PODS BLOG 2005

2nd

EPISODE

         link to episode 3

Saturday 30^th July 2005.

Having been hammered by champions elect Steeton on Saturday it just wouldn’t be fair to take the mick out of them would it? Oh, it would. Right I will then.

Not a great deal for us Rawdon boys to laugh at during the game, so I’ll revisit a piece that appeared on an unnamed clubs web-site in May. Naturally I’ve omitted the authors name, to protect him  from further ridicule in the remaining games.

Loyalty: Good or Bad? May 2005

When I started playing many years ago loyalty to a single club was a treasured commodity. Journeymen cricketers had to really earn their place in a team to displace a loyal hard-working clubman from a team.

This was certainly the situation at XXXXXX CC; which is the only club where I have ever played.

During my playing career this situation has totally reversed, to the point where I now believe it is a liability to be considered a loyal clubman. This is obviously a statement that will need some explanation:

Without wishing to get personal, because, as this is the new ethos in the club, it is difficult to blame individual captains or selectors for following the trend. However, I do rather feel like one of an oppressed minority of loyal clubmen against an overwhelming majority of "club-switching" players.

For 15 years now every close selection decision, every close batting order decision and every close bowling decision, that has involved me and a 'club-switcher', has gone against me! If there was a chance of upsetting me, or a chance of upsetting someone who, by their past history has proved liable to swap clubs, then it has been the easier decision to upset me. The captain or selector has relied on my loyalty, and for the most part I have been proud to be a good clubman and support the captain or selector - to the obvious detriment of my playing career. I have been a mug! I could supply numerous examples, going back over the past 15 years, of this club putting the journeymen cricketers before it own loyal clubmen, and the present situation of being dropped with a batting average of 30 from last year, is merely the 'straw that broke the camel's back'.

My advice to any young player would be not to be loyal to any club - it will inevitably hamper your career. If you find yourself at a club for more than 5 years move on!

For myself I see no way out of this situation, and so sadly I am intending to adopt the maxim: "If you cannot beat them, then join them"

                   Monday 25th July 2005

After a full week of work last week, things got back to normal today with the afternoon round at Sandmoor G.C. Rabbits Open Day. Pedders has the job of carrying me round  today and does a magnificent job of it. There were laughs aplenty with Tony and Richard, two guys from Clayton G.C.  in Bradford, who proved to be wonderful company all the way round.

Those of you who have played Sandmoor will be aware of the blind drive from the first, over the brow of the hill. For Rabbits Day there is a spotter with red and green flags, to let you know when it’s safe to go. Pedders got away down the right, I nearly killed the spotter stationed up the left, and who flapped the flags like he was being attacked by killer bees as he scurried behind the trees.

The front nine was unworthy of note except that I knobbed it off of five tees. You know, really knobbed it, 15 yards 45 degrees left, into the thick stuff. Pedders continued unperturbed (despite visiting most of the bunkers on the course) and we turned with 22 points (including one blob) to Richard and Tony’s 21.

The back nine started better with three pars from Pedders, before I thought I’d join in again. He’d played the last eight holes in one over par, so it needed some contribution from me to save a bit of face. So I parred a couple while he rested and entering into the home straight we had a good score going.  44 points after 17, but Pedders is through the back in two on the last. I hit the dancefloor with my second and hear from Dippy on the balcony that 47 is the clubhouse lead. A 20 ft putt for the lead that stops right on the lip, so a tap in for a tie, and ultimately the lead on a countback. Two groups come in after us to take the major prizes with 49 &50 points, but a £50 voucher each is a great result.

The highlight of the day for me came on the 12^th hole, another blind drive down by Eccup Reservoir. There were spotters stationed on the left as the line is up the left  hand side of the fairway. Naturally I hit a slice into the trees on the right and a short rotund chap goes scuttling across the fairway to locate the thing. He waves in my direction, so I don’t need to reload, obviously he’s found it. As I approach him, he looks vaguely familiar. Bugger me it’s Denys Bull. I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve had a heated discussion on the cricket pitch, with him, naturally, having the last words (usually “not out”). We shook hands and exchanged pleasantries before I hacked back to the fairway and then into my pocket.

