PERFECT BATTING WICKET

By Brian Sanderson,

On Friday afternoon I went down to Knights Auction in Leicester to view Len Hutton memorabilia and to bid on some items on Saturday afternoon so no cricket viewing.To-day Harrogate were playing Yorkshire Academy in a Yorkshire E.C.B league match. It started at 12.00 and lasts 55 overs.The forecast was hot and sunny but it was cloudy and windy.

I sat behind the bowlers with  Jenny and Malcom wrapped up for winter. Harrogate ground is similar to Weetwood few chairs and open to the elements.One supporter called it windy hill.

Harrogate batted first on a beautiful staw and dry wicket whilst yesterday,s wicket looked very green on which  Harrogate won yesterday.The Academy also won yesterday and were one point ahead of Harrogate and placed second in the league.So it was second against third.

A.Twigg opened the batting and scored 115 not out in the fifty-five overs with Harrogate scoring 240 for 3.Yorkshire bowled eight bowlers with little success apart from Karl Carver who is 17 years old and bowls slow left-arm. and looks a good prospect.Yorkshire did not help themselves by dropping two catches.However we thought Harrogate could have scored more but were in with a good chance of winning as Yorkshire were short of batting.Wrong again.

They opened with Jonathen Tattersall and Ryan Gibson who does not normally open.They put on 151 for the first wicket and Gibson went on to score 139. This was his first century for the Academy and scored 17 4,s and 2 sixes.He hit the ball very hard and Harrogate bowlers struggled to control Yorkshire.A bowler called A.Laws who also plays for Leeds and Bradford University took four wickets. Yorkshire won the match in  44 overs with four wickets down all taken by Laws.

Overall Harrogate bowling looked weak for a third team in the League.The photograph above is of Ryan after he scored his fifty and for his future may he score many more centuries for Yorkshire..

update

posted by John Winn

update from Two Counties

Wednesday's game is at Menston 1:00 start (venue changed from Otley), other games 1:30 start

Dates for your diaries

posted by John Winn

pcws  might be interested in these fixtures being played in Yorkshire this week

Two Counties (Essex and Suffolk) League (over 50s) tour

Monday at Embsay

Tuesday at Steeton

Wednesday at Otley v The Hawks

Thursday at Gargrave v Yorkshire Over 60s 1:30 start ( don't know the start times for the other games but I have texted the secretary and will post any reply)

Thanks to Tony Hutton for this information.

Can also confirm that the over 60s rearranged fixture with Derbyshire over 60s will be at New Rover on Tuesday 9th July 1:30 pm start

A trip to the Cleveland Coast

posted by John Winn

Yesterday was one of those days when the fixtures seem to have been drawn up with me in mind. At the beginning of the season one of my aims was to finish visiting all the grounds in the Premier Division of the NYSD League, not that an onerous a task for the there were only three names on the list and one of those, Thornaby, I had visited earlier in the season. The fixtures for June 29th showed that the first teams of the two remaining clubs, Redcar and Saltburn would both be at home and those readers whose knowledge of geography extends to that part of the world will know the two towns are but a few miles apart.

In the family album there is a photograph of me as a small boy pictured on Redcar sea front. I am aged about four and I am with my dad who is dressed in what passed in those days for 'smart casual'. It would certainly would have gained him entrance to the pavilion at Old Trafford for his only concession to the holiday mood seems to have been that he has left off  his habitual trilby. In the next few years we made quite frequent visits to Redcar, usually for organised day trips,  but until yesterday, apart from one trip to the races, I don't suppose I had been there for over fifty years. In the meantime it (Redcar) has become rather run down (bit like the blogger you may be thinking) but the cricket ground, which is quite close to the seafront, looked in good shape in yesterday's warm sunshine. A large playing area is surrounded by smartly painted benches, probably enough for yesterday's small crowd to have one each and the boundary is marked by a handsome rope.

Founder members of the league, Redcar regained top flight status when promoted last season and after a sticky start have shown enough improvement to pull away from the relegation places, but faced tough opposition yesterday in Marton CC, who had made the relatively short journey along the A174 from the outskirts of Middlesbrough. Redcar won the toss and elected to field and Marton made only slow progress in front of a growing number of spectators. When I left after a dozen or so overs the first wicket had just fallen. The league website this morning doesn't provide full details but it records an outright win for Marton with Redcar bowled out for 92 chasing 153 to win.

In a posting made earlier in the season Brian described a visit to Darlington made with his sister in which he commented on the influence of the philanthropic Quaker family, the Peases, on the town's fortunes and its fine architecture. The same family is also very much part of Saltburn's history for it was Henry Pease who had the vision in the 1860s to buy land from the Earl of Zetland  on which the splendours of the seaside resort were laid out. Driving through the town on my way to the cricket ground Henry's foresight was still very evident.

At the Marske Mill Lane ground Saltburn, also newly promoted, were hosts to Barnard Castle, a club that has come up in the world since my playing days, and after the loss of three early wickets to Faisal Khaliq a strong recovery was in progress with professional Umesh Karunarathna and Chris Hooker putting on 180 for the fourth wicket. 'Barnie' became increasingly frustrated with the one umpire in particular as they conceded ten wides. The ground slopes away from the pavilion and although self contained has tennis, bowls and a large leisure centre as neighbours. On the site of the old pavilion and contiguous with the leisure centre are indoor nets and the whole complex has benefited from lottery money. Pity the architect for the leisure centre wasn't able to take advice from Henry Pease. Barnard Castle fell seventy runs short of Saltburn's total but thanks to 81 not out from James Finch defied the hosts full points.

Next stop the Langbaurgh League and the ground of Skelton Castle CC which is nicely signposted from the Skelton by-pass but alas no cricket: continuous rain on Friday had thwarted Skelton's covering system and the game had been abandoned. Family fun day went ahead with bouncy castle and bbq, but minus the blogger who moved  on to another previously unvisited ground in this area, that of Moorsholm CC. It was league cup day in the Langbaurgh but the match between Moorsholm and Thimbleby was a 'dead rubber' game for both teams with neither able to qualify for the semi finals. When I arrived it was tea and the visitors had been bowled out for 60. If I had expectations for this ground then they were far exceeded with an attractive tree surrounded playing area topped off by a new, but  traditional, wooden pavilion which is in use and needs just a few finishing touches to be complete. I enjoyed a chat with the groundsman (hope you have been able to find the blog) who explained that Moorsholm were under strength and that the batting order was rather 'upside down' but by the time I left some lusty blows had seen  them well on the way to victory.

As I drove home I heard an interview on local radio with the captain of Whitby CC who joined the NYSD just five years ago but currently top Division 1 and have designs on promotion to the Premier next season. And there was me thinking I had completed the list of member clubs. As one day shuts......

half time interval

posted by John Winn

A wet day in the Lower Ure Valley has persuaded me that staying at home is a better option than going into York to see St Peter's School take on MCC. Having spent the last two days in a room in Cambridge from which had Steven Finn stood on Chris Tremlett's shoulders he might have been able to see out of the window, I had been hoping to see some cricket but the forecast for the weekend is much better and I have plans to visit the seaside tomorrow.

In terms of time and the progress of the championship the season has pretty well reached the half way stage with all counties having played at least half their matches in the competition. T20 begins tonight but the senior competition is merely catching its breath for there are six matches listed for Monday week and thirteen altogether with starts in July. For many of our readers (71 hits yesterday) the first division table has a splendid if slightly surprising look with Yorkshire eight points clear of Sussex, both counties having played nine games. For most of those games the leaders have had to manage without Root, Bairstow and Bresnan which makes their form even more praise worthy. They are not in four day action again until they visit Queen's Park in mid July, a much anticipated fixture for many pcws or indeed anybody who enjoys cricket in lovely surroundings. Sussex meet Somerset before then and the table may have a different look before Yorkshire take on their Derbyshire rivals.

