Posted by Tony Hutton
First of all a contrite apology to one of our regular readers caught up in a surprise abandonment of a day's play in today's scheduled county second XI match between Yorkshire and Worcestershire at Harrogate cricket club. Many Yorkshire regulars had made long journeys, several from South Yorkshire,only to be turned away due to weekend rain having made the ground unfit. The sun of course was shining when this decision was made known.
The gentleman concerned had already made a protest about the lack of a fixture list for the Yorkshire area for August on our blog, where it usually appears as a regular feature. To compound this I made the mistake of pointing him towards Pudsey Congs ground for an under 19 fixture today. Five minutes after he had disappeared in that direction at great speed, I checked my diary and found that the game does not start until tomorrow. No phone number or e-mail address to correct things and the only consolation being that Dave would be going in the direction of home anyway.
As a slight recompense here is a list of a few local fixtures for the coming month. As ever, and even more so after today's events, these come with a health warning that you should check games are on before travelling long distances. Cancellations, abandonments, changes of venue etc have caught many of us out already this season.
Wed. 1/8 - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Worcester 2nd XI (Harrogate CC) - day 2 of 3 11 a.m. (in theory)
- Yorkshire under 19s v Leicester under 19s (Pudsey Congs CC) - day 1 of 2 11 a.m.
- Durham under 17s v Yorkshire under 17s (Darlington CC) - day 2 of 3 11 a.m.
- Yorkshire under 16s v Northumberland under 16s (Clifton Alliance, York) 12 noon.
Thurs. 2/8 - Yorkshire 2nd XI v Worcester 2nd XI (Harrogate CC) - day 3.
- Yorkshire under 19s v Leicester under 19s (Pudsey Congs CC) - day 2.
- Durham under 17s v Yorkshire under 17s (Darlington CC) - day 3.
Frid. 3/8 - Yorkshire under 13s junior final at Cleckheaton CC.
Sun. 5/8 - Farsley v New Farnley (Priestley Cup semi-final) - re-arranged date.
- Yorkshire Academy v Barnsley Woolley Miners (Weetwood, Leeds) - Rudgate Cup SF.
- Woodhouse Grange v Aston Hall - Rudgate Cup SF.
- Yorkshire over 50s v Staffordshire over 50s (Clifton Alliance - changed venue).
Mon. 6/8 - Yorkshire under 16s v Durham under 16s (Farsley) - 12 noon.
- Yorkshire under 15 juniors competition week, matches at several venues each day.
- Derby 2nd XI v Worcester 2nd XI (Belper Meadows) - day 1 of 3.
Tues. 7/8 - Yorkshire under 16s v Lancashire under 16s (Weetwood, Leeds)
Wed. 8/8 - Yorkshire under 19s v Warwickshire under 19s (Castleford CC) - day 1 of 2.
Thurs. 9/8 - Under 15s junior semi-finals at Undercliffe CC and Wetherby CC.
Frid. 10/8 - Under 15s junior final at Booth CC (Halifax League).
Sun. 12/8 - County over 50s quarter finals
- Adel v St Chads (Headingley evening league semi-final (re-arranged) - 13.00.
Tues. 14/8 - Notts 2nd XI v Yorkshire 2nd XI (Lady Bay, Nottingham) - day 1 of 3.
- County over 60s quarter finals.
- County under 17s seni-finals (Yorkshire away if they qualify).
Wed. 15/8 - Yorkshire under 19s v Durham under 19s (Harrogate CC)- day 1 of 2 (re- arranged).
Sun. 19/8 - Yorkshire v Worcestershire (Scarborough) - day 1 of 4 (County championship - proper cricket at last !)
Thurs 23/8 - West Yorkshire Schools v MCC (New Farnley CC)
Frid 24/8 - Yorkshire under 14s v Norfolk under 14s (Pudsey Congs)
Sun. 26/8 - Rudgate Cup Final (Yorkshire Premier Leagues North & South) at Treeton CC.
- Joe Lumb under 17s final.
- County over 50s semi-finals
- Grey Fox semi-finals.
Mon. 27/8 - Full programme of Yorkshire Premier League north fixtures.
Tuesday 28/8 - County over 60s semi-finals.
- County under 17s final - (day 1 of 3).
Wed. 29/8 - Lancashire under 19s v Yorkshire under 19s (Todmorden CC) - day 1 of 2.
- Yorkshire v Somerset (Headingley) - day 1 of 4 (county championship).
Most of these fixtures have been dredged up from various county, club and league websites where you can check for yourself whether they still exist - be warned things can change often at a late date.
Other cricket matches are available.
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
Sunday, 29 July 2018
Another easy win for Yorkshire Academy
Posted by Tony Hutton
There was some concern when the Yorkshire Premier League split into two sections, North and South, that this might lead to a lowering of standards. Although quite understandable from a logistical point of view by avoiding long distance travel, it does appear that there are some rather below standard teams in the bottom half of both leagues.
The Yorkshire Academy, who are a very young side this season, have had two very easy victories in the last two matches. Last week they scored 217-8 against bottom club Acomb and then bowled them out for 108. Yesterday's game, again at home, against Scarborough produced an even more one sided affair. The weather conditions had changed dramatically after weeks of heatwave conditions which has produced a very brown outfield, probably not seen since back in 1976. Rain showers and an almost gale force wind across Weetwood's open spaces made conditions very difficult indeed.
The Academy, with an unchanged side, batted first and despite losing Wharton and Hill, both to Jonathan Anderson early on, scored steadily with runs from Revis, Loten, and Birkhead taking the score to 158-6. Then a fine partnership between opening bowlers Barnes and Taylor put on 75 to take the game away from Scarborough. Barnes finishing on 51 not out and Taylor making 36.
After rain delays the innings ended on 46 overs at 242-7.
In reply in the blustering conditions with rain always threatening Scarborough capitulated with two early wickets for both Barnes and Taylor reducing them to 28-4. Then it was the turn of last week's bowling hero left arm spinner Harry Sullivan, who took 5-32 against Acomb. This time he destroyed the middle order with figures of 6-4-4-4. A splendid performance but we must question the strength of the opposition before jumping to conclusions. Certainly both Sullivan brothers look exciting prospects for the future, but need to be tested against stronger opponents.
Scarborough only batted for half their allotted overs and were very disappointingly all out for just 64.
Only one player, former Academy wicket keeper Jonathan Read, reached double figures and there were eleven extras.
There was some concern when the Yorkshire Premier League split into two sections, North and South, that this might lead to a lowering of standards. Although quite understandable from a logistical point of view by avoiding long distance travel, it does appear that there are some rather below standard teams in the bottom half of both leagues.
The Yorkshire Academy, who are a very young side this season, have had two very easy victories in the last two matches. Last week they scored 217-8 against bottom club Acomb and then bowled them out for 108. Yesterday's game, again at home, against Scarborough produced an even more one sided affair. The weather conditions had changed dramatically after weeks of heatwave conditions which has produced a very brown outfield, probably not seen since back in 1976. Rain showers and an almost gale force wind across Weetwood's open spaces made conditions very difficult indeed.
The Academy, with an unchanged side, batted first and despite losing Wharton and Hill, both to Jonathan Anderson early on, scored steadily with runs from Revis, Loten, and Birkhead taking the score to 158-6. Then a fine partnership between opening bowlers Barnes and Taylor put on 75 to take the game away from Scarborough. Barnes finishing on 51 not out and Taylor making 36.
After rain delays the innings ended on 46 overs at 242-7.