Sandmoor really is a magnificent place to play and should have been better supported. The rabbits section did themselves proud both on and off the course and we’ll be back next year. £16 each for a round is exceptional value, and third place is more than we could expect. Roll on Friday and Mid Yorkshire Golf Club for my next outing.

Everyone with any cricketing nous, knew this summers series against the Aussies was going to be a huge test for the young England team. Perhaps we should take it as a plus that we were on top for the first 3 1/2 hours. My thoughts are that you have to boss two sessions on the trot, and then not capitulate in the next one to stand a chance of winning a match. That is something we haven't done in the last few Ashes battles (dead rubbers aside). My prediction at the start of the series was 3-0. Perhaps now we
won't bat well enough in one test to get a draw, and the weather won't save us once but you never know. It's still great to watch. And we can still laugh at the Aussie.

23rd July 2005

          Rawdon 2^nd XI     170-9                Bilton 2^nd XI     172-7

I looked kitsch up in the Thesaurus. Outlandish, brassy, tasteless. Can I add boring, overweight, a right pain in the arse? I’m talking on the pitch of course, off the field he’s err boring, overweight and a right pain in the arse. Nevertheless it was super-vet Kitch who ruled the roost for the first half of the game as Rawdon struggled with his left arm round stranglehold. He even managed a front foot LBW, how on earth does that work? For the home boys Doylee was the pick. He started off batting with a toothpick but by the time he finished he was nearing an undeserved 50, and looked like he had batted before, albeit in the dim and distant past. Bodey (M) played a somewhat uncharacteristic knock coaxing the tail to 170 and looked quality in doing so. I hesitate to mention Tyler but when he looked around the field for a fifth bowler, and saw none, he had a go himself and got a four for. (three of which were bowled, a first for the 21^st century?).

After yet another super tea, with the interval extended to 45 minutes whilst the umpire had thirds and fourths, we took the field. It was the fact that Bilton didn’t lose wickets that ultimately saw them home in a well crafted chase. Dawson was the pick of their batting, punishing anything on the leg side, to the exclusion of scoring a run on the off. Waity toiled with no joy, Parky bowled quick and straight. The fielding was lapse, and cost us around 10-15 runs, which proved the difference in the end. A word also about Matty McCallum taking a good catch at mid-on. Just six weeks ago he’d have ducked under that one, it was going a bit, but he’s coming along is the lad.

I am sure 22 players thoroughly enjoyed the cricket if not the result and will look back, in time, and remember this game with fondness. Puller Fuller will no doubt just recall the free tea and beer provided by Rawdon CC. Cricket (along with Bilton 2’s) was the winner.

Saturday 16^th July 2005.

      Rawdon 2^nd XI    238 All Out             Guiseley 2^nd XI     187-6

It’s hot, the wicket looks good so we choose to bat once again. Wilky starts off at a blistering pace, hitting boundaries both side of the wicket, but he spots his girlfriend and spends the rest of the day in her company either wandering around the ground or waiting in Otley A&E. Weff eventually takes charge of the Rawdon batting and plays his best innings to date. Meagre support from the middle order but Parky and Griggsy help us along to 238, when the last ball of the innings sees the tenth wicket fall. Waity, whilst not totally fit, plays a supporting knock and gets out just as we want to accelerate – great stuff Nelly.

Viners, not one to under-use a good idea, opens once again with flight and guile. Waity bowls at the other end. Guiseleys juniors struggle against the spin. Wilky dislocates a finger taking a catch and we look for a replacement to be offered. Nick rushes in to finish off the washing up. Eventually we have 11 back out in the field and what a telling contribution that sub made. With the talented Fraser atsquare leg, Yeates nudges one and fancies a single. Fraser (snr) sends him back, but with one stump to hit, the aim is true and Wolfy raises the digit.  A distinct lack of input from the Rawdon team but we’ll take the wicket anyway. From 95-6 Guiseley make a good comeback with Perring slogging his way to 55*. A Guiseley victory was never really on after losing early wickets, but I am sure both sides were relatively pleased with their points tallies from a tight game.

