Early season wanderings.

 Posted by Tony Hutton

Early season wanderings have so far largely involved watching cricket in Durham and West Yorkshire, with almost sunshine all the way, apart from some instances of a rather piercing easterly breeze. This was much in evidence at the Emirates Riverside as Durham rather underperformed against Nottinghamshire.

Spectators enjoy the sunshine at Emirates Riverside.

We saw the first two days with Nottinghamshire always in control, but were sad to hear of Durham's collapse on the third day, showing very little resistance as they plunged to an innings defeat. The first day was notable for the appearance of endless varieties of the Patterson or Peterson clan from points around the world. However it was a local lad, Sunderland born would you believe, in Liam Patterson-White, who took the headlines with 5-54 as Durham were all out for 230.

Durham made a reasonable start against Patterson and Pattinson.

Dickson and Jones, both in good form last week added 66 for the first wicket and Dickson top scored with 54, but thereafter only the efforts of Eckersley and Raine took them to some sort of respectability. Unfortunately Trevaskis was twice hit on the helmet and had to retire for a concussion review. It was decided he could not return and George Drissell, the young spinner recruited from the West Country, took his place as a concussion substitute.

George Drissell on the field as concussion substitute

Nottinghamshire's batsmen made hay in the sunshine of the second day in which they lost only three wickets, all to Potts, who was Durham's bowling hero last week. A century for Ben Slater, the former Derbyshire man, who we remember as one of the early recruits of Leeds/Bradford University many years ago, was followed by a maiden century from Lyndon James. With Evison having already done likewise earlier in the season perhaps a message to Notts that they should not ignore local talent, as they seem to have done in the recent past.

A week or so earlier we had briefly re-visited Bradford Park Avenue to see Yorkshire seconds take on Northants seconds. Although the playing area looks in excellent condition, the seating and facilities for spectators leave a lot to be desired and it is hard to see this wonderful old ground ever being restored to it's former glories. Highlight of our visit was a century for Matthew Waite, perhaps somewhat forgotten in the long queue of local talent available to the club, despite all the overseas recruits still arriving endlessly.

Bradford Park Avenue.

Other grounds visited include Adel, for a pre-season friendly with Kirkstall and also in Leeds to New Rover for a Heavy Woollen Cup game with Yorkshire champions Castleford, who progressed rather easily as expected. In addition Leeds/Bradford University took on Bristol at Weetwood, with Jack Timby unfortunately out caught and bowled for 99. Also a visit to Pudsey Congs where Leeds Beckett University were in action against Manchester University.

Leeds Beckett v Manchester University at Pudsey Congs.

During our trips to Durham we also called in at Brandon, for a pre-season friendly with near neighbours Durham City, where former Durham man Gordon Muchall scored a century for the home side. Then to Darlington Railway Athletic to see the final stages of their first league game with victory over Guisborough. Also a brief visit to Durham Racecourse ground where the University had an easy victory over Cambridge University.

Cricket at Brandon.

Evening sunshine at Darlington Railway Athletic.

Durham University at the Racecourse ground.

However two highlights of the week took place yesterday, which gave us great pleasure. Two young men we have watched over several years, both scored maiden first class centuries. Matty McKiernan, who started with Lancashire, before developing with Cumbria, scored a century for Derbyshire and George Hill, who we had seen score centuries for Sedbergh School, Yorkshire Under 17s and Yorkshire Academy did likewise for Yorkshire at Northampton. Congratulations to them both!

George Hill in his days with Yorkshire Academy at Weetwood.