BACK TO THE NORTH EAST

By Brian Sanderson,

Myself, Ron Stansfield and Ron Deaton carried on visiting cricket clubs around Middlesbrough.The weather was sunny when we arrived at Yarm who were playing Blackhall.On the doorway was a poster advertising their Bi-centennal dinner last night.One of the players in the Yarm side was Tommy Stafford who is the Yorkshire over 60,s  wicket-keeper.He will let on his age but it is well over 60.

This is a photograph of him helping to win a cup-final many years ago.

Yarm recently painted  pavilion looking well in the sunshine.

Next ground was Preston-on -Tees who were playing Northallerton . The ground is next to Yarm Rugby Union . The cricket club has struggled to keep going due to arson and vandalism.

Found a old stone roller which must have been machinist at sometime.

Next ground was Stafford Place who were playing Skelton Castle in the Langbaurgh League which has been established since 1920.The ground was purchased by R.A.F during the Second World War because the orginal ground was used for airfield.

At the side of the ground is a small garden which belongs to the former groundsman of the club.What could be more beautiful.

Moving on to the next ground which was Cowen Bewley who were playing Loftus in the Cleveland League.I was asked to take this photograph as one of the players was returning to Sri Lanka.

The pavilion is basic but that is again due to vandalism.In this league Boosbeck club is struggling to put out a side.

We called in at Thornaby  as last year when we went the match was over. This match to-day they were playing Wolverston.Again it was a very low scoring match which would soon finish.

The last ground we visited was Normanby Hall who were playing Thornby first team.In the photograph of the two Ronnies.

I was not impressed with pavilion with the steep steps.Another six new grounds I have not seen cricket on before and met some nice people including Jesus but that is another story.

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