a top score of 25 and an average a cigarette paper over ten ? We shall see, but an interesting day has been set up for tomorrow at Darlington (with another 10:45 start) and I have not entirely ruled out making the journey to my home town again.
Although it is forty years since I last lived in Darlington there is still something a little special when Iboard the train at York for the half hour journey north and then make the short walk down Victoria Road to the Feethams ground where my father and I both played and which I know several pcws would place high on their list of favourite grounds. The cricket today was a three day game between Durham II and Ireland A, and despite the best efforts of Durham to keep details of the game a secret, gradually a decent crowd assembled. Most people were caught off guard by a 10:45 start :all part of a schedule designed to allow the visitors to depart from Newcastle Airport at about six o'clock on Thursday evening.
Arriving before even this early start time iIwas surprised to see a sign which said 'weight watchers in the bar', certainly a welcome new approach to slimming, but I ignored it and after a chat with the manager of the Irish team I took my seat in the pavilion.
I was pleased to see Michael from Hartlepool amongst the other early arrivals for we had not met up previously this season and we were soon joined by Tony Hutton who had travelled up from Leeds by train. The Irish team were accompanied by their coach Phil Simmons and also present was the Durham coach Geoff Cook, perhaps with a view to giving an opportunity to some new faces to breakthrough into the first eleven for this Friday's championship match with Middlesex.
Ireland had first knock and when lunch was taken after a two and half hour session had reached 136 for 1 off forty overs thanks to a stand between the former Leeds Met player Chris Dougherty and John Anderson. Dougherty went to his fifty just before the break with a six off Blackwell, who was captaining Durham.
Hungry spectators were invited to eat as much as they could after the players had been served, and all for £3:00, splendid. When play resumed Harrison, who enjoyed success in the championship earlier in the season but who has been injured struck three times to make Ireland 149 for 4 and wickets for Wood and Pringle put the hosts on top at 181 for 6. Ireland recovered mainly through 68 from wicket keeper Stuart Poynter and eventually declared at 335 for 9 leaving Durham 16 overs batting. Singh and Jennings made good use of this to close on 72 without loss.
Could either of these young batsmen stake a claim for championship cricket on Friday with a good score tomorrow or will Cook and Collingwood persist with a batting order where nobody averages above thirty, and with the hapless Muchall at number three who in nine first class innings has a top score of 25 and an average a cigarette paper over ten ? We shall see, but an interesting day has been set up for tomorrow at Darlington (with another 10:45 start) and I have not entirely ruled out making the journey to my home town again.
Monday, 23 July 2012
National Quarter Finals
posted by John Winn
As Brian has described, a pleasant warm day at Masham today and if the absence of sunshine was a little disappointing the black clouds that menaced in the morning did not produce any rain.
Leaving the details of the day in Brian's hands I thought an update of the two national club KO competitions might be of interest.
Both competitions have more or less got back on track after so many postponements and the quarter finalists are now known. In the Yorkshire Tea sponsored cup for village teams Sunday sees an all Yorkshire tie pitting East Yorkshire's Woodhouse Grange against West Yorkshire's Streethouse with a 1:00 pm start at Sutton on Derwent.
The other quarter final ties are Water Orton (Warwicks) v Cropston (Leics)
Plumpton and East Chillington (Sussex) v Reed (Herts) and
Goatacre (Wilts) v Wraysbury (Berks)
In the Kingfisher Beer Cup for senior club sides the last eight stage ties are as follows
Kidderminster Vics v Bamford Fieldhouse
Barnt Green v Havant
Wanstead and Snaresbrook v Bridgewater
Cuckney v York
Tomorrow sees me off to Darlington for the start of a three day friendly between Durham II and Ireland A at the Feethams ground. It will be interesting to see if Durham play any of their desperately out of form first team batsmen. Failing that the buddleias should be in flower on the adjacent but unused for 9 years football pitch.
As Brian has described, a pleasant warm day at Masham today and if the absence of sunshine was a little disappointing the black clouds that menaced in the morning did not produce any rain.
Leaving the details of the day in Brian's hands I thought an update of the two national club KO competitions might be of interest.
Both competitions have more or less got back on track after so many postponements and the quarter finalists are now known. In the Yorkshire Tea sponsored cup for village teams Sunday sees an all Yorkshire tie pitting East Yorkshire's Woodhouse Grange against West Yorkshire's Streethouse with a 1:00 pm start at Sutton on Derwent.
The other quarter final ties are Water Orton (Warwicks) v Cropston (Leics)
Plumpton and East Chillington (Sussex) v Reed (Herts) and
Goatacre (Wilts) v Wraysbury (Berks)
In the Kingfisher Beer Cup for senior club sides the last eight stage ties are as follows
Kidderminster Vics v Bamford Fieldhouse
Barnt Green v Havant
Wanstead and Snaresbrook v Bridgewater
Cuckney v York
Tomorrow sees me off to Darlington for the start of a three day friendly between Durham II and Ireland A at the Feethams ground. It will be interesting to see if Durham play any of their desperately out of form first team batsmen. Failing that the buddleias should be in flower on the adjacent but unused for 9 years football pitch.
SCORER PROBLEMS
By Brian Sanderson,
I feel that I should say something about Don Wilson who deid on Saturday.Myself and Norman Hazzell went to see Don this winter for article for Wombwell Twelfth Man magazine.He very kindly answered all our questions about his life.He thought Andrew Collomosse book Magnificent Seven covered his life excellently and he kept us entertain for about two hours.He will be missed by myself and all Yorkshire supporters.
Watching cricket in Yorkshire takes you to some picturesque places and to-day I went to one Masham.It is situated in North Yorkshire in Wensleydale.The match was Yorkshire under 15 B against Lancashire under 15 B in a fifty over match.When I arrived Lancashire was batting and scoring runs easily.Also there was John Winn, David Thorpe and Tony Hutton sitting near the pavilion watching the cricket.It is a large ground with the river Ure running down one side.Two Lancashire players scored over 60 to bring the total to 240 for 4 in the fifty overs.There was only one girl scorer from Lancashire keeping record.Where was Yorkshire scorer?
At lunch myself and David walked into the town which is about five minutes away.In the town square is St Mary,s Church which was founded in the seventh century.There is a lage graveyard and I notice that a lady had been killed during the Second World War from a bomb.It seems five people were killed when the bomb landed on a local pub.Odds on beeing killed this way must be huge.
The Church was subsidies by the Cunliffe-Lister family who owned Swinton Park were I watched cricket recently.
Gong back to the cricket the match was delayed while the Lancashire side had a ten minute warm up on the instructions of the coach.The scoring was taken up by Yorshire players who took turns in the scorebox.When one player had evenough he came out of the box which made the umpires stop play until another player took over. This caused a Yorkshire wicket to fall next ball.When I was leaving Yorkshire had scored 140 for 7 .On the scoreboard it showned 90 over to go. Tea would be late.
I feel that I should say something about Don Wilson who deid on Saturday.Myself and Norman Hazzell went to see Don this winter for article for Wombwell Twelfth Man magazine.He very kindly answered all our questions about his life.He thought Andrew Collomosse book Magnificent Seven covered his life excellently and he kept us entertain for about two hours.He will be missed by myself and all Yorkshire supporters.
Watching cricket in Yorkshire takes you to some picturesque places and to-day I went to one Masham.It is situated in North Yorkshire in Wensleydale.The match was Yorkshire under 15 B against Lancashire under 15 B in a fifty over match.When I arrived Lancashire was batting and scoring runs easily.Also there was John Winn, David Thorpe and Tony Hutton sitting near the pavilion watching the cricket.It is a large ground with the river Ure running down one side.Two Lancashire players scored over 60 to bring the total to 240 for 4 in the fifty overs.There was only one girl scorer from Lancashire keeping record.Where was Yorkshire scorer?
At lunch myself and David walked into the town which is about five minutes away.In the town square is St Mary,s Church which was founded in the seventh century.There is a lage graveyard and I notice that a lady had been killed during the Second World War from a bomb.It seems five people were killed when the bomb landed on a local pub.Odds on beeing killed this way must be huge.
The Church was subsidies by the Cunliffe-Lister family who owned Swinton Park were I watched cricket recently.
Gong back to the cricket the match was delayed while the Lancashire side had a ten minute warm up on the instructions of the coach.The scoring was taken up by Yorshire players who took turns in the scorebox.When one player had evenough he came out of the box which made the umpires stop play until another player took over. This caused a Yorkshire wicket to fall next ball.When I was leaving Yorkshire had scored 140 for 7 .On the scoreboard it showned 90 over to go. Tea would be late.
Sunday, 22 July 2012
FOUR WEEK DELAY
By Brian Sanderson,
I would just like to comment on John last blog.I was born in LS15 and first played league cricket at Colton some fiftyyears ago.We never thought of Berwick as in our area as we had to go there via the train from Crossgates station.
However back to the present I have just come back from Pudsey Congs who played Hanging Heaton in the quarter-final of the Priestley Cup.T he match had been put off four weekends due the rain so everybody was grateful of the sunshine and the drying wind to-day. Both side had a weaken side but Pudsey were missing two main bowlers.These were Roberts and the overseas player M.Naved.
The outfield was still wet but Hanging Heaton batted first.Wickets fell steadly and they were struggling until a sixth wicket partnership of 74 give Hanging Heaton hope.The two main batsmen were Ashan Butt who scored 82 and David Stiff who scored 32.David Stiff played for Yorkshire and Somerset and is mainly a quick bowler as he is over sixfoot six in height.I remember him scoring a quick fifty against Yorkshire at Taunton not many years ago. The final score after fifty overs was 218 for 8.The best bowler was the second team leg-spinner M.Shah who took 2 for 27 in his ten overs.
My thoughts at the start of the Pudsey innings were who in the side will play the Butt innings by scoring eighty runs and help to win the match.No batsmen never managed the feat and they were 120 for 5 but finished all out for 190.The best bowlers were Lawson,ex Yorkshire,Bresnan,brother of Tim, and Stiff. They took nine wickets for 95 runs so the better bowling side won the match on the day.
There was a semi-final going on at East Bierley against Woodlands . The second favorites East Bierley got through due Gavin Hamilton ex Yorkshire and England batting.
There is a match at Darlington starting Tuesday involving Durham Seconds against a Irish side.It is a thrre day match and Darlington ground is one my favorites so please come along.
