posted by John Winn
As we begin to say goodbye to this soggy season I have yet to find anyone who can remember a wetter one, and all manner of statistics have been produced to support the notion that it has been the worst in living memory. Last week's Darlington and Stockton Times produced its usual admirable end of season summary of those leagues that fall within its readership area.
The NYSD championship went to Richmondshire for the first time in seventeen years and by a reasonably healthy margin. On the final Saturday the Dalesmen got their expected win over bottom club Billingham Synthonia while nearest challengers, Darlington, who rather fell away towards the end of the season, lost to the team immediately below them, Great Ayton. Marske accompanied Billingham into Division One and they will be replaced by their neighbours Saltburn and Redcar. A visit to the two promoted clubs will make a good day out in 2013. It has been a particularly disappointing season for Marske as their second eleven will drop out of Division One along with Yarm. The great escapees in the Premier Division were Thornaby who, revitalised by the return of their Sri Lankan pro won their last two games to escape relegation by two points.
Moving down the pyramid to the Darlington and District League I was delighted to see my faher's old club, Haughton clinch their first ever outright championship, (they shared it with Barton in 1969) when they beat East Cowton on the final day.Barton finished second, eight points in arrears. Haughton were skippered by 23 year old Mark Dobinson whose 45 set up the decisive win and I take particular pleasure in this because Mark's grandfather and I were cousins. Keeping it in the family, this time on my mother's side. My delight at Haughton's success was tempered by the relegation of Cockerton where I last played in this league, forty years ago. Promoted just a year ago Middleton Tyas finished bottom and they and Cockerton will be replaced by Barningham and Cliffe.
Finally to the Langbaurgh League where last day focus in Division One centred on the foot of the table for at the top Kildale had secured the championship the previous week, and the unlucky losers here were Hutton Rudby and Scruton with Stafford Place just squeezing under the portcullis before it fell. New Marske and Crathorne had already gained promotion from Division Two.
One league not covered by the Dand S is the Cleveland League whose results are typically reported by The Middlesbrough Gazette but despite searching the paper's website and the league's play cricket site I have been unable to find a complete final league table.
Finally something that slipped under the radar last week was York's victory in The Kingfisher Cup, their progress in which I have reported in postings throughout the season. They were very comfortaable winners over Wanstead and Snaresbrook form Essex. Played on Sunday September 16th at The County Ground, Derby, having lost the toss York held their opponents to 162 for 9 off their 45 overs, a target reached with 15.1 overs to spare and with 8 wickets in hand. Top performers for York were Tom Pringle who took 4 for 22 and Oliver Hairs with 68 not out off just 45 balls. Well done, York, their first title in this competition for 37 years.
Wednesday 26 September 2012
Monday 24 September 2012
On this day (3)
posted by John Winn
This year's first class season began in March and ended on the 13th of September. The earliest ever start but not the latest ever finish for on this day in 2009 there was a full programme of championship matches which ended on Saturday 26th of September. Durham had already clinched the championship two weeks previously when they had defeated nearest rivals Notts on a gloriously hot day at the Riverside. There was still however much to play for when the last round of games began on Wednesday 23rd, not least Yorkshire's survival in Division 1 for as they entered the game with Hampshire at Headingley they needed five points to ensure they avoided the drop. Hampshire too were not free from worry for they still needed three points.In the event both were saved by Sussex's defeat at Trent Bridge and it was the Hove side who accompanied Worcestershire into Division 2.
The first morning saw barracking of umpires Bodenham and Cowley for their failure to allow play in what they judged to be poor light but when it did get underway Hampshire batted solidly and ended the day on 227 for 4 with Lumb leading the way and good resistance on the second morning saw them to the batting points that guaranteed safety. Rudolph and Sayers began well for Yorkshire and when the former was out shortly before the close they had added 162 and with Sayers making 95 and an unbeaten fifty form Bairstow Yorkshire were dismissed just three short of Hampshire.A last wicket stand with Deon Kruis, playing his final game for the county, just failed to gain a fourth batting point.
The final day of the season saw the wicket get slower and slower and Hampshire had no problem seeing out the day until the captains shook hands, Mc Grath's last action before handing over the captaincy to Gale. The crowd gave Kruis a rapturous ovation but what was not known at the time was that this was to be Hoggard's last game before setting his satnav for Grace Road. He did not end on a high note however, 1 for 146 and a duck being a poor return for one who had given so much for his native county. Just a week earlier he had taken a hat trick at Hove that had pushed Sussex to the brink and yet on October 9th it was announced that Yorkshire would not be offering him a new contract after all and just a week later The Foxes stepped in.
Just three years on only three of those who wore the white rose that day, Gale, McGrath and Lyth played in the last match of this season against Essex.
This year's first class season began in March and ended on the 13th of September. The earliest ever start but not the latest ever finish for on this day in 2009 there was a full programme of championship matches which ended on Saturday 26th of September. Durham had already clinched the championship two weeks previously when they had defeated nearest rivals Notts on a gloriously hot day at the Riverside. There was still however much to play for when the last round of games began on Wednesday 23rd, not least Yorkshire's survival in Division 1 for as they entered the game with Hampshire at Headingley they needed five points to ensure they avoided the drop. Hampshire too were not free from worry for they still needed three points.In the event both were saved by Sussex's defeat at Trent Bridge and it was the Hove side who accompanied Worcestershire into Division 2.
The first morning saw barracking of umpires Bodenham and Cowley for their failure to allow play in what they judged to be poor light but when it did get underway Hampshire batted solidly and ended the day on 227 for 4 with Lumb leading the way and good resistance on the second morning saw them to the batting points that guaranteed safety. Rudolph and Sayers began well for Yorkshire and when the former was out shortly before the close they had added 162 and with Sayers making 95 and an unbeaten fifty form Bairstow Yorkshire were dismissed just three short of Hampshire.A last wicket stand with Deon Kruis, playing his final game for the county, just failed to gain a fourth batting point.
The final day of the season saw the wicket get slower and slower and Hampshire had no problem seeing out the day until the captains shook hands, Mc Grath's last action before handing over the captaincy to Gale. The crowd gave Kruis a rapturous ovation but what was not known at the time was that this was to be Hoggard's last game before setting his satnav for Grace Road. He did not end on a high note however, 1 for 146 and a duck being a poor return for one who had given so much for his native county. Just a week earlier he had taken a hat trick at Hove that had pushed Sussex to the brink and yet on October 9th it was announced that Yorkshire would not be offering him a new contract after all and just a week later The Foxes stepped in.
Just three years on only three of those who wore the white rose that day, Gale, McGrath and Lyth played in the last match of this season against Essex.
Sunday 23 September 2012
What happened to autumn?
posted by John Winn
It might seem strange to say that September is one of my favourite months for after all for most cricket watchers it marks the end of the season and the beginning of six months when ones interest in the game has to be sustained at second hand through the television, through reading and through conversation with fellow lovers of the game but I always feel the ninth month has a special feel to it, especially when the sun shines,as it did for much of last week when I spent a few days in Cornwall.
Having made the four hundred mile journey from Penzance to York on Friday I decided to resist the opportunity to take in some new grounds in the Central Yorkshire League yesterday and instead drove the eighteen or so miles to to Arhington to take in the second game in their annual festival of matches which will stretch into mid October. On arrival I was surprised how soft the outfield was but the game was five overs old, Dennis Nash was bowling and The Mutineers, one of several wandering clubs who comprise the majority of the home club's opposition for these games, were batting and above all the sun was shining. In other words things were just as they should be at Arthington in September and I took my seat in the sunniest corner of the ground where I was joined by nobody. Indeed throughout the three hours I stayed there were no more than two other spectators, both of whom at different times found a perch at the opposite side. My nearest neighbours were some grazing cows and a few sheep but they showed little interest as The Mutineers, aided by some lapses in the field, clocked up 193 in their forty overs.
I took tea and watched the opening overs of Arthington's reply led calmly by that most immaculate of cricketers, Geoff Barker who as usual set out his stall to anchor the innings and at the same time assist the groundsman by regular patting down of the wicket and a little hand weeding. The first eight overs having yielded nine runs it was looking as though the home team did not relish a run chase and so I made my way home. On returning to Arthington today I learned that they had got within seventeen of the target, thanks to some good hitting by the middle order. Today's opponents were another travelling eleven, Romany, and there was Geoff, padded up and ready to do battle again. The one thing that had changed was the weather and while days like Saturday may not be the exception they are certainly not the rule and although the afternoon was dry there was a freshening wind and the prospect of rain by tea time.
Having caught up with Tony Hutton about the various games scheduled in the county over 60 competition* we sought shelter in the lee of the groundsman's garage where we soon joined by a number of other Arthington regulars. Brian has given you some details of the first innings and as we left at the same time I can add no more. Even the prospect of Liz's tea could not persuade me to sit it out any longer as the rain, which had arrived a little after three, became heavier and the wind colder. If yesterday was the last rose of summer, today felt like the first taste of winter with autumn having been passed by.
On my way home by the time I reached the sign welcoming me to the jurisdiction of Harrogate Council I had left the rain behind and as I type (6:30) it has not yet reached the Lower Ure Valley. Let's hope it abated at Arthington and play could resume after tea. A family occasion takes me to The Lake District next weekend and so will not be at Arthington where the fixtures are:
Saturday v Jesters and Sunday v King James 1, both 1:30 starts. The long range forecast certainly suggests more sunshine than today so perhaps autumn's time is still to come.
* Full details at www.60cc.co.uk or put Spitfire National 060 Championship in a search engine. you may be surprised how much cricket is still being played.
It might seem strange to say that September is one of my favourite months for after all for most cricket watchers it marks the end of the season and the beginning of six months when ones interest in the game has to be sustained at second hand through the television, through reading and through conversation with fellow lovers of the game but I always feel the ninth month has a special feel to it, especially when the sun shines,as it did for much of last week when I spent a few days in Cornwall.
Having made the four hundred mile journey from Penzance to York on Friday I decided to resist the opportunity to take in some new grounds in the Central Yorkshire League yesterday and instead drove the eighteen or so miles to to Arhington to take in the second game in their annual festival of matches which will stretch into mid October. On arrival I was surprised how soft the outfield was but the game was five overs old, Dennis Nash was bowling and The Mutineers, one of several wandering clubs who comprise the majority of the home club's opposition for these games, were batting and above all the sun was shining. In other words things were just as they should be at Arthington in September and I took my seat in the sunniest corner of the ground where I was joined by nobody. Indeed throughout the three hours I stayed there were no more than two other spectators, both of whom at different times found a perch at the opposite side. My nearest neighbours were some grazing cows and a few sheep but they showed little interest as The Mutineers, aided by some lapses in the field, clocked up 193 in their forty overs.
I took tea and watched the opening overs of Arthington's reply led calmly by that most immaculate of cricketers, Geoff Barker who as usual set out his stall to anchor the innings and at the same time assist the groundsman by regular patting down of the wicket and a little hand weeding. The first eight overs having yielded nine runs it was looking as though the home team did not relish a run chase and so I made my way home. On returning to Arthington today I learned that they had got within seventeen of the target, thanks to some good hitting by the middle order. Today's opponents were another travelling eleven, Romany, and there was Geoff, padded up and ready to do battle again. The one thing that had changed was the weather and while days like Saturday may not be the exception they are certainly not the rule and although the afternoon was dry there was a freshening wind and the prospect of rain by tea time.
