Posted by Peter Davies
Friday 21 August
To Altofts CC with Yorkshire Cricket Board's Tony Bowry to help at the club's Clubmark presentation. A great privilege to be involved - with Yorkshire Cricket Board coach Steve Archer also in attendance. Really nice do with plenty of club people on hand and the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Wakefield also present. Altofts is a small mining community almost on the hard shoulder of the M1 and it is obviously a major achievement to gain Clubmark accreditation. The club tea lady put on a special buffet which included mini-sausage rolls and pasties, quiche, sandwiches and salad - plus some amazing mini-vanilla slices for dessert. The pavilion had Sky Sports so everyone was able to keep in touch with England's sensational day in the Test - with Australia bowled out for 160!
Saturday 22 August
Meltham v Clayton West at a sun-drenched, but fairly spectator-less, Mean Lane. Not many folk around at all. Maybe they were all watching the Test match at home or at the football somewhere. The home side were coming to the end of their innings, with wickets falling at regular intervals. In the clubhouse England were on the verge of declaring against Australia in the deciding Oval Test - 500-odd ahead. Were the Ashes about to be regained? One TV was showing the cricket; the other Gillette Soccer Saturday. That's what you get at a well-appointed club - two different TV channels on view! I bumped into a few MCC VIPs including Ian Shaw (watching the Test), Roger Peaker (moving around) and his wife (masterminding the catering operation). Just enough time for a cup of excellent tea and a nibble at a butterfly cake. The flapjack and the fruit cake also looked superb! (There also seemed to be a huge cavernous dish of trifle that I did not dare to make a start on given that the players were due in for their tea any minute!). Ex-Golcar stalwart Dave Robinson was waiting to bat in front of the pavilion and Mark Firth - a CW committee man - was fielding on the boundary near the clubhouse. A very nice 20 minutes - with Meltham Moor and Castle Hill looking imperious on the horizon.
Deja vu at Linthwaite. Last Saturday there was no game on - and today too, with players getting in their cars at 4.15pm with their big cricket coffins. Game over against Kexborough! So we sat and admired the view - with no batters or bowlers to watch! Down the road at Leymoor there was action aplenty. Loads of spectators by the pub, drinking, chatting and making lots of noise on the boundary edge. Edgerton & Dalton were the visitors. They were chasing the home side's total when we arrived after tea and doing so very effectively. One ball went straight into the pub car park; others rocketed to the boundary. Real exhibition stuff and because the pub is so close to the playing area you really feel involved in the action sitting on the boundary edge. In fact, there wasn't much seating to be had...so three of us had to sit on a bench that was noticeably wonky! The ground looked great, with fielders on the boundary edge getting plenty of abuse from the (very merry) spectators sitting outside the pub. Very entertaining. I even nipped into the pub for a beef and onion sandwich - very tasty indeed.
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Sunday, 16 August 2009
Windy village
Posted by Peter Davies
Sunday 16 August
The Halifax League Crossley Shield final at Stones CC. A disastrous 'scenic route' to Ripponden was taken - hence a later-than-expected arrival at 3.10pm. The Ryburn Valley was looking raw, austere and also beautiful as we journeyed from Huddersfield via Scammonden to Barkisland and finally Ripponden. Stones is high in the clouds and the club had been building up to their big day for months. And everything was great apart from the weather which was outrageously blustery. If Chicago is Windy City, Stones is now officially Windy Village! Warley batted first and scored 200. The attendance was around 300 with many folk huddled near the newly renovated clubhouse and on the adjacent boundary (with many thick warm blankets in evidence!).
There were many highlights. First the PA announcer, Peter McDonnell, Stones CC chairman. Throughout the afternoon his voice could be heard over the PA saying things like, 'And coming on to bowl, good old Johnny Moore'. He was part PA announcer, part Test Match Special commentator. The coup de grace came with two overs to go in the Warley innings: 'And coming up - the penultimate over, and that's a word I had to look up in a dictionary!' Liverpudlian wit at its best! The teatime food was also sensational: a buffet which included several types of meat, pasta and rice, beetroot salad, mini-pasties and pork pies plus an array of Indian delicacies and some gorgous brands of bread. For dessert, fruit salad on a stick (a la kebabs), scones, pavlova, some huge wedges of chocolate cake and many other items. Truly wonderful. So good I shook the head tea lady's hand as I left the clubhouse!