Durham, tipped by Cricketer magazine to finish bottom have won four of their eight games and in so doing have exceeded my expectations and, I suspect, their own. All of their wins could arguably have gone the other way and Collingwood is to be congratulated on squeezing every drop of effort out of his men. All this has been achieved without an overseas player and with Benkenstein sidelined with a long term injury. I am still looking over my shoulder rather than towards the top and another win should guarantee first division cricket next year. Given they have not faced bottom club Derbyshire yet they will be confident of confounding 'Cricketer's' predictions.

The fourth and fifth teams, Middlesex and Notts respectively, have games in hand on Yorkshire and Sussex. Middlesex miss out on the last round of games at the end of season and complete their programme the week before at Headingley. One to look forward to but let's not encourage those Job's comforters who are already talking about the nights drawing in, bonfire night
 and Christmas shopping, it is still only June, just.

The teams occupying the next three places, Surrey, Somerset and Warwickshire, were tipped by 'Cricketer' to make up the top three on September 27th and so far have but two wins between them. Most disappointed must be Surrey with their expensive imports who have seven draws and no wins and changed coach last week: the kind of volte face more associated with football clubs. Yet only five days ago, shortly after lunch on Monday, there was more than a glimmer of hope that they might be the first club to beat Yorkshire since Sussex in early April. Assuming KP will be involved with England until the last LOI with Australia on September 16th they are not likely to benefit from his presence for the next few games. This prompts a thought which had not previously occurred to me but September 17th is the start date for the penultimate round of championship matches: will the ECB then allow all centrally contracted players to return to their counties or more contentiously only allow some of them to do so or will they all be 'too tired'? How about this for a scenario? Root will dash from Southampton to report to Headingley the following morning for a 10:30 start, only to be told he can't join in until he has rested for two days.

Finally Derbyshire who are cast adrift by twenty five points. Karl Krikken has questioned the fairness of umpires towards his 'small club'  and talks of how his men will' keep fighting', one would expect nothing less but I have visited Derby twice this season and sensed little optimism amongst their members that they will not return to the second division in 2014. on either occasion. How significant is it that yesterday the club  appointed a chaplain?

Second division review coming shortly.

JULY FIXTURES

By Brian Sanderson,

Rain is falling at the moment let us hope the rain ruins the following fixtures.

JULY 1   YORKSHIRE U 13 B   V   NORTH YORKSHIRE   KNARESBOROUGH 11.00

               
              
                M.C.C  V   OLDHAM HULME                                 WERNETH                 11.30

                 CUMBRIA U14            V YORKSHIRE U14          KESWICK

JULY 2   YORKSHIRE U 13   V  LANCASHIRE                  COLLINGHAM            12.00

                 YORKSHIRE U 17   V   DURHAM                         WEETWOOD

JULY 3  LEICESTERSHIRE    V   DERBYSHIRE                 ASHBY HASTINGS

                 THREE DAY MATCH. GOOD GROUND WORTH A VISIT

              YORKSHIRE U14 B    V   CLEVELAND            SHERRIFF HUTTON BRIDGE

JULY 4   YORKSHIRE OVER 60,S   V   TWO COUNTIES     GARGRAVE

JULY 5 HYMER COLLEGE     V   M.C.C.

JULY 7    YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN  V   HALIFAX NOMADS                         11.30

               LINCOLNSHIRE  V   CUMBERLAND    CLEETHORPES                     11.00

                THREE DAY MATCH

                  BANKFOOT    V      M.C.C

                YORKSHIRE U 14 A       V    STAFFORDSHIRE    DENBY DALE

JULY 8    YORKSHIRE SECONDS   V   M.C.C YOUNG CRICKETERS WEETWOOD

ST.PETERS CRICKET WEEK  MONDAY TO FRIDAY

Worth a visit.

JULY 9   YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN    V   CALLOROY PLATEAU                11.30
              SOUNDS INTERESTING

                 SOUTH CRAVEN       V   M.C.C         KEIGHLEY                              11.30

                 YORKSHIRE SECONDS    V   M.C.C YOUNG CRICKETERS        11.00

                 THREE DAYS. STAMFORD BRIDGE

                 YORKSHIRE  U 14     V   LINCOLNSHIRE        APPLEBY FODDDINGHAM

JULY 12  E.C.B  NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE   V   M.C.C     DARWEN


JULY 14   YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN    V     POCKLINGTON PIXIES     11.30

               NIDDERDALE            V     SYDNEY TOURING SIDE     RIPLEY     12.00

               YORKSHIRE   U 14    V    LINCOLNSHIRE        AYSGARTH SCHOOL

              HUDDERSFIELD        V  YORK   SLAITHWAITE

              HEAVY WOOLLEN     V  DONCASTER   LIVERSIDGE

JULY 16  YORKSHIRE SECONDS   V   GLAMORGAN   HEADINGLEY

           3 DAY MATCH

          YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN    V   LINCOLNSHIRE GENTLEMEN

         YORKSHIRE U 14 B        V    NORTH YORKSHIRE    NEW ROVER

JULY 18   YORKSHIRE OVER 60,S    V   HERTSFORDSHIRE   CARLTON TOWERS SNAITH  1.30

JULY 19    YORKSHIRE SECONDS   V   GLAMORGAN

                  YORKSHIRE U 19     V   DURHAM   HARROGATE         11.30

JULY 21   YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN   V   PENGUINS

    CHANCE TO SEE PETER DIBB PLAYING.

         CUMBERLAND    AT BARROW.

     THREE DAY MATCH

 JULY 22    YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN    V   WILTSHIRE  QUERIES

JULY 23  SHEFFIELD  COLLEGIATE   V  M.C.C   ABBEYDALE

               YORKSHIRE U 17    V  CHESHIRE     WEETWOOD
            TWO DAY MATCH

JULY 25   YORKSHIRE U 17  V  CHESHIRE   WEETWOOD

                 YORKSHIRE  U 19    V  MIDDLESEX    UNDERCLIFFE    11.30
                TWO DAY MATCH.

JULY 26    CNTRAL LANCASHIRE LEAGUE   V   M.C.C   MIDDLETON.

JULY 28   CHATSWORTH   V  M.C.C

              YORKSHIRE U 15    V   NOTTINGHAM     HARROGATE    10.45

JULY 29   YORKSHIRE U 15    V  LANCASHIRE     MASHAM

TWO DAY MATCH.

JULY 30   YORKSHIRE U 17    V  LANCASHIRE         HEYWOOD

JULY 31  YORKSHIRE GENTLEMEN  V   DURHAM  PILGRIMS

            YORK AND DISTRICT U 21   V  M.C.C  SCARBOROUGH.

Please double check before setting off many times the date and venue changes.

THE PHOTOGRAPH IS FROM CRAYKE GROUND LOOKING AT A  CASTLE.

                        

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM AT DENBY DALE

By Brian Sanderson,

Yesterday I went with Brian Senior to Denby Dale to see Yorkshire under 14 against Huddersfield under 15.When we arrived after four overs Yorkshire had lost two wickets for 4 runs.The first wicket was run out with the batsman not facing a ball.We were joined by Peter France,Malcolm from Colton ,Graham,Brian Workman and David Thorpe so we nearly had a full set of P.C.W.

Malcolm had been to New Rover on Tuesday to Yorkshire over 60  against Derbyshire however they had only seven men. It seems there had been a hold up on the M1 and four players could not get to the match.Derbyshire batted first but at the drinks break their captain decided to call off the match as they did not have a full side.I have never heard of this happening before.

The weather forecast said rain wouldv arrive at 2.00,4.00 or 6.00  depending which forecast you watched.It started to rain at 1.00 but Yorkshire finished there innings scoring over 180 in the forty-five overs. There were four run outs in the innings and the Yorkshire coaches were not happy.