Having caught up with Tony Hutton about the various games scheduled in the county over 60 competition* we sought shelter in the lee of the groundsman's garage where we soon joined by a number of other Arthington regulars. Brian has given you some details of the first innings and as we left at the same time I can add no more. Even the prospect of Liz's tea could not persuade me to sit it out any longer as the rain, which had arrived a little after three, became heavier and the wind colder. If yesterday was the last rose of summer, today felt like the first taste of winter with autumn having been passed by.
On my way home by the time I reached the sign welcoming me to the jurisdiction of Harrogate Council I had left the rain behind and as I type (6:30) it has not yet reached the Lower Ure Valley. Let's hope it abated at Arthington and play could resume after tea. A family occasion takes me to The Lake District next weekend and so will not be at Arthington where the fixtures are:
Saturday v Jesters and Sunday v King James 1, both 1:30 starts. The long range forecast certainly suggests more sunshine than today so perhaps autumn's time is still to come.
* Full details at www.60cc.co.uk or put Spitfire National 060 Championship in a search engine. you may be surprised how much cricket is still being played.
RAIN AGAIN AT ADDINGHAM
By Brian Sanderson,
I always look forward to watch cricket at Addingham which is a friendly local club who had come fourth in their Niidderdale division.The forecast was that rain would arrived during the afternoon with wind picking up.Arriving at the ground there was a cold wind blowing across the ground and the home side would bat first against Romany.Romany are a wandering side based in Leeds and I saw them last at Swinton Park Next to the ground there is a extension to the house been built from last season.There was a notice on the pavilion stating to keep of the adject farm land as it seems some youngsters had been chasing some sheep. recently.
Geoff Barker opened the batting as usual together with a lad who played at Rawden.They put on a century stand with the Rawden lad retiring at fifty as the bowling was very friendly.Tony Hutton, Mick Bourne and John Winn were among the crowd sheltering out of the wind.Geoff reached his fifty and also retired which is the first time I had seen him do this.One of the batsman who came in was Mel Wood who is the brother of Barry ex England and Lancashire opening bat.
One of the bowler was Steve Bindman who bowls lobs .You can see him on You tube under Arthington Cricket Festival which shows Sky Sports News who came to the ground two years ago.Watch it it is worth seeing.
The rain came in a the wind was cold so I went home. The score was over 200 for three wickets in the thirteith over.Hope to go next weekend.
I always look forward to watch cricket at Addingham which is a friendly local club who had come fourth in their Niidderdale division.The forecast was that rain would arrived during the afternoon with wind picking up.Arriving at the ground there was a cold wind blowing across the ground and the home side would bat first against Romany.Romany are a wandering side based in Leeds and I saw them last at Swinton Park Next to the ground there is a extension to the house been built from last season.There was a notice on the pavilion stating to keep of the adject farm land as it seems some youngsters had been chasing some sheep. recently.
Geoff Barker opened the batting as usual together with a lad who played at Rawden.They put on a century stand with the Rawden lad retiring at fifty as the bowling was very friendly.Tony Hutton, Mick Bourne and John Winn were among the crowd sheltering out of the wind.Geoff reached his fifty and also retired which is the first time I had seen him do this.One of the batsman who came in was Mel Wood who is the brother of Barry ex England and Lancashire opening bat.
One of the bowler was Steve Bindman who bowls lobs .You can see him on You tube under Arthington Cricket Festival which shows Sky Sports News who came to the ground two years ago.Watch it it is worth seeing.
The rain came in a the wind was cold so I went home. The score was over 200 for three wickets in the thirteith over.Hope to go next weekend.
Saturday 22 September 2012
FINAL LEAGUE MATCH OF 2012
By Brian Sanderson,
The weather was sunny for my trip to Gypsy Lane in Leeds to watch Hunslet Nelson against Wrenthorpe in the Central Yorkshire Cricket League.Wrenthorpe had already won the League again but Hunslet could go fourth.
Hunslet Nelson a club was established in 1810 as was known as The Albion and changed to Hunslet Nelson in 1869 and played at Low Road in Hunslet.In the last few years the club moved to Gypsy Lane which is about three miles from Elland Road were football was due to play at 3.00 P.M. while the cricket started at 11.30 A.M..Hunslet won the toss and bowled first on a damp wicket and outfield.Their second team match at Gildersome was called off due to the damp ground as no covers had been put on the wicket.
Wrenthorpe did not have their full team out and decided to play the match as end of season match with bowling eleven bowlers.The best bowler was Glover bowled his fifteen overs for twenty-five and took two wickets.The best batsman was Michael Lambert who scored fifty-six not out.The total score in the fifty overs was 234 for 9.
There was a good crowd to watch the match and enjoyed the sunshine.Wrenthorpe reversed the batting line up.At least Hunslet took the match seriously and bowled five bowlers.Lambert opened the bowling and bowled fifteen overs for twenty-six and taking three wickets.Wrenthorpe reached 188 for nine with Glover the opening bat reached thirty-two to be the top scorer.
Wrenthorpe played it for fun so spoiled the day but the sunshined and did not watch any football.To-morrow I am going to Arthington as the match at Spout Houses has been called off due to the lack of players which is a pity as I was looking to go to the special ground again.
The weather was sunny for my trip to Gypsy Lane in Leeds to watch Hunslet Nelson against Wrenthorpe in the Central Yorkshire Cricket League.Wrenthorpe had already won the League again but Hunslet could go fourth.
Hunslet Nelson a club was established in 1810 as was known as The Albion and changed to Hunslet Nelson in 1869 and played at Low Road in Hunslet.In the last few years the club moved to Gypsy Lane which is about three miles from Elland Road were football was due to play at 3.00 P.M. while the cricket started at 11.30 A.M..Hunslet won the toss and bowled first on a damp wicket and outfield.Their second team match at Gildersome was called off due to the damp ground as no covers had been put on the wicket.
Wrenthorpe did not have their full team out and decided to play the match as end of season match with bowling eleven bowlers.The best bowler was Glover bowled his fifteen overs for twenty-five and took two wickets.The best batsman was Michael Lambert who scored fifty-six not out.The total score in the fifty overs was 234 for 9.
There was a good crowd to watch the match and enjoyed the sunshine.Wrenthorpe reversed the batting line up.At least Hunslet took the match seriously and bowled five bowlers.Lambert opened the bowling and bowled fifteen overs for twenty-six and taking three wickets.Wrenthorpe reached 188 for nine with Glover the opening bat reached thirty-two to be the top scorer.
Wrenthorpe played it for fun so spoiled the day but the sunshined and did not watch any football.To-morrow I am going to Arthington as the match at Spout Houses has been called off due to the lack of players which is a pity as I was looking to go to the special ground again.
Monday 17 September 2012
CUP FINAL AT SPEN VICTORIA
By Brian Sanderson,
An early start on Sunday as the Priestley Cup Final started at 11.00 o,clock were East Bierley were playing Manningham Mills.This was a replay as the orginal was washed out with Manningham on top.The weather forecast for Sunday was rain by 3.00 o,clock so the match was made a forty over match in the hope it could be completed on the day.Usually the Cup Final days are full of people more interestd in drinking beer however this match did not have this problem.
Manningham won the toss and bowled first on a green wicket.The ball moved around in the opening overs as Zeeshan Quasim and Iqbal Khan utilised the conditions. With openers Gavin Hamilton and Mark Gill going cheaply, Luke Goddard and Andrew Rennison put to-gether a stand of eighty-nine with both been out for fifty-one.Eat Bierley reached 182 all out in the final over. There was a good crowd as the admission was free.There was a strong wind blowing down the pitch so we sat out of the wind.
Manningham lost a wicket in the first over to a good catch by Goddard.The wind made it hard to control the ball and there was a number of wides bowled.Manningham were worried about the rain and tried to force the pace but lost wickets.It was good to talk to spectators I had not seen for a few weeks with the conversation going to the coming winter.The man of the match Norman Ali hit three big sixes but was in vain with Manningham scoring 152.
As we were driving away the rain started so the decision was correct to reduce the match to forty overs.
The President of the M.C.C Philip Hodson give the trophies away in his new Bradford League tie. The Central Yorshire League is the only League playing on Saturday so a chance to see some more new grounds before going to Arthington to watch the final matches of 2012 season.
An early start on Sunday as the Priestley Cup Final started at 11.00 o,clock were East Bierley were playing Manningham Mills.This was a replay as the orginal was washed out with Manningham on top.The weather forecast for Sunday was rain by 3.00 o,clock so the match was made a forty over match in the hope it could be completed on the day.Usually the Cup Final days are full of people more interestd in drinking beer however this match did not have this problem.
Manningham won the toss and bowled first on a green wicket.The ball moved around in the opening overs as Zeeshan Quasim and Iqbal Khan utilised the conditions. With openers Gavin Hamilton and Mark Gill going cheaply, Luke Goddard and Andrew Rennison put to-gether a stand of eighty-nine with both been out for fifty-one.Eat Bierley reached 182 all out in the final over. There was a good crowd as the admission was free.There was a strong wind blowing down the pitch so we sat out of the wind.
Manningham lost a wicket in the first over to a good catch by Goddard.The wind made it hard to control the ball and there was a number of wides bowled.Manningham were worried about the rain and tried to force the pace but lost wickets.It was good to talk to spectators I had not seen for a few weeks with the conversation going to the coming winter.The man of the match Norman Ali hit three big sixes but was in vain with Manningham scoring 152.
As we were driving away the rain started so the decision was correct to reduce the match to forty overs.
The President of the M.C.C Philip Hodson give the trophies away in his new Bradford League tie. The Central Yorshire League is the only League playing on Saturday so a chance to see some more new grounds before going to Arthington to watch the final matches of 2012 season.
BRADFORD LEAGUE SATURDAY
By Brian Sanderson,
It was a late start on Saturday as Andrew was coming up from London to see the final weekend of the Bradford League.The matches started at 12.00 o,clock but we arrived about 1.30 at Pudsey Congs .I thought this would be a good match as Cleckheaton had to win the match to have a chance of winning the League and Champions Woodlands had to lose their match.
The weather was sunny as Cleckheaton were batting and were two wickets down for eighty-three.We sat under a tree to watch the match and wished all the summer days were like this instead of rain.As usual Brian Senior also arrived late and wander road the ground.Cleckheaton looked like they would reach 250 in their fifty overs however the spinners Roberts and Walmsley slowed the scoring down.Walmsley bowled his fifteen overs for forty-seven and took three wickets with the help of two good catches on the boundary edge by Lindley.Clecheaton reached two hundred and ten which was a reasonable score.There was messages coming through from the Woodland match saying they had only scored just over one hunred and fifty.So Cleckheaton were in with a chance.
After tea two Yorkshire County bowlers opened the bowling Wardlaw and Lee..Soon Lee took a wicket but Wardlaw was expensive.Lindley,the opening bat and Andrew Bairstow but on a stand of ninty-three to put Pudsey in the driving seat.Lindley got out l.bw.to the spinner Mahmood who looked the best bowler.
The message came through that Woodland needed to take four wickets quickly as Bradford and Bingley needed five runs.The champions did this and took four wickets for no runs to win the league.The body language of Cleckheaton changed and Pudsey went on to win the match.
It was a full day on Saturday as I went to watch Leeds Rugby at night win against Wakefield. Arriving home about ten o,clock at night.
It was a late start on Saturday as Andrew was coming up from London to see the final weekend of the Bradford League.The matches started at 12.00 o,clock but we arrived about 1.30 at Pudsey Congs .I thought this would be a good match as Cleckheaton had to win the match to have a chance of winning the League and Champions Woodlands had to lose their match.