Wednesday 13^th July 2005

A Sporting Week

It’s been a good week for Pod on the sporting front. The weather has been cracking and if you can’t take a bit of leave and spend some time on the fairways, it’s a poor do.

Sundays game at Pool was a right run-fest. Moggy reverse swept us to a good total, ably assisted by Andy Gray who despite appearing shocked that we were playing with a corky, after facing his first delivery, went on to score  a useful 50+. All this whilst the remaining Jesters relaxed on the balcony with only the gentle hum of the overfull Biffa bin to break the peace and quiet.

The trouble with scoring 240 is Belly won’t put anyone on the boundary till Scotty comes on, so Pod and Andy disappeared around the ground.  Scotty was introduced eventually, and we could set a proper field.  The runs kept coming and a dropped catch cost us dear. Again all the bowlers had a go and the wickets were generally shared out. Defeat came with a couple of overs to go, and the bar calling. I don’t think anyone was too disappointed with the result, it’s the taking part that matters on a Sunday (especially when we lose).

Speed golf on Monday up at Horsforth. Had to get away from the hoards of codgers as it was seniors open day starting at 8.00 a.m. Up to the third to start and were finished by 11.00 a.m. but with the bar not serving until half past. Got some brownie points in by going home surprisingly early.

Tuesday was supposed to be the second round in the Matchplay Championship, but our opponents pulled out at 3.30 p.m. with a tee time booked at 5.52. The rules state we could claim the game so with Belly’s words “Never give a mug an even break” ringing in my ears, that is just what we do. Third round here we come. Still go up to Northcliffe for a knock. Okay, we end up watching the lightning show for an hour, play 12 holes and get back to the Golden Salamander in the bar. Brownie points lost on return home.

Wednesday is my rest day so it has got to be golf  and footy. Halved  with Ian in the morning again at Horsforth. Was three down, then 2 up with three to play. Halving it was a good way to finish. Viners gets an invite to put a team in a 5-a-side comp and I’m in as a ringer, (second choice as Windy is away). Still we scrape through to the semis on goal difference and waltz 8-0 into the final. Get beaten 4-2 but still get a trophy, and a few free beers.

So in six days I’ve managed to play 25 ¼ hours worth of sport. Also there’s been a bit of watching Matty in the juniors in there. What a great week.

Saturday 9^th July 2005

     Rawdon 2^nd XI     214-9              North Leeds     164-9

Viners won the toss on a hot and sunny day and thought we’d have a bat. Windy, obviously not that bothered, slapped a couple of fours and decided he’d get a few rays. Westy and Bodey thought they’d join him. The track was seaming a bit but with a kiddies boundary down the slope, we should have been making hay. Doyleee played well for his 34, but the innings of the day both came from Wilkies. Weff played some lovely shots to the fence and counted well, to ensure singles from the 6^th ball in four consecutive overs, to hog the strike.  He eventually wandered off down the track to give Bully a stumping/run out. Then David came to the fore. His 54  showed what a class act he is. A couple of small sixes, but it’s the shots on the floor, punched with pace, that give the most satisfaction. He guided the lower order past 200 and Waity tried out his dodgy hand to see out the overs. A trip to North Leeds cannot go past without another mention of Bully. The missed stumping of Boden left him calling Viners (square leg umpire) names, and then storming off towards the pavilion in a huff. With a number of juniors in the team, it would appear their biggest kid is in his forties. The other guy to grab the limelight was Wilcox. He took a good catch at mid-wicket and started wringing his hands, obviously wanting some attention. He even left the field for a couple of overs, to show the people around the ground the little bruise that had appeared. Drama queen.

The teas have improved at North Leeds and plastic cheese and potted dog were nowhere to be seen. The apple pie was superb.

