LORD AND BARKER MATCH

By Brian Sanderson

Driving down to Arthington  were they were playing Cambridge Methodists, the sun was just breaking out to shine on this beautiful village ground.

Arthington batting first Geoff Barker and James Lord opening the batting and played proper cricket against a number of bowlers.

One of the bowlers was Mel Wood now 68 years old and brother of Barry ex Yorkshire, Lancashire and England fame. His figure was for his four overs was 0 for 15.

At drinks break after twenty overs Arthington the score was  77 for no wickets.

After the break Andy Stoddart decided to show his stomach but he stilled played a big part of the match.

During this period a better sight was seen when a gaggle of geese flew over the ground. The Arthington openers put on 114 before  Lord was out for 44.

Geoff Barker carried on in his usual batting style to reach 93 not out  out of a total of 197.

Tea time break is always entertaining and a excellent spread is put outside . By this time there was a cold wind blowing which forced the crowd into theirs cars to watch the match.

Andy Stoddart opened the innings for Cambridge Meths and by drinks the score was 52 for 4. James Lord bowling figures were 3 for 13 whilst Geoff Barker bowling figures were 8-1-23-0.

Andy Stoddart batting well before been caught on the boundary edge for 58.

The other major batsman for the Cambridge Methodist was Zhair Ahmed would at one stage hit three sixes off three balls in his score of 68. Soon after he was out Cambridge were bowled out for 137.

At the end of the match Matrin Binks give one of the umpire his fee for the match. A bottle of wine. At this stage I went home to watch Leeds beat Wigan in the Grand Final. Well done Sir Kevin and the lads. My friend Alan Swaby  will be please from watching  it from the big cricket ground in the sky.