In reply in the blustering conditions with rain always threatening Scarborough capitulated with two early wickets for both Barnes and Taylor reducing them to 28-4. Then it was the turn of last week's bowling hero left arm spinner Harry Sullivan, who took 5-32 against Acomb. This time he destroyed the middle order with figures of 6-4-4-4. A splendid performance but we must question the strength of the opposition before jumping to conclusions. Certainly both Sullivan brothers look exciting prospects for the future, but need to be tested against stronger opponents.
Scarborough only batted for half their allotted overs and were very disappointingly all out for just 64.
Only one player, former Academy wicket keeper Jonathan Read, reached double figures and there were eleven extras.
Friday, 27 July 2018
Yorkshire under 17s work hard for victory
Posted by Tony Hutton
Wednesday 24th July at Leeds University ground, Weetwood where Yorkshire and Lancashire under 17s were into day two of their three day game. Lancashire had batted first on Tuesday and despite a century from Ali Chugtai, who had helped win the one day game here earlier in the season, their total of 240 all out was perhaps somewhat below par. The two Sullivan brothers were again the major wicket takers, Josh with 3-38 and Harry 2-8, although all rounder Dominic Leech had seen off two batsmen very early on.
Yorkshire had also lost two early wickets last night but captain James Wharton played the innings of the match in his very correct style, nearly always hitting the ball along the ground for a score of 146, which included 25 fours. Nobody else contributed a lot until number seven Vikram Sharma helped Wharton put on 50 for the sixth wicket. As the Lancashire bowlers tired in the very hot conditions, the last wicket pair of Harrison Quarmby and Josh Sullivan put on a further fifty runs to take Yorkshire past the 300 mark before declaring on 308-9.
Dominic Leech again had a wonderful opening spell getting rid of both Lancashire openers, including first innings century maker Chugtai. The visitors proved that they had batting in depth and all the Yorkshire bowlers stuggled in the heat on day three. The spinners could make little impression and it was left to Sedbergh schoolboy, George Hill, to come to the rescue with a fine spell of pace bowling to get rid of the stubborn middle order. Hill finished with 4-79 from 23 overs, which was quite an achievement for a quick bowler in such hot conditions.
Frustration got to Yorkshire when yet another last wicket partnership between Qasim Shah and Jake Hill put on no less than 86 and it looked as though Yorkshire might run out of time until Dominic Leech returned to bowl last man Hill for 40, with Shah 54 not out never looking in trouble. Lancashire all out 262 leaving Yorkshire needing 195 to win in just under three hours.
The parched outfield at Weetwood as Yorkshire race to victory.
This proved to be no walk over for the home side as nobody played a big innings, Wharton top scored with 36 but wickets kept falling with several batsmen reaching the twenties but going no further. Jack Morley, the left arm spinner, looked as though he could win the match with three wickets after a controversial incident when Harry Duke appeared to tread on his wicket and dislodge a bail. The Lancashire fielders were incensed and complained loud and long but the umpire had obviously not seen the incident and could not give him out.
Shortly afterwards he did hit his own wicket and was out. The next drama came with a sudden downpour of rain with just ten overs remaining and 21 runs require. It rained quite hard but only for a few minutes. The covers were soon whisked away and play re-started, but Yorkshire had lost three overs and now had only 6.1 overs remaining. The two batsmen Dominic Leech and Archie Greaves soon settled matters with a series of fours to win the game by three wickets. So a double Roses victory for Yorkshire this week but not without a lot of hard work.
Wednesday 24th July at Leeds University ground, Weetwood where Yorkshire and Lancashire under 17s were into day two of their three day game. Lancashire had batted first on Tuesday and despite a century from Ali Chugtai, who had helped win the one day game here earlier in the season, their total of 240 all out was perhaps somewhat below par. The two Sullivan brothers were again the major wicket takers, Josh with 3-38 and Harry 2-8, although all rounder Dominic Leech had seen off two batsmen very early on.
Yorkshire had also lost two early wickets last night but captain James Wharton played the innings of the match in his very correct style, nearly always hitting the ball along the ground for a score of 146, which included 25 fours. Nobody else contributed a lot until number seven Vikram Sharma helped Wharton put on 50 for the sixth wicket. As the Lancashire bowlers tired in the very hot conditions, the last wicket pair of Harrison Quarmby and Josh Sullivan put on a further fifty runs to take Yorkshire past the 300 mark before declaring on 308-9.
Dominic Leech again had a wonderful opening spell getting rid of both Lancashire openers, including first innings century maker Chugtai. The visitors proved that they had batting in depth and all the Yorkshire bowlers stuggled in the heat on day three. The spinners could make little impression and it was left to Sedbergh schoolboy, George Hill, to come to the rescue with a fine spell of pace bowling to get rid of the stubborn middle order. Hill finished with 4-79 from 23 overs, which was quite an achievement for a quick bowler in such hot conditions.
Frustration got to Yorkshire when yet another last wicket partnership between Qasim Shah and Jake Hill put on no less than 86 and it looked as though Yorkshire might run out of time until Dominic Leech returned to bowl last man Hill for 40, with Shah 54 not out never looking in trouble. Lancashire all out 262 leaving Yorkshire needing 195 to win in just under three hours.
This proved to be no walk over for the home side as nobody played a big innings, Wharton top scored with 36 but wickets kept falling with several batsmen reaching the twenties but going no further. Jack Morley, the left arm spinner, looked as though he could win the match with three wickets after a controversial incident when Harry Duke appeared to tread on his wicket and dislodge a bail. The Lancashire fielders were incensed and complained loud and long but the umpire had obviously not seen the incident and could not give him out.
Shortly afterwards he did hit his own wicket and was out. The next drama came with a sudden downpour of rain with just ten overs remaining and 21 runs require. It rained quite hard but only for a few minutes. The covers were soon whisked away and play re-started, but Yorkshire had lost three overs and now had only 6.1 overs remaining. The two batsmen Dominic Leech and Archie Greaves soon settled matters with a series of fours to win the game by three wickets. So a double Roses victory for Yorkshire this week but not without a lot of hard work.
Minor Counties cricket plus non-stop entertainment.
Posted by Tony Hutton
So back to reality with just one match extending over a full three days at the urban ground of Furness cricket club situated on Oxford Street, no less, in the suburbs of Barrow in Furness. Sunday 22nd July and a chance to meet up with several friends I have got to know in many years of watching Cumberland Minor Counties cricket. Today's opponents had made the long journey from Hertfordshire and soon got into the swing of things with two early wickets both to young opening bowler Alfie Duke. Cumberland had lost both openers and the score was 18-2.
Alfie Duke in the field.
It was a case of 'what's it all about Alfie' on the third man boundary as our companions reminded him that this match was supposed to last for three days. He was quite willing to join in the conversation and expressed the opinion that once the new ball had lost it's shine the game would change completely. How right he was.
Furness cricket club pavilion with entertainments manager Gilbert Johnson in full flow.
Cumberland's batsmen dominated the remainder of the day and after McGladdery had been bowled by left arm spinner Ben Waring to make it 85-3, two of the Cumberland youngsters put on quite a show. Marcus Stables from Cockermouth cricket club on debut and Sam Dutton, playing on his home ground, added a partnership of 132 in fine style, before Dutton was caught off Waring for 87. Having made a similar score at Wisbech against Cambridgeshire he was obviously disappointed to miss out on a century again.
Duke bowling to Marcus Stables.