The weather was sunny as Cleckheaton were batting and were two wickets down for eighty-three.We sat under a tree to watch the match and wished all the summer days were like this instead of rain.As usual Brian Senior also arrived late and wander road the ground.Cleckheaton looked like they would reach 250 in their fifty overs however the spinners Roberts and Walmsley slowed the scoring down.Walmsley bowled his fifteen overs for forty-seven and took three wickets with the help of two good catches on the boundary edge by Lindley.Clecheaton reached two hundred and ten which was a reasonable score.There was messages coming through from the Woodland match saying they had only scored just over one hunred and fifty.So Cleckheaton were in with a chance.
After tea two Yorkshire County bowlers opened the bowling Wardlaw and Lee..Soon Lee took a wicket but Wardlaw was expensive.Lindley,the opening bat and Andrew Bairstow but on a stand of ninty-three to put Pudsey in the driving seat.Lindley got out l.bw.to the spinner Mahmood who looked the best bowler.
The message came through that Woodland needed to take four wickets quickly as Bradford and Bingley needed five runs.The champions did this and took four wickets for no runs to win the league.The body language of Cleckheaton changed and Pudsey went on to win the match.
It was a full day on Saturday as I went to watch Leeds Rugby at night win against Wakefield. Arriving home about ten o,clock at night.
Friday 14 September 2012
Drawing to a close but not quite.
posted by John Winn
Having watched on Sky the last knockings of the first class cricket season come to a close just a few moments ago it seems an appropriate time to make a posting. Not quite the end of the season but always a key signpost in the year of the keen cricket follower. Congratulations to Derbyshire, if it could not be Yorkshire as champions of the second division, then I am very pleased for the east midlands club, especially as my wife is from The Peak District and very proud of her Derbyshire roots. What a remarkable turn round in their fortunes since Karl Krikken replaced John Morris midway through last season. I hope they have laid in new supplies of silver polish for I imagine the tin they bought to shine up the B ad H cup in 1993 has long passed its use by date.
Having been at The County Ground yesterday I toyed with the idea of going back today, especially as my ticket, which only cost me £5:00 would still have been valid. The strong winds we had overnight and the fact that I am off down to Cornwall on Monday for a few days ( no cricket as far as I can tell) put any lingering ideas to bed but I enjoyed seeing the day's play on TV. Yesterday's visit was my first since 2009 and therefore since the square was turned through 90 degrees and how much better the ground looks today than it did when I first went regularly twenty years ago. And through all the improvements Derbyshire continue to give good value for money in the cafe at the city end and they did good business there yesterday.
Travelling by train yesterday I saved a decent sum of money by booking form York to Sheffield and then Sheffield to Derby. Although this meant not leaving York until 8:44 I was still in the ground by 10:50 and soon found Brian Sanderson. As the day went on we were joined by a number of other pcws and with the pa system keeping us up to date with events at Cardiff and Chelmsford it was easy to follow the race for the title. Shortly after tea it became clear Kent had blown their chances and by close of play Yorkshire had put themselves in a winning position and it must have been very frustrating for them to be overhauled this afternoon. Good though that they have finished the season so strongly with three wins, but how many different ways are there of thinking where they might have got the extra bonus point that would have given them the title. Probably even more than the number of debenture holders in The Carnegie Pavilion.
Earlier in the week I spent two days at The Riverside where yesterday Durham overcame Sussex to record their fith win out of the last six matches and finish a comfortable sixth in the table. Good to see Rushworth finish so well improving his pb figures for the third time this season. My friends from Sussex could only stay for the first day and even then they left at tea. I think the difference in temperature from Hove last week to Chester le Street on Tuesday came as a traumatic shock.
There is still league cricket to be played and the Arthington festival, which will provide material for postings and as last year I hope to make occasional contributions over the winter to which end I have been stockpiling my winter reading and may offer the odd book review from time to time.Please keep logging on!
Tidying up national competitions Cornwall were comfortable winners over Buckinghamshire in the MCCA Championship play off final and Lancashire II won the SET final at Crosby which was held over from Tuesday to Thursday. On Sunday it is the final of The Kingfisher Cup at Derby between Wanstead and York.
Having watched on Sky the last knockings of the first class cricket season come to a close just a few moments ago it seems an appropriate time to make a posting. Not quite the end of the season but always a key signpost in the year of the keen cricket follower. Congratulations to Derbyshire, if it could not be Yorkshire as champions of the second division, then I am very pleased for the east midlands club, especially as my wife is from The Peak District and very proud of her Derbyshire roots. What a remarkable turn round in their fortunes since Karl Krikken replaced John Morris midway through last season. I hope they have laid in new supplies of silver polish for I imagine the tin they bought to shine up the B ad H cup in 1993 has long passed its use by date.
Having been at The County Ground yesterday I toyed with the idea of going back today, especially as my ticket, which only cost me £5:00 would still have been valid. The strong winds we had overnight and the fact that I am off down to Cornwall on Monday for a few days ( no cricket as far as I can tell) put any lingering ideas to bed but I enjoyed seeing the day's play on TV. Yesterday's visit was my first since 2009 and therefore since the square was turned through 90 degrees and how much better the ground looks today than it did when I first went regularly twenty years ago. And through all the improvements Derbyshire continue to give good value for money in the cafe at the city end and they did good business there yesterday.
Travelling by train yesterday I saved a decent sum of money by booking form York to Sheffield and then Sheffield to Derby. Although this meant not leaving York until 8:44 I was still in the ground by 10:50 and soon found Brian Sanderson. As the day went on we were joined by a number of other pcws and with the pa system keeping us up to date with events at Cardiff and Chelmsford it was easy to follow the race for the title. Shortly after tea it became clear Kent had blown their chances and by close of play Yorkshire had put themselves in a winning position and it must have been very frustrating for them to be overhauled this afternoon. Good though that they have finished the season so strongly with three wins, but how many different ways are there of thinking where they might have got the extra bonus point that would have given them the title. Probably even more than the number of debenture holders in The Carnegie Pavilion.
Earlier in the week I spent two days at The Riverside where yesterday Durham overcame Sussex to record their fith win out of the last six matches and finish a comfortable sixth in the table. Good to see Rushworth finish so well improving his pb figures for the third time this season. My friends from Sussex could only stay for the first day and even then they left at tea. I think the difference in temperature from Hove last week to Chester le Street on Tuesday came as a traumatic shock.
There is still league cricket to be played and the Arthington festival, which will provide material for postings and as last year I hope to make occasional contributions over the winter to which end I have been stockpiling my winter reading and may offer the odd book review from time to time.Please keep logging on!
Tidying up national competitions Cornwall were comfortable winners over Buckinghamshire in the MCCA Championship play off final and Lancashire II won the SET final at Crosby which was held over from Tuesday to Thursday. On Sunday it is the final of The Kingfisher Cup at Derby between Wanstead and York.
Monday 10 September 2012
Blaydon not quite at the races.
posted by John Winn
As I reported in a posting 'Life with The Lyons' in August, league cricket in the North East of England is facing a dramatic shake up at the end of this season. The creation of a second division in the NEPL will lead to the closure of three County Durham leagues with hundreds of years of history between them. First to close was The Durham County League which played its last games on September 1st. In its current form this league is a relative newcomer having been formed in 1948.This season's champions and the last ever, were Esh Winning, their fourth top place in eleven years.
This weekend saw the demise of the Durham Coast League where Murton edged out Dawdon for the title. This competition can claim 77 years of history and tradition but older still is the Durham Senior League which was formed in 1891. The last pages in its long story will be turned this Saturday and with Burnmoor needing only one point to finish top they should be crowned as the final champions..
Fifteen clubs from these leagues showed interest in joining the new premier second division and ten have successfully met the criteria and so will form the second division in 2013. The remaining clubs will make up a new Durham league of 26 clubs which will divided into two divisions in 2014.
Meanwhile exciting finishes are the order of the day in the two existing North East Premier leagues and on Saturday Blaydon, who had led the league by several lengths until recently were overtaken in the last few strides by South Northumberland for their eighth title in ten years. Blaydon's failure to gain an expected victory over Tynemouth cost them what would have been their first title.
In the other Premier league, the NYSD, there is still one round of matches to be played. Richmond will start on Saturday with just a one point advantage over Darlington following contrating fortunes in the last few overs of the weekend's games. Richmond beat Guisborough by 4 wickets with eight balls to spare while Darlington, who had started the day narrowly in front, could not dislodge the last Barnard Castle pair, despite having nine overs to bowl at them. Both teams are at home, but Richmond appear to have the easier task taking on bottom club Billingham while The Quakers entertain Great Ayton, currently third.
Elsewhere, Reed from Hertfordshire beat Woodhouse Grange in the village cup final at Lords and the latest score I have from the MCCA Championship final at Truro is, after a rain affected first day, Cornwall 257 all out, Buckinghamshire 128 for 6.
Tomorrow will see me at Chester le Street and I am looking forward to meeting with two old friends from Sussex who are travelling north today. Having looked at the week's forecast Thursday looks the best day for a trip to Derby for what will be my eighth 'listed match' of 2012.
As I reported in a posting 'Life with The Lyons' in August, league cricket in the North East of England is facing a dramatic shake up at the end of this season. The creation of a second division in the NEPL will lead to the closure of three County Durham leagues with hundreds of years of history between them. First to close was The Durham County League which played its last games on September 1st. In its current form this league is a relative newcomer having been formed in 1948.This season's champions and the last ever, were Esh Winning, their fourth top place in eleven years.
This weekend saw the demise of the Durham Coast League where Murton edged out Dawdon for the title. This competition can claim 77 years of history and tradition but older still is the Durham Senior League which was formed in 1891. The last pages in its long story will be turned this Saturday and with Burnmoor needing only one point to finish top they should be crowned as the final champions..
Fifteen clubs from these leagues showed interest in joining the new premier second division and ten have successfully met the criteria and so will form the second division in 2013. The remaining clubs will make up a new Durham league of 26 clubs which will divided into two divisions in 2014.
Meanwhile exciting finishes are the order of the day in the two existing North East Premier leagues and on Saturday Blaydon, who had led the league by several lengths until recently were overtaken in the last few strides by South Northumberland for their eighth title in ten years. Blaydon's failure to gain an expected victory over Tynemouth cost them what would have been their first title.
In the other Premier league, the NYSD, there is still one round of matches to be played. Richmond will start on Saturday with just a one point advantage over Darlington following contrating fortunes in the last few overs of the weekend's games. Richmond beat Guisborough by 4 wickets with eight balls to spare while Darlington, who had started the day narrowly in front, could not dislodge the last Barnard Castle pair, despite having nine overs to bowl at them. Both teams are at home, but Richmond appear to have the easier task taking on bottom club Billingham while The Quakers entertain Great Ayton, currently third.
Elsewhere, Reed from Hertfordshire beat Woodhouse Grange in the village cup final at Lords and the latest score I have from the MCCA Championship final at Truro is, after a rain affected first day, Cornwall 257 all out, Buckinghamshire 128 for 6.
Tomorrow will see me at Chester le Street and I am looking forward to meeting with two old friends from Sussex who are travelling north today. Having looked at the week's forecast Thursday looks the best day for a trip to Derby for what will be my eighth 'listed match' of 2012.
Sunday 9 September 2012
SUNDAY CUP FINAL
By Brian Sanderson,
Another early start to go to Duncombe Park were even Brian Cobb has not visited.Hope you read the Blog Brian and go to watch a match there you will enjoy it..The ground is situated in Helmsley and the Final was the Feversham Evening League between Gillamoor and Slingsby.As you enter Helmsley centre there is a statue of Earl Helmley also Earl Feversham.In the church yard there is a memorial to the people killed in the First War World which is head by Earl Feversham killed in 1916.So the family is connected with the town and opened the village hall and baths which are in the cricket field.