I would just like to comment on John last blog.I was born in LS15 and first played league cricket at Colton some fiftyyears ago.We never thought of Berwick as in our area as we had to go there via the train from Crossgates station.
However back to the present I have just come back from Pudsey Congs who played Hanging Heaton in the quarter-final of the Priestley Cup.T he match had been put off four weekends due the rain so everybody was grateful of the sunshine and the drying wind to-day. Both side had a weaken side but Pudsey were missing two main bowlers.These were Roberts and the overseas player M.Naved.
The outfield was still wet but Hanging Heaton batted first.Wickets fell steadly and they were struggling until a sixth wicket partnership of 74 give Hanging Heaton hope.The two main batsmen were Ashan Butt who scored 82 and David Stiff who scored 32.David Stiff played for Yorkshire and Somerset and is mainly a quick bowler as he is over sixfoot six in height.I remember him scoring a quick fifty against Yorkshire at Taunton not many years ago. The final score after fifty overs was 218 for 8.The best bowler was the second team leg-spinner M.Shah who took 2 for 27 in his ten overs.
My thoughts at the start of the Pudsey innings were who in the side will play the Butt innings by scoring eighty runs and help to win the match.No batsmen never managed the feat and they were 120 for 5 but finished all out for 190.The best bowlers were Lawson,ex Yorkshire,Bresnan,brother of Tim, and Stiff. They took nine wickets for 95 runs so the better bowling side won the match on the day.
There was a semi-final going on at East Bierley against Woodlands . The second favorites East Bierley got through due Gavin Hamilton ex Yorkshire and England batting.
There is a match at Darlington starting Tuesday involving Durham Seconds against a Irish side.It is a thrre day match and Darlington ground is one my favorites so please come along.
Heaven for Harrogate, hell for Hull
posted by John Winn
I slipped across to St George's Road this afternoon to find that Hull had recovered from 88 for 7 and thanks to a fifty from Appleyard (T) reached 157 all out in the 48th over but leaving league leaders Harrogate the fairly easy task of surpassing that score in 62 overs. There were more than the usual number of cars round the ground for a club game but many of them belonged to parents of young girls enjoying a coaching and practice match session on the pitch behind the clubhouse. Qualifications to join the thirty or so girls attending the session seemed to include some basic skills, lots of enthusiasm and possession of a kit bag roughly the same height as its owner.
Harrogate began their reply cautiously but when Alex Twigg was dismissed with the score on 32 the entry of former Yorkshire all rounder Vic Craven, who had taken four of the Hull wickets, accelerated the rate and despite a hiccup when 70 for 2 became 82 for 3 with Craven out for 30 Harrogate's passage to victory was relatively unruffled. McCarthy took charge and his unbeaten 57 which included ten fours, saw Harrogate home with bags of time to spare.
Not least because Harrogate are very much a local club for me but also because I remember the era of county cricket at St George's Road and the devastating fire a few years ago which destroyed the pavilion I am very pleased to see Harrogate leading the Yorkshire League. Today's win coupled with their trouncing of Doncaster yesterday leaves them well clear at the top while for Hull despite an incomplete win over Appleby Frodingham in the first leg of this weekend's double header the outlook remains bleak and there are rumours that they may withdraw from the league at the end of the season.
Tomorrow will see me at Masham for a Roses clash between the two counties under 15 sides. If today's temperatures are replicated then there will be many worse places to be. Roll on.
I slipped across to St George's Road this afternoon to find that Hull had recovered from 88 for 7 and thanks to a fifty from Appleyard (T) reached 157 all out in the 48th over but leaving league leaders Harrogate the fairly easy task of surpassing that score in 62 overs. There were more than the usual number of cars round the ground for a club game but many of them belonged to parents of young girls enjoying a coaching and practice match session on the pitch behind the clubhouse. Qualifications to join the thirty or so girls attending the session seemed to include some basic skills, lots of enthusiasm and possession of a kit bag roughly the same height as its owner.
Harrogate began their reply cautiously but when Alex Twigg was dismissed with the score on 32 the entry of former Yorkshire all rounder Vic Craven, who had taken four of the Hull wickets, accelerated the rate and despite a hiccup when 70 for 2 became 82 for 3 with Craven out for 30 Harrogate's passage to victory was relatively unruffled. McCarthy took charge and his unbeaten 57 which included ten fours, saw Harrogate home with bags of time to spare.
Not least because Harrogate are very much a local club for me but also because I remember the era of county cricket at St George's Road and the devastating fire a few years ago which destroyed the pavilion I am very pleased to see Harrogate leading the Yorkshire League. Today's win coupled with their trouncing of Doncaster yesterday leaves them well clear at the top while for Hull despite an incomplete win over Appleby Frodingham in the first leg of this weekend's double header the outlook remains bleak and there are rumours that they may withdraw from the league at the end of the season.
Tomorrow will see me at Masham for a Roses clash between the two counties under 15 sides. If today's temperatures are replicated then there will be many worse places to be. Roll on.
Contrasts in LS15
posted by John Winn
Having driven back from Berwick yesterday morning, after lunch I made the relatively short journey to the Leeds 15 postcode area and enjoyed an afternoon of contrasting grounds and standards of cricket. First stop was Scholes, just on the outskirts of Leeds for a Wetherby League second division game with Hillam and Monk Fryston the visitors. These two teams were promoted from division three last year but their fortunes in 2012 have been in marked contrast, coming into this game with Scholes top and Hillam bottom of the division.
The ground is shared with football and although it rather lacks the 'wow' factor I sensed a welcoming club and for forty pence enjoyed a freshly made cup of tea and chocolate fancy; prices that would make most people feel at home. Scholes were batting and had made a decent enough start at 68 for 2 but no sooner had I sat down to drink my tea than a wicket fell and within an hour they were all out for 106. Hillam were keen in the field and took some good catches and as the innings subsided Ruth, the lady who had supplied me with my refreshments, expressed her concern that the innings would be too short for the players to generate an appetite and that food would be wasted. Even a stubborn last wicket stand which used up time without adding many runs did little to ease her fears. Chief tormentor for Hillam was John Tucker who had the palindromic figures of 11 overs , 4 maidens, 4 wickets, 11 runs. Having tasted the quality of Ruth's tea and cake it was tempting to stay and help to overcome the problem of excessive food but I resisted and moved on.
Next up, but still within The Wetherby League, I headed for Amaranth reached by a very long and eventually bumpy road from Crossgates. So long in fact that my satnav announced that I had reached my destination at least half a mile before I saw the ground.Here it was Div 6 and Amaranth A v Sicklinghall A and tea was being taken with the home side 114 all out. This was very much 'lads and dads' cricket with the age structure of both teams being remarkably similar, with a big gap between the oldest youngest and the youngest oldest, roughly forty years.
Sicklinghall began their reply in a dispiriting manner with one of their senior players bowled first ball, enough to spoil a man's day, supper or even marriage. Falling into conversation with the gentleman, however, he took his disappointment stoically and was more concerned about the failure of the second wicket pair to take singles to a very fine leg who was kept busy as virtually every ball that passed the bat passed the keeper. The wicket was green, little different from the rest of the square which in turn was not readily distinguishable from the outfield. Running a cricket club in such an isolated place is not easy and a home supporter told me they had had problems with vandalism and break ins at the club house. A recent lottery grant may make life a little easier.
In my conversation with the Sicklinghall opener he explained about their problems in getting sides out: they only had ten men yesterday, but they have won three games this season and are nearer the top than the bottom of the league. Yesterday was not their day however for when I checked the website this morning they had been dismissed for 36.
Another short journey took me to Colton and a big step up in facilities and standard of cricket. This large ground boasts an impressive clubhouse, which on yesterday's evidence keeps busy, for the number of spectators almost constituted a 'crowd'. This was Aire Wharf Div 3 second eleven cricket with Horsfall the visitors. On a lovely sunny late afternoon Colton II had begun their reply to Horsfall's 183 and in the end fell short but with only six wickets down they gained two points to Horsfall's four. Nice to see a fourteen year old leg spinner Tom Colley begin with two maidens for Horsfall.
To tie up a loose end the Scholes tea lady was right to be pessimistic for Hillam and Monk Fryston knocked off the runs to win by six wickets for their second win of the season, sufficient to move them out of the relegation positions.
Having driven back from Berwick yesterday morning, after lunch I made the relatively short journey to the Leeds 15 postcode area and enjoyed an afternoon of contrasting grounds and standards of cricket. First stop was Scholes, just on the outskirts of Leeds for a Wetherby League second division game with Hillam and Monk Fryston the visitors. These two teams were promoted from division three last year but their fortunes in 2012 have been in marked contrast, coming into this game with Scholes top and Hillam bottom of the division.
The ground is shared with football and although it rather lacks the 'wow' factor I sensed a welcoming club and for forty pence enjoyed a freshly made cup of tea and chocolate fancy; prices that would make most people feel at home. Scholes were batting and had made a decent enough start at 68 for 2 but no sooner had I sat down to drink my tea than a wicket fell and within an hour they were all out for 106. Hillam were keen in the field and took some good catches and as the innings subsided Ruth, the lady who had supplied me with my refreshments, expressed her concern that the innings would be too short for the players to generate an appetite and that food would be wasted. Even a stubborn last wicket stand which used up time without adding many runs did little to ease her fears. Chief tormentor for Hillam was John Tucker who had the palindromic figures of 11 overs , 4 maidens, 4 wickets, 11 runs. Having tasted the quality of Ruth's tea and cake it was tempting to stay and help to overcome the problem of excessive food but I resisted and moved on.
Next up, but still within The Wetherby League, I headed for Amaranth reached by a very long and eventually bumpy road from Crossgates. So long in fact that my satnav announced that I had reached my destination at least half a mile before I saw the ground.Here it was Div 6 and Amaranth A v Sicklinghall A and tea was being taken with the home side 114 all out. This was very much 'lads and dads' cricket with the age structure of both teams being remarkably similar, with a big gap between the oldest youngest and the youngest oldest, roughly forty years.
Sicklinghall began their reply in a dispiriting manner with one of their senior players bowled first ball, enough to spoil a man's day, supper or even marriage. Falling into conversation with the gentleman, however, he took his disappointment stoically and was more concerned about the failure of the second wicket pair to take singles to a very fine leg who was kept busy as virtually every ball that passed the bat passed the keeper. The wicket was green, little different from the rest of the square which in turn was not readily distinguishable from the outfield. Running a cricket club in such an isolated place is not easy and a home supporter told me they had had problems with vandalism and break ins at the club house. A recent lottery grant may make life a little easier.