No respite for the Hertfordshire bowlers as next man in was skipper Gary Pratt, who was soon pushing ones and twos in his own inimitable way with the occasional classic cover drive for four. His score mounted quickly without the spectators really being aware of it. Stables meanwhile had gone to his century in his first match for the county. Although sometimes inelegant in stretching for the wide ball, he batted with the utmost confidence and got a great reception from the spectators. He was finally out for 117 with nine fours and four sixes.
Stables celebrates his century.
Very satisfying hundred up in Stables first Minor Counties innings.
Gary Pratt was finally out for 67, with just three fours caught at slip by Gale off Waring.
During all this run making it was interesting that Ben Waring, once on the Essex Academy staff, carried on bowling from one end for most of the day. After taking early punishment he benefited late on when the tailenders came in to have a thrash and ended with figures of 36.2-5-144-7. Quite a performance from a young man who impressed us against Staffordshire at Checkley last season.
The tireless Waring just gets in the picture, bowling to Gary Pratt.
Cumberland did not quite make full use of their ninety overs being bowled all out for 376 in 88.2 overs, but a very satisfactory performance nevertheless. Plenty of time before the close on day one and Cumberland's opening bowlers, Adam Sydall and Sam Wood, started well with both openers out with only ten runs on the board. Sydall getting the vital wicket of the prolific Steve Gale. Cooke, who we saw get a century for Durham University last season and veteran Sikander however put on a century partnership before Sikander was dismissed by Toby Bulcock just before the close.
Day two was interrupted by light rain for a couple of hours but as usual Gilbert Johnstone, former secretary of Cumberland, was the life and soul of the party. He must have known almost everyone on the ground and later in the day introduced me to former Cumberland player Alan Pemberton who had played a memorable innings at Edgbaston against Warwickshire seconds in 1960. He had a newspaper cutting of this match in his wallet! Unfortunately although I did see Cumberland at Edgbaston four years later I missed this exciting event.
Not to be outdone Alan, also a keen football follower in the immediate post war years remembered visiting Birmingham on holiday as a boy and watching a few Birmingham City matches. To our amazement he broke into song about the Blues team of 1946-47, most of whom I could remember.
Gilbert in fact sent me the words of the song a few days later. When play resumed after the rain the visitors rather collapsed against the pace of Sydall and the spin of Bulcock to be all out for 176.
Happy home side after bowling Hertfordshire out cheaply.
To the surprise of some Cumberland decided not to enforce the follow on, which is the present day trend in all forms of cricket. So they batted again and were pegged back by some good spin bowling from Waring and Southgate with four wickets each. Only openers Ross Zelem and Matt Sempell looked comfortable, with Zelem providing the back bone of the innings with a grafting 76.
Cumberland finally declared just before the late finish on day two on 184-8 setting Hertfordshire the daunting target of 385 to win on day three. The visitors must have thought this was too stern a task and never really went for the runs. Gale in particular played a very slow innings content to occupy the crease for 134 balls in scoring just 22 runs. He was finally out with the total 93-4 when the vociferous Toby Bulcock at last got an lbw appeal agreed by the umpire.
Steve Gale batting in the second innings.
For once Bulcock was not the star bowler, this title must go to Richmondshire's Sam Wood with 5-70 in 25 overs. A fine performance in face of a war of attrition by Hertfordshire. The visitor's middle order all stuck to their task with fifties to Reece Hussain, the skipper and nephew of Nasser Hussain, Southgate, Chatfield and Axon. So it was quite late in the day that last man Alfie Duke was finally lbw to Boyne for no score to give Cumberland a very hard earned victory. Hertfordshire all out for 310 losing by 74 runs.
Toby Bulcock, as ever, bowling to an attacking field.
Our thanks to all the people we met and the entertainment they provided throughout the three days of what was yet another good advert for Minor Counties cricket. Long may it flourish.
So back to reality with just one match extending over a full three days at the urban ground of Furness cricket club situated on Oxford Street, no less, in the suburbs of Barrow in Furness. Sunday 22nd July and a chance to meet up with several friends I have got to know in many years of watching Cumberland Minor Counties cricket. Today's opponents had made the long journey from Hertfordshire and soon got into the swing of things with two early wickets both to young opening bowler Alfie Duke. Cumberland had lost both openers and the score was 18-2.
It was a case of 'what's it all about Alfie' on the third man boundary as our companions reminded him that this match was supposed to last for three days. He was quite willing to join in the conversation and expressed the opinion that once the new ball had lost it's shine the game would change completely. How right he was.
Cumberland's batsmen dominated the remainder of the day and after McGladdery had been bowled by left arm spinner Ben Waring to make it 85-3, two of the Cumberland youngsters put on quite a show. Marcus Stables from Cockermouth cricket club on debut and Sam Dutton, playing on his home ground, added a partnership of 132 in fine style, before Dutton was caught off Waring for 87. Having made a similar score at Wisbech against Cambridgeshire he was obviously disappointed to miss out on a century again.
No respite for the Hertfordshire bowlers as next man in was skipper Gary Pratt, who was soon pushing ones and twos in his own inimitable way with the occasional classic cover drive for four. His score mounted quickly without the spectators really being aware of it. Stables meanwhile had gone to his century in his first match for the county. Although sometimes inelegant in stretching for the wide ball, he batted with the utmost confidence and got a great reception from the spectators. He was finally out for 117 with nine fours and four sixes.
Gary Pratt was finally out for 67, with just three fours caught at slip by Gale off Waring.
During all this run making it was interesting that Ben Waring, once on the Essex Academy staff, carried on bowling from one end for most of the day. After taking early punishment he benefited late on when the tailenders came in to have a thrash and ended with figures of 36.2-5-144-7. Quite a performance from a young man who impressed us against Staffordshire at Checkley last season.
Day two was interrupted by light rain for a couple of hours but as usual Gilbert Johnstone, former secretary of Cumberland, was the life and soul of the party. He must have known almost everyone on the ground and later in the day introduced me to former Cumberland player Alan Pemberton who had played a memorable innings at Edgbaston against Warwickshire seconds in 1960. He had a newspaper cutting of this match in his wallet! Unfortunately although I did see Cumberland at Edgbaston four years later I missed this exciting event.
Not to be outdone Alan, also a keen football follower in the immediate post war years remembered visiting Birmingham on holiday as a boy and watching a few Birmingham City matches. To our amazement he broke into song about the Blues team of 1946-47, most of whom I could remember.
Gilbert in fact sent me the words of the song a few days later. When play resumed after the rain the visitors rather collapsed against the pace of Sydall and the spin of Bulcock to be all out for 176.
To the surprise of some Cumberland decided not to enforce the follow on, which is the present day trend in all forms of cricket. So they batted again and were pegged back by some good spin bowling from Waring and Southgate with four wickets each. Only openers Ross Zelem and Matt Sempell looked comfortable, with Zelem providing the back bone of the innings with a grafting 76.
Cumberland finally declared just before the late finish on day two on 184-8 setting Hertfordshire the daunting target of 385 to win on day three. The visitors must have thought this was too stern a task and never really went for the runs. Gale in particular played a very slow innings content to occupy the crease for 134 balls in scoring just 22 runs. He was finally out with the total 93-4 when the vociferous Toby Bulcock at last got an lbw appeal agreed by the umpire.