The field slopes nearly eleven feet and the groundsman told us a tell that a car without a handbrake on rolled down the field to smash into a tree so writing the car off but nobody was injured.There is a second pitch on the left were the juniors play and acts as a football pitch.There is a double sided wooden stand were we watched the cricket from which was just behind the bowlers arm.We talked to the Slingsby captain before the match and was very confident about winnig the match as the majority of the side played for Sheriff Hutton in the league on Saturday.However Gillamoor had Nick Thornicroft playing ex England under 19 and Yorkshire fast bowler so Gillamoor were hopeful of winning.
Gillamoor won the toss and decided to bat on a beautiful sunny morning at just after elevenSlingby opened the bowling with a lob bowler which must have happen one hundred years ago.Thornicroft struck a hugh six into the next field but was soon out bowled.The match was over twenty- four overs and they struggled to 122.
Slingsby batted next and were expected to reach the total easily so Thornicroft had to take wickets.However this did not happen with the wicket-keeper struggled with the pace so giving another of byes away.He bowled four overs and had to reserve two overs till the end of the innings.
With twenty overs gone Slingsby were only two wickets down requiring about 30 runs.Thornicroft did take a wicket with the keeper holding on to a catch when he returned.In the last over eight runs were required with wickets in hand. The first ball went towards the boundary for a disputed three as Slingsby claiming four runs.They required two runs to win on the last ball but only managed one run so the match was a tie.The rules of the competition said the trophy was shared between the two teams.
Ron Deaton gave out the trophies and give a impassioned speech for local cricket to continue in the area.Next Sunday Gillamoor are in the Countess of Feversham Cup Final against Kirby moor side at their home ground.Gillamoor have never won the cup in living history so come on Gillamoor.
Another early start to go to Duncombe Park were even Brian Cobb has not visited.Hope you read the Blog Brian and go to watch a match there you will enjoy it..The ground is situated in Helmsley and the Final was the Feversham Evening League between Gillamoor and Slingsby.As you enter Helmsley centre there is a statue of Earl Helmley also Earl Feversham.In the church yard there is a memorial to the people killed in the First War World which is head by Earl Feversham killed in 1916.So the family is connected with the town and opened the village hall and baths which are in the cricket field.
The field slopes nearly eleven feet and the groundsman told us a tell that a car without a handbrake on rolled down the field to smash into a tree so writing the car off but nobody was injured.There is a second pitch on the left were the juniors play and acts as a football pitch.There is a double sided wooden stand were we watched the cricket from which was just behind the bowlers arm.We talked to the Slingsby captain before the match and was very confident about winnig the match as the majority of the side played for Sheriff Hutton in the league on Saturday.However Gillamoor had Nick Thornicroft playing ex England under 19 and Yorkshire fast bowler so Gillamoor were hopeful of winning.
Gillamoor won the toss and decided to bat on a beautiful sunny morning at just after elevenSlingby opened the bowling with a lob bowler which must have happen one hundred years ago.Thornicroft struck a hugh six into the next field but was soon out bowled.The match was over twenty- four overs and they struggled to 122.
Slingsby batted next and were expected to reach the total easily so Thornicroft had to take wickets.However this did not happen with the wicket-keeper struggled with the pace so giving another of byes away.He bowled four overs and had to reserve two overs till the end of the innings.
With twenty overs gone Slingsby were only two wickets down requiring about 30 runs.Thornicroft did take a wicket with the keeper holding on to a catch when he returned.In the last over eight runs were required with wickets in hand. The first ball went towards the boundary for a disputed three as Slingsby claiming four runs.They required two runs to win on the last ball but only managed one run so the match was a tie.The rules of the competition said the trophy was shared between the two teams.
Ron Deaton gave out the trophies and give a impassioned speech for local cricket to continue in the area.Next Sunday Gillamoor are in the Countess of Feversham Cup Final against Kirby moor side at their home ground.Gillamoor have never won the cup in living history so come on Gillamoor.
Not a heifer to be seen
posted by John Winn
The week's sunshine convinced me that my plan to visit grounds in The Craven and District League could finally be put into operation and yesterday saw me taking luncheon in The Masons'* Arms at Gargrave, near Skipton and then dropping in at the Skipton Road ground of Gargrave CC. The C&DL can trace its history back to 1888 although it did not settle on its current name until 1935. The excellent handbook details all the various comings and goings since 1976 when it was extended to 23 clubs and four divisions.
On its website the league is described as 'loosely based round Skipton', the 'loosely' is a bit harsh for Skipton is very much at its heart even if one could base an afternoon visiting grounds without straying far from Keighley. The Gargrave ground may well be familiar to readers who have not watched cricket there for its pavilion featured in 'The Book of Pavilions' by Jonathan Rice, published more than twenty years ago. Yesterday's match was between Gargrave I and Bingley side, Elswick and Gilstead I, with the home team batting and after the loss of an early wicket they began to score freely before I left. The ground is shared with football and a match was in progress at the rear of the pavilion. Judging from the photograph in Rice's book some trees may have been cleared to create the football pitch.
The club was founded in 1852 and the earliest picture in the pavilion is from 1893. Walking round the ground I noticed a bench in memory of Fred Trueman, not surprising perhaps given that he spent his last years in a village just a couple of miles up the road. What did strike me about the ground was the profusion of seating, possibly for as many as 400. Most benches were unoccupied yesterday.
From Gargrave I drove 8 miles or so to Thornton in Craven where I discovered the Booth Bridge Lane ground and realised that what I consider 'cricket heaven' has more than one outlet. This was perfect, there were lovely views of the local hillsides and while in the neighbouring field a combine cornered the last of the season's corn, Thornton's batsmen made hay while the sun shone like it was making up for lost time. Climbing a stile to enter the small field where the boundary ran right up to the surrounding walls, I made for the neat modern pavilion and was served tea at 30 pence a cup. Heaven indeed. It almost made me feel that I should tear up my schedule of visits to other grounds and just enjoy this moment. Had I done so I would have seen Thornton beat opponents Airedale CC by nine runs.
After witnessing the end of a partnership of 101 for the third wicket I did move on however, to another small town/large village and like Thornton still in N Yorks, but only a couple of miles from Lancashire, namely Cowling where the local club has its ground on Keighley Road, but which could equally well be called Colne Road. This ground was in sharp contrast to Thornton for although it too had splendid views the rest was rather disappointing. The first thing you see is an unattractive back of the pavilion and like Gargrave it shares its enclosure with football and I think these two rarely sit well together. The visitors were Wilsden who joined from the Bradford Central League in 2004 and although they have a BD 15 postcode are based only 15 miles from Skipton. The game had reached the stage where the Wilsden tenth wicket pair were putting together a stand which irritated the fielding side and highly amused bystanders.. Their total of 125 was overhauled by Cowling for the loss of only 3 wickets.
Back towards Skipton a few minutes drive brought me to Cononley, where for latecomers like me the ground is approached by parking at the top of one side of the valley and then walking down a path to where the playing area shares the valley bottom with Cononley Sports FC. At the far side of the ground runs the rail line from Skipton to Leeds and Bradford with up to four trains an hour passing by. Backing onto the line was shelter akin to a football dug out and titled 'old ans eat', which I worked out would provide me with an appropriate seat from which to watch play which had just resumed after tea.Visitors Sutton in Thornton were defending 116 but Cononley reached the target for the loss of only three wickets.
My final stop of the day was at the village of Embsay, just out of Skipton towards Harrogate. Embsay is home to the Embsay and Bolton Abbey steam railway and from this gem of a ground I could see a locomotive in action. The game in progress was a Div 1 game between Embsay and Oakworth, last year's champions. Embsay CC was founded in 1901 and has a neat pavilion dating from 1975 from which there are views across the A59 to the hills beyond. Embsay had begun their reply to Oakworth's 158 and their opening pair had made a solid start which set up a victory by six wickets, no doubt enjoyed by what was the largest crowd I saw on yesterday's travels.
As I left at half past five the sun still shone warmly but the length of the shadows it cast reminded me that it is now September and next Saturday for many leagues will be the last action of the 2012 summer. County cricket enters the last week of its season on Tuesday and except for games in a few leagues in this area on Saturday the 23rd there will only be Arthington to sustain us.
* the pub's literature omitted the apostrophe altogether so my placement is based on the notion that there was probably more than one mason.
The week's sunshine convinced me that my plan to visit grounds in The Craven and District League could finally be put into operation and yesterday saw me taking luncheon in The Masons'* Arms at Gargrave, near Skipton and then dropping in at the Skipton Road ground of Gargrave CC. The C&DL can trace its history back to 1888 although it did not settle on its current name until 1935. The excellent handbook details all the various comings and goings since 1976 when it was extended to 23 clubs and four divisions.
On its website the league is described as 'loosely based round Skipton', the 'loosely' is a bit harsh for Skipton is very much at its heart even if one could base an afternoon visiting grounds without straying far from Keighley. The Gargrave ground may well be familiar to readers who have not watched cricket there for its pavilion featured in 'The Book of Pavilions' by Jonathan Rice, published more than twenty years ago. Yesterday's match was between Gargrave I and Bingley side, Elswick and Gilstead I, with the home team batting and after the loss of an early wicket they began to score freely before I left. The ground is shared with football and a match was in progress at the rear of the pavilion. Judging from the photograph in Rice's book some trees may have been cleared to create the football pitch.
The club was founded in 1852 and the earliest picture in the pavilion is from 1893. Walking round the ground I noticed a bench in memory of Fred Trueman, not surprising perhaps given that he spent his last years in a village just a couple of miles up the road. What did strike me about the ground was the profusion of seating, possibly for as many as 400. Most benches were unoccupied yesterday.
From Gargrave I drove 8 miles or so to Thornton in Craven where I discovered the Booth Bridge Lane ground and realised that what I consider 'cricket heaven' has more than one outlet. This was perfect, there were lovely views of the local hillsides and while in the neighbouring field a combine cornered the last of the season's corn, Thornton's batsmen made hay while the sun shone like it was making up for lost time. Climbing a stile to enter the small field where the boundary ran right up to the surrounding walls, I made for the neat modern pavilion and was served tea at 30 pence a cup. Heaven indeed. It almost made me feel that I should tear up my schedule of visits to other grounds and just enjoy this moment. Had I done so I would have seen Thornton beat opponents Airedale CC by nine runs.
After witnessing the end of a partnership of 101 for the third wicket I did move on however, to another small town/large village and like Thornton still in N Yorks, but only a couple of miles from Lancashire, namely Cowling where the local club has its ground on Keighley Road, but which could equally well be called Colne Road. This ground was in sharp contrast to Thornton for although it too had splendid views the rest was rather disappointing. The first thing you see is an unattractive back of the pavilion and like Gargrave it shares its enclosure with football and I think these two rarely sit well together. The visitors were Wilsden who joined from the Bradford Central League in 2004 and although they have a BD 15 postcode are based only 15 miles from Skipton. The game had reached the stage where the Wilsden tenth wicket pair were putting together a stand which irritated the fielding side and highly amused bystanders.. Their total of 125 was overhauled by Cowling for the loss of only 3 wickets.
Back towards Skipton a few minutes drive brought me to Cononley, where for latecomers like me the ground is approached by parking at the top of one side of the valley and then walking down a path to where the playing area shares the valley bottom with Cononley Sports FC. At the far side of the ground runs the rail line from Skipton to Leeds and Bradford with up to four trains an hour passing by. Backing onto the line was shelter akin to a football dug out and titled 'old ans eat', which I worked out would provide me with an appropriate seat from which to watch play which had just resumed after tea.Visitors Sutton in Thornton were defending 116 but Cononley reached the target for the loss of only three wickets.