Everbody retreated to the tea-room where Mrs Geldard was in charge. Peter Dibb decided to have a straw berry scone  with cream.for part of his dinner.I f Wimbledon can do it so can Denby Dale. The rain was still falling and was expected to rain for a number of hours so decide to go home.

Denby Dale ground as you will see from the photograph slopes down and has a river running under the ground. At the bottom there are numerous trees and is a typical local Huddersfield ground scenic.

AWAY THE LADS

By Brian Sanderson,

On Tuesday I had a day away from watching cricket and went to the 364 Luncheon.This a celebration of Sir Leonards score at The Oval 75 years ago. There was a excellent meal of Yorkshire pudding and beef. The speakers were Jim Cumbes and Micky Stewart. Pity the microphone was not better and sounded like sometimes  from a comedy routine.

Yesterday I picked up my sister and went to Brandon in the County of Bishops.Durham Seconds were playing Derbyshire Seconds in a double header 20/20 match however we just watched the first match.The ground is a typical mining pitch  ie large and flat.As you can see from the photgraph there was a new pavilion and shed for the scorers including Mr Hilton ,the Durham scorer.Next to the shed was the person working the sound system and blasting out the records.My sister did not know the records so I spent most of the match explaining the words.They of cause had Dreadlock Holiday from the 10.CC.They are at the new Leeds Arena this November with Stats Quo. End of the music section.

The first person I saw was James Lee ex Yorkshire and Leeds and Bradford player. He opened the bowling for Debyshire so must be looking for contract.Durham opening batsman and captain was Usman Arshad who was born in Bradford and went to school in Bingley.Durham scored 166 in the twenty over with Arshed , Hickey and Thompson being the top scorers.

During the break I had ham and peas  sandwiches which is a contrast from yesterday

In the Derbyshire side were Gegory Cork and Scott Elstone. Cork is the son of ex England player Dominic and Elstone had been released from Nottingham last year.Derbyshire started slowly with Slater and Godleman and struggled to catch up. Cork and Elstone tried hard and finished eleven runs short.There was a cold easterly wind blowing and it was cloudy so I thought my sister had enough of her first 20/20 match.

Good to get away from Headingley were I had spent six days.

CHAPTER FOUR

By Brian Sanderson,

The morning started a bit different than usual as Brian Heywood from the Huddersfield Rugby League project wanted to go round the Yorkshire Cricket Musuem.He is planning a display later in the year so he needed some ideas. Hopefully this was achieved.

The weather was cloudy and a cold wind blowing across the field which was a disappointment as yesterday forecast was wall to wall sunshine. Wrong again.The worst scenario was that Yorkshire could be bowled out quickly.At lunch they were 114 for 5 which made them 194 in front of Surrey.

However Liam Edward Plunkett came to our rescue with a score of 68 of 138 balls.To bring the Yorkshire total to 254 all out.There was a usual situation when Yorkshire were eight wickets down Patterson came out to bat with a broken toe.This was raising futher injury to him when they were never going to lose the match.

Surrey had to   bat out two overs of comic bowling to make the match a draw.Pieterson had dominated the match with his batting and with Yorkshire missing their top four batsmen they were never going to force a won to-day and did not.

Just a note that the Swedish viewers have left the blog to be replaced by 57 views from Russia.No comment.

Holders under a cloud

posted by John Winn

Late yesterday afternoon I drove to Clifton Park, York to see the National KO holders playing Doncaster in their group final of this year's competition. As I arrived York were just beginning their reply to Doncaster's 135 all out. Easy peasy I thought as Liam McKendry and  Snell  added thirty for the first wicket but the introduction of spin at both ends changed the pattern of the match.

With Widdup, who had been bowled for 0 in Doncaster's innings, taking 3 for 35 and Jackson conceding only 15 off 8 overs York were left on 87 for 4 after 29 overs. During these proceedings a large black cloud had built up behind the pavilion which almost certainly would bring rain and I was surprised by an apparent lack of urgency in York's batting. The cloud duly delivered the threatened rain and as the players left the field the covers appeared. I waited about 15 minutes before deciding there was little prospect of any more play.

My wife had texted to say it was still bright and breezy in the Lower Ure Valley but as I drove home the rain pursued me along the A59 and overtook me by the time I reached Green Hammerton. Checking later on the competition website I saw that Doncaster had been awarded the tie on faster run rate. No Duckworth Lewis here I assume.

Acting captain for York, Nick Kay had described this game as his team's most important match of the season and I suspect there may well have been recriminations in the dressing room that they had surrendered their title in such a manner. Doncaster now go forward as group two winners to the last 16 where they will be at home to the winners of Blaydon and South Northumberland.

I have recently read a biography of A N Hornby by Stuart Brodkin, one of the excellent 'Lives in Cricket' series published by ACS. Hornby was one of those amazing all rounders the late nineteenth century threw up, captaining England and Lancashire at cricket, playing Rugby Union for his country and football for Blackburn Rovers. In addition he was a boxer and hurdler as well as hunting and shooting. It is not clear what he did in his spare time but fishing seems an obvious omission. In the biography there is reference to a short film (just under 9 minutes) available on YouTube which shows Hornby batting in the nets against Arthur Mold, a controversial figure of his day who was no balled on a number of occasions for throwing. For me the best bits are the shots of the Lancashire members, clearly enjoying the novelty of being filmed and setting standards for dress code that even the current Lancashire club would not dare impose. 'Sorry, sir you can't come in without a straw hat'. Railway buffs will enjoy the locomotives passing the ground. Just put Hornby and Mold into YouTube search

To Headingley today wondering what might be in store. Better weather would be a start but will  Andrew Gale be tempted to go for broke and set Surrey a target, assuming that is that Yorkshire don't lose too many early wickets and find themselves hanging on rather than dictating terms. In the event of a declaration half an hour of KP could ruin any calculations. Interesting, very interesting.

CLASS TELLS

By Brian Sanderson,

To-day was the Opem Day for the Yorkshire Archives in the Long Room. The weather was rainy and cloudy which caused the play to be delayed till 12.00.This give time to talk to a number of people about their cricket archives and memories.

One gentlemen brought album of private pictures taken at Scarborough during the 1920,s.Also he had Walker postcards of teams who played in the Scarborough festival at that time. He was very kind and allowed me  to scanned the photographs and postcards for Yorkshire Archives during the afternoon.

When I came back from home and Pieterson had completed his hundred.I was able to settle down to watch a class batsman take a Championship attack apart. Yorkshire were unlucky when Patterson had broken his big toe when batting.He would have given more control to the bowling. Jack Leaning even bowled after taking the place of Gary Ballance who had gone off to play for England.

Pieterson finished up on 177 not out in 188 balls with 17 fours and 7 six,s.A class act with shows what a difference to a side when a England player is allowed to play in a Champiionship match. Surrey declared on 353 for 7 so being 80 runs behind. This forced Yorkshire to decided if trhey wish to make a match of it.

Yorkshire struggled to 52 for 1 in 21 overs  but I was able to see some excellent images ealier in the day.
The forecast for to-morrow is sunny so we will see what will happen in the last chapter of this match.

contrasting fortunes

posted by John Winn

When I visited Derby last September the county was on the verge of clinching promotion to the first division which they duly did the following day, the same day as Yorkshire with a crushing victory over Essex, booked their place in the top tier. As we reach the midpoint of the season and the championship is about to move aside to make room for its  noisy neighbour how contrasting are the fortunes of the two counties.

On Friday I was part of a bumper Headingley crowd enjoying seeing their team as championship leaders welcome Surrey for the first time since 2008 and, dare I say, taking some pleasure from the visitors' lowly position which earlier  in the week had led to the dismissal of Chris Adams. Derbyshire's position offers a sharp contrast to that of Yorkshire for they are winless  after seven matches and at the foot of the table.