For once Bulcock was not the star bowler, this title must go to Richmondshire's Sam Wood with 5-70 in 25 overs. A fine performance in face of a war of attrition by Hertfordshire. The visitor's middle order all stuck to their task with fifties to Reece Hussain, the skipper and nephew of Nasser Hussain, Southgate, Chatfield and Axon. So it was quite late in the day that last man Alfie Duke was finally lbw to Boyne for no score to give Cumberland a very hard earned victory. Hertfordshire all out for 310 losing by 74 runs.
Our thanks to all the people we met and the entertainment they provided throughout the three days of what was yet another good advert for Minor Counties cricket. Long may it flourish.
Thursday, 26 July 2018
Another ground hopping day
Posted by Tony Hutton
Inspired no doubt by last Sunday's efforts in County Durham, Saturday 21st July saw us travelling west towards Barrow in Furness, where Cumberland had a three day Minor Counties game with Hertfordshire starting on the Sunday. So a rare opportunity to tick off a few Cumbrian grounds en route.
Arnside cricket club.
First stop was one I had driven past several times on my travels, but never seen cricket there. This was Arnside on the estuary of the River Kent which flows into Morecambe Bay. There is an impressive railway bridge across the estuary and even a promenade where we stopped for our picnic lunch. We arrived at the War Memorial Field on Silverdale Road, situated in a hollow below the road, just as the action commenced in a real local derby, league leaders Arnside against very near neighbours Silverdale in Division One of the Westmorland League.
First six of the day on it's way to the boundary.
Arnside batted first and a rather well built gentleman, whose trousers seemed in danger of descending, had some difficulties at one end, whereas his partner, a left hander, seemed to have no difficulty in dispatching the ball to or over the short leg side boundary. Only a brief stay but enough to feel that a return visit might be needed with some splendid vantage points around the ground.
Another view of the Arnside ground.
Next a ground I had visited before but before I carried a camera with me so a chance to take pictures of Sedgwick's attractive ground, the Walled Garden at Sedgwick Hall. Still in the Westmorland League but Division Two this time against Shireshead 'A' who were batting. Who should we bump into here but none other than Mike Latham, Cumberland's cricket chairman, giving cricket and rugby league journalist Tony Hannon a conducted tour of the area.
The Sedgwick pavilion.
Sedgwick Hall in the background.
All the remaining grounds are from the North Lancashire and Cumbria league.
Onwards towards Barrow and a stop at Ulverston cricket of which other people had commented unfavourably. Not about the club itself but the environment of the ground, which admittedly is not much to write home about, but it's saving grace is the view of the Hoad monument on the hillside, which can be seen for miles around. It is in the shape of a lighthouse although never used as such and was built in 1850 as a memorial to Sir John Barrow, a member of the Royal Geographical Society who was born in Ulverston.
Two views of Ulverston cricket club with the Hoad memorial in the background.
Nearing Barrow now and time to stop briefly at Lindal Moor cricket club, where a second eleven game was going on. This is a club whose greatest days were in the 1970s when they played in the Village Knock out final at Lord's only to lose on their great day. A tidy ground, with a newish pavilion and a great history from the past.
Lindal Moor pavilion.
Lindal Moor.
Possibly the man already out at Lindal Moor.
Next stop Dalton in Furness with yet another very local derby against Lindal Moor's first team. Dalton is a small town, once the capital of Furness, and the town team, founded way back in 1854, were heading towards an easy victory over their village neighbours. This was largely due to the bowling of the Zimbabwean professional Winston Masakadza.
Lindal Moor's young opener sadly on his way back to the pavilion at Dalton.
Dalton in Furness cricket club.
Final stop proved to be the Furness ground in Barrow, where tomorrow's Minor Counties game will take place. Here their India professional Rishi Dhawan had dominated proceedings with an innings of 160 and then taking five Haverigg wickets for 32.
The one missed opportunity proved to be the only ground on Walney Island, just across the water from Barrow, where Vickerstown's game had already ended. However this also proved to be a ground which is rather run down and hardly worth a visit despite an impressive pavilion.
However a fascinating day, not everybody's cup of tea as you don't see much cricket, but a chance to see grounds you might otherwise never visit and an opportunity to note those you would wish to visit again.
Inspired no doubt by last Sunday's efforts in County Durham, Saturday 21st July saw us travelling west towards Barrow in Furness, where Cumberland had a three day Minor Counties game with Hertfordshire starting on the Sunday. So a rare opportunity to tick off a few Cumbrian grounds en route.
First stop was one I had driven past several times on my travels, but never seen cricket there. This was Arnside on the estuary of the River Kent which flows into Morecambe Bay. There is an impressive railway bridge across the estuary and even a promenade where we stopped for our picnic lunch. We arrived at the War Memorial Field on Silverdale Road, situated in a hollow below the road, just as the action commenced in a real local derby, league leaders Arnside against very near neighbours Silverdale in Division One of the Westmorland League.
Arnside batted first and a rather well built gentleman, whose trousers seemed in danger of descending, had some difficulties at one end, whereas his partner, a left hander, seemed to have no difficulty in dispatching the ball to or over the short leg side boundary. Only a brief stay but enough to feel that a return visit might be needed with some splendid vantage points around the ground.
Next a ground I had visited before but before I carried a camera with me so a chance to take pictures of Sedgwick's attractive ground, the Walled Garden at Sedgwick Hall. Still in the Westmorland League but Division Two this time against Shireshead 'A' who were batting. Who should we bump into here but none other than Mike Latham, Cumberland's cricket chairman, giving cricket and rugby league journalist Tony Hannon a conducted tour of the area.
All the remaining grounds are from the North Lancashire and Cumbria league.
Onwards towards Barrow and a stop at Ulverston cricket of which other people had commented unfavourably. Not about the club itself but the environment of the ground, which admittedly is not much to write home about, but it's saving grace is the view of the Hoad monument on the hillside, which can be seen for miles around. It is in the shape of a lighthouse although never used as such and was built in 1850 as a memorial to Sir John Barrow, a member of the Royal Geographical Society who was born in Ulverston.
Nearing Barrow now and time to stop briefly at Lindal Moor cricket club, where a second eleven game was going on. This is a club whose greatest days were in the 1970s when they played in the Village Knock out final at Lord's only to lose on their great day. A tidy ground, with a newish pavilion and a great history from the past.
Next stop Dalton in Furness with yet another very local derby against Lindal Moor's first team. Dalton is a small town, once the capital of Furness, and the town team, founded way back in 1854, were heading towards an easy victory over their village neighbours. This was largely due to the bowling of the Zimbabwean professional Winston Masakadza.
Final stop proved to be the Furness ground in Barrow, where tomorrow's Minor Counties game will take place. Here their India professional Rishi Dhawan had dominated proceedings with an innings of 160 and then taking five Haverigg wickets for 32.
The one missed opportunity proved to be the only ground on Walney Island, just across the water from Barrow, where Vickerstown's game had already ended. However this also proved to be a ground which is rather run down and hardly worth a visit despite an impressive pavilion.
However a fascinating day, not everybody's cup of tea as you don't see much cricket, but a chance to see grounds you might otherwise never visit and an opportunity to note those you would wish to visit again.
In and around Herefordshire
posted by John Winn
In 1978 I was one of a group of cricketers from Bexhill CC who travelled from East Sussex to our base in Herefordshire for what we hoped would be a week of matches against local opposition. The day of our journey, a Saturday, was fine and warm and after checking in at our hotel we pitched up at the Stowe Lane ground, home of Colwall CC. The sunshine we enjoyed that early July evening was the last we saw for rain set in overnight and by the Wednesday the tour had been abandoned and we returned to Bexhill.
