High drama on the GMCL's final day

By Mike Latham

While so much recent debate has centred upon the Strauss Report and the ramifications for English cricket, a simple fact often gets overlooked.

Many people who play or watch the game have little more than a passing interest in the international or county game and far prefer the club circuit.

I fall into that category and with autumn strengthening its grip decided to spend a day watching one of the recently formed leagues, the Greater Manchester Cricket League, known as the GMCL.

On the third Saturday of September, the GMCL reached its conclusion with many matters unresolved until stumps were finally drawn.

Three up and three down in a 12-team league certainly leaves no room for complacency right until the end of the season and means every game counts.

Frairmere entertain Mottram on the last day of the season

Many of the GMCL’s member clubs come from the old Central Lancashire and Saddleworth Leagues, and first up for me was a revisit to the isolated Friarmere ground, on the Delph Road out of Denshaw.

I’d last visited for a Saddleworth League game a decade or so ago and saw an amazingly destructive double hundred by the Bamford Fieldhouse professional Grant Hodnett that day.

My abiding memory was of players and spectators- who included the legendary former West Indies spinner Sonny Ramadhin, who sadly passed away recently- anxiously guarding their cars from Hodnett’s blistering assault and seemingly never-ending barrage of six hits.

This time the action was more sedate for this Championship (third tier) game against visitors Mottram. Mottram struggled to 129 all out and could make little of Friarmere’s left arm spinner Adrian Du Toit, who returned figures of five for 22. Only Zimbabwean Tafadwza Tsiga made much impression on a keen and accurate attack, hitting 35.

Frairmere is a lovely ground and looked in pristine condition. I decided to leave at the tea interval with the issue virtually decided and headed to nearby Shaw. Friarmere went on to win with only three wickets down to confirm their promotion to the second tier.

At Mark Lane, a delightful, postage-stamp sized ground I stumbled across a game of high drama.

High drama at Shaw as Flixton warded off relegation inspired by Marc Stamper

Shaw needed a win to be certain of promotion from Premier League 2 (the second tier), visitors Flixton a win to ward off relegation.

As I arrived Flixton were in the field and looking downcast after being bowled out for 104.

But their left arm spinner, Marc Stamper, was to enjoy a remarkable afternoon, one that he will no doubt savour all winter.

Backed by an increasingly excited and keen fielding side, Stamper had the Shaw batters in all sorts of trouble as he bowled a mesmerising spell.

The pressure grew as the wickets tumbled and Flixton spied their chance of a great escape.

Like rabbits caught in the headlights, Shaw’s batters seemed transfixed by Stamper’s gnawing accuracy and hostility, and the home side slumped to 65 all out. Stamper, engulfed by jubilant teammates at the end, finished with seven for 28 to spearhead his side’s escape from the jaws of relegation. Results elsewhere meant Shaw still earned promotion and so everyone was happy.

Then it was off a few miles downhill to another former Saddleworth League ground at Heyside. Here a high-scoring game against Walshaw in the top tier, the Premier League, was underway.

Heyside have an active social scene and a large crowd was on the side-lines, enjoying the cricket on what had become a warm and sunny afternoon.

Heyside chased down their target inspired by Alcindo Holder’s century

Visitors Walshaw had made 251 and home hopes rested upon a few key players, as several of the side were away at a team-mate’s wedding, arranged before the season without realising the league fixtures would be extended to the third Saturday in September.

Many years ago, I saw Rochdale’s Barbadian pro Alcindo Holder score some majestic runs in the old Central Lancashire League days, and it was great to watch him 15 years or so later still enjoying his cricket and thrilling the crowd.

Holder made a simply breath-taking 110 off only 49 balls with 12 fours and nine sixes and with good support from his team-mates Heyside secured a tense and exciting victory by two wickets with nearly 20 overs to spare.

There was still cricket to be enjoyed and up on the hill above Heyside, Moorside were at home to Roe Green in another Premier League clash.

I was fortunate to watch the closing stages as Roe Green chased down their target of 206 to win by three wickets with four balls remaining.

The winning runs in the final over for Roe Green at Moorside

The GMCL operates a website on Cric HQ which is difficult at first to navigate for those, like me, used to PlayCricket. But it is an extraordinarily informative website, once you get used to it, and the live scores feature is invaluable for groundhoppers.

It was time for home after a great day watching tight and competitive cricket in a league that really impresses me. I’ll review the GMCL season in more depth over the next few weeks.

As far as I'm aware club cricket doesn't get a mention in the Strauss Report. But it remains at the bedrock of the game, providing involvement and purpose, enjoyment and entertainment, fellowship and community, for thousands of enthusiasts. And Saturdays like this sustain one through the winter, ticking off the days, until we can enjoy some more.

Yorkshire eyes turn to Edgbaston

 Interviewed on local radio on Tuesday evening Tom Kohler-Cadmore struck an optimistic note about Yorkshire's chances of securing a result that would save them from Division Two of the county championship in 2023. "If we have a good morning and somebody puts their hand up when we bat then I think we can win' People sitting around me in Upper North East when wickets were pitched yesterday morning were on the whole less sanguine about Yorkshire's chances but the first part of TKC's formula for victory was certainly forthcoming when from an overnight 204 for 6 Gloucestershire were bowled out for 233, wickets for Hill (2) Patterson and a last man Singh Dale run out by brilliant work by Foster. Just in case he was not required to bat in Yorkshire's second innings Steve Patterson, making his final appearance for the county he has served for seventeen years, was given a standing ovation by players, officials and spectators alike as he left the field.

