MCC visit Goldsborough

posted by John Winn

After overnight rain there was a delayed start to yesterday's annual match between the Nidderdale League and MCC, this year hosted by Goldsborough CC at their attractive ground near Knaresborough. The day had an autumn feel to it, despite the strong sunshine, with a strong wind blowing across the ground which had some patches of fallen leaves and although we were near noon the players cast quite long shadows. The MCC flag and that of the hosts flew proudly assisted by the breeze.

The league side, captained by Ouseburn's Dave Cummins took the field as is customary in these matches giving MCC first knock. Opening the bowling was former Leeward Islands U19 star, Del Phillips but MCC got off to a confident start and were 58 off 12 without loss before a bowling change was made. Wath's Ben Kettlewell finally made the breakthrough when keeper Jackson took a smart catch to make it 100 for 1. Before lunch I was joined by Ouseburn President Anton Lodge, on whose coat tails I was invited to eat with some members of the league committee. Anton predicted a declaration at 250 and the MCC skipper obliged at 251 for 5.

Whatever hopes the league XI might have had of chasing down such a score were soon in tatters with Pannall's Rob Ellis dismissed in the first over followed by a run out when the score was still nought. 0 for 2 became 12 for 3 and 44 for 4 at tea.  Things improved with sixes being hit into the surrounding and recently harvested cornfields but 183 all out left the league well short.

 

Goldsborough CC

 

It is three years since I last attended this fixture when it was held at Burton Leonard. It is a pleasant occasion, not least because batsmen walk when they get an edge and the Goldsborough ground provided a fitting setting yesterday. Off to Chester le Street today for the SET final at the inconvenient time of 2:00 but this is I believe at the reasonable  request of Derbyshire who were playing at Coventry yesterday. It will mean however that those who rely on public transport and live at a distance from the ground and who are regular supporters of second team cricket, will probably not be able to attend. Shame.