In my conversation with the Sicklinghall opener he explained about their problems in getting sides out: they only had ten men yesterday, but they have won three games this season and are nearer the top than the bottom of the league. Yesterday was not their day however for when I checked the website this morning they had been dismissed for 36.
Another short journey took me to Colton and a big step up in facilities and standard of cricket. This large ground boasts an impressive clubhouse, which on yesterday's evidence keeps busy, for the number of spectators almost constituted a 'crowd'. This was Aire Wharf Div 3 second eleven cricket with Horsfall the visitors. On a lovely sunny late afternoon Colton II had begun their reply to Horsfall's 183 and in the end fell short but with only six wickets down they gained two points to Horsfall's four. Nice to see a fourteen year old leg spinner Tom Colley begin with two maidens for Horsfall.
To tie up a loose end the Scholes tea lady was right to be pessimistic for Hillam and Monk Fryston knocked off the runs to win by six wickets for their second win of the season, sufficient to move them out of the relegation positions.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
FIVE HOURS OF BECKETT LEAGUE CRICKET
By Bian Sanderson,
I wish to thank John Winn for the sunshine to-day which must have come from Scotland.Four of us set of to watch cricket in the Beckett League which is situated round Scarborough.It is a league of 34 clubs forming 4 divisions.I have passed many of the grounds on the way to Scarborough but never seen cricket on the eight grounds we visited.
The first ground is Cloughton who were playing Kirkby Moorside and we arrived just before two o,clock.You approach the ground through a field of grass about two foot high in which I parked the car .It is very pretty ground with a brillent white coloured pavilion with flower baskets hanging outside.The field was well cut with trees on the left of the ground with a hill on the right hand side.A little stream runs at the side of the ground and everything was just right.We sat down to have some lunch when a dog tried to eat Ron Deaton pork pie however it failed.The away side was batting.The week before Cloughton opening batsmen Duddings and Pickup had put a record stand of 369 undefeated.
Second ground was Scalby Road ground were Scalby third team play and are in the Derwent Valley League which acts as feeder league to the Becketts League.The ground is just situated at the side of the road however we could not park the car in the field because it was to wet.It seems the pitch had been under water recently.There is only four matches left for the thirds to play.I talked to a player who used to played for Churwell Working Mens Club in the Dales Council League.He did not start playing cricket until he was thirty -five.
Third ground was Scalby first team ground which was situated up a muddy winding land and they were playing Catton who were batting.The ground is overlooked by the Wren Head Hotel which has a excellent view of the ground.There is a football pitch at the end of the pitch.It is a large ground which was resonable dry with a pavilion looked like it could do with some paint.
Fouth ground was situated in Ayton and is were Forge Valley were playing Grindale.The pitch is like a village green with a pond on the right.You were advise not to park your car near the pitch as it could easily be hit by the ball.We were able to have some tea and sandwiches.In the pavilion which had memoirs of the team winning at Lords in the Village Final.It is very friendly club.
Fifth ground was the Forge Valley second ground which is about a mile from the first ground .It is a large field with no features so we soon moved on.
Sixth ground was the Wykeham ground which is situated off the main Pickering road on the left hand side.It has beautiful view towards Cayton Bay and must be the best have the best views in the Beckett League.They were playing Snaiton and they were losing.They were trying to build a new pavilion but it would not be ready for another two years.We gave this ground the winning ground for the best ground we visited to-day.
Seventh ground was Brompton who were playing Bridlington Seconds.The ground is next to the old railway station which now acts as holiday homes and has beautiful gardens.We spoke to the gardener who was very proud of them and so he should be. We meet a couple who were at the Cloughton match were we first started.
The last ground was Ebberton which has a beautiful pavilion built by Lottery Money.The were playing Filey in the Premier League.Fileywho lost the match when they were 96 for 1 and all out for about 150.The match finished just after seven o,clock so it was excellent end to sunny Saturday.
See what to-morrow brings.
I wish to thank John Winn for the sunshine to-day which must have come from Scotland.Four of us set of to watch cricket in the Beckett League which is situated round Scarborough.It is a league of 34 clubs forming 4 divisions.I have passed many of the grounds on the way to Scarborough but never seen cricket on the eight grounds we visited.
The first ground is Cloughton who were playing Kirkby Moorside and we arrived just before two o,clock.You approach the ground through a field of grass about two foot high in which I parked the car .It is very pretty ground with a brillent white coloured pavilion with flower baskets hanging outside.The field was well cut with trees on the left of the ground with a hill on the right hand side.A little stream runs at the side of the ground and everything was just right.We sat down to have some lunch when a dog tried to eat Ron Deaton pork pie however it failed.The away side was batting.The week before Cloughton opening batsmen Duddings and Pickup had put a record stand of 369 undefeated.
Second ground was Scalby Road ground were Scalby third team play and are in the Derwent Valley League which acts as feeder league to the Becketts League.The ground is just situated at the side of the road however we could not park the car in the field because it was to wet.It seems the pitch had been under water recently.There is only four matches left for the thirds to play.I talked to a player who used to played for Churwell Working Mens Club in the Dales Council League.He did not start playing cricket until he was thirty -five.
Third ground was Scalby first team ground which was situated up a muddy winding land and they were playing Catton who were batting.The ground is overlooked by the Wren Head Hotel which has a excellent view of the ground.There is a football pitch at the end of the pitch.It is a large ground which was resonable dry with a pavilion looked like it could do with some paint.
Fouth ground was situated in Ayton and is were Forge Valley were playing Grindale.The pitch is like a village green with a pond on the right.You were advise not to park your car near the pitch as it could easily be hit by the ball.We were able to have some tea and sandwiches.In the pavilion which had memoirs of the team winning at Lords in the Village Final.It is very friendly club.
Fifth ground was the Forge Valley second ground which is about a mile from the first ground .It is a large field with no features so we soon moved on.
Sixth ground was the Wykeham ground which is situated off the main Pickering road on the left hand side.It has beautiful view towards Cayton Bay and must be the best have the best views in the Beckett League.They were playing Snaiton and they were losing.They were trying to build a new pavilion but it would not be ready for another two years.We gave this ground the winning ground for the best ground we visited to-day.
Seventh ground was Brompton who were playing Bridlington Seconds.The ground is next to the old railway station which now acts as holiday homes and has beautiful gardens.We spoke to the gardener who was very proud of them and so he should be. We meet a couple who were at the Cloughton match were we first started.
The last ground was Ebberton which has a beautiful pavilion built by Lottery Money.The were playing Filey in the Premier League.Fileywho lost the match when they were 96 for 1 and all out for about 150.The match finished just after seven o,clock so it was excellent end to sunny Saturday.
See what to-morrow brings.
Back from the borders
posted by John Winn
We travelled back from the Northumberland Scotland border this morning after a week's holiday in which we only had one poor day's weather which in 2012 marks us down as very fortunate, but not fortunate enough to see any cricket.
Travelling up last Saturday I had hoped we might pick up one or two games in the Alnwick and District League which is sponsored by Johnny Johnson Housing. Pleasing to see that Johnny has found alternative work after the decline of his bandwagon. The weather had improved and the afternoon itself was warm and sunny but the sunshine had come too late to dry out the grounds and the excellent Newcastle daily paper 'The Journal' confirmed on Monday that with one exception all games in the league had been abandoned. Just about all the clubs in the league are north of Alnwick and cover an area up to Berwick and the River Tweed. Results from the league are printed in The Journal which covers cricket 'twixt Tweed and Tees'
After Saturday's good drying conditions I had high hopes of Sunday and action in The Border Sunday league. The nine teams in the league are mainly second elevens and the league was reconstituted after a number of teams left to join the Eden Valley league or the East of Scotland League during the winter of 2011. Kelso II were scheduled to play Penicuik II at Shedden Park which is in the centre of Kelso but on arrival, whilst there were plenty of youngsters milling about, the square was taped off and there were a number of stalls and sideshows on the outfield and cries of 'one, two, testing' only enhanced my suspicion that this was not the prelude to a cricket match.
A very helpful young man cemented these fears and explained that because of 'family fun day', an oxymoron if I ever heard one, the match had been switched to Penicuik, but their ground was unplayable. One down, two to go and next stop St. Boswell's, close to Melrose and due to play in the same league against Langholm II. The ground was easy to find but was deserted and a walk on the outfield confirmed why. Oooze, squelch, ooze, squelch and in the window of the pavilion there was a photograph of the club secretary taken earlier in the week standing in the middle but between two lakes. Onwards to the pretty town on Melrose where we asked at a garage for directions to the ground but despite 'phoning a friend' the young man could offer nothing more definite than 'behind the rugby ground'.Asking another Melrosian we were told 'behind the hospital' but despite finding that institution could not find the cricket ground and so called it a day.It was a relief to find on Monday that this game ( against Gala II) had also been cancelled.
Despite these disappointments in a better summer I would recommend this area to pcws who might fancy a cricket watching holiday. There are lots of clubs and most seem to have junior sections offering midweek cricket. On our last day we passed through the very pretty village of Etal and stopped to have look at the attractive ground of Tillside CC which is on the outskirts of the village. The club's name comes from the ground's proximity to the River Till, the only tributary of the Tweed which flows entirely in England and which provides excellent fishing. Here too the outfield was very wet and much work needed to be done if this weekend's game was to go ahead.
A busy week of cricket lies ahead and with the weather more settled there ought to be plenty to talk about, especially when you consider that this outsize posting is based solely on abandoned matches.
We travelled back from the Northumberland Scotland border this morning after a week's holiday in which we only had one poor day's weather which in 2012 marks us down as very fortunate, but not fortunate enough to see any cricket.
Travelling up last Saturday I had hoped we might pick up one or two games in the Alnwick and District League which is sponsored by Johnny Johnson Housing. Pleasing to see that Johnny has found alternative work after the decline of his bandwagon. The weather had improved and the afternoon itself was warm and sunny but the sunshine had come too late to dry out the grounds and the excellent Newcastle daily paper 'The Journal' confirmed on Monday that with one exception all games in the league had been abandoned. Just about all the clubs in the league are north of Alnwick and cover an area up to Berwick and the River Tweed. Results from the league are printed in The Journal which covers cricket 'twixt Tweed and Tees'
After Saturday's good drying conditions I had high hopes of Sunday and action in The Border Sunday league. The nine teams in the league are mainly second elevens and the league was reconstituted after a number of teams left to join the Eden Valley league or the East of Scotland League during the winter of 2011. Kelso II were scheduled to play Penicuik II at Shedden Park which is in the centre of Kelso but on arrival, whilst there were plenty of youngsters milling about, the square was taped off and there were a number of stalls and sideshows on the outfield and cries of 'one, two, testing' only enhanced my suspicion that this was not the prelude to a cricket match.