'Patto' leaves the field at Headingley, later to return.

Yorkshire's 'good morning' left them with something in excess of five sessions to get the 241 required for victory. Wharton who had spent a long time over a duck on Monday opened his account with cover drive for four only to succumb next ball bowled by Price (T). Lyth was joined by Hill and they saw Yorkshire safely through to lunch at 36 for 1 and after refreshments they extended their partnership to 64 before Hill was lbw to Singh Dale for 36. Enter TKC, would he raise his hand? Yes, if asked if he was clot of the year, for he fell into the most obvious of traps set by Gloucestershire spinner Gohar when attempting a second six in just nine balls he was brilliantly caught by Price (T) at long off. Tom left the Headingley field for the last time in silence save for one remark from the Lower North East which was probably not wishing him good luck at his new club, Somerset. 

     95/4,105/5, 119/6, describes better than words the next hour's play as Tattersall, Duke and Lyth all fell and our hopes went in the same direction but were raised again by the best innings of the match from Bess. He received sensible support from Thomson, Fisher and Coad all of whom sold their wickets dearly but when Coad was lbw to Gohar leaving fifty still needed spectators around us found bigger fish to fry like trains and buses to catch. Patterson entered to more applause and stayed for 41 minutes without scoring. As Bess added runs at the other end Gloucestershire allowed him to take singles in efforts to put Patterson on strike but when Steve did face he blocked resolutely, mainly against the spin of Gohar. Milestones were ticked off, 40 to get, 30 to get, 20 to get but after 41 minutes of obdurate defence Patterson played an attacking shot and was caught by Dent, an excellent catch to bring three days absorbing cricket to an end. 'Patto' received his third ovation of the day as the season ended which rather overshadowed Bess's splendid 79 not out.A chorus of 'Winter Wells' and off we went our thoughts already turning to events at Edgbaston where Warwickshire have known for two days that they must beat Hants to avoid the descent from champions in 2021 to Division Two in 2023 and thereby relegate Yorkshire.

I am listening to the commentary from Birmingham as I type where Warwickshire lead by 57 but have just lost a third wicket which may effectively be four given the doubts about Hain's fitness to bat. Sad that Yorkshire must depend on events elsewhere to stay in Division 1 but if you only win one championship match, and that back in mid April, then you can hardly complain. 

Woodlands worthy winners at Headingley.

 Posted by Tony Hutton

As Mike Latham has already pointed out, an unfortunate clash of fixtures meant a difficult choice for many cricket watchers. We took the easy way out with the Headingley final of the Yorkshire premier leagues champions more or less on the doorstep. However the Nidderdale Show game, so well described by Mike, has always been an event not to be missed in years gone by. Always a wonderful day out regularly attended by old friends from both sides of the Pennines, many sadly no longer with us. None more missed than the legendary 'Motor Bike Man', Peter Mann from Burley in Wharfedale, who died only last week.

Peter followed the career of Harry Book since boyhood and would have been thrilled to see him playing for England. Remember meeting him at Lord's, along with Harry's family, when the young man appeared for English Schools. Peter followed Burley CC, home and away on Saturdays, but on Sundays would travel across the Pennines to watch Lancashire League games on his trusty motor bike, often returning soaked to the skin with rain over the tops.

So to Headingley. For once free admission, free parking and no bag searches. Wonders never cease! However, the relatively few spectators, mainly from the two competing clubs, were corralled into the area inside or in front of the Long Room, with no access to the more attractive viewpoints. No scorecards in evidence either. Woodlands, champions of the Bradford League, where making their third attempt to win the trophy, whereas Appleby Frodingham, champions of the Yorkshire Premier League South - despite coming from Lincolnshire, were making their first appearance in the final.

Woodlands - Yorkshire champions 2022. Picture Ray Spencer.

As many had forecast the game, sadly, was rather one sided. Appleby Frodingham won the toss and batted, but despite a workmanlike fifty from captain Alex Grimes, who held the innings together, were unable to up the scoring rate, which only rarely got over three runs per over. Boundaries were few and far between as the Woodlands' experienced spin trio of Chris Brice, Brad Schmulian and Kez Ahmed took control. Brice, a left arm spinner, remembered from the Yorkshire Academy of long ago, bowled fifteen overs, with excellent figures of 3-33. Schmulian, the prolific New Zealand batsman and captain of the side, took 3-41 while Ahmed, as ever, was economical with 1-29 from nine overs.

The final total of 150-9 in 50 overs looked far too few and so it proved. Despite losing opener Sam Frankland early on - caught and bowled by South African Jordan Neil, Tim Jackson and the impressive Brad Schmulian saw Woodlands to victory with considerable ease. In the 30th over, with the help of a little stage management from his partner, Schmulian not only won the match and the man of the match trophy, but just got to an undefeated century. Gracefully allowing his partner, Jackson, to make the winning hit.

Brad Schmulian reaches his century at Headingley. - picture Ray Spencer.

