And so to Arthington again

Posted by Tony Hutton

Have just returned from Brian Close's memorial service at St Chad's Church, Far Headingley. The large congregation were moved to applaud all three speakers who paid tribute to the great man. Brian Stott, former opening batsman for Yorkshire, read a speech prepared by John Helm, sports commentator and neighbour, who was away in India and then paid tribute to his former schoolboy friend himself. This was followed by Sir Ian Botham who spoke warmly of his former skipper at Somerset and how he had revitalised the county as well as developing the talent of Viv Richards and himself.

Finally Colin Graves, now chairman of the ECB, paid tribute not only to Brian Close the cricketer, but to his work for the club in developing young talent, as well as his period as President of the club. He spoke for everyone present by saying that his presence at Headingley will be missed by all cricket lovers. All the speakers quite rightly said we shall never see his like again.

Brian Sanderson has already reported on the weekend's events at Arthington, where cricket will be played for the next two weekends and does not end until Sunday 11th October. We are privileged each season to have this extended period of cricket when cricket watchers elsewhere have already shut up shop.

Martin Binks, the club secretary, as well as conductor of the Leeds Symphony Orchestra for the last 45 years, was awarded the CBE earlier in the year for his services to music. It could have been for services to Arthington cricket club for whom he has now taken over 500 catches behind the wicket.

Martin was in action behind the stumps last weekend with one agile stop down the leg side being particularly efficient. However, he did find time to demonstrate that he is also a very good photographer with a series of pictures of the regular spectators which he has sent to Catherine, daughter of the late Mick Bourne. Twelve months ago a memorial match was held at Arthington and the impressive Mick Bourne seat unveiled.

The Arthington regulars

 

The Arthington irregulars - Tony and Brian Senior on Mick Bourne's seat.

Fellow blogger Brian Sanderson looks as though he got a part in a Western.

 

Jennifer and Tony with their two 'minders' John Rex and Reg Parker.

Combined ages of the minders - 178 not out!

 

One final thought - we are approaching 300 blogs for the year, well past our record in 2013 already. We hope you have enjoyed them.                                                                                                                                                                

All three pictures by Martin Binks 

 

Farewell to two cricketing legends

Posted by Tony Hutton

Just before my recent departure to France I learned of the death of Brian Close and soon after my return I was reading about the death of Frank Tyson. Two famous players whose careers have been written about at some length in the well documented obituaries.

However I have some brief memories of coming into contact with both of them and would like to share these with you. I saw Brian Close on three occasions during his wonderful double season of 1949 when he was only 18 years old. The Roses match at Headingley, against Hampshire at Hull and the most memorable against Gloucestershire at Fartown, Huddersfield.

This was well into August and he must have been within sight of the double. For some reason in Gloucester's second innings he opened the bowling and carried on for 41 overs, bowling a mixture of seam and spin, to take six wickets for over 100 runs in what was a fairly low scoring game.

Brian Close leading out Yorkshire at Scarboroough.

(The more observant of you might recognize the attractive young lady)

 

 

Having moved to the Midlands shortly after this I only saw him perform in away matches at Warwickshire and Worcester for many years and by the time I moved back to Yorkshire he had left to join Somerset. One lasting memory is of him coming out to bat for Somerset at Park Avenue in a John Player match with a packed crowd. They all rose as one as soon as he appeared and applauded him all the way to the wicket. Very few cricketers have ever received an ovation like that.

Many years later I remember him captaining the Yorkshire Academy side of youngsters in the first few Yorkshire League games at Headingley. They could not have had a better leader to set the example.

That may have been after I came across him at Harrogate cricket club during one of the Tilcon Trophy competitions. He was scheduled to award the man of the match trophy, but it was noticeable that he hardly watched any of the cricket and spent the day studying the racing papers and phoning his bookmaker, which was quite usual for him.
As the game neared its conclusion he came out onto the pavilion balcony where I was sitting and said to me 'Hey lad, you've been watching the match. Who should I give the man of the match award to?'

Fortunately I had been paying attention and was able to say that Mike Haysman, the Australian turned South African, who was playing for Leicester, had scored the only fifty of the match and should get it, which he duly did. He now of course commentates on cricket in South Africa.