Yesterday I took the train to Derby arriving in plenty of time for the second day of the match with Somerset, another side whose achievements this season  have so far fallen well short of expectations and who also still have zero in the win's column.  The gatemen at the County Ground could not have been more welcoming even to the man in front of me who thought a twenty pound note might be enough to secure him and his wife admission. 'Just another twelve pounds, sir'. The chap who dealt with me told me that this was 'a result wicket' with the groundsman acting on instructions to ensure that the game would not meander to a draw on Monday.

Despite a short shower about fifteen minutes before the start, play got underway on time and although there were further interruptions including one when the strong wind blew over the sightscreen, by dint of taking early lunch and good work by the ground staff only ten minutes of play was lost in the first two sessions of the day. The on field events confirmed the gateman's assessment of the wicket for Palladino in particular got some steep bounce. For much of the afternoon I sat amongst some Somerset supporters who, as their side's wickets fell, became less and less hopeful that they would escape relegation. They even began compiling a list of players who might be shown the door if they return to the second division for the first time since 2007. Come on gentlemen, surely things aren't that bad.

I left at tea but in the event missed very little play for the weather that had sent the players from the field at 3:50 kept them in the pavilion until 6:20  and by stumps only a further fourteen runs had been added and despite the groundsman's best efforts today's forecast suggests a draw as the most likely result. Unless of course the captains feel that it is time to throw caution to the wind, and there was no shortage of that yesterday, and risk the three points a draw offers in pursuit of a win.

On Thursday I took in another of my listed matches by visiting Old Trafford where there was no shortage of talking points. Readers will probably be well acquainted with the on field events and Northamptonshire's dismay over the wicket that produced a red rose victory in two days. It is thought that the strip, which has been cleared by the pitch police, is the same one on which Lancashire were skittled out for 63 by Worcestershire last year and for which they narrowly escaped a deduction. On that occasion it was spin that caused the problems, this time the outstanding bowler was Kyle Hogg whose 7 for 27 on Thursday was a career best.

Off the field the conversation of those amongst whom I was sitting  centred on the new pavilion which had been opened earlier in the week. I can't recall one favourable comment but the main grumbles centred on the imposition of a dress code which forbids the wearing of shorts, trainers, jeans and t shirts with slogans likely to cause offence. If you can satisfy all these conditions and gain entry prepare for a wait at the bar, for it is reputed to be one third of the size of its predecessor which itself was considered too small. This may be no more than hearsay for judging by their attire none of those who claimed this knowledge would get passed the steward checking footwear.

FOUR RAIN INTERRUPTIONS

By Brian Sanderson,

Second day of the Surrey four day match with the forecast not good.Before the match started there was a Supporters forum about the problems of watching cricket.Yorkshire supporters were saying they could not sit behind the bowlers arm at the Kirkstall Lane and the reply was that Pointing wanted a larger sightscreen.However Pointing was not playing as he injured his wrist on Friday.

Yorkshire only but on 12 runs before rain stopped play but lost a wicket.Early lunch again was taken.When I arrived back Gale and Plunkett were batting.Gale was first  out for 148.Slow going during to-day.During the rain interruptions the talk was how you could increase Yorkshire membership and how they would reduce their financial deficit.Mr and Mrs Plunkett were sitting in front of me to watch Liam score 51 off 79  balls.

Yorkshire finally declared on 433 for 9.The feeling was that Yorshire had batted too long but we will see.
After I had left Brookes claimed a wicket of Harinath with the score 53 for 1.

To-morrow I am doing a memorabilia opened day at Headingley. So it will be interesting to see how it goes.  This is the 900 post on this blog.

ANOTHER CENTURY FOR GALE

By Brian Sanderson,

On a cloundy Friday morning I walked up to the stadium were Yorkshire were playing Surrey on the first day.In the Long Room I met Philip Paine who is author on numerous cricket books and a Surrey supporter.

Surrey won the toss and put in Yorkshire to bat which was not a surprise in the overcast conditions.Lees and Lyth batted well to reach 62 at early lunch caused by bad light.The ball was moving about and so they had batted well.

When I got back after lunch both openers were out and soon followed by Sayers.Ballance walked in after been picked for England squad so restricting him to two days cricket whilst  Pieterson could play the full match.stupid E.C.B rules.However Gale and Ballance started a good partnership.At tea-time Yorkshire were 176 for 3.

During tea I had a chance to talk to a relative of Bobby Peel who played cricket for Yorkshire and England from 1882 to 1897.At the moment he is a unmarked grave in Morley which is a shame for a England cricketer.

After tea Gale reached his third century in  three innings which is great after his poor run in the last two years.
Ballance was first out breaking   a partnereship of 204 and the Rashid both to Jon Lewis.Yorkshire struggled when Surrey took the new ball slowing the scoring rate and losing two wickets.

The photograph is of a Wellington bomber going over Headingley a few years ago.

DUCKWORTH-LEWIS WINS AGAIN

By Brian Sanderson,

This morning myself and Brian Senior went to the funeral of Diana Hutton who was the wife of Tony. Adel church was very full which shows how well she was liked.Tony's pictures are in a seperate section of the web-site and he helped to write Off The Beaten Track.These two items started me blogging and taking photographs.I wish all the very best to Tony and his family in the future.

In the afternoon I went to Headingley for the forty over match against Middlesex.When I arrive Middlesex were 65 for 4.I had some Archive work to do before I could watch the last ten overs of the Middlesex innings.Yorkshire had a very young bowling attack including Gibson and Fisher.Middlesex had a chance to take the top spot but Yorkshire had only beat the Unicorns and were just giving the youngsters a chance.

Middlesex scored 217 for 8 but Jerry,the Middlesex supporter thought it was not enough runs.However Yorkshire had only four recognised batsmen.Gale and Lyth opened and were able to score 81 for no wickets before the rain started to fall which finished the match.Due to Duckworth -Lewis calculations Yorkshire won the match.

There was a good turnout of spectators on a cloudy afternoon.The cost to see the match is £15 which shows what good value the admittance fee of £8 at Lords for a Championship match is.

CRICKET PLAYED AT ALL AGES

By Brian Sanderson,

There was a chance to go to Masham this afternoon because I think it is one of the more scenic grounds.The match was Yorkshire over 50 against Durham in a fifty over match starting at 1.30.Because I went via Ripon I picked up my sister and we  had lunch outside in the Masham market place.

As you will see from the photograph the ground is overlooked by the church and is in a park area.The ground is on a lease from Swinton Park.Yorkshire opened the batting with Albert Aurelius who is a West Indian born cricketer who plays in this area.The first time I saw him was at Thorop Perrow in the Darlington Evening League.To-day he scored 83 in a opening stand of over 150.The weather was sunny and it was very pleasent to sit in the shade and be warm.The wicket-keeper for Durham was Andrew Fothergill who played County Cricketer for Durham in the 1980,s and is still a excellent keeper.

We moved at about 3.30 as I was going with Ron Deaton see some evening cricket in the York area.The first match we saw was in the Pilmoor League at Crayke who were playing Easingwold.The ground now is just used for Wednesday night cricket but previously had a successfully Saturday side.Walking round the ground we saw three covers which had not been moved for over nine years which is a shame when they are in good condition.The wicket-keeper for Crayke was eleven years old and about four foot nine.He is the smallest keeper I had seen in adult competative match.There are excellent views toward York Cathedral walking round the ground.

Moving on to Osbaldwick who were playing Bubworth in the Fosse Evening League.This match looked a good standard with the home side batting chasing a total of 150.It is a large ground in the middle of a housing estate but was in good condition.

The final match was at The Retreat seconds who were playing Fulfordgate. The club was established in 1889 and inside the hospital.The first person I meet was Steve Bindman  who also plays for Cambridge Methodists and Cawood plus any other side who is short.The ground is very scenic but they are struggling to keep going because the roller was had not been working so losing their Saturday League side as the League thought the wicket was too dangerous.Fulfordgate play their matches at Heworth and we were told tonight they would come under the Howarth club next year.One of the Retreat player was 78 and had been playing cricket for 67 years.The young wicket-keeper at Crayke will do well to beat this record.