Welcome indeed to see spin bowling can still win cricket matches. Woodland's experience and know how in field placing really had the final say. Full rewards for this very well run club who have certainly carried all before them this season. Mr. Schmulian will no doubt return to New Zealand this week a very happy man and hopefully will return for next season unless, who knows, higher things await him. 

A Nidderdale Show tradition maintained

 By Mike Latham

The Nidderdale Show in Pateley Bridge is a traditional Dales show that attracts many thousands of visitors.

As part of the show an annual cricket match is held at Pateley Bridge Cricket Club which adjoins the showground in Bewerley Park.

Many years ago, I’m told, the Yorkshire CCC beneficiary of the year used to stage a match here as part of the fundraising activities, but these days the feature match is between a Craven XI and a Nidderdale XI.

This was the first time the show had been held since 2019 due to the pandemic, and the organisers had to react quickly and bring the event forward from the traditional third Monday in September when the Queen’s funeral was arranged.

The Sunday slot certainly seemed popular with visitors and by ten o’clock overflow carparks were already in use to accommodate the large number of vehicles arriving for the day.

The Craven XI take first knock

The cricket match started at eleven, and was a 45-over contest, the Craven XI taking first knock.

While the showground got even busier the cricket passed by quietly, a small crowd at the commencement growing in number during the day.

Pateley Bridge’s ground has a lovely, rural feel, its centrepiece the pavilion in the corner which houses the dressing rooms and canteen. There were several benches around the perimeter and the two scorers kept the electronic scoreboard ticking over.

The Pateley Bridge CC pavilion

While the equestrian events, dog races, cattle show, tractor displays and dry-stone walling exhibitions were among the events taking place, the Craven XI batters struggled against an accurate and keen attack.

Only two players made significant scores as the Craven XI were bowled out for 151 in only 30 overs, leaving 15 of their allocation unused.

Oakworth opener Bradley Powell hit 42 and Bingley Congs’ Johandre Barnard 41, his first three scoring shots all sixes towards the scoreboard. Barnard looked a class player, and it was to the disappointment of the spectators when he miscued a shot and was caught off a skier.

Looking him up on the internet it was no surprise that he had been a prolific run-scorer for Congs, Craven League champions this year, in both 2019 and 2022. Remarkably, he had to change to batting left-handed at the age of 17 after developing a rare eye condition.

Joe Preece, playing on his home ground, and Knaresborough’s Jordan Tear each took three wickets.

The Nidderdale XI begin their reply

After a leisurely lunch, as the players took the opportunity to wander around the show, play resumed with the Nidderdale XI making light of their target.

Ben Cutts, the Bishop Thornton opener, hit an undefeated 81 as his side won by seven wickets in the 22^nd over of their reply.

Despite the one-sided nature of the game, it was good to be back at Pateley Bridge and great to see so many happy, smiling faces at the show as visitors enjoyed a return to normality after two blank years.

The Nidderdale Show cricket match is a great occasion

Well done to the organisers for maintaining the tradition of cricket at the show. If you haven’t been, it’s a great occasion and well worth reserving in your diary for next year.

I expected to see more PCWs in attendance, but maybe they were at Headingley where Woodlands won the Yorkshire Play-Offs. Congratulations to them.

Their nine-wicket win over Appelby Frodingham sounds every bit as comprehensive as that by the Nidderdale XI here.

Ian Cockbain remembered

 By Mike Latham

Forty years ago, I attended all three days of the Second Eleven Championship game at Aigburth between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

I was thinking about that game the other day when I learned with great sadness of the death of Ian Cockbain at the age of 64. Ian, you see, scored a magnificent 180 on the first day, an innings I still remember for the majesty of his driving on both sides of the wicket. In that season I also saw him make 98- his highest first-class score- in the epic three-day game at Southport involving Lancashire and Warwickshire.

Ian was a superb bat, but never quite made it at first-class level. He did, however, earn a fantastic reputation as player and captain with hometown Bootle CC in the Liverpool Competition and with Cheshire in the Minor Counties. There have been several finely written obituaries about him, including this one on the Cheshire CCC website: https://cheshireccc.org.uk/blog/coey-an-appreciation-of-ian-cockbain

Ian Cockbain- fondly remembered

I also remember watching him play as a centre-forward for Bootle against Horwich RMI at Grundy Hill in RMI’s old Northwest Counties League days, but his soccer career hasn’t been mentioned in any obituary I’ve seen. He certainly is remembered fondly by anyone who watched him play or knew him, and I’d like to take this opportunity of passing on my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

That game at Aigburth also featured a fine innings by Varsity man Kevin Hayes, who also made 180, sharing a second wicket stand of 326 with Cockbain, after the early dismissal of Andrew Kennedy. Lancashire declared on 389 for 3, then faced a long stint in the field watching a left-handed 17-year-old from Wakefield display every bit of his huge potential. Neil Lloyd made 128 and shared a stand of 158 with Kevin Sharp as Yorkshire declared on 327 for 8, 62 behind.

Tragically, Lloyd died of a mystery virus only a month or so after this game having just represented England Under 19s. He was an enormous talent, tragically unfulfilled.