I can only remember seeing Frank Tyson in action once, but again met him long after he had retired. It was my first visit to Lord's, still just a schoolboy in 1954. Northants batted almost all day and scored 400, with Tyson unusually making 60 not out.
Middlesex then had an uncomfortable half hour or so to bat before the close.

Tyson marked out his run, and seemed to be winding himself up, pawing at the ground with his feet, before he set off and hurled his first ball down at such pace that it crashed against the pavilion railings for four byes, before anyone could blink. I had never seen pace like it and soon afterwards he poleaxed Bill Edrich, the England batsman who could not resist the hook shot. Edrich was carried off and a young amateur from Oxford came in as a night watchman and somehow survived. Fortunately Edrich was not seriously injured and returned to bat the next day.

Frank Tyson

It was thought at the time that this incident got Tyson selected for the Australian tour on which he was so successful. Many years after his retirement he came to England with school touring sides and spent a couple of seasons coaching at Woodhouse Grove School. I was introduced to him by a mutual friend, Chris Turner, who had been at Durham University with Frank and acted as his agent in this country to arrange tour fixtures and speaking engagements.

Anyway Chris arranged for me to interview Frank for Leeds Hospitals Radio, which I remember doing at Whitkirk cricket club. We spoke for about half an hour with my tape recorder on and I reminded him of the game at Lord's and showed him the scorecard which I still have. Strangely he did not want to talk about his bowling but was overjoyed to see that he made 60 not out with the bat. He signed my scorecard which is reproduced below.

So two remarkable players who I came across only briefly, but for many cricket followers their achievements will live for ever. May they both rest in peace.

A day to forget

Posted by Tony Hutton

Monday 14th September - Hampshire v Yorkshire (Ageas Bowl, Southampton)

My last day of county cricket this season started well, despite a somewhat unpromising weather forecast. I caught the train from London Waterloo to Southampton Airport Parkway which arrived in good time (I thought) to get me there for the 10.30 start.
However, some years since my last visit, I discovered that the somewhat erratic bus service to the ground only ran once an hour for most of the day.

So I took a taxi which got me there within a few minutes. Then my problems really started. Having remembered the uphill walk to the portakabin type building which serves as a ticket office I still had ten minutes to spare before the start of play. On reaching the office I found that the only occupant, a lady, was busy talking on the phone. So I politely waited, while the queue behind me grew steadily. Eventually I tried to interrupt the telephone conversation to enquire whether tickets for the match were actually on sale or not.

I got a reply of sorts rather brusquely to the effect that ' can't you see I'm on the phone'.
This was communicated to the still growing queue behind me to be met by low muttering to the effect that it was always like this and sympathising that I had come all the way from Yorkshire to be treated thus. Eventually the conversation ended and more politely this time I was informed that membership for next season had opened today and she was having to deal with a lot of enquiries. Perhaps there should be more than one person there to actually sell some tickets was my response.

Once I got the precious ticket in my hand I had to walk back down the hill to the bank of threatening looking turnstiles to gain admission. By this time the wind had got up and it was starting to drizzle with rain. However the players did enter the arena perhaps somewhat reluctantly particularly as Yorkshire, after only one day's rest following the Lord's match and no doubt continuing celebrations, had to field.

It all seemed somewhat familiar when I recalled my previous visit to the splendid Arlott Atrium. I did eventually purchase a scorecard and a cup of coffee, but the whole atmosphere lacked any sort of welcome, making Headingley look positively friendly.

The Arlott Atrium at the Ageas Bowl

Never mind perhaps it was just that end of season feeling and Hampshire were batting and making runs, if only slowly. Even the usually aggressive Carberry was taking his time to settle in along with Adams and I thought it may be a long weary day in the field for Yorkshire. However when the score had reached the seventies Brooks suddenly came to life to dismiss Carberry caught behind and Bresnan removed the dangerous Vince soon afterwards. Things were looking up but not for long - light rain took the players off, but they soon returned.

Four slips for Jack Brooks

 

 

A third wicket fell when the persevering Patterson had Adams caught at slip by Lees for a hard earned 50 and Yorkshire seemed back in the game. It didn't last though and Will Smith and Dawson grafted away for some considerable time, while it got colder and by tea time I had had enough and decided to leave. Rain was still in the offing and in fact the day did end early after only 78 overs with Hampshire on 219-4.

