Not for the first time in recent weeks a day's cricket was spoilt by rain on or about tea time when on Saturday a heavy shower accompanied by thunder and lightening washed out the game between Knaresborough Forest and Ouseburn. I had spent the early part of the afternoon watching Harrogate v Castleford, top v almost bottom in Yorkshire Premier North. Arriving a little late I had missed an explosive start to Harrogate's innings but the introduction of former Yorkshire and Derbyshire spinner David Wainwright into the attack got Castleford back into the game, a move helped by 'Gates last four wickets falling to run outs, a rare event in my experience. 199 all out, not the total that the early overs had promised but probably enough to beat the struggling Castleford outfit was the feeling among speccies, amongst whom were Tony and Jennifer, seeking an alternative to Clifton Park's answer to Glastonbury.
Time to make the ten minute drive from St George's Road to the Calcutt area of Knaresborough and the home of KFCC, tucked away behind The Union pub at the foot of Thistle Hill. Here there were about ten overs left of Ouseburn's innings and chairman Jim Rose expressed his hope that 250 might be reached. Not far out Jim, 244 for 7, with Jamie Bryant top scorer on 74. Forest were promoted to Division 1 this season and after a shaky start have got a couple of wins to their name and can look down on three teams in the table. Sitting in lovely sunshine with a number of Ouseburn supporters I enjoyed an excellent cup of tea for 20 pence and, joined by John Gawthrope, saw the home team make a confident start until the dark clouds that had approached from the northwest brought heavy rain which after about ten minutes play sent the players back to the dressing rooms.
After about half an hour's wait I decided any further play was very unlikely and headed for home. The Forest ground is always worth a visit and while sheltering in the pavilion I enjoyed the excellent display of photographs some of which are reminder of the club's glory days from the late fifties through to the eighties when they were Nidderdale champions 16 times, a figure that places them second on the all time list behind Glasshouses with 19. How times change for Glasshouses now ply their trade in Division Five and were last champions the year England won the World Cup.
That the shower at Knaresborough was fairly localised was shown when I met dry roads east of the A1 and I was disappointed to see the ground at Whixley deserted as I passed by, An early finish? No, a concession by Studley Royal V. The league website shows that no further play had been possible at Calcutt and Ouseburn will take comfort from the fact that nearest rivals Darley also suffered a washout when in a strong position against Burton Leonard. Darley come to Lightmire Lane next Saturday, let's hope that a full afternoon's cricket is possible.
Back at St George's Road 199 had proved way too many for Castleford who were bowled out for 64. Harrogate remain top but only three points ahead of York and Castleford are left contesting the wooden spoon with Dunnington.
Tea time at KFCC
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