Kennedy made up for his first innings failure by making an unbeaten 150 in the second innings and Lancashire captain Harry Pilling finally declared on 250 for 5, setting Yorkshire 313 to win. Even on an immaculate Aigburth batting surface that was a tall order. They just warded off defeat, and finished 175/9, captain Colin Johnson leading the defiance late on, future England wicketkeeper Stuart Rhodes making 49.

Stanley Park, Blackpool on the second day

This week I went along to another favourite out ground of mine, Blackpool CC’s Stanley Park, to watch a rerun of this famous fixture. It provided quite a contrast.

Back in 1982 second elevens contained many players of experience alongside promising young players making their way in the game. The two captains, Pilling and Johnson, had both enjoyed long first-class careers and were now lending their experience to nurturing young players. The Lancashire side for instance included future umpire Steve O’Shaugnessy, wicketkeeper Chris Scott and the long-serving and highly effective opening bowler Peter Lee.

Yorkshire’s side had several others who enjoyed plenty of first-class cricket, Ashley Metcalfe, Peter Ingham, Peter Whiteley, Nick Taylor and Alan Ramage, the last named one of the last of the footballer-cricketers. His Football League career, spent with Middlesbrough and Derby County had just come to an end.

John Holder, at the start of an umpiring career that would see him officiate in 11 Tests, was one of the umpires. Funnily enough, I saw him at Crompton CC lately for a Lancashire Over 60s game. My friend Howard Lowe was also in attendance, his late father Amos being the Lancashire scorer on this occasion. Howard told me some great stories his dad had passed down about Ian Cockbain and we reflected on a cricketer we both admired.

Second Eleven games are 12-a-side these days

Fast forward 40 years and the Roses clash at Stanley Park had an altogether different look. Played over four days not three (though rain washed out the first day) and with both teams 12-a-side, 11 to bat or bowl. Lancashire eventually fielded 14 players in total during the three days, and of that number only Jack Blatherwick had played at first-class level.

My friend Tony Hutton, also present though I did not realise it at the time, rightly refers to the Yorkshire side’s youthful composition. But the Lancashire side was hardly brimming with experience either, seven having recently featured in the recent Under 18s county games. I suspect that the early order batters had rarely encountered a bowler of Matthew Fisher’s quality before. After all, he was playing Test cricket only six months ago, this match being part of his comeback from injury.

As Tony writes, Yorkshire (190 & 226/7 dec to Lancashire’s 71 & 185) ran out convincing winners, by 160 runs half an hour or so after lunch on the final day. Lancashire’s batting line-up had a callow look about it, though teenager Jimmy O’Sullivan, who plays for Oulton Park in the Cheshire County League made a defiant 52.

Charlie Barnard- remember the name

I wonder how many of the players on view here will go on to play first-class or Test cricket? Part of the fun of attending such games is to keep a note of the details (I was going to write scorecard, but these aren’t produced any more for games such as this) and look back in future years.

A name to look out for is Lancashire’s Charlie Barnard. His left arm spin captured him 10 wickets in the match, for 133 runs off 58.1 overs. The Hyde CC all-rounder looks a real prospect, though with Jack Morley, Tom Hartley, and Matt Parkinson ahead of him in the Lancashire spin department one wonders what chances he’ll get in the short run. He also scored 28 runs and got two ‘red inkers’.

Charlie Barnard. Remember the name.

Bamburgh Castle's magnificent season

By Mike Latham

Bamburgh Castle Cricket Club plays in one of the most iconic and picturesque locations in England, on Castle Green in the shadow of the magnificent Bamburgh Castle.

From the Hairy Bikers, Matt Baker to Robson Green the television celebrities have been out in force in recent years, recording programmes and helping increase awareness of the beauty of the area, boosting the already huge tourist flow.

Situated about 40 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne on the Northumberland Coast, Bamburgh is also home to the RNLI Grace Darling Museum, commemorating the bravery of the ‘Heroine of the Farne Islands’ and its Blue Flag beach, dunes, pubs, restaurants, cafes, and shops attract thousands of visitors each year.

The village population is only around 400 and the number of second homeowners and holiday lets has driven up property prices, making this one of the most expensive places to live outside London. It’s a massive problem for the locals, especially young ones attempting to set up their first home.

A photo one never tires of taking

That’s a serious social issue, not least for local sport, but thanks to the persistence, pride and perseverance of the villagers and enthusiasts from the surrounding area, the cricket club is in good shape. Established in 1860 and first playing on Castle Green in 1895, Bamburgh Castle Cricket Club has an extensive fixture list of over 20 games a season, most at home on a Sunday afternoon. The games, of 35 overs per side duration against a variety of opponents, attract good sized crowds, and more photographs must be taken of cricket on the green than any other ground in England.

With a sizeable list of vice presidents and volunteer helpers, the club thrives, ably supported by the Armstrong family from Bamburgh Castle who provide the ground in exchange for it being mown and looked after regularly.

Tea, coffee, cake- and cricket

Each match is sponsored by local businesses and the club invests in new machinery when funds allow, and this season had the benefit of a magnificent new electronic scoreboard. The village hall doubles up as the pavilion on summer Sundays and a roaring trade is whipped up from passers-by and spectators enjoying the tea, coffee, and cakes on offer.