The afternoon was very well organised with Halifax League officials in special assigned roles, all club officials wearing designer name badges, and lots of helpful signage. The rain started to come as we left around 6pm. Liverpool had just gone 2-1 down to Spurs on the car radio and Usain Bolt was hours away from another 100m world record. Stones is a small place and the cricket club is the only sign of civilisation for miles around. A really excellent venue for a big final, with Triangle coming out on top in the end.
Sunday 16 August
The Halifax League Crossley Shield final at Stones CC. A disastrous 'scenic route' to Ripponden was taken - hence a later-than-expected arrival at 3.10pm. The Ryburn Valley was looking raw, austere and also beautiful as we journeyed from Huddersfield via Scammonden to Barkisland and finally Ripponden. Stones is high in the clouds and the club had been building up to their big day for months. And everything was great apart from the weather which was outrageously blustery. If Chicago is Windy City, Stones is now officially Windy Village! Warley batted first and scored 200. The attendance was around 300 with many folk huddled near the newly renovated clubhouse and on the adjacent boundary (with many thick warm blankets in evidence!).
There were many highlights. First the PA announcer, Peter McDonnell, Stones CC chairman. Throughout the afternoon his voice could be heard over the PA saying things like, 'And coming on to bowl, good old Johnny Moore'. He was part PA announcer, part Test Match Special commentator. The coup de grace came with two overs to go in the Warley innings: 'And coming up - the penultimate over, and that's a word I had to look up in a dictionary!' Liverpudlian wit at its best! The teatime food was also sensational: a buffet which included several types of meat, pasta and rice, beetroot salad, mini-pasties and pork pies plus an array of Indian delicacies and some gorgous brands of bread. For dessert, fruit salad on a stick (a la kebabs), scones, pavlova, some huge wedges of chocolate cake and many other items. Truly wonderful. So good I shook the head tea lady's hand as I left the clubhouse!
The afternoon was very well organised with Halifax League officials in special assigned roles, all club officials wearing designer name badges, and lots of helpful signage. The rain started to come as we left around 6pm. Liverpool had just gone 2-1 down to Spurs on the car radio and Usain Bolt was hours away from another 100m world record. Stones is a small place and the cricket club is the only sign of civilisation for miles around. A really excellent venue for a big final, with Triangle coming out on top in the end.
Moonrakers and cuckoos
Posted by Peter Davies
Saturday 15 August
A Colne Valley journey. At Linthwaite for some reason there was no cricket when we arrived. Too much morning rain or a blank day on the fixture calendar? Not quite sure. Anyway the Manchester Road playing surface was in fine condition and looked a picture. At Slaithwaite the visitors were Skelmanthorpe. The home side were in the middle of a dramatic batting collapse and only veteran Chris Payne looked as if he was determined to stay around. But even he fell late on and looked very annoyed with himself as he made his way back to the pavilion. More than at any other ground I always feel like I'm going to walk behind the bowler's arm at Slaithwaite - and this I almost did on several occasions again at the bowling green end. Even when I'm so conscious of it - bizarre! Tea was being prepared in the Slaithwaite tea room - a very tradional affair with lots of salad accessories and some gorgeous, slightly ornate cake stands on display. The beef and onion rolls were very tasty and the cups of tea being dispensed spot-on. In the bar the barmaid on duty was dealing in beer, sandwiches and also pies. Lots of punters in and around - playing snooker, watching Gillette Soccer Saturday on the first day of the new Premiership season, and also keeping an eye on the cricket. The afternoon was now bright with plenty of blue sky. Hill Top looked in fine fettle and the new (and controversial) housing estate looked on from above.