My final stop of the day was at the village of Embsay, just out of Skipton towards Harrogate. Embsay is home to the Embsay and Bolton Abbey steam railway and from this gem of a ground I could see a locomotive in action. The game in progress was a Div 1 game between Embsay and Oakworth, last year's champions. Embsay CC was founded in 1901 and has a neat pavilion dating from 1975 from which there are views across the A59 to the hills beyond. Embsay had begun their reply to Oakworth's 158 and their opening pair had made a solid start which set up a victory by six wickets, no doubt enjoyed by what was the largest crowd I saw on yesterday's travels.
As I left at half past five the sun still shone warmly but the length of the shadows it cast reminded me that it is now September and next Saturday for many leagues will be the last action of the 2012 summer. County cricket enters the last week of its season on Tuesday and except for games in a few leagues in this area on Saturday the 23rd there will only be Arthington to sustain us.
* the pub's literature omitted the apostrophe altogether so my placement is based on the notion that there was probably more than one mason.
Saturday 8 September 2012
COUNTRY ROADS
By Brian Sanderson,
On a beautiful summers morning we set out early to go to Woodhouse Grange ground.When Ron Deaton had looked on the web-site he thought the Woodhouse and Dunnington match would start at 12.00 however this was not the case.I had passed this ground on numerous occasions but not seen cricket on the ground.When we arrived via Wheldrake ground , which had a village fete being set up so no cricket,The match was in progress.It had started at 11.00 a.m. as the home side were playing at Lords to-morrow against Reed.Tony Hutton has gone down to London to see the match and also see a match in a military ground in the middle of London.We understand that Dunnington would not rearrange the match to a Sunday as Woodhouse wanted to go down to London on Saturday.
There is a new pavilion with the field enclosed by hedges and is very flat but no view.Dunnington were batting with Collis King,the ex-West Indian test player, scored 40 but who was bowled with a yorker from a young local boy. This must have been a great thrill for him.All the very best for to-morrow at Lords.
Next ground was Pocklington were their seconds were playing Woodhouse Seconds which also started at 11.00. Two new changing rooms have been built and the orginal pavilion was opened by Sir William Worsley ex Yorkshire captain and President.There is a second ground next to the main were match was due to start at 1.30.Again another flat ground which is typical of East Yorkshire grounds.
When were leaving tea was being taken.
Yapham were playing Thorpe Arch @Boston Spa on the most picturesque ground of the tour.These two teams play in the York Vale League and the President of the league was also visiting Shane Hargrave the ground for the first time.Ron Deaton used to work with him over twenty years ago.
The club was established 102 years ago and the pavilion is a old air-force mission hut.There is a excellent views of the Wolds and the only noise was the farmers working in the fields. Please visit if you can.
Next ground was a famous nameMelbourne who were playing North Duffield.The pavilion was another multi- sport building.One batsman hit a six into the farmers field which had recently been cut so the fielder could easily find it.There was a notice in the hall saying that if the ball landed in the garden over the main road do not go into the garden as the owner had threaten legal action.If you purchase a house next to a cricket ground you must expect cricket balls landing in your garden so why complain buy a house elsewhere.
Driving back to York we next went to Bishopthorpe who were playing Acomb Seconds.Another large field with a football pitch adjacent to the cricket pitch.Another multi-sports hall as a tea-room where we had a cup of tea.One of the home team scored a century out of a total of 175. Well done.
Next ground we visited was York Railway Institute were York fifths should have been playing but there was no sign of a match.York were not entering this side next year as they feel they have not enough players.Another team vanished.
Moving on to Rufford in the Wetherby League were the seconds were playing Scarcroft seconds.The pitch is next to a small airport and another multi-sports pavilion.The home side won the match with twenty over spare chasing 96.
Last ground was Long Maston were the seconds were playing Kirk Hammerton seconds.Ron had visited this ground when it was full for a Old England match.To-day was just the three of us watching the home side struggle against nine men of Kirk Hammerton.You can understand why their is no spectators as the standard was poor.
This is the end of our summer trips with Ron which has covered numerous new grounds and meet many characters. Pity about the weather we could have visited many more but hopefully their is next season.
On a beautiful summers morning we set out early to go to Woodhouse Grange ground.When Ron Deaton had looked on the web-site he thought the Woodhouse and Dunnington match would start at 12.00 however this was not the case.I had passed this ground on numerous occasions but not seen cricket on the ground.When we arrived via Wheldrake ground , which had a village fete being set up so no cricket,The match was in progress.It had started at 11.00 a.m. as the home side were playing at Lords to-morrow against Reed.Tony Hutton has gone down to London to see the match and also see a match in a military ground in the middle of London.We understand that Dunnington would not rearrange the match to a Sunday as Woodhouse wanted to go down to London on Saturday.
There is a new pavilion with the field enclosed by hedges and is very flat but no view.Dunnington were batting with Collis King,the ex-West Indian test player, scored 40 but who was bowled with a yorker from a young local boy. This must have been a great thrill for him.All the very best for to-morrow at Lords.
Next ground was Pocklington were their seconds were playing Woodhouse Seconds which also started at 11.00. Two new changing rooms have been built and the orginal pavilion was opened by Sir William Worsley ex Yorkshire captain and President.There is a second ground next to the main were match was due to start at 1.30.Again another flat ground which is typical of East Yorkshire grounds.
When were leaving tea was being taken.
Yapham were playing Thorpe Arch @Boston Spa on the most picturesque ground of the tour.These two teams play in the York Vale League and the President of the league was also visiting Shane Hargrave the ground for the first time.Ron Deaton used to work with him over twenty years ago.
The club was established 102 years ago and the pavilion is a old air-force mission hut.There is a excellent views of the Wolds and the only noise was the farmers working in the fields. Please visit if you can.
Next ground was a famous nameMelbourne who were playing North Duffield.The pavilion was another multi- sport building.One batsman hit a six into the farmers field which had recently been cut so the fielder could easily find it.There was a notice in the hall saying that if the ball landed in the garden over the main road do not go into the garden as the owner had threaten legal action.If you purchase a house next to a cricket ground you must expect cricket balls landing in your garden so why complain buy a house elsewhere.
Driving back to York we next went to Bishopthorpe who were playing Acomb Seconds.Another large field with a football pitch adjacent to the cricket pitch.Another multi-sports hall as a tea-room where we had a cup of tea.One of the home team scored a century out of a total of 175. Well done.
Next ground we visited was York Railway Institute were York fifths should have been playing but there was no sign of a match.York were not entering this side next year as they feel they have not enough players.Another team vanished.
Moving on to Rufford in the Wetherby League were the seconds were playing Scarcroft seconds.The pitch is next to a small airport and another multi-sports pavilion.The home side won the match with twenty over spare chasing 96.
Last ground was Long Maston were the seconds were playing Kirk Hammerton seconds.Ron had visited this ground when it was full for a Old England match.To-day was just the three of us watching the home side struggle against nine men of Kirk Hammerton.You can understand why their is no spectators as the standard was poor.
This is the end of our summer trips with Ron which has covered numerous new grounds and meet many characters. Pity about the weather we could have visited many more but hopefully their is next season.
Friday 7 September 2012
Three into two won't go.
posted by John Winn
'Sky Sports 1 Tuesday 10;30 LIVE County Championship Cricket
The first of four days of play in a significant fixture as titles, promotion, and relegation are decided.'
The above extract from next week's Radio Times gives Sky the get out to cover the only remaining issue in this season's competition, namely which two out of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, and Kent will be promoted from Division Two for, as predicted in a posting earlier in the week all other issues are now settled . Warwickshire, of course clinched the title shortly after lunch yesterday and at the same time confirmed Worcestershire's relegation. About half past five this afternoon Lancashire's defeat at Lord's means they too will play second division cricket next season, just twelve months after the pennant was placed in their custody.
Yorkshire's comfortable victory yesterday left them as onlookers today and had Derbyshire been able to bat out the day at Canterbury then a 'good draw' at Chelmsford next week would probably have been sufficient to see them promoted. The loss of two Derbyshire wickets last night meant that their survival today was unlikely and although several batsmen offered deteremined resistance the dismissal of Turner just before five meant that the east midlanders will go into Tuesday's game with Hampshire with Yorkshire and Kent, their closest rivals, just one and six points behind respectively. After looking the most likely candidate for promotion at the beginning of the week the pessimism that never seems far below the surface at The County Ground may well resurface.
Despite the possibility of the game at Chelmsford being televised I suspect the outcome of the Kent Derbyshire match has increased the number of Yorkshire followers planning a trip to Essex next week. With two wins behind them Yorkshire can approach the game with a settled, confident side but it would be folly to think that Essex will be a pushover just because they have no prize to play for, just look what they did to Hampshire. What ever the position this time next week let's hope that the team that loses out can not blame the weather.
Finally just to tidy up, in the second eleven championship Kent pipped Leicester by one wicket at Grace Road chasing down 225 after being 119 for 7 at one time. Full details on the Leicester website.
'Sky Sports 1 Tuesday 10;30 LIVE County Championship Cricket
The first of four days of play in a significant fixture as titles, promotion, and relegation are decided.'
The above extract from next week's Radio Times gives Sky the get out to cover the only remaining issue in this season's competition, namely which two out of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, and Kent will be promoted from Division Two for, as predicted in a posting earlier in the week all other issues are now settled . Warwickshire, of course clinched the title shortly after lunch yesterday and at the same time confirmed Worcestershire's relegation. About half past five this afternoon Lancashire's defeat at Lord's means they too will play second division cricket next season, just twelve months after the pennant was placed in their custody.
Yorkshire's comfortable victory yesterday left them as onlookers today and had Derbyshire been able to bat out the day at Canterbury then a 'good draw' at Chelmsford next week would probably have been sufficient to see them promoted. The loss of two Derbyshire wickets last night meant that their survival today was unlikely and although several batsmen offered deteremined resistance the dismissal of Turner just before five meant that the east midlanders will go into Tuesday's game with Hampshire with Yorkshire and Kent, their closest rivals, just one and six points behind respectively. After looking the most likely candidate for promotion at the beginning of the week the pessimism that never seems far below the surface at The County Ground may well resurface.
Despite the possibility of the game at Chelmsford being televised I suspect the outcome of the Kent Derbyshire match has increased the number of Yorkshire followers planning a trip to Essex next week. With two wins behind them Yorkshire can approach the game with a settled, confident side but it would be folly to think that Essex will be a pushover just because they have no prize to play for, just look what they did to Hampshire. What ever the position this time next week let's hope that the team that loses out can not blame the weather.
Finally just to tidy up, in the second eleven championship Kent pipped Leicester by one wicket at Grace Road chasing down 225 after being 119 for 7 at one time. Full details on the Leicester website.
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Advantage Yorkshire
posted by John Winn
Followers of the blog will be well aware how much I enjoy championship cricket and a day like today is one for filing away in the memory bank to be brought out when the winter seems unending and the new season never gets any nearer. Of course it is enjoyable from time to time to see one's own team rack up a big score and beat the opposition out of sight but for me the real pleasure is when there is a reasonable balance between bat and ball and for two days that is what we have had at Headingley and with no worries about possible rain interruptions.
At quarter past five yesterday Glamorgan were all out and at exactly the same time today the tenth Yorkshire wicket fell but thanks largely to a to a ninth wicket stand of 54 between Sidebottom and Patterson ,Yorkshire had gained a lead of 68 and thanks to their slower over rate Glamorgan had 11 overs to face before the close, rather than the six Yorkshire faced yesterday evening. The other big difference is that in those eleven overs Patterson took two wickets to put Yorkshire very much on the front foot when play resumes tomorrow.