I’ve written before of my love of watching cricket here and aim to visit as often as I can. Billy Wright, the treasurer, is my main point of contact and his son Andrew the team captain. Billy and Andrew are associated with the Alnwick club from where they draw a number of players. Dave Parmley is the scorer and after each match writes a detailed and informative report for the club’s website. Many other volunteers contribute to the club’s prosperity.

Flagging up a great season for Bamburgh Castle CC

This season Bamburgh Castle CC achieved something remarkable. The club went through the season unbeaten. Played 24, Won 24. The clean sweep was completed on the second Sunday in September as the XL Club was defeated by eight wickets; Matt Stewart’s unbeaten 65 helping Bamburgh reach the target of 125 runs. By happy coincidence a friend of mine, Jeremy Alderson was able to umpire the game while on holiday in the area. Jeremy umpires in the Palace Shield and Lancashire League back home, but always aims to officiate in a handful of Bamburgh matches each year.

Ironically, Bamburgh’s most difficult match of the season may well have been their first. Nottinghamshire visitors Flintham bowled the home side out for 111 but then narrowly failed in their run chase, dismissed for 99 in reply despite a valiant 51 from their captain, JJ Arthur.

Cricket on the green, a glorious tradition carried on for over a century

Bamburgh played home and away matches against Riding Mill and Manderston and also visited nearby Eglingham, but 21 of their 24 fixtures were staged on the green. In this most glorious of summers most were played out in warm and sunny conditions, but others were accompanied by chill and wind.

Throughout it all Bamburgh kept on winning, and by any standards to win 24 out of 24 is a magnificent achievement.

As with all successful seasons, it was a magnificent team effort. Cam Nichols, with two hundreds and three fifties, led the way. James Crooks hit one century and three fifties, Cody Brogden four fifties and eight other batters recorded half centuries. Wickets were generally shared around with Harry Parkinson, Matt Stewart and Matt Goodfellow each recording five-wicket hauls.

The full record is shown below:

(Match 1) 24 Apr, Flintham (h) Won by 11 runs; (2) 1 May, Romany (h) Won by 75 runs; (3) 8 May, Nidderdale (h) Won by 55 runs; (4) 15 May, Tillside (h) Won by 141 runs; (5) 22 May, Wolsingham (h) Won by 159 runs; (6) 29 May, Ponteland (h) Won by 7 wkts; (7) 2 Jun, Little Valley (h) Won by 7 wkts; (8) 5 Jun, Eglingham (a) Won by 7 wkts; (9) 12 Jun, Blyth (h) Won by 7 wkts; (10) 19 Jun, Genetics (h) Won by 214 runs; (11) 26 Jun, St George’s Rovers (h) Won by 8 wkts; (12) 3 Jul, Riding Mill (a) Won by 119 runs; (13) 10 Jul, Durham University Staff (h) Won by 89 runs; (14) 17 Jul, Knights (h) Won by 8 wkts; (15) 24 Jul, Manderston (a) Won by 113 runs; (16) 31 Jul, Stamfordham (h) Won by 33 runs; (17) 7 Aug, KSTOB (h) Won by 129 runs; (18) Benwell Hill (h) Won by 7 wkts; (19) 14 Aug, Davipart (h) Won by 127 runs; (20) Manderston (h) Won by 9 wkts; (21) 28 Aug, Riding Mill (h) Won by 151 runs; (22) 29 Aug, Jesmond Jaguars (h) Won by 62 runs; (23) 4 Sep, Nairobi Nomads (h) Won by 58 runs; (24) 11 Sep, XL Club (H) Won by 8 wickets.

 

Yorkshire seconds youngest ever side.

 Posted by Tony Hutton

While Yorkshire's first eleven were involved in a cliff hanger of a game at Headingley, losing by just one wicket at the end of day three yesterday, a very young second eleven side were in the process of gaining a resounding victory over Lancashire seconds at Stanley Park, Blackpool. We saw the first two days at Headingley with Yorkshire suffering from losing the toss and being inserted on day one, when they were bowled out for 134.

On day two Essex somehow managed to contrive a first innings lead of 91 thanks mainly to Dan Lawrence with 51 and Zimbabwean Shane Snater with a valuable 46. Snater it was who proved the match winner yesterday with an innings of 65 not out taking the visitors to the narrowest of victories with just one wicket remaining. Nice to see Steve Patterson taking 5-46 in one of his final performances for the county he has served so well.

Matthew Fisher's early morning pep talk to his young side at Blackpool.

We missed the finish at Headingley, having postponed our trip to Blackpool due to the first day being lost to rain and some uncertainty of day two. However day three was fine, with Yorkshire seconds already in a commanding position having scored 190 in their first innings and then taking four early Lancashire wickets when the home side batted. Matthew Fisher, returning to action after a long break through injury, took three of the first wickets and yesterday morning rounded things off with final figures of 11-8-9-6.

Matthew Fisher and Josh Sullivan enjoyed the morning session.

Lancashire were all out for 71 with apparently some resentment that they had been bowled out by an England bowler. However, after such a long break, it is quite usual for players to come back with a game or two in the second eleven. Fisher of course was the youngest ever first team player back in 2013 when only 15. Yet another 15 year old Will Bennison, an all rounder, was in the Yorkshire line up after a rapid rise from Ouseburn in the Nidderdale League to Sheriff Hutton Bridge in the Yorkshire Premier League North.

