This morning myself,Ron Stansfield and Ron Deaton set off for another trip to visit some Durham clubs.The weather was perfect and it did not seem like four weeks since our last trip together.
The first ground we visited was Wolviston who were playing Maske Seconds in the North Yorkshire and South Durham League.Arriving just after 1.00 we had our lunch watching both sides getting ready for the match.The ground is a large area and flat . It reminded me of a reclaimed N.C.B cricket pitch.The homeside batted first with only one umpire in charge.On arriving home I found by the computor that Wolviston had won the match.
Next ground is near the sea and was Seaton Carew Seconds who were playing Sedgefield Seconds.I had visited this ground about ten years ago when Durham Seconds were playing Northampton. John Abrahams, the coach of the England under 19, was there talking to Monty Panesar.Since tthen there a new scorebox has built . The old scorebox looked like a pill-box which had been used in the Second World War.Next to the pitch archery was taikng place which seem very close to spectators walking round.
Moving down the coast Hartlepool Power Station Seconds were playing in the Langbaugh Cricket League.
This ground is the northern club of the league and is John Winn favoritr ground see his blog .As you will see from photograph it seemed as an old oil rig was been demolished which makes a interesting backdrop to the cricket.On the other side of a fence is a small golf course for the employers.A very interesting ground and is worth a visit.
Moving back to the North Yorkshire and South Durham league at Billingham Synthonia ground.Another large ground with in sight of a power station.I always think that a cricket ground is improved if you can see cows in the distance and in some cases moved so a cricket match can take place.I could not see any animals from these grounds to-day.
Moving on to Norton were two matches were taking place.On the major ground was Hartlepool Seconds were batting.On this ground a few years ago I watched another Durham Seconds match and Dean Jones , ex Australian cricketer, was walking around as he was playing for Durham that season.
The second match was on the Rugby Union ground which was next to the football ground..One of the batsman scored a century which the second one I had seen in two days.The pitch is a large area with the railway line running next to it.
We were able to obtain some tea in the clubhouse and found the club was established in 1847.
Next ground was Thornaby were they had just won their match by scoring 98 in twenty overs.As we entered the ground I noticed that the pavilion had been open by Lord Hawke in 1926.Moving to Marton the match had also been completed.
The last ground we visited was Maltby were Tony Woodhouse visited in 1995 when a football field adjoined the pitch.Now there is no signed of the football ground and I wander if they have moved grounds.
To-day I took 67 photographs so ther was plenty to see specially at the power station.
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