A very helpful young man cemented these fears and explained that because of 'family fun day', an oxymoron if I ever heard one, the match had been switched to Penicuik, but their ground was unplayable. One down, two to go and next stop St. Boswell's, close to Melrose and due to play in the same league against Langholm II. The ground was easy to find but was deserted and a walk on the outfield confirmed why. Oooze, squelch, ooze, squelch and in the window of the pavilion there was a photograph of the club secretary taken earlier in the week standing in the middle but between two lakes. Onwards to the pretty town on Melrose where we asked at a garage for directions to the ground but despite 'phoning a friend' the young man could offer nothing more definite than 'behind the rugby ground'.Asking another Melrosian we were told 'behind the hospital' but despite finding that institution could not find the cricket ground and so called it a day.It was a relief to find on Monday that this game ( against Gala II) had also been cancelled.
Despite these disappointments in a better summer I would recommend this area to pcws who might fancy a cricket watching holiday. There are lots of clubs and most seem to have junior sections offering midweek cricket. On our last day we passed through the very pretty village of Etal and stopped to have look at the attractive ground of Tillside CC which is on the outskirts of the village. The club's name comes from the ground's proximity to the River Till, the only tributary of the Tweed which flows entirely in England and which provides excellent fishing. Here too the outfield was very wet and much work needed to be done if this weekend's game was to go ahead.
A busy week of cricket lies ahead and with the weather more settled there ought to be plenty to talk about, especially when you consider that this outsize posting is based solely on abandoned matches.
Thursday, 19 July 2012
BUGLARY AT WEETWOOD
By Brian Sanderson,
There had been rain over night and so was pleased that Yorkshire under 17 would be started on time at 10.45.They were playing Lancashire under 17 in a fifty over match due to the hard work of he groundsmen. The weather was warm but a strong northernly wind.
Yorkshire batted first with Callis and Tattersall who batted very well.The Lancashire bowling attack produced a number of extras by wides and no-balls.There was a good crowd watching the match including Peter France who I sat next during the day.Brian Senior turned up after not going to Chesterfield as the day play been called off.The opening partnership produced 187 when Tattersall got out.Yorkshire got up to 257 in the fifty over with eight wickets down.Three wickets falling in the final over.
An early Lancashire wicket put them under pressure.During this time there was a burglary in both teams dressing rooms.However the couple who did he robbery were caught by the police.A incident that everybody could do with out.
Karl Carver,the left arm-spin bowler from Sessay, bowled very well getting four wickets.In his ten overs he only allowed twenty runs including two wides.He was watched by his mother and his grand-father who kept a record of his figures.During Lancashire innings a well-known cricket follower was asked to move off the cricket field when he was walking his dog.
Lancashire best batsman was Gowers,the wicket-keeper, scored a good fifty in their score of 187 when they were all bowled out.A good victory by Yorkshire and just shows what a good opening partnership can set up.The weather at this time was cold but I hope for a warm and dry weekend.
There had been rain over night and so was pleased that Yorkshire under 17 would be started on time at 10.45.They were playing Lancashire under 17 in a fifty over match due to the hard work of he groundsmen. The weather was warm but a strong northernly wind.
Yorkshire batted first with Callis and Tattersall who batted very well.The Lancashire bowling attack produced a number of extras by wides and no-balls.There was a good crowd watching the match including Peter France who I sat next during the day.Brian Senior turned up after not going to Chesterfield as the day play been called off.The opening partnership produced 187 when Tattersall got out.Yorkshire got up to 257 in the fifty over with eight wickets down.Three wickets falling in the final over.
An early Lancashire wicket put them under pressure.During this time there was a burglary in both teams dressing rooms.However the couple who did he robbery were caught by the police.A incident that everybody could do with out.
Karl Carver,the left arm-spin bowler from Sessay, bowled very well getting four wickets.In his ten overs he only allowed twenty runs including two wides.He was watched by his mother and his grand-father who kept a record of his figures.During Lancashire innings a well-known cricket follower was asked to move off the cricket field when he was walking his dog.
Lancashire best batsman was Gowers,the wicket-keeper, scored a good fifty in their score of 187 when they were all bowled out.A good victory by Yorkshire and just shows what a good opening partnership can set up.The weather at this time was cold but I hope for a warm and dry weekend.
Wednesday, 18 July 2012
SUN BACK AT HEADINGLEY
By Brian Sanderson,
The weather forecast for the last two was wall to wall rain so I decided to go to Headingley.The match was Yorkshire under 17 against Lancashire under17 over two days.On Tuesday I wandered into the stadium aspecting the match to start at 11.00 A.M however this did not happen it started at 12.00.The first team was still practicing for Wednesday and extra time was allowed for Lancashire to arrive.
The weather was dry at the begining of the match but the forecast was rain in the afternoon.Lancashire went in first however I left at 12.30 to play snooker expecting rain.The rain did arrive at 3.00 but they returned to complete eighty overs with Lancashire about 150 for 4 in the evening.
To-day I woke to dry conditions after the rain over night.Harry Deardon,a fifteen year old right hand bat,scored ninety -nine.He was run out going for a second run.Yorkshire bowling was poor and just before lunch they declared after one hundred and nine overs at 286 for 8.The crowd included Tony Hutton back from his tour of Devon.He had not seen much cricket but had enjoyed the tourist sites.
Also back from Scarborough was Jenny who had brought the sun to Headingley in the afternoon.
Yorkshire were left 75 overs to score 287 to win the first innings points.They started off badly and it was left to Rhodes and Mc Nichol to put to-gether a century partnership.At tea-time there was 34 overs to bowl needed about 170.However due to Lamb who took rhree wickets this was not possible.It was left to Fern to bring the Yorkshire total over two hundred to enable them to get two batting points.Yorkshire were nine wickets down but over eighty runs behind.
There is a one-day match with the same sides at Weetwood to-morrow.It was very good to sit in warm sunshine and watch cricket eventhough the weather forecaters were wrong again.
The weather forecast for the last two was wall to wall rain so I decided to go to Headingley.The match was Yorkshire under 17 against Lancashire under17 over two days.On Tuesday I wandered into the stadium aspecting the match to start at 11.00 A.M however this did not happen it started at 12.00.The first team was still practicing for Wednesday and extra time was allowed for Lancashire to arrive.
The weather was dry at the begining of the match but the forecast was rain in the afternoon.Lancashire went in first however I left at 12.30 to play snooker expecting rain.The rain did arrive at 3.00 but they returned to complete eighty overs with Lancashire about 150 for 4 in the evening.
To-day I woke to dry conditions after the rain over night.Harry Deardon,a fifteen year old right hand bat,scored ninety -nine.He was run out going for a second run.Yorkshire bowling was poor and just before lunch they declared after one hundred and nine overs at 286 for 8.The crowd included Tony Hutton back from his tour of Devon.He had not seen much cricket but had enjoyed the tourist sites.
Also back from Scarborough was Jenny who had brought the sun to Headingley in the afternoon.
Yorkshire were left 75 overs to score 287 to win the first innings points.They started off badly and it was left to Rhodes and Mc Nichol to put to-gether a century partnership.At tea-time there was 34 overs to bowl needed about 170.However due to Lamb who took rhree wickets this was not possible.It was left to Fern to bring the Yorkshire total over two hundred to enable them to get two batting points.Yorkshire were nine wickets down but over eighty runs behind.
There is a one-day match with the same sides at Weetwood to-morrow.It was very good to sit in warm sunshine and watch cricket eventhough the weather forecaters were wrong again.
Sunday, 15 July 2012
BACK TO YORK AGAIN
By Brian Sanderson,
On Saturday I went to the Garpharm Stadium in Huddersfield to see the Rugby League semi-final.As a Leeds supporter for over fifty years I went in hope to see Leeds beat Wigan.Leeds were 11to 4 at the Bookies to win the match.The match was a brillant from a Leeds point of view and next stop Wembley.
After recovering from the Saturday victory I decided to go and watch York against Ockbrook @Borrowash who are the Derbyshire ECB Premier Champions.Their side included Jake Needham, Kevin Dean Lian Wharton and Matthew Cassar who have all played for Derbyshire in the county championship.York ground has now a new car park near the new bar area.The pitch was dry and York were batting.Snell and L.McKendry both got to 33 before being dismissed with a opening partnership of 60. This was the highest patnership in the match. other batsman to score runs were Lambert with 40 and M.Wood with 49 not out.York total was 215 for 8 in the forty-fifth over with Wharton being the best bowler with 2 for 28 in his nine overs.
I thought the score was a competitive against batsman who had played champiuonship matches.At have time I wander over to the Clifton Allance ground were another match was in progress. I like this small compact ground with a old pavilion.
The sun was shining but there was a strong wind blowing across the pitch.York sprung a surprise and opened with Snell who got two wickets in his first over.He bowls left arm medium but very rarely bowls.Ockbrook never recovered from this over and were bowled out for 93 in the thirty-third over.The best bowler was Pringle bowling leg spin and had figures of 8.5 -2-10-2 which tied all the batsmen down.
York now play Chorley or Cuckney who are the Nottingham Premier side. AYork official went round the ground booking seats on the bus for the next round even though only seven wickets had fallen. May be he had backed York with a Indian bookmaker and knew the result.
On Saturday I went to the Garpharm Stadium in Huddersfield to see the Rugby League semi-final.As a Leeds supporter for over fifty years I went in hope to see Leeds beat Wigan.Leeds were 11to 4 at the Bookies to win the match.The match was a brillant from a Leeds point of view and next stop Wembley.
After recovering from the Saturday victory I decided to go and watch York against Ockbrook @Borrowash who are the Derbyshire ECB Premier Champions.Their side included Jake Needham, Kevin Dean Lian Wharton and Matthew Cassar who have all played for Derbyshire in the county championship.York ground has now a new car park near the new bar area.The pitch was dry and York were batting.Snell and L.McKendry both got to 33 before being dismissed with a opening partnership of 60. This was the highest patnership in the match. other batsman to score runs were Lambert with 40 and M.Wood with 49 not out.York total was 215 for 8 in the forty-fifth over with Wharton being the best bowler with 2 for 28 in his nine overs.