Distant view of Blackpool Tower.

Another view of the pavilion at Blackpool.

With several other teenagers in the side, along with others in their early twenties I am reasonably convinced that this must be the youngest ever side fielded by Yorkshire seconds, with Fisher senior man and captain. In Yorkshire's second innings Wharton and Duke, two with some experience, made 71 and 40 respectively before the two youngsters Noah Kelly and Will Bennison both played confident innings into the thirties. Yorkshire finally declared on 226-7, setting Lancashire an unlikely 345 to win.

Will Bennison hits a leg side four.

The two youngsters Kelly and Bennison undefeated at tea.

Yorkshire also fielded two pairs of brothers which must be another record of sorts with the Luxton brothers from Bingley joining the Sullivan brothers from Methley. The latter two are of course being released by Yorkshire at the end of the season, along with the tall all rounder Tom Loten, currently on trial with Nottinghamshire seconds. Sad to see all three go as Harry Sullivan in particular has had an outstanding record as a slow left arm bowler with both the Academy in previous years and the second eleven this season.

Two proud Dads - Messrs Luxton and Sullivan both with two sons playing.

Josh Sullivan, a leg spinner, also looks a fine prospect but has been out of action for most of this season with injury. However, the feeling is that the current Yorkshire management team are not interested in developing their own young players and are continuing the policy of bringing in rejects from other counties, many of whom are just not up to standard.

Harry Sullivan.

Harry Sullivan proved his point with a fine display on the final day taking 5-48, with brother Josh 2-59. Yorkshire bowling out Lancashire for 185 to win the game by 160 runs. Yorkshire have apparently arranged a further second eleven game next week against Kent at Folkestone, so the brothers may get one further chance of putting themselves in the shop window for other counties. Good luck to them both.

Double celebration for Lanercost

By Mike Latham

Last Saturday was quite a pivotal day for Lanercost Cricket Club on the last Saturday of the Eden Valley League season.

Their First XI was chasing championship honours in the Premier Division, while their Second XI faced a vital First Division relegation clash at Carleton.

I managed to catch action in both of their games on a distinctly autumnal day with rain threatening from dark low clouds. I’ve always worked on the theory that the best games towards the end of the season are those with something at stake, and these both fit the bill.

Lanercost’s ground is beautiful, located in a peaceful, rural village in the Irthing valley, close to the Augustinian Lanercost Priory and Hadrian’s Wall, about 12 miles north-east of Carlisle. I’d last visited during their time as a club in the North Lancashire & Cumbria League a dozen years or so ago, and since then they’ve made various impressive ground improvements.

Lanercost CC’s impressive pavilion

The pavilion has had a major makeover while an electronic scoreboard proudly stands at the far end of the ground near the sightscreen. Car Parking is available at the adjoining primary school. For such a sparsely populated area, the club does superbly well to run two senior teams on a Saturday as well as a Sunday academy team.

Defending champions Lanercost began the day nine points clear of second placed Appelby Eden and ten points ahead of Wetheral. Lanercost were at home to already relegated Penrith Seconds while Wetheral entertained Appelby Eden a few miles away, with 12 points available for a win and four for an abandoned game.

Dark clouds hover over Lanercost

Despite the threatening weather Lanercost’s game started and their bowlers quickly made inroads, with Callum Kennedy, Ryan Proud and Doug Hope all among the wickets and a run out contributing to Penrith’s problems.

It took a hard-hit, unbeaten 33 from captain Martyn Crouch to help his side post a decent total. Coming in at 65 for 4, Crouch saw his side reduced to 84 for 7 before adding 39 with Stefan Carp whose innings of 8 was far more valuable than the scorecard initially suggests. Penrith reached 123 for 8 in their 40 overs, a total considered by the locals to be well within Lanercost’s compass.

So it proved after my departure as Ross Wilson’s 45 and unbeaten 20s from captain Matthew Brown and Jack Mitchelson saw the home side safely defend their title, despite the early alarm of being reduced to 21 for 2. Their victory, with six wickets in hand, was completed in the 23^rd over.

Meanwhile Appelby Eden confirmed runners-up spot by defeating Wetheral by 58 runs.

Along the A69 into Carlisle, a vital game at Carleton was developing.

Carleton’s ground, located just off the A6 Scotland Road, is shared with the Creighton rugby union club and known as the Parklands.

Carleton CC’s Parklands ground, shared with Creighton RU club

I’d been to the area in the past to visit the county archives where many of Cumberland CCC’s scorebooks and other historical documents are held. The former ground of the defunct Carlisle Border Raiders Rugby League side, at Gillford Park, now the home of Northern League soccer club Carlisle City is also not far away.

The Creighton rugby club, whose pitch is railed-off and separate to the cricket field, had started their season with a home game against Cockermouth and many of the spectators had stayed behind to watch a fascinating cricket match unfold as the weather brightened.

Carleton began the game second bottom with 102pts, while Lanercost Seconds had 110pts. At tea the visitors had been bowled out for 101 in 32.5 overs, no3 bat Lawrence Baldwin making a valuable unbeaten 35.

Carleton began their reply confidently with several of their batters making starts but unable to convert the into the big score needed to see them to a comfortable victory.