Such a summary of the day masks its ups and downs for Yorkshire did not start well losing Root and Jacques for modest scores. They recovered through Lyth and Gale with assistance from Ballance and McGrath then lost four for 25 before 'Siddy' and 'Patto' courageously took on the fiery Wagg and the new ball to gain a lead that had not seemed likely to be so large when Rafiq and McGrath were out in quick order after tea.
Patterson is having a splendid match for in addition to his runs today he took four wickets yesterday and was on a hat trick late this evening. He will no doubt be raring to go tomorrow morning.
Enjoyable as this match is it can not be taken in isolation for there are two other games being played the outcome of which may have a significant bearing on how the table stands at six o'clock on Friday evening. Last night I wrote how Hampshire had the upper hand with Essex but the balance has shifted back today with Hampshire's late order not getting the runs that might have been expected of them this morning and Essex finishing the day with a lead of 168 with only two down. Meanwhile Kent have probably had the better of the day against leaders Derbyshire but even here a dramatic last few overs saw three Kent wickets fall for one run and their overnight lead is 120 with seven second innings in hand. With the weather settled there seems little likelihood of a draw in either of these two games or at Headingley. Both days have seen excellent crowds at HQ and I would be very surprised if most of them do not come back for more tomorrow and with the pitch playing a mixed bag of tricks from time to time who can say there might not be more twists in the tale before stumps.
Followers of the blog will be well aware how much I enjoy championship cricket and a day like today is one for filing away in the memory bank to be brought out when the winter seems unending and the new season never gets any nearer. Of course it is enjoyable from time to time to see one's own team rack up a big score and beat the opposition out of sight but for me the real pleasure is when there is a reasonable balance between bat and ball and for two days that is what we have had at Headingley and with no worries about possible rain interruptions.
At quarter past five yesterday Glamorgan were all out and at exactly the same time today the tenth Yorkshire wicket fell but thanks largely to a to a ninth wicket stand of 54 between Sidebottom and Patterson ,Yorkshire had gained a lead of 68 and thanks to their slower over rate Glamorgan had 11 overs to face before the close, rather than the six Yorkshire faced yesterday evening. The other big difference is that in those eleven overs Patterson took two wickets to put Yorkshire very much on the front foot when play resumes tomorrow.
Such a summary of the day masks its ups and downs for Yorkshire did not start well losing Root and Jacques for modest scores. They recovered through Lyth and Gale with assistance from Ballance and McGrath then lost four for 25 before 'Siddy' and 'Patto' courageously took on the fiery Wagg and the new ball to gain a lead that had not seemed likely to be so large when Rafiq and McGrath were out in quick order after tea.
Patterson is having a splendid match for in addition to his runs today he took four wickets yesterday and was on a hat trick late this evening. He will no doubt be raring to go tomorrow morning.
Enjoyable as this match is it can not be taken in isolation for there are two other games being played the outcome of which may have a significant bearing on how the table stands at six o'clock on Friday evening. Last night I wrote how Hampshire had the upper hand with Essex but the balance has shifted back today with Hampshire's late order not getting the runs that might have been expected of them this morning and Essex finishing the day with a lead of 168 with only two down. Meanwhile Kent have probably had the better of the day against leaders Derbyshire but even here a dramatic last few overs saw three Kent wickets fall for one run and their overnight lead is 120 with seven second innings in hand. With the weather settled there seems little likelihood of a draw in either of these two games or at Headingley. Both days have seen excellent crowds at HQ and I would be very surprised if most of them do not come back for more tomorrow and with the pitch playing a mixed bag of tricks from time to time who can say there might not be more twists in the tale before stumps.
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Gale's decision just justified.
posted by John Winn
How nice to be able to journey to Headingley with full confidence that we would have a warm sunny day and much of the same for the rest of the week on a day when there were 8 championship matches starting, all at the same time and that by the end of the week the only outstanding issue might be who accompanies Derbyshire into Division 1.
Yorkshire welcomed a weakened and relatively inexperienced Glamorgan side to Headingley in the knowledge that a victory would leave promotion in their own hands when they travel to Chelmsford for the final game next week. A good crowd had assembled for the 10:30 start, although it may be that September's earlier timing had caught one or two out, but with high pressure in charge there was surprise that Gale had asked Glamorgan to bat. Given that no championship game at Headingley this season has wielded anything but a draw it did not seem unreasonable to me that the skipper's thinking was that if there was anything in the pitch for the bowlers it might be found today rather than on Friday. When Glamorgan were 103 without loss at lunch and at least two catches having gone down, I gradually distanced myself from this theory but returned to it when wickets began to fall in the afternoon.
The East Stand 'think thank' had had no doubt that the decision to field was the wrong one but at 156 for 3 I asked what was the maximum Glamorgan score that would justify Gale's decision to field. 250 was the consensus and at 236 for 8 this looked pretty good but the last two wickets dragged it up to 272 and left Root and Lyth an awkward six overs to the close but they reduced the deficit by twenty and will take guard again at 10:30 tomorrow.
Looking at the close of play scores in the other games the need for Yorkshire to win this game is readily apparent for Hampshire are well on top against Essex while the Kent Derbyshire game is evenly balanced. Gale's men won't need advice from me or anybody else as to the importance of tomorrow's cricket.
Just in case you are interested, in the Second XI Championship final at Grace Road at the end of the first day Leicester II were all out for 360 and Kent II 0 for 0 in reply. If you wish to follow the remaining three days there is good coverage on The Foxes' website.
How nice to be able to journey to Headingley with full confidence that we would have a warm sunny day and much of the same for the rest of the week on a day when there were 8 championship matches starting, all at the same time and that by the end of the week the only outstanding issue might be who accompanies Derbyshire into Division 1.
Yorkshire welcomed a weakened and relatively inexperienced Glamorgan side to Headingley in the knowledge that a victory would leave promotion in their own hands when they travel to Chelmsford for the final game next week. A good crowd had assembled for the 10:30 start, although it may be that September's earlier timing had caught one or two out, but with high pressure in charge there was surprise that Gale had asked Glamorgan to bat. Given that no championship game at Headingley this season has wielded anything but a draw it did not seem unreasonable to me that the skipper's thinking was that if there was anything in the pitch for the bowlers it might be found today rather than on Friday. When Glamorgan were 103 without loss at lunch and at least two catches having gone down, I gradually distanced myself from this theory but returned to it when wickets began to fall in the afternoon.
The East Stand 'think thank' had had no doubt that the decision to field was the wrong one but at 156 for 3 I asked what was the maximum Glamorgan score that would justify Gale's decision to field. 250 was the consensus and at 236 for 8 this looked pretty good but the last two wickets dragged it up to 272 and left Root and Lyth an awkward six overs to the close but they reduced the deficit by twenty and will take guard again at 10:30 tomorrow.
Looking at the close of play scores in the other games the need for Yorkshire to win this game is readily apparent for Hampshire are well on top against Essex while the Kent Derbyshire game is evenly balanced. Gale's men won't need advice from me or anybody else as to the importance of tomorrow's cricket.
Just in case you are interested, in the Second XI Championship final at Grace Road at the end of the first day Leicester II were all out for 360 and Kent II 0 for 0 in reply. If you wish to follow the remaining three days there is good coverage on The Foxes' website.
Monday 3 September 2012
P.C.W MEETING AT NEW ROVER
By Brian Sanderson,
On a sunny mornig after hearing from Mick Bourne that there was a match at New Rover I set off on two mile drive to the ground.It is situated near the Leed Ring Road and his the home of Airedale and Wharfedale side.The groundsman is Keith Boyce who used to work on the Headingley pitch and now lives on the New Rover ground.
The match was the Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association Bunbury Under 12 County Cup Final between Ashville College against Holmfirth High School over 30 overs.There was a programme which had the year as 2011 which was also the date on last night dinner menu at Headingley.Maybe we have progreesed back in time and 2012 is still to come and may be dry.The first person I saw was Ian from Lancaster who was sat in his car watching the match and talked to him about matches in the last week and matches to come.Next to arrive was Mick Bourne after about fifteen minutes.
Homfirth batted first and lost a wicket in the first ball and then had a run out which put them in problems.Next to arrive was Tony Hutton who had watched two matches down south included the Minor Counties Cricket Final at Wormsley which Cumberland won on the second day.The school managed 58 in 28 overs not a good score.
At lunch time it gave me a chance to talk to Brian Senior who was sitting in the sun with Jenny.He had been to New Farnley yesterday to watch them beat Methley.Ash ville started batting well until they lost three wickets near the end.They won the match with a four and losing seven wickets with five overs to spare.The Man of the Match for Ashville was Luke Haidar who opened the batting and bowling.
The winners go on to represent Yorkshire in the National rounds next year.Pity the match was not as good as the weather but the conversation was on varied topics about cricket.The second country on watching this site is Russia so I hope you enjoy the content.To-morrow Headingley and Open Day with the Archive Committe. in the Long Room.Report to follow.
On a sunny mornig after hearing from Mick Bourne that there was a match at New Rover I set off on two mile drive to the ground.It is situated near the Leed Ring Road and his the home of Airedale and Wharfedale side.The groundsman is Keith Boyce who used to work on the Headingley pitch and now lives on the New Rover ground.
The match was the Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association Bunbury Under 12 County Cup Final between Ashville College against Holmfirth High School over 30 overs.There was a programme which had the year as 2011 which was also the date on last night dinner menu at Headingley.Maybe we have progreesed back in time and 2012 is still to come and may be dry.The first person I saw was Ian from Lancaster who was sat in his car watching the match and talked to him about matches in the last week and matches to come.Next to arrive was Mick Bourne after about fifteen minutes.
Homfirth batted first and lost a wicket in the first ball and then had a run out which put them in problems.Next to arrive was Tony Hutton who had watched two matches down south included the Minor Counties Cricket Final at Wormsley which Cumberland won on the second day.The school managed 58 in 28 overs not a good score.
At lunch time it gave me a chance to talk to Brian Senior who was sitting in the sun with Jenny.He had been to New Farnley yesterday to watch them beat Methley.Ash ville started batting well until they lost three wickets near the end.They won the match with a four and losing seven wickets with five overs to spare.The Man of the Match for Ashville was Luke Haidar who opened the batting and bowling.
The winners go on to represent Yorkshire in the National rounds next year.Pity the match was not as good as the weather but the conversation was on varied topics about cricket.The second country on watching this site is Russia so I hope you enjoy the content.To-morrow Headingley and Open Day with the Archive Committe. in the Long Room.Report to follow.
Sunday 2 September 2012
SUNNY NORTH YORKSHIRE
By Brian Sanderson,
A early start this morning at 8.30 as I was going to another semi-final of the Feversham Evening League which started at 11.00 O,clock.Also I had to pick up Ron Deaton in Harrogate and travel to Womberton where Slingsby were playing Spout House in a twenty-over match.
The village is 7 miles west of Pickering and is just off the A170 with the ground behind The Plough Inn.The village team use to play on a Saturday but now only play in the Pickering Evening League as player went to better the facilities at Duncombe Par and Nawton.The groundsman said that the ground had not been used for four weeks but the grass had recently been cut.The ground was still soft and the wicket was very green with some weeds on a good length.