Waity was dashing off at 6.30 p.m. so opened the bowling and we played speed cricket for the first 30 overs. 21 overs an hour, including a drinks break. The advantages of a young side in the field, is sometimes a disadvantage as the batting lacks experience and North Leeds found this. Always behind the clock, but not losing wickets, pressure was on the 2 point total. Wilcox (with bruise) batted well for 40, but was put down three times in the field. The block & slog style of Bully fell to Weff’s three card trick. Beamer, wide, bowled. Wilky picked up late wickets to make the latter overs a tense affair for both teams. North Leeds passed the 161 mark and saw out the last over with the last pair at the crease for a 2 point losing draw.

News from Adel of an under-strength juggernaut (yawn) and its relentless progress. Steeton’s victory just about guarantees the title apparently, so we’ll all pack up and go home now. On the other hand we could just continue enjoying our cricket, the camaraderie, the banter, the sledging and the weather. After all isn’t that why we play? Answers on a postcard.

Monday 4^th July 2005

Travelling to work this morning I thought I should really do the decent thing and contact a couple of friends I haven’t emailed for a while. Naturally I was too busy at work all day and it slipped my mind. Imagine my surprise when I got home and had an email from one of those friends I was thinking of. It was short and sweet. Title – Too much golf. Body – Not enough cricket. G

So I’m now getting grief from the other side of the world. After the way those Aussies have performed so far this summer you’d think they’d want to keep quiet about cricket, but oh! no. I can only concur with the thoughts of one my countrymen and his feeling on the tour. His entertaining spin on things can be read at http://www.yorkshiresoul.org/. You’ll have to wade through the non cricket related stuff, but much of it is worth the read anyway.

Sunday 3^rd July 2005

The first fixture of the Jesters season for Pod and son, and there’s no better way to start than the very friendly Casuals fixture. I was a bit surprised to see a genuine quicky open up (Brown), sending Johnny scampering back for his lid. Brown’s next over saw him conceded four boundaries but streaky was the watchword from my viewpoint. Matt Hodges, in at three, took the game by the scruff of the neck, and smashed it out of the ground. Matt hasn’t turned out for us much in the last few years and obviously didn’t realise we don’t normally score this quickly. After a rapid innings, he left it to the middle order to resume normal service and Heppy and Pod, got back to nudging and poking. Like all good Sunday games, everyone got a go that wanted a go. Pick of the bowlers was (small boy) Cooper with four wickets, three if you don’t count Belly, as most bowlers don’t.

The Casuals were never going to get 266, but did make a good fist of their reply. Umbers looked comfortable, and must have been a good bat in his younger days. Longbottom played the role of captain well, and kept the momentum going. Brown took Scotty to the cleaners , but holed out to Jesters’ own Albert Riddle hiding just off the square. Belly chased the ball round the ground looking for a catch, but to no avail. The tenth wicket fell in the last over and we managed to get off before the No. 12 could bat, how does that work? I’m brassed off batting at 11 every week, I wouldn’t fancy turning out for the Casuals.

Saturday 2^nd July 2005.

Burley 2^nd XI      131 All Out            Rawdon 2^nd XI      132-1

Changes aplenty to both teams, from their meeting on the opening day of the season. Burley 2^nd XI have been decimated following the internal difficulties at the club, and one feels the club as a whole is no better for the changes.

Viners won the toss and stuck ‘em in on a track that was two paced with variable bounce and swung and seamed about. I reckon Mark Deardon has a doppelganger, which is now turning out for Burley. I recall his younger days when he was a real nasty piece of work on the pitch, and remember having a exchange of words on more than one occasion. (Granted, I had bail topped his batting partner, but that’s by the by). In his place, is now the world’s nicest man. Laughing and joking at the crease, hanging around for a few overs, before making a donation to the “Give Pod Your Wicket” fund, and being entirely personable in the bar afterwards.