I thought the score was a competitive against batsman who had played champiuonship matches.At have time I wander over to the Clifton Allance ground were another match was in progress. I like this small compact ground with a old pavilion.
The sun was shining but there was a strong wind blowing across the pitch.York sprung a surprise and opened with Snell who got two wickets in his first over.He bowls left arm medium but very rarely bowls.Ockbrook never recovered from this over and were bowled out for 93 in the thirty-third over.The best bowler was Pringle bowling leg spin and had figures of 8.5 -2-10-2 which tied all the batsmen down.
York now play Chorley or Cuckney who are the Nottingham Premier side. AYork official went round the ground booking seats on the bus for the next round even though only seven wickets had fallen. May be he had backed York with a Indian bookmaker and knew the result.
Friday, 13 July 2012
Wider still and wider
posted by John Winn
The YSCA Under 19 festival has not had the best of weeks but things have improved as the week has gone on and after the full day on Thursday described in Brian's posting another uninterrupted game was possible yesterday.
My arrival at St Peter's, just in time to see the opening batsman taking guard, coincided with a shower which brought umbrellas out but was not enough to halt play. Yorkshire Under 19s were batting against Durham Academy II, Durham Academy I being involved in a match against England Under19s at Loughborough. The opening overs were characterised by some fast scoring and some very wayward bowling to the point that one wondered if there was such a thing as super wides, perhaps counting double.
The openers were Tom Cummins and Cameron Pitt and I felt sorry for the Durham skipper who shuffled his bowlers but was rather slow to spot that Cummins in particular had a penchant for thumping the ball through midwicket. The partnership was ended with an excellent caught and bowled and gradually a measure of control was obtained. After seven overs 63 were on the board which after some deliberation, two Yorkshire players with whom I was sharing a bench, worked out represented exactly nine an over. Given that the school was founded in the seventh century I wonder how many maths' teachers were looking down and thinking Michael Gove might just have a point..
When lunch was taken after 34 overs the score was 183 for 3 with Freddie Pearson and Tom Boorman at the crease. Yorkshire might have felt a little disappointed that in the remaining overs they added only a further 94. Pearson was run out going for a sharp single that would have given him a well deserved fifty which brought disappointment to his mum and girlfriend who were watching.
Durham employed deep set fields and stuck to the task which at one point seemed likely to overwhelm them. Still 277 for 8 seemed a good effort from fifty overs. Pitt top scored with 52.
If Durham were daunted by this total then they showed no signs of it and their innings began just as rapidly with one young man who must alas remain anonymous* carving the bowling to all parts to the rising angst of the Yrokshire bowlers.When his partner was out for 7 in the sixth over the score was 47 for 1 and when tea was taken after 16 overs Durham had reached 105 for 2 with their run machine still at the crease. I left at this point and regret I am unable to bring you the result.
A week's holiday in Northumberland but very close to the Scottish border starts today and I have noted that the Border Sunday League has four matches scheduled for tomorrow. Kelso II v Peniculk II has a ring to it that will be hard to resist. I regret that our readers in Ukraine and Russia will have to wait at least a week to read about it. I'm sure if the weather permits Brian will have something interesting to report in the meantime.
* No names were available for the Durham side.
The YSCA Under 19 festival has not had the best of weeks but things have improved as the week has gone on and after the full day on Thursday described in Brian's posting another uninterrupted game was possible yesterday.
My arrival at St Peter's, just in time to see the opening batsman taking guard, coincided with a shower which brought umbrellas out but was not enough to halt play. Yorkshire Under 19s were batting against Durham Academy II, Durham Academy I being involved in a match against England Under19s at Loughborough. The opening overs were characterised by some fast scoring and some very wayward bowling to the point that one wondered if there was such a thing as super wides, perhaps counting double.
The openers were Tom Cummins and Cameron Pitt and I felt sorry for the Durham skipper who shuffled his bowlers but was rather slow to spot that Cummins in particular had a penchant for thumping the ball through midwicket. The partnership was ended with an excellent caught and bowled and gradually a measure of control was obtained. After seven overs 63 were on the board which after some deliberation, two Yorkshire players with whom I was sharing a bench, worked out represented exactly nine an over. Given that the school was founded in the seventh century I wonder how many maths' teachers were looking down and thinking Michael Gove might just have a point..
When lunch was taken after 34 overs the score was 183 for 3 with Freddie Pearson and Tom Boorman at the crease. Yorkshire might have felt a little disappointed that in the remaining overs they added only a further 94. Pearson was run out going for a sharp single that would have given him a well deserved fifty which brought disappointment to his mum and girlfriend who were watching.
Durham employed deep set fields and stuck to the task which at one point seemed likely to overwhelm them. Still 277 for 8 seemed a good effort from fifty overs. Pitt top scored with 52.
If Durham were daunted by this total then they showed no signs of it and their innings began just as rapidly with one young man who must alas remain anonymous* carving the bowling to all parts to the rising angst of the Yrokshire bowlers.When his partner was out for 7 in the sixth over the score was 47 for 1 and when tea was taken after 16 overs Durham had reached 105 for 2 with their run machine still at the crease. I left at this point and regret I am unable to bring you the result.
A week's holiday in Northumberland but very close to the Scottish border starts today and I have noted that the Border Sunday League has four matches scheduled for tomorrow. Kelso II v Peniculk II has a ring to it that will be hard to resist. I regret that our readers in Ukraine and Russia will have to wait at least a week to read about it. I'm sure if the weather permits Brian will have something interesting to report in the meantime.
* No names were available for the Durham side.
Thursday, 12 July 2012
SCHOLES PLAYER SCORES A HUNDRED
By Brian Sanderson,
This week is Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association Under 19 Cricket Festival at St. Peters School York.Up to -day there had been no completed matches due to rain.St .Peters School was found in A.D. 627 and is the third oldest school in United Kingdom and the fourth oldest in the World.There weather forecast was sunny for a change.
The ground is situated at the rear of the school with a grass bank behind the bowlers arm.On top of the bank you can see The York Wheel in the distance.The match was against the M.C.C and was a 50 over match which is unusual for a M.C.C match which is usually time.There was a fifteen minutes delay with M.C.C batted first as normal.There had been heavy rain yesterday and the ground had been under water so the groundsmen had done a good job to get the match started.
The opening bowlers were Jack Hartley of Keighley and Mustahsan Ali Shah of Pudsey Congs.Both bowled with no luck and a opening stand over sixty was put on.At lunch after 35 overs M.C.C had scored 135 for 2 in thirty -five overs.Looking on for 200 but Ben Morley,a right hand medium bowler,but a break on the runs also taking four wickets. M.C.C.scored 196 for 9 with Tommy Hodson ,the 72 year old wicket -keeper , not batting.
There was a programme but no list of the teams.I recognised Toby and Luke Jarvis in the M.C.C. team and both bowled.Luke plays for East Bierley in the Bradford League and Toby in the Airedale and Wharfedale League.One of the opening batsman was Tom Boorman who plays for Scholes in the Huddersfield League.His father was walking round the boundary whilst his son was batting talking to spectators.Tom was the second highest batting average for Scholes last year and batted very well to-day.He scored 102 out of the winning score of 199 for 5.Also batted well was William Fraine who plays for Meltham in the Huddersfield League.I wish them both well for the future as both looked good batsmen.
Looking at the blog audiance there was 19 hits from Ukraine and 14 from Russia .Thank you for reading the blog and I hope you enjoy it.
This week is Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association Under 19 Cricket Festival at St. Peters School York.Up to -day there had been no completed matches due to rain.St .Peters School was found in A.D. 627 and is the third oldest school in United Kingdom and the fourth oldest in the World.There weather forecast was sunny for a change.
The ground is situated at the rear of the school with a grass bank behind the bowlers arm.On top of the bank you can see The York Wheel in the distance.The match was against the M.C.C and was a 50 over match which is unusual for a M.C.C match which is usually time.There was a fifteen minutes delay with M.C.C batted first as normal.There had been heavy rain yesterday and the ground had been under water so the groundsmen had done a good job to get the match started.
The opening bowlers were Jack Hartley of Keighley and Mustahsan Ali Shah of Pudsey Congs.Both bowled with no luck and a opening stand over sixty was put on.At lunch after 35 overs M.C.C had scored 135 for 2 in thirty -five overs.Looking on for 200 but Ben Morley,a right hand medium bowler,but a break on the runs also taking four wickets. M.C.C.scored 196 for 9 with Tommy Hodson ,the 72 year old wicket -keeper , not batting.
There was a programme but no list of the teams.I recognised Toby and Luke Jarvis in the M.C.C. team and both bowled.Luke plays for East Bierley in the Bradford League and Toby in the Airedale and Wharfedale League.One of the opening batsman was Tom Boorman who plays for Scholes in the Huddersfield League.His father was walking round the boundary whilst his son was batting talking to spectators.Tom was the second highest batting average for Scholes last year and batted very well to-day.He scored 102 out of the winning score of 199 for 5.Also batted well was William Fraine who plays for Meltham in the Huddersfield League.I wish them both well for the future as both looked good batsmen.
Looking at the blog audiance there was 19 hits from Ukraine and 14 from Russia .Thank you for reading the blog and I hope you enjoy it.
Monday, 9 July 2012
Braveheart to no avail
Learning yesterday morning that York's Kingfisher Cup match with Ockbrook and Borrowash had been postponed I phoned Woodhouse Grange and was delighted to hear that their Village KO game with Freuchie CC from Scotland was going ahead. From home it is about 40 minutes drive to Sutton on Derwent in the East Riding where just outside the village Woodhouse play their games.
I arrived just in time to see the first over bowled. Given that Woodhouse had travelled to the Kingdom of Fife the previous weekend only for a waterlogged outfield to cause the game to be abandoned both teams must have been very anxious to play this match and avoid a decision by bowl out or toss of a coin. The wicket was firm and dry but the outfield was very soft underfoot and any rain would have spelt the end of proceedings. As it was we had a sunny, and at times warm, afternoon and I pitched camp next to a number of Freuchie supporters who had made the 250 mile trip south.
Both these teams are past winners of the cup, this year sponsored by Yorkshire Tea. With such a pedigree a tight match was anticipated but it was not to be.