Last Saturday I travelled to Colwall again, this time with my wife as company, and I took the opportunity to make the five minute drive from our hotel to Stowe Lane. Here a second eleven game was in progress with Pedmore the visitors. Colwall were batting having been set 182 to win.
In 1978 I was one of a group of cricketers from Bexhill CC who travelled from East Sussex to our base in Herefordshire for what we hoped would be a week of matches against local opposition. The day of our journey, a Saturday, was fine and warm and after checking in at our hotel we pitched up at the Stowe Lane ground, home of Colwall CC. The sunshine we enjoyed that early July evening was the last we saw for rain set in overnight and by the Wednesday the tour had been abandoned and we returned to Bexhill.
Last Saturday I travelled to Colwall again, this time with my wife as company, and I took the opportunity to make the five minute drive from our hotel to Stowe Lane. Here a second eleven game was in progress with Pedmore the visitors. Colwall were batting having been set 182 to win.
I took the opportunity to chat with some home supporters who informed me that this was a Worcestershire County League 2nd XI Division 1 game. They proudly added that Herefordshire and Cornwall had played on the ground just a couple of weeks ago. While I was there Colwall made good progress and 60 were on the board before a smart cover catch brought the fall of the first wicket. The club website shows Colwall got home with four wickets to spare, a result that sees them in mid table while Pedmore alas currently hold the wooden spoon.
Before leaving the lovely ground I took this photograph of a plaque on the pavilion, more of Betty in a future posting.
On Monday we travelled to Cheltenham and leaving Liz to taste the shopping opportunities I took ten minutes to walk from the town centre to Cheltenham College to take in some of the second day's play in the championship match between Gloucestershire and Durham. I had seen these two teams in action at this ground in 1997 when Durham were beaten by an innings. Jon Lewis, now Durham's coach, made 81 in the second innings and Alan Walker, current bowling coach, had figures he would probably I rather did not repeat. Top man for 'Glos' was Mark Alleyne who hit 169 with good support from Matt Windows.
Monday's play began with Gloucestershire adding some useful runs to their first day score before Stokes finished them off. Latham and Steel saw Durham through to lunch without loss which gave me some hope for the afternoon but I should have known better for by tea Steel, Smith, Clark and Stokes, all having seemingly got their feet under the table had departed leaving Latham to man the burning deck. I left at tea having seen for the fourth time this season a poor first innings performance from Durham's top order, oh my Stoneman, Jennings and Borthwick of not so long ago. Things were a little better second time around but I was never hopeful that they would see the fourth day out and Gloucestershire, who lost to Sussex in a tight finish last week, were winners this time by 41 runs. *
On Tuesday having spent the morning on the battlements of Goodrich Castle we diverted from our route back to our hotel with a visit to the village of Eastnor which has a castle of its own. Cricket on the agenda here again with Herefordshire Under 17 playing their Oxfordshire counterparts. Another lovely Herefordshire ground with the hosts batting.
Herefordshire were in a decent position but lost wickets while we watched and their 243 all out was easily surpassed by Oxfordshire's 407 for 8 and the hosts succumbed badly on day two to be 46 all out with only opener Ed Mayall making double figures, an innings and 118 being the margin.
* So far the Cheltenham Festival has hosted two four day games, both of which, without any assistance from the weather have gone to the twelfth session, twoT20 games have been sold out and today the college ground will host a women's super league match. All this on a ground which will not of course get a sniff of the action when city based franchise cricket hits us in 2020.
Friday, 20 July 2018
Ground hop day.
Posted by Tony Hutton
Cricket ground hopping used to be one of my regular pastimes but times have changed and it rarely features in my itinerary these days. However the chance arose on Sunday 15th July as we made our way north to Riverside for Monday's Under 19 Test to tick off two grounds in County Durham which had long been on my wanted list. The ACS book on Cricket Grounds of Durham, published in 2005, lists twenty two grounds on which Durham CCC second XI played during the early years of first class cricket.
Eppleton cricket club.
I have long been aware that I had seen cricket on twenty of them, but that two were missing in the shape of Eppleton and Philadelphia. Eppleton is a long story going back to 1992 when the only Durham second XI match to be played there took place in the county's first season of first class cricket. Three years later I was travelling with Gullivers to Australia to watch an Ashes series and in our party were a couple from Eppleton, who of course were singing it's praises and inviting me to visit them some time. Partly because Durham seconds never played there again I never got there - until now.
Another view of Eppleton.
Eppleton play in the North East Premier league and by chance their third team (or development XI) had a home match with Burnopfield (also visited recently) on Sunday. So off we went to this sun parched oasis in Eppleton village, with a good number of spectators enjoying the heat wave. A pleasant enough ground which proved easy to find thanks to Google Earth map, a constant source of identifying any cricket ground in England. Lack of shade prevented a long stay but I took my photographs for posterity and moved on.
Distant windmills at Eppleton.
During the course of all this I was surprised to get a phone call from my son in Paris who could not believe I was spending my Sunday afternoon in the back streets of a County Durham mining village.
However he seemed more impressed with the name of my next target which was Philadelphia where Durham seconds had played several times in the late 1990s. The village boundary board helpfully told us that it was named after the city in the USA shortly after the British had taken possession of it during the American War of Independence in the late 1700s. So not as I thought like Washington USA which was named after the nearby town of Washington here.
Philadelphia are in a different league (in more ways than one) - the Durham County League who had a double header programme this weekend and were playing Tudhoe in a first eleven game. An attractive ground with distant views of the Penshaw Monument, a notable Durham landmark which can be seen from far and wide. Also a modern pavilion and a grassy bank on the far side with trees giving welcome shade thus encouraging a longer stay than Eppleton. Tudhoe were batting and had a very useful looking Sri Lankan, Rosham Jayatissa, who scored a brisk 47, including ten fours.
The pavilion at Philadelphia.
Distant view of the Penshaw Monument.
A couple of the local lads hit two straight sixes each and the entertainment was good value for the very small band of spectators, also enlivened by the home wicket keeper - yet another W.G. Grace lookalike. Time also to get a closer look at the Penshaw Monument which I had seen from afar for many years, but not tempted to make the steep climb to the top, particularly on such a hot day.
Another six on it's way.
The flag celebrates 150 years of Philadelphia cricket club (1868-2018)
All in all a very pleasant day, including a lunch time stop at Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire on our way north on the A 19. Of course it all set me off on further research as no doubt Durham second XI have played on other grounds since the 2005 book. I know for a fact that they have invaded Yorkshire (old county boundaries) to play at Marton, Stokesley, Middlesborough and Richmond at least. Swalwell and Burnopfield have also been added and there may well be more.
No doubt Mr Winn and his friends will be able to add one or two.
Cricket ground hopping used to be one of my regular pastimes but times have changed and it rarely features in my itinerary these days. However the chance arose on Sunday 15th July as we made our way north to Riverside for Monday's Under 19 Test to tick off two grounds in County Durham which had long been on my wanted list. The ACS book on Cricket Grounds of Durham, published in 2005, lists twenty two grounds on which Durham CCC second XI played during the early years of first class cricket.
I have long been aware that I had seen cricket on twenty of them, but that two were missing in the shape of Eppleton and Philadelphia. Eppleton is a long story going back to 1992 when the only Durham second XI match to be played there took place in the county's first season of first class cricket. Three years later I was travelling with Gullivers to Australia to watch an Ashes series and in our party were a couple from Eppleton, who of course were singing it's praises and inviting me to visit them some time. Partly because Durham seconds never played there again I never got there - until now.