An afternoon spoilt

posted by John Winn

In a posting made earlier this month Brian remarked on the poor behaviour of players in a quarter final of the Heavy Woollen Cup. Perhaps it is the combination of Sundays and cup matches but I had cause to leave a match on a favourite ground last Sunday because of  the behaviour of one of the teams. 

The match was at Studley Royal and was the North Yorkshire (South)  Regional Final in the National Village KO Cup. The visitors were Sheriff Hutton Bridge, winners of the competition in 2005. When I arrived a good crowd was watching the last ten overs of the SHB innings. With the help of some good fielding by the hosts they rather failed to cash in and from 122 for 6 they were all out for 152 in the 39th over.

When Studley began the reply Sheriff Hutton immediately set a new high (or low) for noise levels.  Readers may well be acquainted with the sort of thing I mean, the constant clapping, the exhortation to 'work hard lads', histrionic appealing to put pressure on umpires and the dervish like celebrations when a wicket fell. I have seen it before and complained about it in postings but I have never seen it taken to these levels in any form of cricket.

The game itself proceeded towards an exciting finish with Studley passing the 100 mark with five down and plenty of overs in hand. There was a delicious irony in that two controversial moments seemed to go against the visitors: the first when there appeared to be a run out from an excellent direct hit but the umpire had turned his back and the second when a caught and bowled was turned down because of an alleged bump ball and although the batsman appeared willing to walk, in the end he remained at the crease.

Finally and despite the prospect of a really exciting finish, I could stand no more and with any sense of neutrality abandoned, I left for home. Such tactics may be legal, but I would question their fairness and if they are within the 'spirit of cricket' then 'the spirit' needs a rethink. Success in cricket is about the execution of the basic skills of batting, bowling and fielding allied to tactics, field placing etc. What I saw on Sunday goes far beyond this. Would we countenance such behaviour amongst under nines? Sadly I fear some coaches might and would dismiss the complaints of someone of my generation as outdated and of no value. 

The close finish that seemed in prospect did occur with Sheriff Hutton Bridge winning by four runs. The victors' own website reports the victory and commends their young spinners 'who performed outstandingly in a hostile atmosphere'. Can't argue with that. They now go forward to the last 32. I'll not be there.

Good to see so many pcws at Weetwood yesterday. Whatever happens in the two finals they will play in the next few days Leeds/Bradford have had a magnificent season. Not only that, yesterday was the second occasion in 2013 that I have applied factor 30 at Weetwood. Climate change sceptics take note.

ps Twitter tells me that  Exeter were all out for 150.  The scorecard says 158. Either way it weren't enough.

QUARTER-FINAL AT WEETWOOD

By Brian Sanderson,

Looking at the Cricket Yorkshire web-site this morning I notice that there was a match at Weetwood to-day.
It turned out to be Leeds and Bradford University against Exeter in a fifty-over semi-final.Yesterday Leeds and lost to Loughbrough in a 20/20 Final at Lords.

One of the interesting things about watching University cricket is the background of the players.One of these was Christopher Francis Wakefield who opened the innings for Leeds who plays for Middlesex Seconds. He scored 83  and was the wicket-keeper.Leeds had beaten Exeter two wickets ago in this competition quite easily.Another of Leeds player was James Lee who I had seen at Bankfoot.

All the P.C.W were there have found out about the match in different ways.John Winn had been at Giggleswick School yesterday and heard about it  then.Also there was Glyn Pearson who was assessing the Umpires and is a member of the M.C.C.During the afternoon Tony Hutton arrived with his grandson who had been to the Rhinos match last night.

Leeds scored over 250 in their fifty overs.After tea Exeter started well but were pegged back by the spin of Alex Mac Queen who plays for M.C.C Universities.As I left Exeter score was 130 for 6 with seventeen overs left. The final will be next Monday which should include Leeds and Bradford.

Some of the people who read the blog are from Sweden and I hope you enjoy it.

THE MATCH THAT MIGHT NOT HAVE HAPPEN ?

By Brian Sanderson,

On Sunday I had to go with Ron Deaton to Bradford but  in the afternoon I had a chance to call into Bankfoot who were playing Bradford and Bingley in the quater-final of the Priestley Cup.Bankfoot is celebrating its 150 years in exsistance and is ground I have played on numerous times.When I arrived Bingley were batting and were four wickets down and not many runs.

The wicket was green as usual which was helping the bowlers.Andy Marshall who was bowling spinners had figures for 10-7-4-3 which would have pleased Hedley Verity ex Yorkshire spinner.Their final total was 134 which meant Bingley had to bowl well.During the tea interval I was able to talk to Michael Latham who is the Cumberland Cricket Manager and had come to see Alex Atinson and Chris Thompson who both play for Cumberland.However neither of them did well batting.Also walking about was James Lee ,Leeds and Bradford quick bowler who also plays for Cleckheaton.

One of the Bingley opening bowlers was Jack Hartley who is Neil  Hartley,s son. Neil captained Yorkshire during the 1980 and played for Bingley.His son took two wickets but Bankfoot won by six wickets.However on Monday morning the Bradford League web-site stated that Bankfoot had played Ankit Rawat as an illegal player so could be ejected from the Cup.There is a meeting to-night about the match.

FOUR DAYS AT THE HOME OF CRICKET

By Brian Sanderson,

On Tuesday morning myself and the family set off to London on our holiday.I do not go abroad now and go away for a few days during the summer to ground I like to visit or had visited.Yorkshire had not played a Championship match at Lords for over fifteen years so this was the obvious trip.

I had booked a hotel near the ground so was able to arrive at lunch-time.Yorshire had won the toss and batted with Adam Lyth out for eleven.The place to watch cricket at Lords is the pavilion as per photograph.To get into the pavilion I had to wear one of my few ties and wear a jacket.Normally I watch cricket as casual as possible however this was a special occasion so a raid into the wardrobe.

Andrew from London was there with his brother Colin inside the pavilion watching through the windows.The last time I had seen Colin was at Scarborough last season but during the winter he had a stroke and was now in a wheelchair but it was good to see him.The ball was moving around on a green wicket so Alex Lees and Andrew Gale batted well..There were some delays due to bad light and rain which caused Andrew to leave about 4.00.

Just before the end of the day Lees got to his maiden century which must have made him so proud to walk through The Long Room at the end of the day.Yorkshire were 215 for 2.Next morning Alex was out first ball.During this day Andrew and myself was joined by Brian Workman who come down to Lords for two days.Yesterday he got caught in a rainshower and decided not to come.During the day Gale got to his second hundred in two innings which was a contrast of not scoring a century for two seasons.Again the bad light stopped play about tea-time. This allowed Andrew and myself to go into Lords Library which is opposite the pavilion.A pleasent hour was spent in there before we were thrown out at five o,clock.Middlesex were 16 for 1.

Third day we sat outside the pavilion on the woodern seats to see Yorkshire bowl out Middlesex for 175.During the afternoon we were joined by Michael Swaby who works in London.He is the son of Alan who was my best friend for over forty years and deid in October.Played carried on till six forty-five with Middlesex 137 for 4.We all had a good Chinese meal that night.

On the forth day is was free for Old Age Pensioners,like me to come into the ground.The other three days cost was £8 per day which is excellent value.By lunch-time Yorkshire had won the match which allowed me to go to Olympia Book-fair by free bus through London,s streets.All together a excellent five days in London.

tidying up York

posted by John Winn

In a posting I made in 2011 I remarked on the profusion of cricket clubs in York. With a lot of travelling ahead of me this week and heavy showers forecast I decided that yesterday  I would make the short journey to the city and visit four grounds where I had not previously seen cricket.

