I decided to start my league cricket campaign with a tour of the Nidderdale League, one of the largest leagues with nine divisions and covering a large geographical area. My prime objective was to tick off a couple of grounds which had so far eluded me and I am fairly confident that I have now seen cricket on all the leagues grounds, including some elusive third eleven venues.
Birstwith pavilion
I started at Birstwith, promptly at half past one play was under way in their game with Studley Royal in Division Two. The ground looked fine, with a smart pavilion and a good few cars parked in the adjoining field. The sun shone, there were signs of green in the hedgerows and trees and all seemed well with the world. League cricket was back. A little way down the track from the main road I saw my first cricket on the Belmont Grosvenor School ground, where Birstwith 3rd XI were taking on Helperby 3rds. The sheep were not paying much attention to the action on the field but added to the rural scene.
Belmont Grosvenor School Ground (Birstwith 3rds)
A short ride up the hill to Burnt Yates where their 2nd XI were taking on Ripley 3rds at the hill top ground with fine views all around. Next stop Bishop Thornton this time a first division game with Spofforth. Lots of runs being scored here and quite a good attendance of cars parked round the ground.
Burnt Yates
Now quite a long run to the most northerly ground (I think) at Spennithorne, the one major ground not previously visited. Parking not the easiest down a narrow track, but worth the effort to see a delightful ground with daffodils along the edge of the lane, cows in one field, sheep in the next and attractive houses and the church in the distance. The home side Spennithorne and Harmby to give them their full title were taking on Newby Hall 2nds in the fifth division. Lovely spot.
Spennithorne and Harmby
Heading south again the next visit seemed appropriate as two clubs with probably the most eccentric grounds in Yorkshire, if not in the whole of England, were doing battle together. Thornton Watlass at home to Crakehall. This pretty village green ground is somewhat triangular in shape, with roads on three sides. One of which in front of the pub is in fact inside the short, straight boundary. The ground was ringed with daffodils and the handful of spectators enjoyed the sight of cricket back on the green.
Thornton Watlass
I saw the Crakehall innings come to a conclusion with a rather modest total of 94-7 in 45 overs. Some of the players, on their way to the pub for tea, suggested that it must have been as dull to watch as it was to play in. On studying the bowling figures on the excellent league website later, I understood why. Opening bowler M. Johnson bowled 10 overs for only 17 runs but did not take a wicket. There were wickets for all the other bowlers, notably G. Smith with 3-9, but a total of 12 maiden overs.
Time to move on, but again the website tells us that the home side, probably much more familiar with the short boundaries, had no trouble knocking off the runs in less than twenty overs, with Johnson making up for his lack of wickets with 55 not out.
North Stainley
Then back south calling in at familiar grounds at West Tanfield and North Stainley on the way home. Play back on at both after tea and both looking as pretty as a picture in the continuing sunshine. Still a cool breeze which dictated the plan to keep moving all afternoon. League cricket is back, the countryside delightful, it all makes you feel good to be alive.
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