At Marsden, Lepton were in town. The home side were batting and coming to the end of their innings. The views down the Colne Valley were at their awe-inspiring best - Pule Hill round to Scapegoat Hill. There were three tea ladies on duty - with a variety of sandwiches, some gorgeous-looking potato salad and plenty of varied cakes and buns on display. Marsden were building up to a big day the following day - the Paddock Shield final against Scholes, with the hope for good weather and plenty of spectators. But also fears that Pennine weather at its most raw might also play a part! Plenty of stories were doing the rounds in the clubhouse: of the Australian junior touring team who only recently rated Hemplow as one of their favourite grounds in the whole of the UK; of Phil Mustard's recent batting exploits for Lepton Highlanders - on the back of a deal with Colman's (get it??); and of Dickie Bird being very aware of Marsden's picturesque ground and its notorious summer climate! Marsden's bowlers were also doing their stuff on the adjacent green while the cricketers were in action. An MCC official told me that it would be beneficial and advantageous if the four Hemplow clubs - cricket, bowling, tennis and golf - talked to each other more, but as of yet this wasn't happening. Raffle tickets were being sold in the pavilion, Championship football was being screened on the TV in the bar, and just as we left the rains came down - another reminder of that distinctive Marsden weather.
Saturday 15 August
A Colne Valley journey. At Linthwaite for some reason there was no cricket when we arrived. Too much morning rain or a blank day on the fixture calendar? Not quite sure. Anyway the Manchester Road playing surface was in fine condition and looked a picture. At Slaithwaite the visitors were Skelmanthorpe. The home side were in the middle of a dramatic batting collapse and only veteran Chris Payne looked as if he was determined to stay around. But even he fell late on and looked very annoyed with himself as he made his way back to the pavilion. More than at any other ground I always feel like I'm going to walk behind the bowler's arm at Slaithwaite - and this I almost did on several occasions again at the bowling green end. Even when I'm so conscious of it - bizarre! Tea was being prepared in the Slaithwaite tea room - a very tradional affair with lots of salad accessories and some gorgeous, slightly ornate cake stands on display. The beef and onion rolls were very tasty and the cups of tea being dispensed spot-on. In the bar the barmaid on duty was dealing in beer, sandwiches and also pies. Lots of punters in and around - playing snooker, watching Gillette Soccer Saturday on the first day of the new Premiership season, and also keeping an eye on the cricket. The afternoon was now bright with plenty of blue sky. Hill Top looked in fine fettle and the new (and controversial) housing estate looked on from above.
At Marsden, Lepton were in town. The home side were batting and coming to the end of their innings. The views down the Colne Valley were at their awe-inspiring best - Pule Hill round to Scapegoat Hill. There were three tea ladies on duty - with a variety of sandwiches, some gorgeous-looking potato salad and plenty of varied cakes and buns on display. Marsden were building up to a big day the following day - the Paddock Shield final against Scholes, with the hope for good weather and plenty of spectators. But also fears that Pennine weather at its most raw might also play a part! Plenty of stories were doing the rounds in the clubhouse: of the Australian junior touring team who only recently rated Hemplow as one of their favourite grounds in the whole of the UK; of Phil Mustard's recent batting exploits for Lepton Highlanders - on the back of a deal with Colman's (get it??); and of Dickie Bird being very aware of Marsden's picturesque ground and its notorious summer climate! Marsden's bowlers were also doing their stuff on the adjacent green while the cricketers were in action. An MCC official told me that it would be beneficial and advantageous if the four Hemplow clubs - cricket, bowling, tennis and golf - talked to each other more, but as of yet this wasn't happening. Raffle tickets were being sold in the pavilion, Championship football was being screened on the TV in the bar, and just as we left the rains came down - another reminder of that distinctive Marsden weather.