Eppleton play in the North East Premier league and by chance their third team (or development XI) had a home match with Burnopfield (also visited recently) on Sunday. So off we went to this sun parched oasis in Eppleton village, with a good number of spectators enjoying the heat wave. A pleasant enough ground which proved easy to find thanks to Google Earth map, a constant source of identifying any cricket ground in England. Lack of shade prevented a long stay but I took my photographs for posterity and moved on.
During the course of all this I was surprised to get a phone call from my son in Paris who could not believe I was spending my Sunday afternoon in the back streets of a County Durham mining village.
However he seemed more impressed with the name of my next target which was Philadelphia where Durham seconds had played several times in the late 1990s. The village boundary board helpfully told us that it was named after the city in the USA shortly after the British had taken possession of it during the American War of Independence in the late 1700s. So not as I thought like Washington USA which was named after the nearby town of Washington here.
Philadelphia are in a different league (in more ways than one) - the Durham County League who had a double header programme this weekend and were playing Tudhoe in a first eleven game. An attractive ground with distant views of the Penshaw Monument, a notable Durham landmark which can be seen from far and wide. Also a modern pavilion and a grassy bank on the far side with trees giving welcome shade thus encouraging a longer stay than Eppleton. Tudhoe were batting and had a very useful looking Sri Lankan, Rosham Jayatissa, who scored a brisk 47, including ten fours.
A couple of the local lads hit two straight sixes each and the entertainment was good value for the very small band of spectators, also enlivened by the home wicket keeper - yet another W.G. Grace lookalike. Time also to get a closer look at the Penshaw Monument which I had seen from afar for many years, but not tempted to make the steep climb to the top, particularly on such a hot day.
All in all a very pleasant day, including a lunch time stop at Mount Grace Priory in North Yorkshire on our way north on the A 19. Of course it all set me off on further research as no doubt Durham second XI have played on other grounds since the 2005 book. I know for a fact that they have invaded Yorkshire (old county boundaries) to play at Marton, Stokesley, Middlesborough and Richmond at least. Swalwell and Burnopfield have also been added and there may well be more.
No doubt Mr Winn and his friends will be able to add one or two.
Low scoring under 19 Test at Riverside.
After England's rather easy victory over South Africa in the first Test at Scarborough, we were hoping for more resistance from the visitors in the second game at Durham's Riverside. Sadly it was not immediately forthcoming as they lost three wickets for twenty runs after deciding to bat first. England's opening bowlers Finch of Worcester and Plom of Essex threatened to run riot until persistent drizzle brought a halt to proceedings for about four hours. When play eventually resumed at four o'clock in the afternoon skipper Bakwetu and wicket keeper Qeshile batted sensibly with a partnership of 63 but both were out before the close when the South African score was 118-5.
Day two brought better weather, with only one slight delay, and South Africa were indebted to de Klerk and number 10 Molefe for a 50 partnership which saw them pass the 200 mark. De Klerk was lbw to Finch for 47 and Molefe caught off leg spinner Hollman for 21. South Africa all out for 209, which seemed somewhat below par but was to prove the highest innings total of the match.
England's bowlers did not offer much variation Plom taking 3-44, Finch 4-47 and the ever accurate Hollman 2-28 from sixteen overs. The final stages of day two brought plenty of action as South Africa bounced back with a vengeance largely due to the pace and bounce generated by none other than Thando Ntini, son of Makhaya Ntini, who took 390 test wickets for the South African Test side.
Ntini soon had Ollie Robinson, from Kent, lbw for 1 and then had the England skipper Tom Banton, from Somerset and century maker at Scarborough, caught behind for no score. A major triumph for the young bowler. At this stage England were 6-2 and brief resistance from Charlesworth (Gloucester) and Haynes (Worcester) took them to 38 before Charlesworth was lbw to left arm spinner Molefe. The same bowler mesmerised the middle order having debutant Lavelle (Lancashire) lbw for nought and Ward stumped by yards when he tried coming down the wicket to smother the spin.
Haynes soon followed with top score of 28 caught behind off paceman Gideon Peters. England now 67-6. Some resistance came from Hollman (25) and Davies (17) but South Africa were now well on top and the support bowlers also picked up wickets to leave England in total disarray at the end of day two with a score of 121-9.
England were finally all out for 133 early on day three giving South Africa a first innings lead of 76.
Molefe, the left arm spinner, had the best figures 21-10-33-3, with two each for Ntini, Peters and de Klerk. If South Africa felt they had turned the corner that feeling did not last long as this fascinating contest took another turn in front of a day three crowd which had grown to around sixty people, after the disappointing twenty or so on day one and forty on day two.
A remarkable over from Plom turned the tide very much back in England's direction. With his first ball he bowled Richards for eleven. Number three Van Schalkwyk had a rush of blood to the second ball playing it out gently on the offside and setting off for an impossible single. The bowler picked up the ball and ran in to demolish the stumps before the batsman could return to his crease. Enter skipper Makwetu, probably the visitor's best batsman, to face ball three. Caught behind by Davies bowled Plom first ball. An unusual hat trick of sorts as 30-0 suddenly became 30-3. Next man in Qeshile almost followed, an inside edge just missing leg stump as it flew down to fine leg. The last two balls of the over were uneventful apart from umpire O'Shaughnessy's hat blowing off to add to the confusion.
Sam Connors, another debutant for England from Derbyshire, took his first two wickets for England to get rid of Miltz and Niemand before Finch returned to demolish the tail, taking the last four wickets for just 22 runs. South Africa all out for a miserable ninety, leaving England with a target of 166 to win. No certainties about that in view of the South African bowlers' supremacy in the first innings.
The lively Ntini again struck early, bowling Robinson with the first ball of the second over. His opening partner Charlesworth was also on his way in no time caught behind off Peters who seemed to be generating more pace than before. England in dire straights at 4-2, but skipper Banton provided the cool head to see them through the difficult early stages with England's top score of the match a mere 32! Two of the younger members of the side, Haynes (27) and Lavelle (25) also helped keep England afloat before the Middlesex pair of wicket keeper Davies (32 not out) and Hollman (11 not out) saw England home by four wickets. England winning the series 2-0 not without a few scares along the way.
The sides now turn their attention to three one day internationals which will be played on 23rd July at Riverside, 26th July at South Northumberland CC, Gosforth and 29th July at Scarborough.
Last gasp win for Yorkshire Academy
Posted by Tony Hutton
Six members of the Yorkshire Academy team to play Harrogate on Saturday 14th July had played in the Under 17s resounding victory over Derbyshire earlier in the week at the same Weetwood venue.
Hopefully confidence would be high against opponents who are unusually struggling near the bottom of the Yorkshire League North table.
Weetwood, Leeds University ground.
Harrogate welcomed back leading bowler Tom Geeson-Brown after two weeks away attending weddings, but their bowling still looked a bit thin with one or two new names appearing. However they won the toss and batted first and were going along steadily until acting captain Ed Barnes produced an excellent ball to clean bowl Corrie Keable. Veteran Alexis Twigg, recently returned to Harrogate, was looking good with 28 before being caught behind by Harry Duke, deputising for the injured captain Ben Birkhead.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals until wicket keeper Ed Wilson and Ollie Horbury steadied the ship with a partnership of 54. Both went on to make half centuries, with Horbury impressing with an innings of 51 which included ten fours. For once the Yorkshire spin pair of the Sullivan brothers were not among the wickets, except for one by Josh, and they only bowled twelve overs between them.