First stop was for a York Senior League game in Division 4 between Civil Service and Patrington, very much an East Yorkshire club with a Hull postcode who joined the league in 2012 and gained promotion at the first attempt. Civil Service were founded in 1952 and play at the Heslington Sports Ground near to York University. The address for the ground in the excellent league handbook is incorrect. What is the difference between 'Outgang Lane' and 'The Outgang'? About two miles. When I arrived the visitors were batting and progress was slow although the tempo increased while I watched. The ground is on the very edge of York and the playing area is of a decent size, but there is not much to get dewy eyed about. Last week's trip to Hovingham has rather spoilt me. Although the Knavesmire, the home of York races, is about two miles away the sounds of racegoers cheering home the winner of the 2:05  could be heard in the distance.

After twelve overs the players were driven from the field by a heavy shower accompanied by thunder. I took this opportunity to drive the short distance to Fulford and a York Vale league match between Fulfordgate and North Cave within the Fulford Parish Council playing field. It is somewhere in this area that York City FC played before moving to Bootham Crescent in 1932: the ground was known as Fulfordgate. More than 80 years on the Minstermen are about to move to the outskirts of the city again: this time to a community stadium close to the Monk's Cross shopping precinct. I understand the resident newts are now comfortable in their new environment and development has commenced.

When I arrived at the somewhat featureless ground with its local youth proof pavilion play was just resuming after the shower and North Cave were batting. Another East Yorkshire club, 'Cave' were champions of Division 1 last season, and unusually these days Division 1 is the top division, and before yesterday's game were joint leaders with Ovington. They were not having things all their own way yesterday, however, and while I was there lost two wickets to some lively pace bowling. I fell into conversation with a veteran Fulfordgate supporter who explained that this was their first season in the top division and that they were doing better than he had expected with a couple of wins under their belts. Promotion had necessitated investment in two canvas sight screens which have to be erected before each match and taken down at stumps to guard against the local hobbledehoys who have left their mark with spray paint on the equipment shed. For a small club North Cave have an excellent website and this morning has a report of yesterday's game showing that the champions suffered their first defeat of the season.

From Fulfordgate there is easy access to the A19 and then to Naburn Lane which took me to my third ground of the afternoon at Stillingfleet. On the ten minute or so drive one passes from the administration of York into the hands of North Yorkshire and the ground is close to the road side about half a mile before the village of Stillingfleet. This is much more like village cricket with a small playing area adjacent to parkland. I asked third man which team was batting and, after a surprisingly long pause, he said that it was the home side.Their opponents were Melbourne who top  Division 3. The wicket looked an interesting colour and I noted that Underwood had taken three wickets. How much the other Underwood would have enjoyed bowling here. Things were proving tricky for the batting side and they were struggling to bat out their 45 overs.

To reach my last ground of the day I drove back to the  outer ring road and round to the south west corner and to another Div 1 match. This time  in the grounds of Askham Bryan College. Visitors  Stockton and Hopgrove had made the 180 degree journey round the ring road and, third before yesterday's games, they were rather in charge against bottom of the table Askham Bryan, who like Stillingfleet were relying on their tailenders to see out the overs. By now the afternoon had turned pleasantly warm and I enjoyed 45 minutes or so at this attractive ground before making my way home. By the time I arrived there the weather had shown its capricious side with a shower blown on a strong wind.

A busy week ahead for me with a trip to Giggleswick tomorrow and listed matches at Old Trafford and Derby on Thursday/Friday. On top of this championship leaders Yorkshire welcome winless Surrey to Headingley, Decisions, decisions.

ps we've passed the 40000 hits.

Photograph is the pavilion at Fulfordgate.

an amazing day

I didn't go to cricket yesterday but via TV, radio, internet, twitter and texts from friends I kept in touch with an amazing day's cricket. Let's get the easy bit out of the way first: as expected Yorkshire beat Middlesex comfortably and stand at the top of the table. Great all round cricket from Yorkshire and five wickets for Rashid.

Next stop Cardiff where rain prevented a start until 2:30 in the game between South Africa and West Indies and for once the Duckworth Lewis regulations worked in the Proteas favour and the tied match was enough for them to progress and leave the West Indies looking for flights back to the Caribbean.

Turning to the second division of the championship even more remarkable events occurred, particularly at Chelmsford  where Essex's dismissal for 20 (twenty) is their lowest ever total in first class cricket and the lowest in county cricket since 1983. They managed to score a score without any help from extras or indeed from the six who got nought. I wonder how skipper Foster explained his run out. The result leaves Lancashire 33 points behind Northants but with a game in hand and the two meet at Old Trafford on Thursday, a listed match for me.

Still in Div Two and a game that may just have slipped beneath your radar occurred at the Ageas Bowl where both sides forfeited an innings to leave Hants needing 411 off 169 overs to record just their second win of the season. Skipper Jimmy Adams must have begun to feel he had got the rough end of the deal when he was dismissed for his fourth duck in his last five innings and Fuller and Gidman worked their way steadily through the rest of the home team's batting to give 'Glors' victory by 198 runs. All of which leaves last year's wooden spoonists at the dizzy heights of third and Hampshire beginning to foresee another season in the lower tier in 2014.

If all this excitement wasn't enough I conclude with events at The Riverside. Having enjoyed the ebb and flow of the first two days' cricket on the 'questionable' wicket I decided that I would not travel north yesterday morning but instead catch up on a few jobs at home. In any case the forecast indicated there would be interruptions in play. In my last posting I expressed the hope that Durham's last two wickets might stretch their lead to 250. With Richardson receiving help from Rushworth they were able to just  exceed that and set the Bears 257 to win.

Warwickshire lost two wickets before lunch and Durham chiselled away during the afternoon to the point where the score stood at 146 for 7. Enter that man Patel: top scorer in the first innings and with five wickets in the match he and Javid added 86 for the eighth wicket before they were removed by Onions. During this stand your Lower Ure Valley correspondent grew increasingly nervous which was not helped when Wright hit a couple of fours to narrow the gap to eleven with the last pair at the crease. Up stepped Stokes, who had a fine match, to take the last wicket and set off a torrent of tweets, texts and phone calls to and from my phone. Durham are now second to Yorkshire in the table each having completed half their programme. Yorkshire welcome Surrey to Headingley on Friday and unless today's events at Arundel mirror the kind of stuff I have been describing the brown caps will travel north without a win to their names: not quite what the Oval faithful had in mind when Graham Smith led his side out against Somerset two months ago. After yesterday's excitement Durham will be pleased that they can put at least their first class feet up until Derbyshire come to town in July.

Tomorrow sees the Regional Finals of the National Village Cup and in North Yorkshire (South) it is Studley Royal v Sheriff Hutton Bridge. In NY North Harome take on Sessay. In West and South Yorks it is Streethouse v Old Sharlston CC from Wakefield.

The Barker and Patel show

In its review of the 2012 County Championship Wisden describes last season's Riverside pitches as 'questionable' which to this blogger's partisan mind implies that they were prepared to suit the home side's pace attack. Certainly high scores, except when Joe Root is at the crease, remain at a premium and the current match between Durham and Warwickshire, which enters its third day this morning, is following the pattern.

Durham's first innings score of 267 is very much a par score and was enough to give them a first innings lead of 58 over The Bears but when shortly after lunch yesterday the visitors were 116 for 7 it looked as though Durham's advantage might be much bigger. Enter Barker and Patel, who between them had taken seven wickets on Wednesday, and who demonstrated their all round abilities with a stand of 72 with Patel ending as top scorer. The man whose exhorted Collingwood to  'bring on Borthwick' went rather quiet when the leg spinner's two overs went for 21 and it was the recall of Rushworth that did the trick, removing Barker and leaving Stokes to take the last two wickets.