Monday, 10 August 2009
Golcar glory
Posted by Peter Davies
Sunday 9 August
The Sykes Cup final at Honley between Golcar and Elland - two heavyweights of the Huddersfield League. Far End Lane was bathed in sunshine for most of the day and estimates put the crowd figure at anything between 300 and 1,500! The playing area was ringed with spectators, with the Golcar crew by the pavilion making plenty of noise! Golcar batted first and totalled 230-odd - a good solid effort after a slow start. Elland got within 20 runs or so but if I had been a Hullen Edger I would have been disappointed by the tempo of the Elland reply. At no stage did they look like they wanted to keep up with the required rate. The Golcar bowling was good and captain Ashley Pamment seemed to have his finger on the pulse as regards tactics in the field. But still the Elland batters showed little positive endeavour...until it was too late, that is. Easy to say, but their top-order batters didn't give the impression they wanted to keep up with the rate and make it easier for the middle and lower order.
It was a perfect day for a major cup final and one that Golcar supporters will remember fondly after their champagne-and-bacon-butty breakfast. They also hired a large yellow bus to transport them from the Colne Valley to Honley. Around the ground they were very vocal and in the end they cheered their heroes on to their first ever Sykes Cup victory - an amazing stat given the history of the club. A bit like Aston Villa never having won the FA Cup! Tea was chicken and quiche salad followed by lemon cheesecake and there were outlets around the ground doing a roaring trade in burgers, sandwiches, scones and chocolate cake. Golcar's stalwarts were out in force - including Messrs Thorpe, Law and Sutherland - and for the last 45 minutes of the game my view of the action was blocked by ex-Yorkshire and Glamorgan batter Matthew Wood, Honley's new player-coach, who had a pint in his hand on the boundary near the pavilion. One visitor from afar was Bolton umpire Malcolm Kinder - on a day trip from Little Lever. He said he enjoyed the day.
Sunday 9 August
The Sykes Cup final at Honley between Golcar and Elland - two heavyweights of the Huddersfield League. Far End Lane was bathed in sunshine for most of the day and estimates put the crowd figure at anything between 300 and 1,500! The playing area was ringed with spectators, with the Golcar crew by the pavilion making plenty of noise! Golcar batted first and totalled 230-odd - a good solid effort after a slow start. Elland got within 20 runs or so but if I had been a Hullen Edger I would have been disappointed by the tempo of the Elland reply. At no stage did they look like they wanted to keep up with the required rate. The Golcar bowling was good and captain Ashley Pamment seemed to have his finger on the pulse as regards tactics in the field. But still the Elland batters showed little positive endeavour...until it was too late, that is. Easy to say, but their top-order batters didn't give the impression they wanted to keep up with the rate and make it easier for the middle and lower order.
It was a perfect day for a major cup final and one that Golcar supporters will remember fondly after their champagne-and-bacon-butty breakfast. They also hired a large yellow bus to transport them from the Colne Valley to Honley. Around the ground they were very vocal and in the end they cheered their heroes on to their first ever Sykes Cup victory - an amazing stat given the history of the club. A bit like Aston Villa never having won the FA Cup! Tea was chicken and quiche salad followed by lemon cheesecake and there were outlets around the ground doing a roaring trade in burgers, sandwiches, scones and chocolate cake. Golcar's stalwarts were out in force - including Messrs Thorpe, Law and Sutherland - and for the last 45 minutes of the game my view of the action was blocked by ex-Yorkshire and Glamorgan batter Matthew Wood, Honley's new player-coach, who had a pint in his hand on the boundary near the pavilion. One visitor from afar was Bolton umpire Malcolm Kinder - on a day trip from Little Lever. He said he enjoyed the day.
