Watching cricket from The Cricketers'

posted by John Winn

Non cricketing business took me to Knaresborough on Saturday and I took the opportunity to drop in at the ground of Knaresborough Forest CC situated behind a pub which until recently was known as The Union but which is now called The Cricketers'. To celebrate what is obviously a step in the right direction I took a pint into the beer garden from where I had this view of the cricket. 

The match in progress was in Division Two of the Nidderdale League, the river flows just

a six hit from the ground, with KFCC hosting fairly near neighbours Boroughbridge and Staveley. Since I last visited this attractive ground the clubs have experienced varying fortunes. Knaresborough were relegated from Division One last season and are currently propping up Division Two while Boroughbridge since their merger with Staveley in 2015 have moved up in the world, gaining two promotions and are comfortably placed in their new home.

Forest were batting and after a promising opening stand lost wickets steadily to finish on 139 all out in a whisker over 30 overs. During the innings I moved closer to the pavilion where there was a knot of away supporters, mostly refugees from their second team match which had been cancelled when Middleham II conceded. After tea the game produced a good finish with B and S losing early wickets but knocks of 39 by Cameron Binns and 45 for Karl Young saw them home by two wickets. 

This is a picture of me with my neighbour Henry Taylor. Henry, aged 6 has had his first season with Ouseburn Under Sevens, a team that reached the semi final of a tournament two weeks ago. He is one of about 80 youngsters who attend Friday practice night at Lightmire Lane and two weeks ago Henry hit his first six. One for the future!