Carleton looked set for victory until a late collapse

Lanercost bowled and fielded tightly and keenly but at 92 for 4 Carelton looked home and hosed. In a remarkable finish, however, the Lanercost opening bowler Sam Bradshaw came back for a second spell and wreaked havoc. He finished with seven wickets, including the last two in two balls, as Carleton were bowled out for 99 to lose by two runs.

It was therefore a double celebration for Lanercost as their first team retained the title, while their seconds staved off relegation in a dramatic fashion.

The Eden Valley League includes two Scottish sides, Langholm and the Dumfries-based St Michaels, who won the second division title in their second season in the competition. The league covers a wide geographical area and among its member clubs are some of the most picturesque grounds in the country. I aim to write more about this excellent league in the coming months.

A Derbyshire double

Posted by Tony Hutton

The belated return of County Championship cricket took us to the County Ground at Derby on Monday for the visit of Durham. Despite the rather mixed forecast, with much mention of thundery showers for the next three days, we decided to stay around for those three days with the added bonus of a second eleven game just up the road at the attractive Denby village ground, where Derbyshire seconds were taking on Middlesex seconds. 

Derbyshire batting on day one at Derby.

Contrary to the forecast we managed a full day's cricket on day one when Derbyshire batted first at the County Ground. We were delighted to see Chris Rushworth's party piece, taking a wicket with the second ball of the day, having Reece caught behind by Mackintosh. Ben Raine then removed Godleman in the second over and when Rushworth also dismissed the prolific Wayne Madsen in the eleventh over Durham were very much on top at 31-3.

Guest and Du Plooy, who have both been in the runs this season, came to the rescue initially and when Guest was out for 33 Du Plooy was joined by Harry Came in a partnership of 143 for the fifth wicket. Du Plooy eventually fell for 62 when caught behind by Mackintosh off Trevaskis and Gibson, the young pace bowler bowled Came for a well made 78. 

A sunny afternoon at Derby with the home side batting.

We decided to up sticks at the tea interval and took the short journey to Denby to find Derbyshire seconds batting against Middlesex. Following a late start due to overnight rain, we were fortunate to see a full session in the early evening sunshine. Derbyshire were approaching 200 with four wickets down when we arrived. It soon became five when young Harrison, who captained the county's Under 18s last month, was unlucky to be given run out. From our vantage point on the high grassy bank it looked a rather debatable decision.

Middlesex seconds take the field after tea at Denby.

The pavilion at Denby.

However skipper Alex Hughes and former Warwickshire spinner Alex Thomson set about improving the position, both reaching fifties before Thomson was bowled by left arm spinner Walallawita for a rapid 67, which included twelve fours. Hughes was a little slower but was still there at the close of play having also lost under 18 wicketkeeper Hawkins in the process. Derbyshire seconds closed on 326-7 in the eighty overs allowed in a slightly truncated day.

Derbyshire seconds piling on the runs at Denby.

Back to Derby for day two where the home side had been dismissed for 306 after Dal had chipped in with a useful 56 after tea on day one. Mackintosh who has impressed since his recent introduction as wicketkeeper for Durham ended with four catches.  Rain caused a delay in proceedings, but the sun came out after lunch and we had a pleasant afternoon and evening session. We were rather surprised to hear the news that no play had been possible at Denby. Durham made a good start to their innings with Jones and Dickson putting on 79, but when Dickson was caught behind off the accurate Aitchison things began to go wrong.

The lights were on for all of day two at Derby.

Borthwick and the Australian Maddinson both went for single figures and when Jones, on 78, was bowled by a beauty from Derbyshire's Nick Potts (not to be confused with Durham's Matt Potts), Durham were in trouble on 138-4. Bushnell got his head down for two hours, making 35, but only Trevaskis with 25 put up any more serious resistance. Coughlin was run out by a brilliant direct hit throw from Potts and the tail subsided to leave Durham 80 behind with nine wickets down.

Durham were looking good at lunch on day two.

Next morning (day three in both games) dawned rather damp again and hopes were not high as we set off for Denby again. However the sun came out when we arrived and play started promptly at 10.30. The comment in the club house was that they should have played yesterday afternoon and that play for the day had been abandoned much too early. We were able to enjoy an entertaining morning session of two hours ten minutes, before deciding it was time to make for home after lunch to avoid the early evening rush hour on the M1.

Attractive scene at Denby.

After some early morning hitting from the tail involving Ben Hutchinson from Australia, Justin Watson from South Africa and Adam Sylvester from South Wales, Derbyshire were all out for 381, leaving skipper Hughes 78 not out. Best bowler for Middlesex was Walallawita, who finished with 4-76, having last man Sylvester stumped by some distance. A bit different from our last sighting when he bowled just one ball against Durham seconds at Riverside, before falling down, retiring injured not to be seen again!

On paper the Middlesex batting order looked pretty strong, but they very quickly lost Josh de Caires, son of Mike Atherton, caught behind by Hawkins off the lively Sylvester and Max Holden, caught  by Hutchinson from the bowling of Watson. Middlesex 10-2 was certainly not the start we had expected.

Davies and skipper White got things back on an even keel until Davies who had been in for just over the hour was well caught by Harrison, high above his head at mid-on off Hutchinson's bowling for 23.