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Grace and relish
Posted by Peter Davies
Saturday 8 August
Batley, Mount, Hopton Mills - a North Kirklees tour. Batley were playing Scholes at Mount Pleasant (a ground W.G.Grace once played on) in the Central Yorkshire League and the home side were batting. Not many spectators - just one or two by the main entrance. The Batley players were congregated in the viewing area outside the pavilion. The Batley and Mount clubs have always been close - and are also close geographically - but it looks like some kind of merger has taken place with some ex-Mount players now turning out for Batley and several key Mount officials working hard in the kitchen. And, uniquely perhaps, those slaving away on the catering side were all men! Farid Karolia was in charge, ably assisted by at least two others. They were making chips, beefburgers, a rice dish and salad, with fruit salad to follow. I know Farid quite well on account of his Mount CC connections (he was a co-founder) and because of this friendship he kindly offered me a burger and chips in advance of teatime and a bowl of fruit salad. I could hardly refuse...and he even did a bowl of fruit salad for my dad, who had nipped off to get some photocopying doing. The burger was very spicy and I passed on a type of relish sauce that would have made the whole experience even spicier!
It was also teatime down the road - literally - at Mount. Crumpark were the visitors at Hyrstlands Park in the Dales Council. The council-owned ground was looking good and the sun was shining down seriously. Farid's brother was masterminding the Mount catering operation in the small room that doubles as a tea room inside their multi-purpose clubhouse building. Over the past few years I have come to realise that it is an Asian custom to smother guests with hospitality and food. I had just experienced this at Batley and the same was to follow at Mount. I was gifted a cup of tea and a box of mini-Swiss rolls, which I shared with my dad. Beware anyone who turns down any such hospitality! We sat on the banking and watched Crumpark begin their reply. Some amazing views out over Batley and Dewsbury - awesome in fact, with the area's textile heritage really obvious from the buildings all around. Mount have had plans to redevelop Hyrstlands Park but it now looks like they will be moving to Staincliffe, notwithstanding also the kind-of merger with Batley. Hanif, the club chairman, was away with the 1st XI, I was told.
Late afternoon at Hopton Mills, one of the most picturesque grounds in the area. It is set on its own 'estate' at the end of a long, winding road. There is even a monkey tree by the pavilion! The home side were entertaining Moorlands. In fact, the visitors were on the verge of claiming victory during our stay. They had racked up a 200+ score and the home side were struggling. Just like England in fact who, on our mini-radio, were in the process of losing five wickets for 20-odd in reply to Australia's massive 1st innings total at Headingley. Poor do! Lots of spectators at Woodbottom, on all sides of the ground in fact. A really beautiful place to watch cricket - so much so that my dad fell asleep doing so! The bar man was working hard inside the 'bungalow' pavilion and there were mini-pork pies, scones, jam tarts and mini-chocolate rolls available gratuis for any latecomers. I was frustrated by the fact that the boundary rope was set right on the edge of the grass so there was no room to lie down - but I got over my disappointment with a very cool pint of diet coke.
Saturday 8 August
Batley, Mount, Hopton Mills - a North Kirklees tour. Batley were playing Scholes at Mount Pleasant (a ground W.G.Grace once played on) in the Central Yorkshire League and the home side were batting. Not many spectators - just one or two by the main entrance. The Batley players were congregated in the viewing area outside the pavilion. The Batley and Mount clubs have always been close - and are also close geographically - but it looks like some kind of merger has taken place with some ex-Mount players now turning out for Batley and several key Mount officials working hard in the kitchen. And, uniquely perhaps, those slaving away on the catering side were all men! Farid Karolia was in charge, ably assisted by at least two others. They were making chips, beefburgers, a rice dish and salad, with fruit salad to follow. I know Farid quite well on account of his Mount CC connections (he was a co-founder) and because of this friendship he kindly offered me a burger and chips in advance of teatime and a bowl of fruit salad. I could hardly refuse...and he even did a bowl of fruit salad for my dad, who had nipped off to get some photocopying doing. The burger was very spicy and I passed on a type of relish sauce that would have made the whole experience even spicier!