Freuchie had been invited to take first knock and they made a solid opening but could not get the run rate above three. Woodhouse's tight bowling was supported by excellent fielding and when the first wicket fell at 39 twelve overs had been used. Good looking shots continued to find the fielders, a second wicket fell as the result of a smart run out and with the score at 88 top scorer Birrell was dismissed for 37 which had taken him 77 balls. Freuchie's last eight batsmen mustered only 26 between them and when the forty overs were up the last pair were at the crease and the total was just 117. The verdict of the Freuchie supporter standing near me ( and I don't believe he ever sat down) was that this was rubbish, an opinion that he had relayed back to Fife by telephone at regular intervals.
Woodhouse's splendidly appointed clubhouse provided excellent hospitality and Freuchie emerged refreshed and clearly still believing that the game and a place in the next round was still a possibility. Their aggressive intent was expressed fortissimo but openers Bilton and Hadfield held firm against the pace attack until Bilton was caught one handed on the boundary from a shot that would have gone for six. Hadfield never looked in any trouble and one felt that if he stayed then victory was just a matter of time. This he did and with only one more wicket lost Woodhouse got home with seven overs to spare and Hadfield 60 not out.
Freuchie's supporters felt they had been beaten by a better team but that in part their recent lack of cricket and surfeit of rain had left them 'rusty'. No pun intended?
Woodhouse's reward is a home tie against York League rivals Sessay, another former winner of the competition. This will be played on Sunday. Only one other game was possible in the competition yesterday and this resulted in victory for Water Orton CC over Carew.
.
In the Kingfisher Cup the weather again pretty well washed out the afternoon. Saddleworth League club Bamford Fieldhouse were victors over Ormskirk by seven wickets in the only match played and this fixture only survived via a switch to Ormskirk. The Rochdale based outfit boast two test players in their team Chris Schofield and Warren Hegg, former team mates at Old Trafford.
I arrived just in time to see the first over bowled. Given that Woodhouse had travelled to the Kingdom of Fife the previous weekend only for a waterlogged outfield to cause the game to be abandoned both teams must have been very anxious to play this match and avoid a decision by bowl out or toss of a coin. The wicket was firm and dry but the outfield was very soft underfoot and any rain would have spelt the end of proceedings. As it was we had a sunny, and at times warm, afternoon and I pitched camp next to a number of Freuchie supporters who had made the 250 mile trip south.
Both these teams are past winners of the cup, this year sponsored by Yorkshire Tea. With such a pedigree a tight match was anticipated but it was not to be.
Freuchie had been invited to take first knock and they made a solid opening but could not get the run rate above three. Woodhouse's tight bowling was supported by excellent fielding and when the first wicket fell at 39 twelve overs had been used. Good looking shots continued to find the fielders, a second wicket fell as the result of a smart run out and with the score at 88 top scorer Birrell was dismissed for 37 which had taken him 77 balls. Freuchie's last eight batsmen mustered only 26 between them and when the forty overs were up the last pair were at the crease and the total was just 117. The verdict of the Freuchie supporter standing near me ( and I don't believe he ever sat down) was that this was rubbish, an opinion that he had relayed back to Fife by telephone at regular intervals.
Woodhouse's splendidly appointed clubhouse provided excellent hospitality and Freuchie emerged refreshed and clearly still believing that the game and a place in the next round was still a possibility. Their aggressive intent was expressed fortissimo but openers Bilton and Hadfield held firm against the pace attack until Bilton was caught one handed on the boundary from a shot that would have gone for six. Hadfield never looked in any trouble and one felt that if he stayed then victory was just a matter of time. This he did and with only one more wicket lost Woodhouse got home with seven overs to spare and Hadfield 60 not out.
Freuchie's supporters felt they had been beaten by a better team but that in part their recent lack of cricket and surfeit of rain had left them 'rusty'. No pun intended?
Woodhouse's reward is a home tie against York League rivals Sessay, another former winner of the competition. This will be played on Sunday. Only one other game was possible in the competition yesterday and this resulted in victory for Water Orton CC over Carew.
.
In the Kingfisher Cup the weather again pretty well washed out the afternoon. Saddleworth League club Bamford Fieldhouse were victors over Ormskirk by seven wickets in the only match played and this fixture only survived via a switch to Ormskirk. The Rochdale based outfit boast two test players in their team Chris Schofield and Warren Hegg, former team mates at Old Trafford.
Sunday, 8 July 2012
COUNTRY HOUSE CRICKET
By Brian Sanderson,
The forecast for Sunday was showers but the three of us set off to Swinton Park.The three being Ron Deaton, Nigal Pullan and myself.Ron had rung up this morning and cofirmed the match would be played.Swinton Castle is situated just outside of Masham in North Yorkshire.It is now a hotel, conference venue and cookery school and is 20 acres of parkland,lakes and gardens.The owner of the property is Mark Cunliffe-Lister who also captains the side of workers who are employed in the grounds.There opponents were Romany Cricket Club who were established in 1902 and is located in Leeds.They play friendly Sunday cricket round Yorkshire.
The Swinton side play only four fixtures a year and the last fixture was against Gentlemen of Yorkshire.The ground is situated in front of the house and has two trees inside the field of play.The local rules say that if the ball hits the tree the game continues.There is a excellent view to the hills opposite and there is not a bad view anywhere.Next to the field are deer grazing and area for polo.
The match itself was a thirty over match with everybody bowling at least two overs.Mark ,the Swinton captain, opened the batting but was soon out.During the match a catch went to fielder who could not catch it as he was on his mobile phone and the conversation went on till the end of the over.This is another first for me and compares with the wicket keeper smoked a cigarette for two overs in another match.Swinton scored in 120 all out in the last over.One of the batsman batted twice at the end of the innings to make up the eleven.
During the tea interval we walked to the bird aviary where there was a number of owls.This made a nice change from talking in the Long Room at Headingley stadium.Also the sun was shining and there was no rain.A player from Pannal Ash said they had only played three matches this season and it is July.
Romany started will as the opening batsmen were out they slowed down.As we left for tea they were 70 for 5 in the nineteenth over so a good finish was could come but our food won.
I would recommend anybody who likes unusual grounds to visit Swinton Park.
The forecast for Sunday was showers but the three of us set off to Swinton Park.The three being Ron Deaton, Nigal Pullan and myself.Ron had rung up this morning and cofirmed the match would be played.Swinton Castle is situated just outside of Masham in North Yorkshire.It is now a hotel, conference venue and cookery school and is 20 acres of parkland,lakes and gardens.The owner of the property is Mark Cunliffe-Lister who also captains the side of workers who are employed in the grounds.There opponents were Romany Cricket Club who were established in 1902 and is located in Leeds.They play friendly Sunday cricket round Yorkshire.
The Swinton side play only four fixtures a year and the last fixture was against Gentlemen of Yorkshire.The ground is situated in front of the house and has two trees inside the field of play.The local rules say that if the ball hits the tree the game continues.There is a excellent view to the hills opposite and there is not a bad view anywhere.Next to the field are deer grazing and area for polo.
The match itself was a thirty over match with everybody bowling at least two overs.Mark ,the Swinton captain, opened the batting but was soon out.During the match a catch went to fielder who could not catch it as he was on his mobile phone and the conversation went on till the end of the over.This is another first for me and compares with the wicket keeper smoked a cigarette for two overs in another match.Swinton scored in 120 all out in the last over.One of the batsman batted twice at the end of the innings to make up the eleven.
During the tea interval we walked to the bird aviary where there was a number of owls.This made a nice change from talking in the Long Room at Headingley stadium.Also the sun was shining and there was no rain.A player from Pannal Ash said they had only played three matches this season and it is July.
Romany started will as the opening batsmen were out they slowed down.As we left for tea they were 70 for 5 in the nineteenth over so a good finish was could come but our food won.
I would recommend anybody who likes unusual grounds to visit Swinton Park.
Roman Holiday
posted by John Winn
The jet stream which, because it refuses to track its normal summer journey to the north of the UK and since March has taken up lodgings over southern England bringing with it weeks and weeks of heavy rain, played a particularly cruel trick on much local cricket this weekend. Many places had downpours of such intensity on Thursday and/or Friday that clubs could call off Saturday's cricket long before we woke to sunshine yesterday morning. Bad enough not to be playing or watching cricket without the added frustration of a warm, sunny afternoon.
During the morning I had kept an eye on a number of league websites as match after match was cancelled, and how much better some sites are than others in this respect. NYSD go to the naughty step and perhaps take note of the admirable Bradford League while you are at it. By lunchtime I had confirmed that plans a, b and c had floated away and when the city of York has to cancel a river pageant what chance has cricket got, I decided that long distance travel might prove to be nothing more than a waste of petrol. The obvious solution was to head for the ground nearest to home and so I took the one mile journey to Whixley and the Rudgate Fields ground where to my delight men and boys in white were in action in a Wetherby League Divison Six match, Whixley A v Rufforth A with the visitors batting.
Taking a turn round the boundary I struck up conversation with a man who turned out to be none other than Brian Sanderson's frequent companion on excursions into the more remote parts of Yorkshire in search of minor league cricket, Ron Deaton. We enjoyed half an hour's conversation during which we put much of the cricketing world to rights before Ron moved off in search of other grounds, last seen heading towards Kirk Hammerton.
Meanwhile not much had happened on the field with Rufforth scoring at less than two an over but reaching forty with only two down they might have felt they were building a decent platform but suddenly five wickets went down for three runs and the innings was in ruins. it was shored up by some late order mowing and when they were all out for 82 the rate had just reached two an over.
Taking a cup of tea on a bench by the pavilion I was reminded of two aspects of Whixley's history. The ground is named Rudgate Fields after Rudgate, a Roman road that passes through the village to link up with the road from York to the Roman town of Aldborough near Boroughbridge. Whilst drinking my tea I noticed at my feet some small cherries; Whixley having been famous at one time for its cherry growing. When play resumed Whixley scored no more quickly than had Rufforth but when I left with the score at 22 without loss the home team seemed to be on the road to six points. A look at the league's website this morning confirmed that they had reached their target with four wickets to spare and they lie second in the table. Whixley's fortune in being able to complete the fixture is in contrast with the other matches in that division that were abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Attending a village function last evening I heard stories of spectacular storms affecting Knaresborough, just eight miles away, which serves to underline how much fortune with the weather may determine which teams finish top of the various leagues this year. In division two of The Wetherby League where Whixley I compete there have been thirty 'no result' games this season, and if the table were printed using washouts as a measure the cherry pickers would find themselves top.