Yorkshire ready for lunch

A very poor crowd but the weather did not help and the game was being shown live in its entirety by Sky Sports. A strange choice for their one token championship game of the season, the game at Lord's would have been much more appropriate. So all in all a day that will not live in the memory, but I can't complain (much) after such an enjoyable week at Lord's.

Sky Sports in action at the Ageas Bowl

So it was off to Paris the following day to visit my family, where I was able to watch the rest of the game on Sky, after almost no play on day 3, the last day providing a contrived finish with Hampshire having to gamble to avoid relegation. Yorkshire however bounced back from the defeat at Lord's to win the game comfortably with a fine century from Gale and 76 from the consistent Leaning, who has had an excellent season. Why no county cap for him yet I wonder.

A week at Lord's

Posted by Tony Hutton

Seems a long time ago, but on Tuesday 8th September set off for London (after a day in Carlisle!) for a full week of cricket at Lord's followed by a day at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. So from one end of the country to the other and this was followed by a ten day trip to Paris to be in attendance for my two grandsons' birthdays.

However, I was delighted to read Brian and John's blogs keeping everyone up to date during my absence. So day one -
which was to see MCC schools playing ESCA (English Schools Cricket Association) at Lord's in a 50 over a side game. The first surprise came early on at Kings Cross Station in fact. We saw a familiar figure in the distance crossing the overhead pedestrian bridge. It looked like Peter Mann from Burley, aka Motor Bike Man, who now has great difficulty in walking.

On arrival at the ground we soon realised it was Peter, accompanied by the Brook family from Burley, as local lad Harry Brook was out there opening the batting for ESCA. Now at Sedbergh School, young Harry is an outstanding talent and has already been playing regularly for Yorkshire Academy and the Second XI in recent matches. 

Harry Brook at Lord's

 

He batted steadily, taking no risks, and with ESCA captain Haines from Sussex, put on 78 for the first wicket before being bowled for 34.

The smallish crowd on the grandstand side were entertained by some good batting by the top four, Haines top scoring with 63, but then the fell away somewhat towards the end and didn't really accelerate. The final score was 219-7 which seemed a little below par on a good batting wicket.

MCC member watches from the pavilion

MCC schools lost one of their openers for a duck but then Lynch from Somerset took over with a fine 68 which was the highest score of the match. The rest of the batsmen all made a few but only Keeping from Stowe school with 34 made a significant contribution. The return of opening bowler Jafri led to wickets beginning to fall and a close finish was on the cards when the eighth wicket fell on 206.

Close finish coming up

However McCoy from Millfield and Meyer from Whitgift saw MCC home with a partnership of 16 to win the game by 2 wickets with just one ball remaining. So an entertaining day's cricket ended with a presentation ceremony on the pitch, with the spectators allowed on the hallowed turf to see medals awarded to both sides.

David English presents the trophy to the winning captain

The winners - MCC Schools

Next day it was back to the serious business of the county championship with the four day game between Middlesex and Yorkshire. A good contingent of Yorkshire members were there in the pavilion for the 10.30 start, although some latecomers missed the sensational opening of the match. Ryan Sidebottom opened from the Nursery End and amazingly took three wickets in the first over. So Stirling, Compton and Malan (who had one of his stumps removed) were all back in the pavilion with the total 0-3.

End of Sidebottom's first over

By mid-afternoon it became clear the Yorkshire were county champions by picking up full bowling bonus points and that Notts had failed to get maximum batting points. However from then it took almost an hour, until the tea interval in fact, for the public address announcer to broadcast the news. Not to worry the travelling fans were all well satisfied. From then on the game became something of an anti-climax but still plenty of excitement in store.

Despite Yorkshire's first innings lead of almost 200, with captain Gale unluckily dismissed for 98, Middlesex fought back with a vengence in their second innings.
Compton played a splendid innings of 148 and such was the support he received from the later batsmen that some people were suggesting a declaration late on day three when the lead reached 350. However they batted on to the close to enable number 10, Toby Roland-Jones (a product of Leeds/Bradford University of course) to reach his first ever century.

Middlesex reach 500

The declaration came next morning, start of day four, and expectations were high that Yorkshire would go for the runs - target 381. The players must have been exhausted after their long day in the field and possibly due to some level of celebration of that second championship title in two years. Whatever the reason Yorkshire appeared to give up the ghost rather easily, despite 62 from Alex Lees and were all out for just 134, leaving Middlesex the winners by 246 runs.