It was also teatime down the road - literally - at Mount. Crumpark were the visitors at Hyrstlands Park in the Dales Council. The council-owned ground was looking good and the sun was shining down seriously. Farid's brother was masterminding the Mount catering operation in the small room that doubles as a tea room inside their multi-purpose clubhouse building. Over the past few years I have come to realise that it is an Asian custom to smother guests with hospitality and food. I had just experienced this at Batley and the same was to follow at Mount. I was gifted a cup of tea and a box of mini-Swiss rolls, which I shared with my dad. Beware anyone who turns down any such hospitality! We sat on the banking and watched Crumpark begin their reply. Some amazing views out over Batley and Dewsbury - awesome in fact, with the area's textile heritage really obvious from the buildings all around. Mount have had plans to redevelop Hyrstlands Park but it now looks like they will be moving to Staincliffe, notwithstanding also the kind-of merger with Batley. Hanif, the club chairman, was away with the 1st XI, I was told.
Late afternoon at Hopton Mills, one of the most picturesque grounds in the area. It is set on its own 'estate' at the end of a long, winding road. There is even a monkey tree by the pavilion! The home side were entertaining Moorlands. In fact, the visitors were on the verge of claiming victory during our stay. They had racked up a 200+ score and the home side were struggling. Just like England in fact who, on our mini-radio, were in the process of losing five wickets for 20-odd in reply to Australia's massive 1st innings total at Headingley. Poor do! Lots of spectators at Woodbottom, on all sides of the ground in fact. A really beautiful place to watch cricket - so much so that my dad fell asleep doing so! The bar man was working hard inside the 'bungalow' pavilion and there were mini-pork pies, scones, jam tarts and mini-chocolate rolls available gratuis for any latecomers. I was frustrated by the fact that the boundary rope was set right on the edge of the grass so there was no room to lie down - but I got over my disappointment with a very cool pint of diet coke.
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Bad hair day
Posted by Peter Davies
Monday 3 August
To Skelmanthorpe for a couple of hours to watch the Leeds and Huddersfield leagues clash in the junior Lord's Taverners tournament. Professional Cricket Watchers Mick Bourne and Dave Thorpe were both in situ when I arrived - with the former cheering on the visitors and the latter very much a Huddersfield man. Mr Bourne was on fine form - eating cake and meditating on the declining standards in the way that junior cricketers were attired - while Mr Thorpe was building up to Golcar's big day on the 9th: the Sykes Cup final against Elland. Both sides were bedecked in some very fine coloured caps and one or two players were sporting fairly outrageous 'KP c.2005' hairdos. Not great! The Skelmanthorpe caterers were doing a roaring trade and even after the tea interval - when I arrived - they were happy to serve up some fine egg mayo sandwiches, salad, quiche and extras. It was chocolate cake and trifle for dessert. I've never really enjoyed chocolate cake so I opted for the latter - and the enthusiastic tea lady said I could take the bowl and finish it off. A good offer! SCC chairperson Margaret Dollive was selling lottery tickets and a number of Huddersfield junior cricket VIPs were patrolling the boundary. Inside the clubhouse, Australia were busy drawing the 3rd Test - all very disappointing after the great start at Edgbaston.
Monday 3 August
To Skelmanthorpe for a couple of hours to watch the Leeds and Huddersfield leagues clash in the junior Lord's Taverners tournament. Professional Cricket Watchers Mick Bourne and Dave Thorpe were both in situ when I arrived - with the former cheering on the visitors and the latter very much a Huddersfield man. Mr Bourne was on fine form - eating cake and meditating on the declining standards in the way that junior cricketers were attired - while Mr Thorpe was building up to Golcar's big day on the 9th: the Sykes Cup final against Elland. Both sides were bedecked in some very fine coloured caps and one or two players were sporting fairly outrageous 'KP c.2005' hairdos. Not great! The Skelmanthorpe caterers were doing a roaring trade and even after the tea interval - when I arrived - they were happy to serve up some fine egg mayo sandwiches, salad, quiche and extras. It was chocolate cake and trifle for dessert. I've never really enjoyed chocolate cake so I opted for the latter - and the enthusiastic tea lady said I could take the bowl and finish it off. A good offer! SCC chairperson Margaret Dollive was selling lottery tickets and a number of Huddersfield junior cricket VIPs were patrolling the boundary. Inside the clubhouse, Australia were busy drawing the 3rd Test - all very disappointing after the great start at Edgbaston.