Slingsby won the toss and decided to ball which seemed a sensible decision.They started with nine men with the final player arrived in a purple van and parked as a sightscreen whilst changing into his cricket gear.Soon wickets started to fall to good bowling espically a left arm medium bowler at the caravan end.Also there was a classical run out with both batsmen finishing at the same end.While the Spout House innings was proceeding we had a talk to grand-father of one of the Spout team.He used to play for Gillamore in the 1950,s when they use to take three bus full of spectators to away matches on a Saturday afternoon.Now they only play Evening League cricket which just shows how the country small teams are now struggling to have eleven men.Spout House manged to get to 55 in the twenty over.
After the break we had a bacon bab and a cup of tea for £2.00 which would have cost about £5 at Headingley.Slingsby proceed to win the match with a six in the twefth over with only two wickets down.The sun was shining and if only it had done during the season everybody would have enjoyed a lot better.To-night I am off to the end of season dinner for Yorshire at Headingley even though there are two matches still to go.Work that one out.
A early start this morning at 8.30 as I was going to another semi-final of the Feversham Evening League which started at 11.00 O,clock.Also I had to pick up Ron Deaton in Harrogate and travel to Womberton where Slingsby were playing Spout House in a twenty-over match.
The village is 7 miles west of Pickering and is just off the A170 with the ground behind The Plough Inn.The village team use to play on a Saturday but now only play in the Pickering Evening League as player went to better the facilities at Duncombe Par and Nawton.The groundsman said that the ground had not been used for four weeks but the grass had recently been cut.The ground was still soft and the wicket was very green with some weeds on a good length.
Slingsby won the toss and decided to ball which seemed a sensible decision.They started with nine men with the final player arrived in a purple van and parked as a sightscreen whilst changing into his cricket gear.Soon wickets started to fall to good bowling espically a left arm medium bowler at the caravan end.Also there was a classical run out with both batsmen finishing at the same end.While the Spout House innings was proceeding we had a talk to grand-father of one of the Spout team.He used to play for Gillamore in the 1950,s when they use to take three bus full of spectators to away matches on a Saturday afternoon.Now they only play Evening League cricket which just shows how the country small teams are now struggling to have eleven men.Spout House manged to get to 55 in the twenty over.
After the break we had a bacon bab and a cup of tea for £2.00 which would have cost about £5 at Headingley.Slingsby proceed to win the match with a six in the twefth over with only two wickets down.The sun was shining and if only it had done during the season everybody would have enjoyed a lot better.To-night I am off to the end of season dinner for Yorshire at Headingley even though there are two matches still to go.Work that one out.
A good afternoon among the hills.
posted by John Winn
Not for the first time this season Saturday morning saw me scrap a planned visit to The Craven and Ribblesdale Leagues. The heavy rain of Wednesday and Thursday had put serious doubt in my mind as to the chances of the selected matches being played and I was unable to contact any of the clubs involved for confirmation of play or no play.
Plan B was based on the knowledge that the Bradford League has a starting time for September matches of twelve noon and a phone call to Lightcliffe confirmed that there game was on. I arrived at this most attractive of grounds, until yesterday the only ground in the current first division that I had not visited, to find Pudsey St Lawrence batting and in the process of recovery from 0 for 2. Brian had promised me a friendly welcome and this I got from the gateman and the young women dispensing teas inside the 90 year old pavilion. A nonagenarian it may be , but still in very good shape.
Taking my tea and what I believe is known as a cup cake to a bench near the pavilion I enjoyed the lovely view from the ground and then took a stroll round to the scoreboard side where I was overtaken by a man with an upturned baseball cap collecting for 'Jim's Fifty', a tradition that I was not aware was still maintained. Had I known I would have walked faster.
Before leaving home I had also contacted the eminence grise of Golcar CC, David Thorpe who was able to confirm that there would be cricket at Swallow Lane and just as I was leaving Lightcliffe I received a text from David informing me that he would be watching the game against Clayton West. A 25 minute or so drive took me from HX3 to HD7 where Clayton, the bottom team in the first division of the Huddersfield League and who I had seen on their own ground earlier in the season, were struggling with six down and still short of three figures. The first person I saw was David and while we took a circuit of the ground he filled me in on some of the history of the club and its neighbourhood. A cup of tea followed and among the interesting photographs in the pavilion were two or three of teams which included one D. Thorpe. Clayton were all out for 107 and while David prepared the wicket for Golcar's innings I took my leave and headed for Linthwaite CC, just a couple of miles away but 300 feet lower.
Asking for directions in Linthwaite I duly arrived at 'the cricket club' only to find I was at Broad Oak CC, less than a mile apart but again a difference of almost 300 feet in altitude. At Broad Oak the players were just finishing tea and I took the opportunity to have yet another cup of tea this time accompanied by a couple of sandwiches. To my pleasant surprise Peter France, keen reader of the blog, was at the match and we chatted over tea. Armitage Bridge had hit almost two hundred and the loss of two early wickets suggested that this might be too much for the home side. All clubs have sorry tales to tell of the ravages of this summer's record rainfall but Broad Oak can feel more hard done by than most. There is an amusing picture on their web site of a club official using the outfield as a boating lake but the water has not gone away for parts of the ground are still very wet and just beyond the boundary there were small puddles yesterday.
Peter gave me precise instructions for finding Linthwaite CC, and I realised I had passed within 50 yards of it an hour before. Being charitable I would say it was a ground that had seen better days but the team were racing to victory in their 'Cedar Court Conference' game against visitors Kirkheaton who had been dismissed for 124. Linthwaite were eventual winners by six wickets which keeps them well in the running for promotion.
Checking the website this morning I found that Lightcliffe had beaten PStL by three wickets with the winning run coming off the last ball of the match. The decent crowd that had assembled while I was there must have had an enjoyable afternoon, although any who had made the journey from Pudsey might not agree. At Swallow Lane, Golcar won by 8 wickets.
Not for the first time this season Saturday morning saw me scrap a planned visit to The Craven and Ribblesdale Leagues. The heavy rain of Wednesday and Thursday had put serious doubt in my mind as to the chances of the selected matches being played and I was unable to contact any of the clubs involved for confirmation of play or no play.
Plan B was based on the knowledge that the Bradford League has a starting time for September matches of twelve noon and a phone call to Lightcliffe confirmed that there game was on. I arrived at this most attractive of grounds, until yesterday the only ground in the current first division that I had not visited, to find Pudsey St Lawrence batting and in the process of recovery from 0 for 2. Brian had promised me a friendly welcome and this I got from the gateman and the young women dispensing teas inside the 90 year old pavilion. A nonagenarian it may be , but still in very good shape.
Taking my tea and what I believe is known as a cup cake to a bench near the pavilion I enjoyed the lovely view from the ground and then took a stroll round to the scoreboard side where I was overtaken by a man with an upturned baseball cap collecting for 'Jim's Fifty', a tradition that I was not aware was still maintained. Had I known I would have walked faster.
Before leaving home I had also contacted the eminence grise of Golcar CC, David Thorpe who was able to confirm that there would be cricket at Swallow Lane and just as I was leaving Lightcliffe I received a text from David informing me that he would be watching the game against Clayton West. A 25 minute or so drive took me from HX3 to HD7 where Clayton, the bottom team in the first division of the Huddersfield League and who I had seen on their own ground earlier in the season, were struggling with six down and still short of three figures. The first person I saw was David and while we took a circuit of the ground he filled me in on some of the history of the club and its neighbourhood. A cup of tea followed and among the interesting photographs in the pavilion were two or three of teams which included one D. Thorpe. Clayton were all out for 107 and while David prepared the wicket for Golcar's innings I took my leave and headed for Linthwaite CC, just a couple of miles away but 300 feet lower.
Asking for directions in Linthwaite I duly arrived at 'the cricket club' only to find I was at Broad Oak CC, less than a mile apart but again a difference of almost 300 feet in altitude. At Broad Oak the players were just finishing tea and I took the opportunity to have yet another cup of tea this time accompanied by a couple of sandwiches. To my pleasant surprise Peter France, keen reader of the blog, was at the match and we chatted over tea. Armitage Bridge had hit almost two hundred and the loss of two early wickets suggested that this might be too much for the home side. All clubs have sorry tales to tell of the ravages of this summer's record rainfall but Broad Oak can feel more hard done by than most. There is an amusing picture on their web site of a club official using the outfield as a boating lake but the water has not gone away for parts of the ground are still very wet and just beyond the boundary there were small puddles yesterday.
Peter gave me precise instructions for finding Linthwaite CC, and I realised I had passed within 50 yards of it an hour before. Being charitable I would say it was a ground that had seen better days but the team were racing to victory in their 'Cedar Court Conference' game against visitors Kirkheaton who had been dismissed for 124. Linthwaite were eventual winners by six wickets which keeps them well in the running for promotion.
Checking the website this morning I found that Lightcliffe had beaten PStL by three wickets with the winning run coming off the last ball of the match. The decent crowd that had assembled while I was there must have had an enjoyable afternoon, although any who had made the journey from Pudsey might not agree. At Swallow Lane, Golcar won by 8 wickets.
Saturday 1 September 2012
FINDING WAYS TO ENTER CRICKET GROUNDS
By Brian Sanderson,
To-day I set of with one of the orginal P.C.W Mick Bourne to visit some grounds in the Pontefract League.One of the grounds I wanted to visit was Ferry Bridge Power Station ground just off the A1.
Mick had visited the ground which is situated next to the cooling towers some time ago.However when we tried to enter the ground all the roads were blocked with locked gates but we could see the pavlion which is now used by a building firm as their office.We were told by a employee that a new ground was being built which is just off the Castleford road.It looks small in area and balls will be aimed at the cooling towers.The new ground will be worth visiting next year so it will be on my list.
Moving on two miles to Knottingley ground were as it happens the Power Station were playing.The ground is on the Goole road passed the main shops and is next to the railway line.The ground is subject to vandalism and is fenced in with barb wire.It is a good size and overlooks the rugby fields.
We leant at the ground the Power Station are playing at Eggborough and Newton Hill whilst the new ground is been built.However it would be nice if on the web-site would tell cricket watchers want is happening. This was a new ground for Mick who has not visited many new grounds this season.
Moving on to the Ryhill ground which is in the next village Havecroft Sports area were everything was board up.Looking from the sports building the pitch there is football then cricket and finally rugby field.Walking round the ground I passed two cows in the next field which did not go with the surroundings.Pleased to leave the ground as I am not a lover of multi sports grounds.
Next ground was Thorpe Audin which is south of Pontefract and were playing Garforth in division3 of the league.The ground is on Bridge Lane however you can only see the name from the opposite direction we entered the village.After a U-turn we went down the dirt road with notice saying stay on the left of the road as there is a large ditch on the right.At the end of the lane we entered a large field and had to park the car two hundred yards from the boundary.On the left is a new pavilion but still a nice old scoreboard which was only up-dated when there was cries from the pitch.The pitch was still damp but was not causing much problems to the Garforth batters.There are trees round the ground but has no vista.
Next ground was a pleasure to visit and was Hundhill Hall who were playing Wakefield Thornes Third team.You enter the ground through a gate with wickets and ball iron railings.A pavilion has flowers hanging out side and well looked after.Plenty of different seats round the ground enabling people to see a nice view over the fields.A spectator told me that there had not been many cancelled matches this wet summer due to the sandy soils.Mick said the ground was used for junior matches because of being compact.Worth visiting if you are in the area.
For a cup of tea we called into Ackworth who were playing West Bretton.There is a plaque for Neil LLoyd who was a Yorkshire colt who deid young which is a nice tribute for the player.By this time the sun was shining and was good afternoon and was nice to be warm.
On schedule we moved on to Old Sharlston ground who were bowling to Whitley Bridge in Division 5 of the league.They have a excellent web-site which gives the history of the club and the ground is behind the church who give the club the field.A progressive club who keeps a nice ground however there is a nasty smell from a piggery which wafts over the ground.