Middlesex pack the slip cordon

What a turnaround, reminiscent of last years' game when Middlesex chased a huge total to win on the last afternoon. Full marks to Middlesex for not giving up and also to Roland- Jones who followed his century with five wickets for twenty seven. It must be said that the procession of Yorkshire batsmen seemed to hang their bats out to dry and most were caught in the slips or behind the wicket. Yet another remarkable game of cricket at Lord's which will linger long in the memories of all who saw it. The trophy was presented in front of the pavilion and the players soon made their way to the grandstand side where most of the fans and the players families were assembled. A proud moment for Andrew Gale, after his experience last season.

Andrew Gale gets his hands on the trophy

 

Celebrations!

 

The following day (Sunday) was another Yorkshire occasion. This time the Village Cup Final with Woodhouse Grange, who play in the York Senior League up against Foxton from Cambridgeshire, who were making their first appearance in the final.
A great day for both teams and their supporters. Woodhouse Grange are of course old hands in this competition and were probably red hot favourites.

Woodhouse Grange

Grange's openers Andrew Bilton and captain Nick Hadfield were never really in trouble and put on an opening stand of 120. Both scored 60, as did Chris Bilton 65 not out at the end with Tom Young a quick fire 40 not out. So a daunting score of 256-2 in just 40 overs for Foxton to chase.

Foxton - gallant losers

Foxton were not going to lie down and their star batsman, yet another Sanderson, who had made three centuries in earlier rounds looked dangerous from the start. When he was out for a well made 74 things began to change and although some late hitting brought Foxton within sight of the target they were never going to win. Full credit to them for making it a close contest and they finished with a respectable 237-8. Woodhouse Grange taking the trophy for a record fourth time. It will be their last as next season they will be playing in the new Yorkshire Premier League North, which disqualifies them from this competition.

Foxton go down fighting

 

Woodhouse Grange take the trophy

ARTHINGTON

By Brian Sanderson,


End of the County Championship so a chance to go see some friendly  at the beautiful Arthington ground. On Saturday I spent the day watching sport on the television from Melbourne  to America. Whilst at Arthington they were losing to Jesters. The scores being Arthington 119 for 6 in forty overs and Jesters scoring the winning runs in 14.1 overs.

After a misty start to Sunday morning ,I drove to watch King James. As I arrived the sun was out on the picturesque ground looked  in great condition and the cows were fenced in the neighbouring field. The photgraphs follow of the match.

Steve Bindman coming out to umpire rather than playing.

Drinks break after twenty overs with Arthington batting.

Geoff Barker of Olicanian and Yorkshire Gentlemen fame. Hitting another four at Arthington. Scored a excellent 48 runs in a total of 178 off the forty overs.

King James team leaving the field after their bowling feats.

The twins from Doncaster sitting in the sunshine reading their books and watching some cricket.

Dennis Nash giving advise when Arthington was bowling.

Another Arthington player Martin Binks who took his 500th  catch for Arthington this season.

A King James batsman coming out with black pads but he was out first ball  so not good luck.

King James score after twenty overs as I had to leave to go to a meeting at Headingley. However Brian Senior informed me Arthington won another victory. I will be back next Sunday  to see another match.

DOUBLE DELIGHT AT HEADINGLEY

By Brian Sanderson,


After a busy three days I had chance to watch cricket without been interrupted.The match could go all three ways.

The first day there was a tribute to Brian Close.

Yorkshire were nine wickets down at the start of the day and decided to reduce the overs of the day down to 92 when Bresnan decided to give a easy catch and Yorkshire setting a target of 308.After 19.2 overs of Yorkshire bowling Sussex were 61 for 5 so effectively losing the match.

There was a stand between Yardy and Brown of 81 which held up Yorkshire victory. When Yardy was out the Yorkshire players went over to shake his hand as it was his final Championship innings. This was a nice touch. In the next 16 overs Yorkshire won the match by 100 runs.

Sussex had just to draw the match to stop in the first division but could only bat out 58 overs which sums up the state of County cricket.

Yorkshire then brought out the Championship Cup for the third match running.Must have lost a lot of champagne.

On the scoreboard there was a nice image of Yorkshire winning a double Championship since 1968.

In the evening while having a pint of beer I was able to see Leeds Rugby League sneak a win to win the Rugby League Championship.

