70th Annual Boxing Day Match at North Leeds

Posted by Tony Hutton

Yet again the hardy perennials turned out in force for incredibly the 70th successive Boxing Day game of cricket. This was the 47th occasion the game has been played at the ground of North Leeds cricket club after the wandering early days at grounds such as Collingham, Whitkirk, Thorp Arch and Boston Spa, Bramhope and Alwoodley. The tradition has been maintained year by year whatever the weather with rain and sometimes snow never stopping play completely.

This year the weather was fine and dry, if a little chilly, and the warmth of the hospitable bar area proved essential for many of the senior citizens present. The game was of 25 overs per side and played as proper cricket throughout (no seasonal messing about!). As ever a very sociable event with the opportunity to meet up with summer friends.

'Hardy perennials' at North Leeds. (Picture by Dougie Jones).
Rupert Jones, on the left, wearing his Papua New Guinea scarf, to celebrate his home country's recent rugby league victory over England.

The Northern Cricket Society team batted first and got off to a rousing start thanks to South African Van De Merwe from the Scarcroft club and Alex Ward from South Milford. The rules of the game means that both batsmen had to retire when they reached 30, but are free to return later if required.
As it happened they were not needed again and a final total of 177-5 looked quite a daunting challenge for the home side.

North Leeds were not quite as fluent early on but despite loosing wickets they continued to pile up the runs and a close finish similar to last year's final ball decider looked possible. However it all ended in somewhat of an anti-climax. The last over was bowled without the batsmen apparently knowing the position and they finished seven runs short with only five wickets down, without making much effort.

North Leeds refurbished pavilion in the summertime.

So Andy Stoddart, proud captain of the Northern Cricket Society, took the trophy to avenge last year's narrow defeat. As usual a good time was had by all and no doubt the raffle proceeds will produce a generous sum for St Gemma's Hospice.

One sad note, we only learnt a few days later of the death on Christmas Eve of Martin Binks, long time secretary and wicket keeper of Arthington cricket club, as well as being for many years conductor of the Leeds Symphony Orchestra. I have known Martin for over twenty years and it has been a pleasure to watch him in action in both capacities. He will certainly be missed immensely by both organisations. A true gentleman of the game and a most distinguished musician.

Martin Binks, on the right, with his fellow 'Golden Oldie' Dennis Nash, leaving the field at Arthington.