The last ground we visited was Featherstone who were playing Sprotsbrough in division 6 of the league.Mick had visited this ground before and entered the ground through the Rugby League club but all roads were locked as a new stand is being built so they can apply for the Super League.
After asking a number of locals we parked the car and walked over the railway lines to the ground.
It seems you can enter the ground by going to the end of Post Office Road and drive up a dirt lane.
The club was established in 1919 and in the club house there is copies of letters about the establishment of the club.I wish all clubs could do the same to show the club first started.
End of six hours a travelling on a dry sunny Saturday and this has not often happen this season.It just shows how ground changes from year to year. North Yorkshire to-morrow.
To-day I set of with one of the orginal P.C.W Mick Bourne to visit some grounds in the Pontefract League.One of the grounds I wanted to visit was Ferry Bridge Power Station ground just off the A1.
Mick had visited the ground which is situated next to the cooling towers some time ago.However when we tried to enter the ground all the roads were blocked with locked gates but we could see the pavlion which is now used by a building firm as their office.We were told by a employee that a new ground was being built which is just off the Castleford road.It looks small in area and balls will be aimed at the cooling towers.The new ground will be worth visiting next year so it will be on my list.
Moving on two miles to Knottingley ground were as it happens the Power Station were playing.The ground is on the Goole road passed the main shops and is next to the railway line.The ground is subject to vandalism and is fenced in with barb wire.It is a good size and overlooks the rugby fields.
We leant at the ground the Power Station are playing at Eggborough and Newton Hill whilst the new ground is been built.However it would be nice if on the web-site would tell cricket watchers want is happening. This was a new ground for Mick who has not visited many new grounds this season.
Moving on to the Ryhill ground which is in the next village Havecroft Sports area were everything was board up.Looking from the sports building the pitch there is football then cricket and finally rugby field.Walking round the ground I passed two cows in the next field which did not go with the surroundings.Pleased to leave the ground as I am not a lover of multi sports grounds.
Next ground was Thorpe Audin which is south of Pontefract and were playing Garforth in division3 of the league.The ground is on Bridge Lane however you can only see the name from the opposite direction we entered the village.After a U-turn we went down the dirt road with notice saying stay on the left of the road as there is a large ditch on the right.At the end of the lane we entered a large field and had to park the car two hundred yards from the boundary.On the left is a new pavilion but still a nice old scoreboard which was only up-dated when there was cries from the pitch.The pitch was still damp but was not causing much problems to the Garforth batters.There are trees round the ground but has no vista.
Next ground was a pleasure to visit and was Hundhill Hall who were playing Wakefield Thornes Third team.You enter the ground through a gate with wickets and ball iron railings.A pavilion has flowers hanging out side and well looked after.Plenty of different seats round the ground enabling people to see a nice view over the fields.A spectator told me that there had not been many cancelled matches this wet summer due to the sandy soils.Mick said the ground was used for junior matches because of being compact.Worth visiting if you are in the area.
For a cup of tea we called into Ackworth who were playing West Bretton.There is a plaque for Neil LLoyd who was a Yorkshire colt who deid young which is a nice tribute for the player.By this time the sun was shining and was good afternoon and was nice to be warm.
On schedule we moved on to Old Sharlston ground who were bowling to Whitley Bridge in Division 5 of the league.They have a excellent web-site which gives the history of the club and the ground is behind the church who give the club the field.A progressive club who keeps a nice ground however there is a nasty smell from a piggery which wafts over the ground.
The last ground we visited was Featherstone who were playing Sprotsbrough in division 6 of the league.Mick had visited this ground before and entered the ground through the Rugby League club but all roads were locked as a new stand is being built so they can apply for the Super League.
After asking a number of locals we parked the car and walked over the railway lines to the ground.
It seems you can enter the ground by going to the end of Post Office Road and drive up a dirt lane.
The club was established in 1919 and in the club house there is copies of letters about the establishment of the club.I wish all clubs could do the same to show the club first started.
End of six hours a travelling on a dry sunny Saturday and this has not often happen this season.It just shows how ground changes from year to year. North Yorkshire to-morrow.
Down to the wire
posted by John Winn
The talk in the queue of members waiting for the gates to open at North Marine Road yesterday morning was of 'declarations', 'targets' and 'calculations' and to my surprise the feeling was that Yorkshire, after two blank days would declare at Tuesday's overnight score of 61 for 2 and Gale would have reached an agreement with Marshall to feed Gloucestershire runs and then chase something like 350 to win the game.
I had not expected any of this having been whisked away from the Lower Ure Valley by my neighbour John Gawthrope at 7:30 and as we travelled up the A64 we both felt that Yorkshire would bat in the hope of getting four or five batting points, by which time the game would be dead and would then fizzle away allowing an early start for home, if we wished. We should have known better, the soothsayers in the queue were right, Yorkshire did declare and Gloucestershire's openers, Nicol and Howell proceed to hit 159 off ten overs of mid range donkey drops from Gale and Lyth. Whether being chosen to purvey this kind of stuff is an honour or punishment remains unclear, perhaps Gale was just doing the decent thing by conceding 71 off his 5 overs and perhaps Lyth drew the short straw when it came to finding someone else who could bowl so badly. Whatever the case the crowd watched largely in silence except one or two who objected strongly to this contrived cricket. One gentleman arriving late expressed his opposition strongly as he walked in front of the pavilion, when it was over he returned to repeat his complaint saying that if he were a Hampshire supporter he would 'write in', to whom he did not say. If his opinion is widely shared amongst Hampshire members there will be a run on green ink in that county this weekend.
The end of the Gloucestershire innings took most of us by surprise for it left Yorkshire needing 314 off 84 overs, the word 'generous' was on many lips and Root and Lyth started in confident fashion but just when it seemed they would see us safely through to the freshly dressed crab salad and pinot grigio Lyth, who looked a distinctly better bat than bowler, pulled one to Norwell at mid-on and we lunched at 82 for 1.
Yorkshire made steady progress through the afternoon never letting the run rate get too high while the young Gloucestershire side fought hard to make their declaration competitive. Each Yorkshire wicket made a useful contribution to the score without taking the game beyond Gloucestershire's reach. When Rashid was out at 267 for 7 spots of rain were in the air and the sunshine which we had enjoyed all day disappeared and there was a noticeable drop in temperature. The light faded and a Hitchcockian suspense built up as the gulls circled overhead, but through all this McGrath was playing an innings of class. When he was joined by Rafiq 47 were need in just under 10 overs and together this pair saw us to within a whisker of victory. Gloucestershire's final throw was to take the new ball (look for it on ebay, one cricket ball hardly used....), and when Rafiq skied one to cover only two were needed. The batsmen had crossed and the incoming Patterson did not have to face as the magnificent Mags hit the winning runs and the players left the field to a rapturous reception. The intimacy of Scarborough allows a contact with the players rarely found on other grounds and it was good to be able to say 'well played' to the Bristol men as they went into their dressing rooms for without them, those who stayed, and there were many, would not have had such an afternoon and evening to remember.
The 19 points Yorkshire took put them just above Kent in the table with Hampshire lying a close fourth. The three promotion chasers are separated by just six points, each with just two games to play.
It seemed cruel that Gloucestershire should take only one point which leaves them at the foot of the table, one point behind Glamorgan. Yorkshire can show thanks for yesterday's declaration when they take on the Dragons at Headingley on Tuesday. The forecast is good, so pack the sun cream and if you are in the appropriate age group bring along the Phyllosan, for we know what that does for those of a certain age. If you aren't that old, come along anyway, it will be fun!
Finally as promised, but a day late, Cumberland won the MCCA KO final when they defeated Wiltshire by 7 wickets in the rain delayed game on Thursday. Wiltshire added 42 to their overnight score and were all out for 184. Cumberland reached the target in 32.4 overs to claim their first one day title since 1989.
The talk in the queue of members waiting for the gates to open at North Marine Road yesterday morning was of 'declarations', 'targets' and 'calculations' and to my surprise the feeling was that Yorkshire, after two blank days would declare at Tuesday's overnight score of 61 for 2 and Gale would have reached an agreement with Marshall to feed Gloucestershire runs and then chase something like 350 to win the game.
I had not expected any of this having been whisked away from the Lower Ure Valley by my neighbour John Gawthrope at 7:30 and as we travelled up the A64 we both felt that Yorkshire would bat in the hope of getting four or five batting points, by which time the game would be dead and would then fizzle away allowing an early start for home, if we wished. We should have known better, the soothsayers in the queue were right, Yorkshire did declare and Gloucestershire's openers, Nicol and Howell proceed to hit 159 off ten overs of mid range donkey drops from Gale and Lyth. Whether being chosen to purvey this kind of stuff is an honour or punishment remains unclear, perhaps Gale was just doing the decent thing by conceding 71 off his 5 overs and perhaps Lyth drew the short straw when it came to finding someone else who could bowl so badly. Whatever the case the crowd watched largely in silence except one or two who objected strongly to this contrived cricket. One gentleman arriving late expressed his opposition strongly as he walked in front of the pavilion, when it was over he returned to repeat his complaint saying that if he were a Hampshire supporter he would 'write in', to whom he did not say. If his opinion is widely shared amongst Hampshire members there will be a run on green ink in that county this weekend.
The end of the Gloucestershire innings took most of us by surprise for it left Yorkshire needing 314 off 84 overs, the word 'generous' was on many lips and Root and Lyth started in confident fashion but just when it seemed they would see us safely through to the freshly dressed crab salad and pinot grigio Lyth, who looked a distinctly better bat than bowler, pulled one to Norwell at mid-on and we lunched at 82 for 1.
Yorkshire made steady progress through the afternoon never letting the run rate get too high while the young Gloucestershire side fought hard to make their declaration competitive. Each Yorkshire wicket made a useful contribution to the score without taking the game beyond Gloucestershire's reach. When Rashid was out at 267 for 7 spots of rain were in the air and the sunshine which we had enjoyed all day disappeared and there was a noticeable drop in temperature. The light faded and a Hitchcockian suspense built up as the gulls circled overhead, but through all this McGrath was playing an innings of class. When he was joined by Rafiq 47 were need in just under 10 overs and together this pair saw us to within a whisker of victory. Gloucestershire's final throw was to take the new ball (look for it on ebay, one cricket ball hardly used....), and when Rafiq skied one to cover only two were needed. The batsmen had crossed and the incoming Patterson did not have to face as the magnificent Mags hit the winning runs and the players left the field to a rapturous reception. The intimacy of Scarborough allows a contact with the players rarely found on other grounds and it was good to be able to say 'well played' to the Bristol men as they went into their dressing rooms for without them, those who stayed, and there were many, would not have had such an afternoon and evening to remember.
The 19 points Yorkshire took put them just above Kent in the table with Hampshire lying a close fourth. The three promotion chasers are separated by just six points, each with just two games to play.
It seemed cruel that Gloucestershire should take only one point which leaves them at the foot of the table, one point behind Glamorgan. Yorkshire can show thanks for yesterday's declaration when they take on the Dragons at Headingley on Tuesday. The forecast is good, so pack the sun cream and if you are in the appropriate age group bring along the Phyllosan, for we know what that does for those of a certain age. If you aren't that old, come along anyway, it will be fun!
Finally as promised, but a day late, Cumberland won the MCCA KO final when they defeated Wiltshire by 7 wickets in the rain delayed game on Thursday. Wiltshire added 42 to their overnight score and were all out for 184. Cumberland reached the target in 32.4 overs to claim their first one day title since 1989.
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