CRICKET LEAGUES ROUND NORTH LEEDS

By Brian Sanderson,

The first match started at Weetwood were Yorkshire Academy were playing Sheffield Collegiate including Simon Guy. Start time was 12.00 and Tony Hutton was was quizing the scorer about future matches.

Sheffield batted first and started quickly with the help of no-balls however they soon lost wickets. I found out to-night Sheffield scored 180 with Walton scoring 55 and Carver bowling 17-9-27-3.Then Academy went on to win with Tattersall scoring 75 not out.

We then moved on to watch the Dales Cricket League which was established in 1955 and a excellent book called Cricket in the Dales tells the history.Only Crompark  are still in the league from the opening programme.

The first match was on Adel Second ground between Adel and Halifax Direct who were batting.The pitch is situated behind the first ground were Adel were playing Tong Park in the Airedale and Wharfedale League.

Moving on to the Bedquilt ground were Leeds Sikhs were playing Saville Stars.The first picture of the roller which is still used on the above ground to roll the pitch.Mick Bourne is not forgotten.The next picture is of the scorboard  with the name of the previous club.They orginal played on Farnley Park moved to Solders Field Rounday then to Y.M.C.A  ground and finally at the present ground.They were established in 1997.

Moving on to Cookeridge against Drighlington in the Dales LeagueA rural ground very near to thr Leeds and Bradford Airport.

Moving on to the Sandoz ground were there was no cricket but the ground wold be used to-morrow for four junior fotball pitches.Autumn is coming.

Moving down the  Ring Road we went to Rodley against Thornhill in the Yorkshire Council League. Rodley feel out  with the Dales League and have started to build a new pavilion.The new scoreboard above has just been built.Orginally the club was named Bramley Sports then Bramley and now Rodley.It is just over the Leeds and Liverpool Canel is again very rural.

Moving on to the Laisterdyke ground which used to be a famous Bradford League side which is no longer in exsistance but Undercliffe thirds were playing Crompark.I last played on this ground over twenty years ago and have fond memoirs as I scored runs here.

In contrast we moved to a new ground called Karman Community Centre were Bradford Moor had played Farsley. The match over at 4.50.The ground  overlooks Bradford and has only recently been established.

Back towards Leeds we noticed a match on Woodhall Playing Fields were West Bowling were playing Bradford Indians in the Bradford Mutual Sunday School Cricket League. This League was established in 1896..The web-site is out of date and shows 2007 League tables.

Eight matches and ten grounds  in six hours . Another busy but enjoyable day.