On Wednesday I had arrived in time for the call of play but on seeing that the wickets were pitched towards the old scoreboard, walked behind the media centre in search of a closer view, and emerged just in time to see Stoneman retrace his steps to the dressing rooms having been caught behind for 0 off Barker's second ball. Over the course of the next two days a further 27 wickets have fallen to leave the match finely balanced. Durham's lead is 208 with two wickets left to fall and much may depend on the ability of the last two wickets to extend that lead. On a wicket that whether 'questionable' or not has served up two absorbing days' cricket and even with rain forecast for the last two scheduled days will almost certainly produce a win for one side or the other, 250 will be a stiff task.

After tea yesterday Stoneman and Jennings added 49 for the first wicket without too many alarms but a double change of bowling started a slide which was halted only by the removal of the bails for the close of play. No surprise that it was Patel who started the rot. Smith's attempts to play the New Zealand spinner became evermore frantic and he was his second victim after Jennings. Collingwood who averages just  a whisker over twelve at The Riverside this season, improved only slightly on his first innings effort and Mustard, who I have rarely seen fail, bagged a pair. Whilst these wickets were tumbling Stoneman showed why increasingly pundits are linking his name to representative cricket but he too fell before the close. His 82 was only the third fifty of the match.

When (or if) play resumes this morning the senior partner will be Richardson, who having waited patiently for an opportunity this season finds himself playing as a specialist batsman at number eight, not the easiest position from which to build big innings. BBC Tees made the point earlier this week that to some extent the Bears are Durham's rabbits, if bears can be rabbits, for the Prince Bishops have had more wins against the current champions than against any other county.That omen has already proved misleading this season when at Edgbaston in April Durham were on the wrong end of a stuffing: so far Warwickshire's only win of the season in four day cricket. They will probably feel slight favourites this morning to improve on that, but that of course is 'questionable'.

a gem in Jesmond

posted by John Winn

Minor Counties cricket rarely comes my way and  intentions to watch Cumberland last season were  frustrated by rain so I did not need much encouragement from Michael Taylerson to join him at Osborne Avenue, Jesmond yesterday for the second day of the MCCA Championship match between Northumberland and Hertfordshire. The ground is situated a few minutes walk from Jesmond Metro station and might be best remembered by readers as the home of the Callers-Pegasus Cricket Festival which was held there for ten years until 1990. The last such match was between an England XI and the Rest of the World and the sides contained names like Alan Lamb, Chris Board, Nasser Hussain for England and amongst those against them were Martin Crowe, Ian Bishop and  Frankyn Stephenson.

These matches and the crowds they generated  showed that interest in top class cricket did not stop at the River Tees and  provided some of the inspiration behind the entry of Durham into the County Championship in 1992. The Jesmond ground has rather fallen on hard times in recent years but it is now owned by the nearby Royal Grammar School and is the home of Newcastle CC, who are members of the North East Premier League. Eighteen wickets had fallen on the first day with Herts dismissed for 208 and Northumberland started the day on 129 for 8.

When  Michael and I arrived shortly after eleven the ninth wicket pair were still at the crease but two wickets in two balls closed the innings at 141. Between innings I took the opportunity to inspect the excellent club house facilities and although yesterday was pleasantly warm the bar would provide a good first floor viewing area on colder days which I believe do occur in this part of NE2.

Yesterday's very small crowd had a number a number of Riverside regulars amongst them. This Sunday Northumberland will take on Norfolk in the quarter final of the MCCA KO and a larger attendance is expected. At £2 a head for non-members it seems a bargain and I strongly recommend pcws to add the ground to your must see list if you have not already visited. Should the cricket lack interest then you can admire the fine Victorian houses in the area, the lovely trees that surround the crowd, and the impressive new approach and entrance added last year.

Hertfordshire's openers Blacktopp and Ballard went off at close to eight an over and although during the afternoon session Northumberland's spinners gradually got more control, when Ballard was out last ball before tea for 133 the score stood at 282 for 4, a lead of just under 350. One who had a long spell on an increasingly hot afternoon was former Durham off spinner, Nicky Phillips and I was surprised to find it is ten years since he left The Riverside. He was there during some hard times as the county sought to establish itself and he would not be unfamiliar with an afternoon's leather hunting.

Michael and I had spent some time considering when the declaration might come but we needn't have bothered for the Herts' innings ran its full course after we left at tea and they were all out for 407, leaving 'North' to get 475 to win. 40 for 1 at the close, they have a long day ahead of them today if they are to make anything like a fist of approaching that target. Through the excellence of joined up transport I was able to leave the ground at 4:20 and be in York, 75 miles south, by 5:40, very pleased that I had made the trip and promising myself that I will return to Osborne Avenue in the near future.

In case you did not spot the comment I added to Brian's Sunday post the blog should pass 40000 hits this week. Thank you for your continued support, especially to our overseas readers. Please keep logging on and spread the word.  

JUST PLAY CRICKET

By Brian Sanderson,

After a long drive yesterday I decided to stay local and go to see New Farnley against Scholes in Huddersfield .This was the quater final of the Heavy Woollen Cup and this will be Scholes first full match as the rest have been won by a toss of a coin or a bowl out.

I knew Peter France would be there as his grandson was playing for Scholes and he was standing near the pavilion.Above is a photograph of the recently built pavilion.Scholes batted first and was soon two wickets down for very little.The only batsman I knew was Thomas Boorman who I last saw at Undercliffe playing for Yorkshire under 19 and his father as usual was walking round the ground.Soon there were sledging going on between both sides and the umpires had to step in on  a few occasions. By this time David Thorpe had arrived and set next to me and Peter.Both of them are steeped in the Huddersfield Cricket League as they have played and watched  numerous matches in this league.

The wicket was uneven and Scholes did very well to get to 211 and especially as they had been bowled out yesterday for 62 by Hoylandswaine.One of New Farnley,s opening batsman split his webbing in hand  which caused him to go to hospital so causing Farnley to be a batsman short.However they got of to a quick start of 13 of the first over.Cummins and Goddard batted very well to bring the total up to 150. All this time there were arguements going on when they disputed decisions.You do not need this behavior on a cricket pitch.

When the above batsmen were out it was up to Nick Walker to hit a quick 49 to win the match.I enjoyed the company but not the chat on the field. So Farnley are through to the semi-final.

I am going to Lords to see Yorshire playing a Championship match on Tuesday. This will be by first time I will have seen Yorshire in a first-class match at Lords and so hoping for good weather.I will write my report of the match when I get home.

just missing Brian

posted by John Winn

My journey back from Scarborough on Thursday evening had convinced me that there could be no better time to see some cricket in Ryedale. May is my favourite month and although it has taken until June to get here this year its colours and blossom are wonderful and with the certainty that the sun would shine all day I headed through the Hambleton Hills and refreshed by a cooling draught in Wass made my first call at  Pickering for their York Senior League game with Goole Town for a Division I meeting. With just one win each neither side has made a great start to the season.

Scoring for Pickering was a colleague of my wife's and a follower of the blog, Western Australian Trevor Gilham. I had read Trevor's piece on the club's play cricket website under the heading 'How not to win' describing  last week's game against Whitkirk when a winning position was converted into a draw with Pickering nine wickets down and number eleven seeing out the last two deliveries.  Yesterday's game was only a few minutes old when I arrived at the Mill Lane ground but one of the Goole openers had already been run out: the sort of event that can ruin marriages let alone averages.

Pickering share their ground with the local football club but the outfield on the shared side is in fine condition: only the foot marks of the linesmen  show where the football pitch lies. 6 for 1 soon became 13 for 3 but a recovery was being mounted when I left for the short journey to Ryedale CC where Brian and friends were to pitch up later in the day .Although, as Brian has described, the Thornton Road ground is a multi sports facility the cricketers had it all to themselves yesterday. I made an enquiry about the availability of a Scarborough League handbook but the best that could be found were three copies of last year's which I declined. I'll kick myself if they become collectors' items.