The jet stream which, because it refuses to track its normal summer journey to the north of the UK and since March has taken up lodgings over southern England bringing with it weeks and weeks of heavy rain, played a particularly cruel trick on much local cricket this weekend. Many places had downpours of such intensity on Thursday and/or Friday that clubs could call off Saturday's cricket long before we woke to sunshine yesterday morning. Bad enough not to be playing or watching cricket without the added frustration of a warm, sunny afternoon.
During the morning I had kept an eye on a number of league websites as match after match was cancelled, and how much better some sites are than others in this respect. NYSD go to the naughty step and perhaps take note of the admirable Bradford League while you are at it. By lunchtime I had confirmed that plans a, b and c had floated away and when the city of York has to cancel a river pageant what chance has cricket got, I decided that long distance travel might prove to be nothing more than a waste of petrol. The obvious solution was to head for the ground nearest to home and so I took the one mile journey to Whixley and the Rudgate Fields ground where to my delight men and boys in white were in action in a Wetherby League Divison Six match, Whixley A v Rufforth A with the visitors batting.
Taking a turn round the boundary I struck up conversation with a man who turned out to be none other than Brian Sanderson's frequent companion on excursions into the more remote parts of Yorkshire in search of minor league cricket, Ron Deaton. We enjoyed half an hour's conversation during which we put much of the cricketing world to rights before Ron moved off in search of other grounds, last seen heading towards Kirk Hammerton.
Meanwhile not much had happened on the field with Rufforth scoring at less than two an over but reaching forty with only two down they might have felt they were building a decent platform but suddenly five wickets went down for three runs and the innings was in ruins. it was shored up by some late order mowing and when they were all out for 82 the rate had just reached two an over.
Taking a cup of tea on a bench by the pavilion I was reminded of two aspects of Whixley's history. The ground is named Rudgate Fields after Rudgate, a Roman road that passes through the village to link up with the road from York to the Roman town of Aldborough near Boroughbridge. Whilst drinking my tea I noticed at my feet some small cherries; Whixley having been famous at one time for its cherry growing. When play resumed Whixley scored no more quickly than had Rufforth but when I left with the score at 22 without loss the home team seemed to be on the road to six points. A look at the league's website this morning confirmed that they had reached their target with four wickets to spare and they lie second in the table. Whixley's fortune in being able to complete the fixture is in contrast with the other matches in that division that were abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Attending a village function last evening I heard stories of spectacular storms affecting Knaresborough, just eight miles away, which serves to underline how much fortune with the weather may determine which teams finish top of the various leagues this year. In division two of The Wetherby League where Whixley I compete there have been thirty 'no result' games this season, and if the table were printed using washouts as a measure the cherry pickers would find themselves top.
Saturday, 7 July 2012
BONUS
By Brian Sanderson,
Friday rainfall looked like there would be a blank Saturday.I woke up to sunshine and called round to Kirkstall Educational ground where Andy Siddall said it was wet but should play.Dave Hodgson,
the groundsman, was at a wedding.Looking at various cricket league web-sites it seems that Kirkstall was the only local match on.Also the B.B.B weather forecasted rain at 4.00P.M.
I had telephoned Brian Senior and Mick Bourne to tell them the Kirkstall match would be on.Brian was waiting at the bus stop so a extra passenger was added to the car.The match had been reduced to a 45 over match.The opponents were Collingham @ Linton who were second in the Airedale and Wharfedale League whilst Kirkstall were fourth.
Collingham were batting with Brian Leigh batting beautifully.After a few overs we were joined by Mick from Idle who had been to Weetwood and St. Chads chasing a match however both were cancelled because of Friday,s rain.Leigh started to hit a number of sixes which brought his total to 94 before he was caught.Malone was the most uneconomical bowler with five overs for forty-seven.
The best economical bowler was Jos Siddall with thirteen overs for thirty-nine.Collingham declared at 241 for 6 in the forty overs.This left them fifty overs to bowl Kirkstall out.
At 4 o,clock the rain came but tea was taken so not losing any overs.During the first innings we were join by Mick Bourne who always keeps us entertain with his conversation.Collingham opened the bowling with a spinner which Kirkstall did not have.The two openers were the top scorers with 33.
Fielding the spin bowler bowled his fifteen overs for forty-five and taking three wickets,
Harrison ,the Kirkstall opening bat , carried his bat through the forty-six overs.The last Kirkstall wicket fell in the forty -sixth over when their was rain storm came so Collingham winning the match.The declaration had worked for them to win the match and beat the rain.
It was a good match especially after Fridays rain storms.
The York against Ocbrook @Borrowash in the National cup on Sunday is cancelled due to wet field.
Friday rainfall looked like there would be a blank Saturday.I woke up to sunshine and called round to Kirkstall Educational ground where Andy Siddall said it was wet but should play.Dave Hodgson,
the groundsman, was at a wedding.Looking at various cricket league web-sites it seems that Kirkstall was the only local match on.Also the B.B.B weather forecasted rain at 4.00P.M.
I had telephoned Brian Senior and Mick Bourne to tell them the Kirkstall match would be on.Brian was waiting at the bus stop so a extra passenger was added to the car.The match had been reduced to a 45 over match.The opponents were Collingham @ Linton who were second in the Airedale and Wharfedale League whilst Kirkstall were fourth.
Collingham were batting with Brian Leigh batting beautifully.After a few overs we were joined by Mick from Idle who had been to Weetwood and St. Chads chasing a match however both were cancelled because of Friday,s rain.Leigh started to hit a number of sixes which brought his total to 94 before he was caught.Malone was the most uneconomical bowler with five overs for forty-seven.
The best economical bowler was Jos Siddall with thirteen overs for thirty-nine.Collingham declared at 241 for 6 in the forty overs.This left them fifty overs to bowl Kirkstall out.
At 4 o,clock the rain came but tea was taken so not losing any overs.During the first innings we were join by Mick Bourne who always keeps us entertain with his conversation.Collingham opened the bowling with a spinner which Kirkstall did not have.The two openers were the top scorers with 33.
Fielding the spin bowler bowled his fifteen overs for forty-five and taking three wickets,
Harrison ,the Kirkstall opening bat , carried his bat through the forty-six overs.The last Kirkstall wicket fell in the forty -sixth over when their was rain storm came so Collingham winning the match.The declaration had worked for them to win the match and beat the rain.
It was a good match especially after Fridays rain storms.
The York against Ocbrook @Borrowash in the National cup on Sunday is cancelled due to wet field.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
National Village
posted by John Winn
I have been asked by a few people ( well a small number that reminds with few) if I could provide an update on the National Village KO Cup (sponsored this year by Yorkshire Tea) so I have done a bit of digging and offer the following.
Like the National Club KO the competition has been bedevilled by the weather with some ties decided by bowl outs and the toss of a coin. This Sunday will see five games in the last sixteen stage take place
Apperley (Gloucs) v Wraysbury (Berks)
Sibton Park (Kent) v Plumpton and East Chillingworth (Sussex)
Cropston (Leics) v Quatt ( Shropshire)
Paultons (Hants) v Goatacre (Wilts)
Reed (Herts) v Mistley (Essex)
Three outstanding games from the previous round will also be played this Sunday
Northop Hall (Cheshire) v Burneside (Cumbria)
Carew (Pembrokeshire) v Water Orton (Warwickshire)
Woodhouse Grange (North Yorks) v Freuchie (Fife)
and three teams await the outcome of these three ties
Streethouse (West Yorks)
Bretforton (Worcs)
Sessay North Yorks)
In the National Club KO Cup the three outstanding games were completed last Sunday with York, Ockbrook and Borrowash and Havant coming out as winners.
Ockbrook were champions of the Derbyshire League in 2011 and they travel to York on Sunday to decide who will make it into the last eight. Six other ties in this round will be played this Sunday with the remaining game between Neston and Kidderminster scheduled for a week later.
I will try and update this posting on Monday.
I have been asked by a few people ( well a small number that reminds with few) if I could provide an update on the National Village KO Cup (sponsored this year by Yorkshire Tea) so I have done a bit of digging and offer the following.
Like the National Club KO the competition has been bedevilled by the weather with some ties decided by bowl outs and the toss of a coin. This Sunday will see five games in the last sixteen stage take place
Apperley (Gloucs) v Wraysbury (Berks)
Sibton Park (Kent) v Plumpton and East Chillingworth (Sussex)
Cropston (Leics) v Quatt ( Shropshire)
Paultons (Hants) v Goatacre (Wilts)
Reed (Herts) v Mistley (Essex)
Three outstanding games from the previous round will also be played this Sunday
Northop Hall (Cheshire) v Burneside (Cumbria)
Carew (Pembrokeshire) v Water Orton (Warwickshire)
Woodhouse Grange (North Yorks) v Freuchie (Fife)
and three teams await the outcome of these three ties
Streethouse (West Yorks)
Bretforton (Worcs)
Sessay North Yorks)
In the National Club KO Cup the three outstanding games were completed last Sunday with York, Ockbrook and Borrowash and Havant coming out as winners.
Ockbrook were champions of the Derbyshire League in 2011 and they travel to York on Sunday to decide who will make it into the last eight. Six other ties in this round will be played this Sunday with the remaining game between Neston and Kidderminster scheduled for a week later.
I will try and update this posting on Monday.
Sunday, 1 July 2012
WINDY YORK
By Brian Sanderson,
When I woke up the sun was shining and the B.B.C weather forecast was good.So I sent off to see York against Blaydon which had been put off three times.There is a new bar area which is next to the changeing rooms .It has six flat screen television showing the England against Australia one-day international.As I was driving in there was a junior match on the second pitch and they were getting ready for a match at the Clifton Alliance ground next door.So plenty of entertainment.
This match was the E.C.B National Club Championship Regional Final and York was batting. The weather had changed to showers and a strong good breeze blowing across the pitch.Snell ,who has played for Yorkshire Seconds, batted well for fifty runs.With the help of a last wicket partnership of 29 York manged to get to 174 in the forty-fifth over. The two best bowlers were Bridge and Raine who bowled 18 overs for 51 and took 8 wickets.When Pringe was given out another throwing of a bat against the decision.