This resulted in a very slow over rate by the battery of Yorkshire seamers and at the end of the innings the umpires were seen in deep discussion with the Yorkshire captain explaining that fifteen penalty runs had been awarded to Harrogate because of the slow rate. So the final score was extended to 258-9, which included 50 extras, including 31 wides as well as the penalty runs, but strangely enough no byes. Young Harry Duke was given a torrid team behind the stumps due to the stream of erratic wides.
Yorkshire batted consistently throughout their innings losing opener Wharton run out to a smart throw by keeper Wilson to hit the stumps at the bowler's end and then Revis to a one handed caught and bowled by Geeson-Brown. Tom Loten, as so often this season pulled things back with a resolute 55 and together with George Hill (20) and Bilal Anjum (40) kept Yorkshire well in the game.
The game seemed to be drifting towards a draw but the sixth wicket pair of Harry Duke and Ed Barnes put on 50 together in quick time and Yorkshire required just six to win off the final over.
Five singles brought the scores level and Harry Duke hit the final ball to the boundary to give the Academy a five wicket victory.
Six members of the Yorkshire Academy team to play Harrogate on Saturday 14th July had played in the Under 17s resounding victory over Derbyshire earlier in the week at the same Weetwood venue.
Hopefully confidence would be high against opponents who are unusually struggling near the bottom of the Yorkshire League North table.
Harrogate welcomed back leading bowler Tom Geeson-Brown after two weeks away attending weddings, but their bowling still looked a bit thin with one or two new names appearing. However they won the toss and batted first and were going along steadily until acting captain Ed Barnes produced an excellent ball to clean bowl Corrie Keable. Veteran Alexis Twigg, recently returned to Harrogate, was looking good with 28 before being caught behind by Harry Duke, deputising for the injured captain Ben Birkhead.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals until wicket keeper Ed Wilson and Ollie Horbury steadied the ship with a partnership of 54. Both went on to make half centuries, with Horbury impressing with an innings of 51 which included ten fours. For once the Yorkshire spin pair of the Sullivan brothers were not among the wickets, except for one by Josh, and they only bowled twelve overs between them.
This resulted in a very slow over rate by the battery of Yorkshire seamers and at the end of the innings the umpires were seen in deep discussion with the Yorkshire captain explaining that fifteen penalty runs had been awarded to Harrogate because of the slow rate. So the final score was extended to 258-9, which included 50 extras, including 31 wides as well as the penalty runs, but strangely enough no byes. Young Harry Duke was given a torrid team behind the stumps due to the stream of erratic wides.
Yorkshire batted consistently throughout their innings losing opener Wharton run out to a smart throw by keeper Wilson to hit the stumps at the bowler's end and then Revis to a one handed caught and bowled by Geeson-Brown. Tom Loten, as so often this season pulled things back with a resolute 55 and together with George Hill (20) and Bilal Anjum (40) kept Yorkshire well in the game.
The game seemed to be drifting towards a draw but the sixth wicket pair of Harry Duke and Ed Barnes put on 50 together in quick time and Yorkshire required just six to win off the final over.
Five singles brought the scores level and Harry Duke hit the final ball to the boundary to give the Academy a five wicket victory.
A trip to Worcester
posted by John Winn
Although I saw India A in action at Headingley just a few weeks ago I needed no persuasion when John Gawthrope suggested a trip to New Road on Wednesday to see the third day of their match with a strong England Lions XI. An early start saw us enjoying crispy bacon in Malvern before nine o'clock and parked up inside the ground before the cathedral clock had chimed ten.
The overnight position had India A making a good response to the Lions' big score of 423, an innings dominated by 180 from Alistair Cook. Rahane and Pant, who had pulled India round from 93 for 4, had few difficulties in the first hour against Fisher, Porter and Woakes but no sooner had we sampled the fare on offer in The Tom Graveney Lounge than Pant was bowled by Woakes at 189 for 5. An hour later and on the struck of lunch India A were all out for 197, six wickets for 8 runs, four of them to Curran (S), three of them leg before, all given the nod by umpire Blackwell.
In a match where more was at stake the follow on might have been enforced but after lunch it was India who took the field and Cook and Burns who opened the batting. No run glut for Cook this time, he went for 5, bowled by the impressive Siraj, and there were only 25 on the board when Gubbins went to the same bowler. Malan and Burns steadied things while we partook of lemon drizzle and Victoria sandwich cake in the Ladies' Pavilion which we were delighted to find open for a non championship match. Burns was next to go at 72/3 but the tempo picked up with the arrival of the very promising Pope at the crease.
Five o'clock saw us on our way but we had spent the day in delightful company including this fellow.
Although I saw India A in action at Headingley just a few weeks ago I needed no persuasion when John Gawthrope suggested a trip to New Road on Wednesday to see the third day of their match with a strong England Lions XI. An early start saw us enjoying crispy bacon in Malvern before nine o'clock and parked up inside the ground before the cathedral clock had chimed ten.
The overnight position had India A making a good response to the Lions' big score of 423, an innings dominated by 180 from Alistair Cook. Rahane and Pant, who had pulled India round from 93 for 4, had few difficulties in the first hour against Fisher, Porter and Woakes but no sooner had we sampled the fare on offer in The Tom Graveney Lounge than Pant was bowled by Woakes at 189 for 5. An hour later and on the struck of lunch India A were all out for 197, six wickets for 8 runs, four of them to Curran (S), three of them leg before, all given the nod by umpire Blackwell.
In a match where more was at stake the follow on might have been enforced but after lunch it was India who took the field and Cook and Burns who opened the batting. No run glut for Cook this time, he went for 5, bowled by the impressive Siraj, and there were only 25 on the board when Gubbins went to the same bowler. Malan and Burns steadied things while we partook of lemon drizzle and Victoria sandwich cake in the Ladies' Pavilion which we were delighted to find open for a non championship match. Burns was next to go at 72/3 but the tempo picked up with the arrival of the very promising Pope at the crease.
Five o'clock saw us on our way but we had spent the day in delightful company including this fellow.
The colours are those of the Colonial Cavaliers CC, based in Boston Massachusetts, and currently touring this country, they had played at Bath the previous day. They play matches in their home state and in Vermont and Rhode Island. Home games are played at Harvard University.
After we left the Lions rattled along to declare just before six and leave India A an awkward few overs before stumps, overs in which they lost three wickets. They did manage to prolong the fourth day until mid afternoon but were all out for 167, well not quite all out for Rajpoot was unfit to bat. Defeat by 253 runs was the outcome.
I shall be retracing my tyre tracks tomorrow when my wife and I leave for a few days in Herefordshire. High on the agenda, well mine anyway is a trip to Cheltenham to see a day of Gloucestershire v Durham, the second match of the festival. Expect a report in about a week's time.
Monday, 16 July 2018
Something to Celebrate
Fifty years ago I joined Cockerton Cricket Club, a village club on the north western outskirts of Darlington and spent five very happy years playing at first for the seconds and then the firsts in The Darlington and District League. I have kept in touch since I moved from my home town in 1972 and yesterday returned to the Newton Lane ground to join the club's 125th anniversary celebrations.
On arrival I spent time looking at the lovely display of old photos and press cuttings in the 'new pavilion', opened in 1994, including this one taken in 1895. The ground was looking in splendid condition, not as arid as some I have seen recently, and the bar and barbecue were ready for custom.