On Saturday I read about Yorkshire winning and there was a photograph of Surrey winning the Second Division Championship but not photograph of Yorkshire. Poor by the Telegraph.

Now Arthington cricket today in the sunshine.

Down to the wire for The Martlets.

posted by John Winn

The weather has tested the patience and endurance of players, officials and spectators at Headingley this week with frustrating, frequent showers on Tuesday, cold winds on Wednesday and 19 overs lost yesterday after heavy rain at lunchtime. But it looks as though today is set fair and so is the game for thanks in large to Hampshire's remarkable comeback at Trent Bridge, Sussex know that almost certainly they will have to bat all day to preserve their first division status. And to add some pepper to what is already a tasty pot a Yorkshire victory would be their eleventh of the season and a record since two division cricket was introduced.

Given that I lived in Sussex for 28 years and was a regular attender at Hove during that time it might be expected that I would be rooting for Ed Joyce's boys, willing them to see out the day or even register their fifth victory of that season, but it is not that clear cut for there is  part of me that thinks it might just benefit the game if a promoted side (Hants) did not go straight back down again and in any case their enterprise over the last couple of days contrasts rather markedly with Sussex's defensive tactics yesterday. Where does that leave me? Uncomfortably astride the fence as usual. Let's hope that Hampshire do make the further 111 they need to deny Notts second place, perhaps as early as lunch time, so that the situation at Headingley is as uncomplicated as possible.

Sussex supporters have been thin on the ground the last three days and my confidant in chief from that part of the world has been saying for about three months now that they would go down and towards the close of play last night when Bresnan and Brooks were adding nearly fifty, one sensed that the Sussex players, aware presumably of the news from Nottingham, were similarly pessimistic.

Where will The Martlet's flag fly next season?

 



A weekend away in the Lake District prevents me from attending today so 'winter well' to those I missed yesterday although no doubt I will see some of you at Arthington before stumps are finally pulled. I am sure Yorkshire supporters will give Michael Yardy as warm a reception today as they did on Tuesday when he makes his way out to the middle for his last first class innings. If Sussex do save the day then  a gritty knock by that great servant would be a fitting way to end the season.

Finally the National Club KO final was won by Blackheatth who beat Northern by nine wickets.

Arthington Festival Fixtures

posted by John Winn

Chris Pennington has kindly supplied the remaining fixtures for the Arthington Festival

Saturday September 26th v Jesters

Sunday 27th September v King James

Saturday 3rd October v Hawks

Sunday 4th October v Doghouse

Saturday 10th October v. Cambridge Methodists

Sunday 11th October v Harewood

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE FINAL LEAGUE WEEKEND

By Brian Sanderson

John has very keenly written the blog for this weekend but I thought I would show some of my seventy photographs taken in the last two days. Above is Clifton Alliance bowling to Sheriff Hutton. Clifton is one of my favorite grounds.

Matthew Fisher, England under 19 and Yorkshire , bowling for Sheriff Hutton. He took 4- 19.

Sunday was the trip to Saddleworth League and the first match against South West Manchester

A photograph of John Morris in the scorebox and he is Mr. Friarmere  as he cuts the grass, organising the club and scores eventhough he still recovering from a heart by pass operation. What a great fellow.

There is advertising board at Friarmere supporting the Saddlewoth League which has now finished after this weekend matches

Moving on to the second match at Greenfield. Great views towards the hills. There is 20/20 matches  on this ground on Saturday  starting at 10.30.

A photograph of Ken Hickin in the flat cap, known as Blackpool Ken, who is the premier P.C.W in Lancashire as he travels everywhere by public transport, He is also a lover of Scottish football and brass bands.

Moving on up the hill to Micklehurst. First time I have seen a fielder with a white bowls flat cap.

Great views towards Cheshire.

Moving on to Stayley. I do not know why they have a pirates flag flying.

One of the more unusual scoreboards.

David Thorpe found a duck.

Last ground was Austerlands and had two score boards. The first one with the score from last weeks first team match.

The correct score for the match between Austerlands seconds and Wythenshane. By this time there was a cold wind blowing and everybody was waiting for the end of the season.

Great views over Manchester. This was my final league match of the 2015 season but there still is the County match this week and Arthington for another three weeks. Hope the weather is better than today.