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.