To-day was the first day of the League cricket so Ron Deaton had planned a trip round the Dales and the sun was shinning, what more could you ask for. The four people were myself, Ron Stansfield, Ron Deaton and Nigal Pullan.
The first match was in the second division of the Nidderdale League at Bolton Abbey. Their opponents were Ripley who batted first. As we were walking round the ground a helicopter landed near behind the sightscreen.There are some beautiful views of the hills in the distance.Nigel was watch a match for the first time at this ground and voted as the best scenic ground of 2013 however there are many more to see.
Moving on down the valley we stopped off at Skipton who were playing Illingworth.Behind the bowler arm at one end was a Rugby Union match on and a football match at the other side of the hedge.A busy day in Skipton.Next door to Skipton ground is Skipton Church Institute ground who were due to play Haworth West End in Division 5 of the Craven League.However there was no play and the rugby posts were on the outfield.Skipton scored 238 for 4 after a number of dropped catches with.Illingworth finishing on 88 all out as per the League web-site.
A few miles down the road we stopped off at Thornton in Craven who also play in the Craven League.However after speaking to the groundsman it seem that all league matches had been cancelled due to the poor weather. However there was no warning on the cricket web-site.
Next stop was Barnoldswick who play in the Houldsworth Ribblesdale Senior League and were playing Brooksbottom who are a new side in the league. They are situated in Summerseat near Bury and batted first to score 184.The league had also accepted Euxton club and in 2014 the league will be split in two.The standard of the cricket was good and the ground was in good condition.One of the famous players was Bernard Ready who played for Lancashire. There are some excellent photographs in the bar area and Ron got a large plate full of sandwiches. Barnoldswick finished on 155 as per web-site.
The last match was Earby against Ribblesdale Wanderers also in the Ribblesdale League.There famous current player is Glen Chapple who helped them win a cup and league double in 1991 which is celebrated with photographs in the bar.The ground is in a basin with a knocked down cotton mill over the beck where the ball was deposited at least twice during the home team innings.Ribblesdale had scored 234 for 8 with the help of a young Australian who name as yet I have not found out.Barnoldswick finished on 155 so losing the match. It is a ground I would return to watch good cricket and good views.
Overall a excellent start to league cricket and the Ribblesdale looks a good league.
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