I was orginally going to Harrogate to see the Academy however it had been postponed so I went to Darlington.They were playing Redcar in the North Yorkshire and South Durham First Division.
The ground is called Feethams is very close to the city centre.As you will see from the photograph the white stand behind the wicket is the old football stand.The football moved out in 2003 to a new ground and the land has been left to overgrow.There has been talk of building houses on the land but there is diificult access to the land as it would have to come through the cricket ground. The ground is easy to get to from the A1 and you can park your car in the ground.
Darlington were batting on a hot sunny Bank Holiday afternoon and we watch the match to start with from this position but soon had to move to some shade.The batting was very slow which was a contrast to yesterday however the bowling was good.The opening batsman score about 70 in forty overs but got himself out which caused a batting collapse as they started chasing runs. In the fifty over they were all out for under 170.
At tea time myself and my sister had a walk into the centre of Darlington.On the roundabout outside the ground is a model of The Rocket steam engine built by George Stephenson in this town.His benefactor was Joseph Pease who was a Quaker industralist had has a statue of himself in the town.Walking back to the ground we passed Pease Darlington Free Library which was built by him and opened in 1884.Next to the ground is some cottages named after him.
Redcar who are newly promoted to the division started off confidently but soon lost a wicket. At this stage I had to go home but there is no result yet on the League web-site so I do not know who won.I would recommend cricket lovers to go to this friendly and beautiful ground.
I am going to Headingley to-morrow and I understand a Professional Cricket Watcher will be there for the first time. I am sure he will have a friendly welcome in the Long Room.
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