Monday, 3 August 2009
Raffle success
Posted by Peter Davies
Sunday 2 August
The Parish Cup final at Sowerby Bridge: Booth v Mytholmroyd - a real Calder Valley local derby. Halifax League officials are always proud of the fact that the first Sunday in August rarely lets them down in terms of weather, and this year was no exception. Overcast at the start, but red hot towards the end. Booth batted first but would have been disappointed to hobble to only 154-9. They had a good start, lost wickets in the middle, and then the lower order slogged a few towards the end. But Mytholmroyd began badly and only some dogged late batting gave their total some respectability (they ended up 96 all out) - Booth running out easy winners ultimately. It was a fine occasion with league officials resplendent in their designer dark blue coats, the whole ground being ringed by spectators, and a burger stall doing good business at the top end. Dick Rodger - a lovely man - was umpiring and the PA system was extremely audible. In fact, the host club's tip-top organisation was a key feature of the day - with the parking superbly managed, an early raffle and two sittings for tea. I think I also spotted SBCC tea ladies and club officials communicating by walkie-talkie - a military operation! I was fortunate to be invited for an official cup-final tea with league officials (second sitting) and it was an extravaganza: different types of meat, salmon, curried chicken, quiche plus many salad accessories. Awesome! With mini-cheesecakes, fruit salad and an endless supply of other desserts to follow. Awesome! The Parish Cup final is a meeting-point for cricket players and fans from all over. I spotted Peter Jowett and Ian Uttley (Southowram), Andrew Oates and Alan Sutton (Warley) and many many others. And I also chatted with Mrs Keith Goulden - what a lovely lady! As per a few weeks ago, my digital radio didn't like the airwaves around Sowerby Bridge so I was devoid of Radio 5 Live Sports Extra for the afternoon, so I had to make do with common-or-garden Radio 5. England were totting up the runs in the 3rd Test at Edgbaston with Flintoff and Prior very much in the mood. And I won the raffle - two bottles of wine after buying £5 worth of tickets. But I donated them to someone whose need was greater than mine...
Sunday 2 August
The Parish Cup final at Sowerby Bridge: Booth v Mytholmroyd - a real Calder Valley local derby. Halifax League officials are always proud of the fact that the first Sunday in August rarely lets them down in terms of weather, and this year was no exception. Overcast at the start, but red hot towards the end. Booth batted first but would have been disappointed to hobble to only 154-9. They had a good start, lost wickets in the middle, and then the lower order slogged a few towards the end. But Mytholmroyd began badly and only some dogged late batting gave their total some respectability (they ended up 96 all out) - Booth running out easy winners ultimately. It was a fine occasion with league officials resplendent in their designer dark blue coats, the whole ground being ringed by spectators, and a burger stall doing good business at the top end. Dick Rodger - a lovely man - was umpiring and the PA system was extremely audible. In fact, the host club's tip-top organisation was a key feature of the day - with the parking superbly managed, an early raffle and two sittings for tea. I think I also spotted SBCC tea ladies and club officials communicating by walkie-talkie - a military operation! I was fortunate to be invited for an official cup-final tea with league officials (second sitting) and it was an extravaganza: different types of meat, salmon, curried chicken, quiche plus many salad accessories. Awesome! With mini-cheesecakes, fruit salad and an endless supply of other desserts to follow. Awesome! The Parish Cup final is a meeting-point for cricket players and fans from all over. I spotted Peter Jowett and Ian Uttley (Southowram), Andrew Oates and Alan Sutton (Warley) and many many others. And I also chatted with Mrs Keith Goulden - what a lovely lady! As per a few weeks ago, my digital radio didn't like the airwaves around Sowerby Bridge so I was devoid of Radio 5 Live Sports Extra for the afternoon, so I had to make do with common-or-garden Radio 5. England were totting up the runs in the 3rd Test at Edgbaston with Flintoff and Prior very much in the mood. And I won the raffle - two bottles of wine after buying £5 worth of tickets. But I donated them to someone whose need was greater than mine...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)