As a seven aside contest got underway I was joined by several of my contemporaries from the late sixties and early seventies, all looked in good shape and we joked that we could have put a side into 'the sevens', sponsored by tubigrip perhaps. The longest journey had been made by Steve Crowther who lives in Bedfordshire, Billy Jewers, aged 81, had comfortably managed the ten minute walk from his home. Secretary Richard Cowan, who organised the event, had provided scores and averages for our perusal and these settled a few arguments as we reminisced about our time at the club. Time flew by and when I left after four hours I took time to thank Richard for his efforts but said that I couldn't promise to be at the 150th anniversary which was also the case for several of us who were there yesterday. And who knows what state club cricket will be in in 2043?
On Saturday I made my annual appearance as Ouseburn's scorer while regular scorer Tricia Bryant was on holiday. I was relieved to find that visitors Burton Leonard's scorer, Megan Eustace, was mega competent as she looked after a multi coloured book, kept the league website up to date, operated the electronic scoreboard and found time to chat to me and passers by. The game, between two of the strongest teams in Division 1 of the Nidderdale League, proved a thriller, with Burton batting first hitting up 244, all out on the last ball of the 45th over, Sam Crompton leading the way with 72 and Michael Wray providing useful middle order runs. Skipper Chris Morrison took four wickets for OCC.
South African Matthew Nicholls got Ouseburn off to a flier but was run out going for a second and at 65 for 4 I was not sanguine about their chances. A century partnership between Jamie Bryant and Adam Fisher, 57 and 86 respectively, turned the game however, and Morrison finished things off with successive fours of the other Crompton, Max, to seal a three wicket win with ten balls to spare. Twenty points to Ouseburn and eight for Burton Leonard, my monochrome book agreed with Megan's which prompted a exchange of high fives and of course the sun shone. Perfect.
Friday, 13 July 2018
Runs galore in the Under 17s county championship.
Posted by Tony Hutton
An early morning departure from Scarborough saw us back at Weetwood, the Leeds University ground, ready for day two of a three day under 17 county game between Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
On the first day Derbyshire had been bowled out for 189 and Yorkshire were well on their way to a first innings lead before close of play but having lost the important wicket of skipper James Wharton for 75.
When we arrived following yet another 10.30 early start, again for footballing reasons, Yorkshire were four wickets down, having lost Revis, Ramkumar and Woods as well as Wharton but the two batsmen at the crease were already well established. Finlay Bean, from York cricket club and Harry Duke, Yorkshire Academy, batted together almost for the rest of the day in very hot conditions with a totally parched, brown outfield, and an isolated island of green in the centre of the ground.
Left hander Finlay Bean on strike.
You had to feel sorry for the Derbyshire bowlers, who stuck to their task manfully in exhausting conditions, but Bean in particular, ably assisted by Duke, played proper cricket. No slogging or fancy shots but each ball played on it's merits, more often than not with a straight bat. Indeed there were fourteen maiden overs during an innings which lasted for 129 overs in all. Derbyshire used nine bowlers but none could make much impression on this very confident Yorkshire pair.
Another four to Finlay Bean to square leg.
The umpire signals six and Bean celebrates his double century.
Bean was soon past the century mark and carried on regardless reaching the two hundred mark just ahead of Duke's century as the pair put on a mammoth partnership of 297 runs, taking the Yorkshire score from 170-4 to 467-5 before Bean was finally dismissed by Josh Lacey for 213. He had scored thirty fours and almost the first ball he hit in the air was the six to bring up his 200.
Two hundred up for Bean.
Duke by this time had also reached his century after a somewhat nervous time in the late 80s and throughout the 90s when he was tied down by accurate spin bowling. His innings of 138 not out contained sixteen fours and lasted for 260 balls, whereas Bean scored his 213 from 279 balls. Dominic Leech, after a very long wait, and Archie Greaves came in at the end to hit a few more quick runs and Yorkshire eventually declared with an impressive total of 560-8.
Harry Duke celebrates his century.
It had already been a depressing day for Derbyshire but got even worse in the final session as their second innings resulted in a clatter of wickets, three of them to Harrison Quarmby, leaving them in total disarray on 14-6 at close of play. Surely an easy win for Yorkshire on day three.
As it turned out the Derbyshire side did get stuck in early on day three and the tailenders Kimmitt with 43 and Priestley with 58 extended the game until lunchtime before they were finally bowled out for 149, leaving Yorkshire winners by an innings and 242 runs.
It turned out that the current series of Under 17 county games produced at least eleven centuries. Perhaps something to do with the hot weather and bone hard wickets. Finlay Bean's 213 was the highest score, but others deserving of a mention were George Metzer for Hampshire v Worcester with 194, Sol Bell for Durham v Cheshire with 189, Joey Evison for Notts v Staffs with 185 and Rahul Wijeratne for Middlesex v Kent with 179. Quite a collection.
An early morning departure from Scarborough saw us back at Weetwood, the Leeds University ground, ready for day two of a three day under 17 county game between Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
On the first day Derbyshire had been bowled out for 189 and Yorkshire were well on their way to a first innings lead before close of play but having lost the important wicket of skipper James Wharton for 75.
When we arrived following yet another 10.30 early start, again for footballing reasons, Yorkshire were four wickets down, having lost Revis, Ramkumar and Woods as well as Wharton but the two batsmen at the crease were already well established. Finlay Bean, from York cricket club and Harry Duke, Yorkshire Academy, batted together almost for the rest of the day in very hot conditions with a totally parched, brown outfield, and an isolated island of green in the centre of the ground.
You had to feel sorry for the Derbyshire bowlers, who stuck to their task manfully in exhausting conditions, but Bean in particular, ably assisted by Duke, played proper cricket. No slogging or fancy shots but each ball played on it's merits, more often than not with a straight bat. Indeed there were fourteen maiden overs during an innings which lasted for 129 overs in all. Derbyshire used nine bowlers but none could make much impression on this very confident Yorkshire pair.
Bean was soon past the century mark and carried on regardless reaching the two hundred mark just ahead of Duke's century as the pair put on a mammoth partnership of 297 runs, taking the Yorkshire score from 170-4 to 467-5 before Bean was finally dismissed by Josh Lacey for 213. He had scored thirty fours and almost the first ball he hit in the air was the six to bring up his 200.
Duke by this time had also reached his century after a somewhat nervous time in the late 80s and throughout the 90s when he was tied down by accurate spin bowling. His innings of 138 not out contained sixteen fours and lasted for 260 balls, whereas Bean scored his 213 from 279 balls. Dominic Leech, after a very long wait, and Archie Greaves came in at the end to hit a few more quick runs and Yorkshire eventually declared with an impressive total of 560-8.
It had already been a depressing day for Derbyshire but got even worse in the final session as their second innings resulted in a clatter of wickets, three of them to Harrison Quarmby, leaving them in total disarray on 14-6 at close of play. Surely an easy win for Yorkshire on day three.
As it turned out the Derbyshire side did get stuck in early on day three and the tailenders Kimmitt with 43 and Priestley with 58 extended the game until lunchtime before they were finally bowled out for 149, leaving Yorkshire winners by an innings and 242 runs.
It turned out that the current series of Under 17 county games produced at least eleven centuries. Perhaps something to do with the hot weather and bone hard wickets. Finlay Bean's 213 was the highest score, but others deserving of a mention were George Metzer for Hampshire v Worcester with 194, Sol Bell for Durham v Cheshire with 189, Joey Evison for Notts v Staffs with 185 and Rahul Wijeratne for Middlesex v Kent with 179. Quite a collection.
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