From Ryedale CC it was back through Pickering to Kirkbymoorside and the third league of the afternoon , the Derwent Valley, for a Div B match between Kirkbymoorside II and Bridlington III. Here the home team were batting and the digital scoreboard showed them 19 for 2 but two juniors were at the crease and no further wickets fell while I was there. The Pickering Road ground is another facility shared with football and is also home to squash, tennis, bowls and the Kirkbymoorside Flying Club(sic).

Another short journey for the next ground took me to Nawton Grange CC and back to the Scarborough League where Sewerby II were the visitors. The ground has attractive trees on three sides with a modern well appointed clubhouse. Nawton were batting in this meeting between the clubs placed seventh and eighth in Div A. The league is facing some problems over its structure for 2014 for, after the withdrawal of Flamborough on the eve of this season, last week saw Snainton withdraw from Div B although they will continue to have a presence in the Derwent Valley League. In addition to these depletions Duncombe Park II have already announced that they will not compete in this league next season.

Continuing westwards on the A170 brought me to Helmsley,the home of Duncombe Park and finally a ground dedicated entirely to cricket. Bridlington II were the visitors here and were building up a good score. With the scoreboard showing 146 for 2 I was not thanked for pointing out that it was hard to reconcile that with last man 177, for Bridlington had not provided a scorer and Duncombe's scorer was being helped by a young player from her own team and the board was playing up. Shut up, John and time to  move on which I did but not before a look inside the pavilion at the various photographs therein.

By chance I had saved the best for last when I returned to the York League, this time to Division 3 and the game between Hovingham and Driffield III. I had been told that Hovingham was on the pcw not to be missed list but it exceeded all my expectations for it is simply breath taking with the backdrop of the 18th century house, the surround of splendid trees and cattle grazing in the next field and all on the most wonderful summer's day. The players were at tea when I arrived but I saw the men from the east begin their reply to Hovingham's 291 for7 but the result is not available on the website this morning.

Finally I called in at Ouseburn to see them comfortably beat Blubberhouses. Seats were at a premium on the viewing platform as Sam Parker picked up his second century in two weeks to seal a seven wicket victory. With good news from Scarborough and Taunton I drove the mile or so home a well contented man.

GENERAL CRICKET NOTES

By Brian Sanderson,

The good news this week is that Harry has been found after been taken at Bowling Old Lane. Harry is Brian Cobb dog and is seen walking round cricket grounds in the North of England.

While I was in Robin,s Hood Bay there was a chance to call into Church,s graveyard. I was trying to find the grave of Charles Olivierre which was put there in 1949.I had written about earlier this yearUnlike Philip Paine who has written about 15 books about cricketer,s grave ,my search was in vain.

The results from yesterday :

Scalby 159 for 9  Ravenscar   78

Whitby thirds  132 for 9   Brampton  138 for 5

Fylingdale  98    Grindale 101 fr 3

Wold Newton 162 for 7   Lockton  166 for 3

Rydale  210 for 3   Wykeham  211 for 4.

I must mention the excellent innings of Andrew Gale in scoring a double hundred and helping to draw the match after Yorkshire lost three quick wickets on Thursday.

The photograph was taken from a seat at Ravenscar.The name  and club could be substituted for many Professional Cricket Watchers name and club.

AS LONG AS YOU CAN SEE COWS

By Brian Sanderson,

Another Ron Deaton trip to East Yorkshire with myself and Ron Stansfield.The weather was warm and dry so was ideal for travelling round the grounds.

The first six grounds were in the Scarborough Becketts. First one was Ravenscar who were playing Scalby Seconds which was a local derby.The club was established in 1923 and used to play in  the adjacent field.There is a new pavilion and the ground is well kept. It slopes down to the pavlion but the wicket is flat.In the pavilion is list of players who had scored most runs and taken most wickets which shows they were interested in their history.As you can see from the photograph there is cows nearby which means it is proper village cricket.

Moving up the coast to Fylinghall School were Whitby thirds were playing Brompton.We passed some new football and hockey pitches and the cricket ground is used for athletics.We were talking to one of the players and found out he was the cousin of Adam Lyth,the Yorkshire player who comes from Whitby.In the distance you could see the Fylingdale ground.

To reach the ground  by car you have to go about one mile passed a caravan park.Tony Hutton had visited this ground a few years ago.The match was Fylingdale against Grindale in the village of Robins Hood Bay.There is no village called Fylingdale.The pavilion was built in the 1950,s and used also for fooball.It is also next to the old Filey railway line which is now a footpath.

Moving along narrow lanes we reached the main Pickering and Whitby road.Turning left towards Pickering about six miles from the village is Lockton.The ground  can be seen from the main road and they were playing Wold Newton from the Driffield area.Here again there is a football pich next to the cricket.The team are struggling to keep two teams going and I wish them all the best.

Moving down to Pickering  were Ryedale were playing Wykeham.They own there own ground were also played is football, table tennis, tennis and croquet which is a unusual sport in the North of England.We saw tthem last week beat Scarborough thirds and one of the players recognised used . As it happens he used to played for Lockton.

The final match was Malton against Woodhouse Grange in the York and District League.Ron had visited the ground about ten years ago when Yorkshire played Lashing X1.It is a large ground which is flat and well looked after.However we saw them lose by about 40 runs.

Another excellent trip to see seven new grounds and take some good photographs.Part two to-morrow with the results another photograph.

Might be fun

posted by John Winn

On Sunday the Yorkshire Premier League T20 group matches will be played. The Northern Group B will be played at St George's Road, Harrogate as follows

Harrogate v York 10:00 am

Loser of above v Scarborough 1:00 pm

Winner of Harrogate/York v Scarborough 4:00 pm

The Northern Group A will be played at Hull CC

10:00 am  Hull v Driffield

12:00 Yorkshire Academy v Castleford

4:00 Final

The Southern Pool C will at Doncaster

10:00 am Doncaster v Barnsley

12:00 Appleby Frodingham v Sheffield United

4;00 Final

The Southern Pool D at Cleethorpes

10:00 Cleethorpes v Rotherham

12:00 Loser of above v Sheffield Collegiate

4:00 Winner of Cleethorpes/Rotherham v Sheffield Collegiate

Finals day at Scarborough on Sunday July 21st

With the weather forecast showing showers from Wednesday why not support the all conquering Yorkshire Over 60s who entertain Lancashire at Ilkley on Tuesday? Wickets pitched 1:30.

SUNNY WEETWOOD

By Brian Sanderson,

After two trips to Scarborough  I wanted a easy ground to visit and Weetwood is only ten minutes away from my house.The match was a three day friendly between Leeds  @ Bradford University and Lancashire.
It was the third day and in the Telegraph stated Leeds after been asked to bat again were three wickets down.So I called up before lunch to see want the situation was and no more wickets had fallen with Gubbins and Reece batting.Brian Senior was sitting in the sunshine watching the match and enjoying Weetwood at it,s best.

In the first innings Lancashire had scored 309 with wicket-keeper batsnman  Davies scoring 69.Leeds had scored 116 with Lancashire Second teamer  Reece scoring 41 .After lunch Tony Hutton had arrived and had been watching most of the other two days and it was good to see him.I told him all about the people who had been at Scarborough during the last two days.When Lancashire took the new ball ,wickets started to fall with Gubbins been the first for 82.Reece was out caught at second slip for 77 off Clark who looks a good bowler. The rest of the wickets soon fell to Parry  and Leeds were all out 265 and so were 72 runs ahead.

Lancashire started quickly and Brown was first out for 37.Tea should have been 3.40 put the umpires are allowed to add on another fifteen minutes which they did.Just before tea Smith was bowled and Lancashire required 8 runs to win but the umpires had to call tea.After a twenty minutes break Lancashir took five balls to win the match.

The photograph was taken at the beginning of the season when they were taking photographs of the players.