Further to John's recent blog about his trip to Eskdale as mentioned we were in the same area on the same day. Encouraged by the fact that the Whitby Gazette now publishes a league table and fixtures, although no results, we set off to visit a few new grounds only to find as John mentioned two of the games were off, presumably because enough players could not be found.
This league must be one of the most scenic in England, but sadly it is difficult to get much information in view of the lack of a league website. However off we set on a beautiful day with the moorland approach from Hutton le Hole over Blakey Ridge a real sight with the heather in full bloom. Dropping down into the valley for a pub lunch we set off for Fryup one of the most remote grounds, very hard to find without the help of google earth. Having, like John, already passed Danby's ground en route with no sign of a match we pressed on up Great Fryup Dale to find the ground set in the valley bottom below us. Marvellous scenery all around and the game just starting between Fryup and Loftus.
To our surprise in no time at all the batting team were 0-3 and as a late comer arrived complete with cricket bag, we told him to get his pads on as he might soon be needed. However it turned out he was joining the fielding side and had travelled all the way from London to play. What dedication!
Only time for a few photographs and we were on our way with little hope of ever getting the result or scores, although efforts are now being made.
Next stop was Castleton which I had visited on an earlier occasion and is probably the best ground in the league. The home side were taking on Grosmont from further down the valley and the runs were flowing quickly despite the grass cuttings littering the outfield. Another photo opportunity before moving on to near neighbours Westerdale, who have left the Eskdale league to join the Langbaurgh League with teams mainly from the Teeside area. Here we encountered Mr Winn and shared the quick finish and the excellent offer of tea.
John was able to tell us that the game at Hinderwell was also off so that meant another change of plan as we headed north out of the valley to see another new ground for us at Staithes, who must be the most northern outpost of the Scarborough Beckett League. Sadly the cricket ground at the top of the hill which goes down to the picture postcard tourist harbour does not match the nearby scenery, being rather utilitarian, but the cricket was of a good standard with Scalby the visitors. The home side had scored over 200 runs and were on course to bowl Scalby out for 110 as befits a team near the top of the league.
A tinge of sadness at the end of a perfect day of cricket and wonderful scenery in that one feels the Eskdale League may not survive for much longer. Teams come and go, Lealholm for instance now only play evening cricket, and obviously at this time of year some sides cannot raise a team which is not unknown in many other leagues. Hopefully some means will be found to allow it to continue with it's succession of local derbies in such delightful surroundings.
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