Blaydon opening bat Raine scored a good 48 but the next highest scorer was extras with 23.Woods and Hairs bowled 11.4 overs for 29 and taking 5 wickets.LeavingBlaydon losing by 24 runs so York,s last wicket partnership helped to win the match.
York are due to play West Indian Cavaliers or Sandiacre Town. in the next round.
John Winn kindly sent me a e-mail to say Mike Amos report of Spout House is now in The Northern Echo.A excellent report so please read.
When I woke up the sun was shining and the B.B.C weather forecast was good.So I sent off to see York against Blaydon which had been put off three times.There is a new bar area which is next to the changeing rooms .It has six flat screen television showing the England against Australia one-day international.As I was driving in there was a junior match on the second pitch and they were getting ready for a match at the Clifton Alliance ground next door.So plenty of entertainment.
This match was the E.C.B National Club Championship Regional Final and York was batting. The weather had changed to showers and a strong good breeze blowing across the pitch.Snell ,who has played for Yorkshire Seconds, batted well for fifty runs.With the help of a last wicket partnership of 29 York manged to get to 174 in the forty-fifth over. The two best bowlers were Bridge and Raine who bowled 18 overs for 51 and took 8 wickets.When Pringe was given out another throwing of a bat against the decision.
Blaydon opening bat Raine scored a good 48 but the next highest scorer was extras with 23.Woods and Hairs bowled 11.4 overs for 29 and taking 5 wickets.LeavingBlaydon losing by 24 runs so York,s last wicket partnership helped to win the match.
York are due to play West Indian Cavaliers or Sandiacre Town. in the next round.
John Winn kindly sent me a e-mail to say Mike Amos report of Spout House is now in The Northern Echo.A excellent report so please read.
And Again
posted by John Winn
On Friday afternoon I spent a pleasant couple of hours in the company of Brian Senior at St Peter's School, York, watching the pupils take on MCC. After a light shower in the lunch interval, for most of the time the sun shone and with a warm south westerly breeze conditions were ideal for drying out cricket pitches. The Middlesbrough area having escaped the spectacular storm that hit Tyneside at teatime on Thursday I decided that it was worth taking the journey up the A19 yesterday to take in four grounds offering a good mixture of different standards of cricket.
First stop was Guisborough and the town centre ground at Fountain's Garth hosting a Premier Division game with visitors Middlesbrough, fourth v seventh. Blue sky jostled for space with black clouds and just before 1:30 the umpires emerged from the pavilion,crossed the white line and then returned for the stumps. After this slight hiccup Guisborough began batting after losing the toss. As I walked round the ground, which certainly looks county second eleven standard, the outfield was very soft in patches. I had initially taken a seat amongst a number of local spectators, one of whom had just arrived from north of the River Tees bringing news of heavy rain in that area. How they brought the good news from Durham to Yorkshire.
Before I could complete my circuit a squall blew up driving the local salts inside and me to the car park whence I drove to my next ground at Normanby Hall. Normanby is 'part of the Middlesbrough agglomeration' but comes within the authority of Redacr and Cleveland. The Club are long established members of the NYSD and before yesterday's game they lay tenth in the premier Division but with only one win thus far. Their opponents, Hartlepool, were better placed at fifth. Here the sun shone and with the spinners at work Hartlepool had reached forty without at loss but at only two an over.
I took the opportunity to look inside the club house where I was pleased to see many photographs, including one of the 'new' pavilion on its opening day in 1957. It is now the 'old' pavilion but still accommodates the players' dressing rooms. One particularly interesting photograph dated from 1947 and showed the then England skipper, Norman Yardley, shaking hands with 'Boro' legend George Hardwick, at that time captain of England's footballers. Both were in 'whites' and I assume were opposing captains in some sort of fund raising match.
The pace of the game failed to quicken and I decided to move on. Big mistake! My next ground was that of Marton CC, to where earlier in the season I had made a fruitless journey to see a second eleven game between Durham and Yorkshire and if you can't guess what happened then see my posting of April 12th. The sun was still keeping up appearances as I neared the ground where Marton II were fielding and their opponents were Whitby I, NYSD Div 1. Right on cue weather conditions changed. Overhead, black replaced blue, there was a flash of lightning in the distance,, the wind raced up The Beaufort Scale and after a couple of overs the players left the field as the rain began to pelt down. Further play did take place, sufficient to complete the Whitby innings, but not while I was there. Marton did not bat.
My journey took me through the downpour to the pleasant suburb of Nunthorpe and what I had hoped would be my first taste of The Cleveland League (sadly no longer sponsored by Co-operative Funeral Care), namely a match between Nunthorpe II and Loftus I. A forlorn picture awaited me: covers on and square fenced off, clearly a match abandoned with out a ball being bowled. Will 2012 set a record for those? Will anybody count?
Back down the A19 and south of Stokesley the roads were dry and I made my way back to Ouseburn where the firsts were making somewhat heavy weather against Pannal and in an innings shortened by six overs they made only 141 for 9. After the usual excellent tea, play resumed but as has happened so often this year heavy rain arrived and when the game was abandoned Pannal had made 42 without loss off just over nine overs, and were no doubt much more aggrieved than Ouseburn by the weather's intervention. Remember Crackerjack? It's Friday, it's five o'clock, it's Crackerjack! Let me update you. It's Saturday, it's five o'clock' it's raining!
To my surprise on checking the league website this morning I discovered that the games at both Guisborough and Normanby Hall had escaped the weather and resulted in victories for Middlesbrough and Normanby Hall. Got it wrong again. And I've just seen the forecast for the week ahead. 'Continuing unsettled'. Like a few pcws I expect.
Finally for my rant of the week I return to a familiar lament, namely the poor coverage of cricket by the national press. I draw my evidence from Saturday's 'Guardian Sport'. Five pages devoted to a competition in which we lost interest last Sunday, four pages to a sport in which we have one good player and 746 words* on page 13 (of 16) on a cricket match when England had beaten arguably the best team in the world at the form of the game. Heaven help us if we ever get past the quarter finals of a football tournament and/or discover another tennis player.
* My friend Alan Pinkney counted them on his kindle, I haven't got that much time on my hands.
On Friday afternoon I spent a pleasant couple of hours in the company of Brian Senior at St Peter's School, York, watching the pupils take on MCC. After a light shower in the lunch interval, for most of the time the sun shone and with a warm south westerly breeze conditions were ideal for drying out cricket pitches. The Middlesbrough area having escaped the spectacular storm that hit Tyneside at teatime on Thursday I decided that it was worth taking the journey up the A19 yesterday to take in four grounds offering a good mixture of different standards of cricket.
First stop was Guisborough and the town centre ground at Fountain's Garth hosting a Premier Division game with visitors Middlesbrough, fourth v seventh. Blue sky jostled for space with black clouds and just before 1:30 the umpires emerged from the pavilion,crossed the white line and then returned for the stumps. After this slight hiccup Guisborough began batting after losing the toss. As I walked round the ground, which certainly looks county second eleven standard, the outfield was very soft in patches. I had initially taken a seat amongst a number of local spectators, one of whom had just arrived from north of the River Tees bringing news of heavy rain in that area. How they brought the good news from Durham to Yorkshire.
Before I could complete my circuit a squall blew up driving the local salts inside and me to the car park whence I drove to my next ground at Normanby Hall. Normanby is 'part of the Middlesbrough agglomeration' but comes within the authority of Redacr and Cleveland. The Club are long established members of the NYSD and before yesterday's game they lay tenth in the premier Division but with only one win thus far. Their opponents, Hartlepool, were better placed at fifth. Here the sun shone and with the spinners at work Hartlepool had reached forty without at loss but at only two an over.
I took the opportunity to look inside the club house where I was pleased to see many photographs, including one of the 'new' pavilion on its opening day in 1957. It is now the 'old' pavilion but still accommodates the players' dressing rooms. One particularly interesting photograph dated from 1947 and showed the then England skipper, Norman Yardley, shaking hands with 'Boro' legend George Hardwick, at that time captain of England's footballers. Both were in 'whites' and I assume were opposing captains in some sort of fund raising match.
The pace of the game failed to quicken and I decided to move on. Big mistake! My next ground was that of Marton CC, to where earlier in the season I had made a fruitless journey to see a second eleven game between Durham and Yorkshire and if you can't guess what happened then see my posting of April 12th. The sun was still keeping up appearances as I neared the ground where Marton II were fielding and their opponents were Whitby I, NYSD Div 1. Right on cue weather conditions changed. Overhead, black replaced blue, there was a flash of lightning in the distance,, the wind raced up The Beaufort Scale and after a couple of overs the players left the field as the rain began to pelt down. Further play did take place, sufficient to complete the Whitby innings, but not while I was there. Marton did not bat.
My journey took me through the downpour to the pleasant suburb of Nunthorpe and what I had hoped would be my first taste of The Cleveland League (sadly no longer sponsored by Co-operative Funeral Care), namely a match between Nunthorpe II and Loftus I. A forlorn picture awaited me: covers on and square fenced off, clearly a match abandoned with out a ball being bowled. Will 2012 set a record for those? Will anybody count?
Back down the A19 and south of Stokesley the roads were dry and I made my way back to Ouseburn where the firsts were making somewhat heavy weather against Pannal and in an innings shortened by six overs they made only 141 for 9. After the usual excellent tea, play resumed but as has happened so often this year heavy rain arrived and when the game was abandoned Pannal had made 42 without loss off just over nine overs, and were no doubt much more aggrieved than Ouseburn by the weather's intervention. Remember Crackerjack? It's Friday, it's five o'clock, it's Crackerjack! Let me update you. It's Saturday, it's five o'clock' it's raining!
To my surprise on checking the league website this morning I discovered that the games at both Guisborough and Normanby Hall had escaped the weather and resulted in victories for Middlesbrough and Normanby Hall. Got it wrong again. And I've just seen the forecast for the week ahead. 'Continuing unsettled'. Like a few pcws I expect.
Finally for my rant of the week I return to a familiar lament, namely the poor coverage of cricket by the national press. I draw my evidence from Saturday's 'Guardian Sport'. Five pages devoted to a competition in which we lost interest last Sunday, four pages to a sport in which we have one good player and 746 words* on page 13 (of 16) on a cricket match when England had beaten arguably the best team in the world at the form of the game. Heaven help us if we ever get past the quarter finals of a football tournament and/or discover another tennis player.
* My friend Alan Pinkney counted them on his kindle, I haven't got that much time on my hands.
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