FOUR HOURS OF LOCAL CRICKET

By Brian Sanderson,

On a Saturday morning I look forward to going out to see some new clubs however today I traveled locally.

It had been raining and I was watching Root batting for England. As soon as Root was out I decided to see some local cricket.

The first match was at Glen Road were St. Chads Broomfield  Seconds were playing  Scarcroft A in the Division 3 of the Wetherby League.the home side were batting and  struggling. It was very windy and it was still trying to rain.

Moving a mile to New Rover were their second team were playing Collingham in the Airedale and Wharfedale 2X1  Division 2..Alan Staddart , photographed at the start of the blog, returning to the pavilion after scoring 18.He is now supporting a beard since I last saw him. He is a cricketer who still plays four times a week for different teams. To day he was playing for New Rover who struggled to reach 143 for 7 and was then beaten by 9 wickets.It is a beautiful ground and good facilities but can not attract players.

Moving on another mile to Adel to see Reg Parker, aged 89  who still turns out every week to watch cricket and tells the players how they should be playing their shots.Today they were playing Ben Rhydding in a 32 over match in the 2 Division of the Airedale and Wharfedale League.At the interval they had reached 117 which should not be enough.

On the Adel second pitch the third team were playing Savile Stars in the Dales Council 2 Division.The away side struggled to reach 86 all out even though Adel were five regular players missing.

Moving another mile to Leeds Modernians who were playing Menston in the Airedale and Wharfedale Divison 3.As I arrived the match was coming to a end. The away side was batting chasing 81 runs and while I was there they won the match with nine wickets down.Exciting finish.

My last match was at Kirkstall Education where their seconds were playing  Knaresborough Seconds in the Airedale and Wharfedale 2X1 Division 2. The home side scored 120 but they were still able to bowl out  Knaresborough for 104. It is great to see the club still playing after numerous break ins in to the clubhouse.

Please keep going. I am pleased I forced myself to do the trip this afternoon.