On it's way for six before lunch.

White began to look at home and helped himself to the last over before lunch from leg spinner Lawton, by despatching him to the mid-wicket boundary for a six and a four. Time for us to depart after another enjoyable session at this very attractive ground, which we have visited regularly in the past when second eleven cricket has been staged there. Sadly there was not a lot more play, the Middlesex innings cut short later that afternoon at 166-7 (White 52, Prasad 34). Yet again there was no play on the following day (day four) and the game was abandoned as a draw.

Rain also had the final say at Derby where we were able to watch the final stages of day four on live streaming, again after several rain delays. For the record Derby made 306 and 214-9 declared and Durham 223 and 176-5. Trevaskis and Coughlin seeing Durham to a draw with a stand of 70 at the end.

Yorkshire under 18s win Northern Group.

 Posted by Tony Hutton

The Northern Group of the Under 18s county championship came to a conclusion yesterday with wins for Derbyshire over Durham at Brandon and Lancashire over Leicestershire at Uppingham School. Yorkshire managed to win the group after quite an exciting finish to their drawn game with Nottinghamshire at Weetwood, Leeds. The major theme of this competition has been of high scoring batsmen and this certainly continued throughout the last games.

This was very much the case at Brandon where Derbyshire's openers put on 376 for the first wicket against Durham. Sheryaar Ali making 188 and Mitchell Wagstaff 198. Durham, despite a valiant 392 in their second innings could not match this and lost by an innings and 23 runs. At Uppingham Lancashire had first innings centuries from Keshana Fonseka and Jack Carney in their ten wicket win over Leicestershire.

Meanwhile at Weetwood Yorkshire's captain Yash Vagadia, who had made centuries in each innings against Lancashire at Widnes last week, followed by 179 not out for Hartlepool on Monday, had a relative failure with 62 for Yorkshire against Nottinghamshire. Top scorer for Yorkshire was Noah Chapman from the Lightcliffe club with an impressive 74, which included thirteen fours. His partnership of 77 for the ninth wicket with Charlie McMurran (40) helped Yorkshire to a first innings score of 305.

Yash Vagadia (Yorkshire)

The two Nottinghamshire spinners Drew Owen (4-81) and Farhan Ahmed (3-31) were the pick of the bowlers and a recent addition to the Yorkshire side, Harvey Round from the Haxey club, near Doncaster, soon impressed with his opening spell. He dismissed both Notts openers with the total on 19-2 and some time later got rid of top batsman Ben Wilcox (already a double centurion in this competition) to make it 68-3. However that was to prove Yorkshire's last success for some considerable time.  

Freddie McCann reaches his century.

The next pair of captain Sam Seecharan and Freddie McCann proceeded to take the game away from Yorkshire completely. They added 220 during which they both passed the century mark before McCann was out for 111. Seecharan, from Tonbridge School in Kent, had not finished yet and thanks to good support from the middle order, in which Holland (36), Sylvester (30), Hatton-Lowe (45) and Ahmed (20) all did well, he batted on to complete his double century, at which point Nottinghamshire declared on 519-9 shortly before the end of day two.

Double centurion Sam Seecharan.

The final day saw a backs to the wall effort by Yorkshire to avoid defeat, although already assured of their place as group winners. Star of the show during the morning session was Alex Cree who had reached 98 not out when lunch came at one p.m. He may have thought it would still be 1.15 as on the previous two days. However the interval obviously unsettled him and he was caught behind when play resumed without adding to his score. Meanwhile the situation was tailor made for Noah Kelly, whose club Driffield have just won the Yorkshire Premier League North.

Alex Cree batting for Yorkshire.

The left hander, another recent double centurion of course, has just the right powers of concentration to play for a draw, which he demonstrated for over two hours in a marathon innings of just 13 runs from 110 balls. Harry Allinson was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the helmet and there was much debate as to whether Yorkshire would be allowed a concussion substitute batter. Bennison and Chapman both fell to Drew Owen and defeat looked well on the cards for Yorkshire.

Nottinghamshire's two centurions fielding in the slips.

Not to be fazed however Isaac Light, who opens the batting for Harrogate, came in at number seven and went onto the attack. He completed a brisk half century before being caught, again off Owen, for a splendid 61 from 68 balls. Nottinghamshire were in sight of victory, but with Yorkshire's slender lead growing only slowly numbers nine and ten some how managed to survive as the last hour began.

Yorkshire's lead eventually crawled into the nineties as the last sixteen overs gradually ticked away and finally when the target had reached 98 to win in effectively seven overs, with still the substitute batsman to come, the visitors called it a day and shook hands on the draw as the Weetwood season came to an end in pleasant early evening sunshine. Certainly a competitive game of cricket throughout, which will have given some of the younger players good experience of how hard three day cricket can be.

1st September sees the last day of cricket at Weetwood this season.

So an excellent competition, which sadly cannot find time for a play off between the other group winners. Worcestershire won the Midlands and West Group and Middlesex won the Southern Group. Finally just a few names to look for in the future amongst the many high scorers thrown up by this competition. Noah Thain 293 for Essex v Kent, Reehan Edavalath, Worcester v Somerset, Tim Lloyd 200 not out Surrey v Sussex and Nathan Fernandes 167 Middlesex v Hampshire.