With Sledge out of the 1sts, Dingy had to take two keepers from us so, with Martin Boden at an important barbecue, Viners strapped on the boards himself. To be fair I have seen him keep better and he stood up to the wicket for most of the game, but he himself must be disappointed that none of the six edges or three stumping chances stuck in his gloves.

It was good to see Nelly back and he made a big difference, giving the attack a much-needed change of pace. Pod went one better than last weeks Michelle, made up of three old men and three young boys Rev told me to mention the jaffa he got – I thought it was just a straight one. A couple for Neil and one each for Charlie and Parky terminated the innings after 47 overs for just 131. 20 pence to Viners in the 12 over challenge. 146 was the bid, he correctly chose the “lower” option.

The last time Allan Hall batted was at No.10 and he departed for a duck. He played the “got to go at six o’clock” card and therefore opened the innings. Doyle joined him and they made hay against the inexperienced attack (Roy Broadley excepted). After batting properly for a while, as the time for his departure neared the shots from Allan got ruder and cruder. On drives were replaced with hoiks to leg. Cover drives by hoiks to leg. Tip and runs, by hoiks to leg. As the big had reached twelve, he got himself off and normal service was resumed. (As I an writing this {Sunday morning} he is being roundly abused by an Otley U15 batter, that he has just given out stumped).

Doyle showed his class, with sixes to both sides of the ground and he took 24 from one small boys (name withheld to save myself future embarrassment ) over. Victory came within 20 overs as Bodey joined him in the not out stakes.

Thursday 30 June 2005.

After a great deal of investigative journalism on Belly’s part (two phone calls and a chat with Smithy) the guilty party in the C.P. Smith/ LBW debacle has been tracked down. John Wells was the ice-cream seller who triggered Mr Aire-Wharfe. Just a word of warning to the rest of you batters then, when John is standing, no-one, (and I mean no-one) is safe from getting fired out. Keep those boards out of the way, and try using that bit of wood in your hands.

Come to think of it, now John has got the ball rolling, would any other umpires fancy joining in and helping themselves to Mr. Smith’s wicket? C’mon now, don’t be shy.

Monday 27^th June 2005.

Belly’s told me he doesn’t like all the golf stuff I’m putting on my page. I’m glad to say, “I do” so here’s a bit more. Evidently he wouldn’t mind a bit of smut though. How that ties in with cricket and golf I’ve just no idea.

Went down with the Swing Gate lads for two days at Belton Woods near Grantham. Two great courses, and two scorching days. Played like a drain on Sunday, coming in tenth out of twelve. This was the easier course, hardly any water, wide fairways, short par threes and five par 5’s all less than 520 yards. Never mind a few beers in the evening and tomorrow will be better!

A great meal in the restaurant, and a free bus down to Grantham. The party animals had boycotted the trip, as Grantham is not known as a hotbed of action cum Sunday evenings, but things change when the Swing Gate boys hit town.

We find a place open till 12.30, and it’s happy hour. Result No.1.

Tony Caisley puts £40 from his 2’s club winnings in the kitty (cheers Tony). Result No2.

Pod and Baz, take the money at killer pool. Result No.3.

Palm a potential stalker onto Les and Steve. Result No.4.                       

There’s an couple snogging on the dance-floor, and neither of them is a man. Does life get any better?

Naturally Monday’s round gets off to a horror start. It’s tough, tight, and watery, but manage to get my head together and play to my handicap and finish second. After Tony took £84 for a two yesterday I get one myself, and share £24 with four others. Bugger. A 5 ½ hour round brassed us off a bit but the sun was shining and it’s miles better than working.

Sunday 26^th June 2005.

I heard a whisper there was a bit of argy-bargy between Jer Lane and Norwood Green last weekend. There was something in the paper, but no names. Looks like it might go to court, so I’ll keep stum. Anyway, one of my contacts told me that an ex-Laisterdyke batter, was playing for Jer Lane and after a mighty six from the other end, gave the bowler a bit of a slating. Said bowler approaches, to find himself on the receiving end of an on drive. Man with bat runs off the pitch and away from the ground before the police are called. Doesn’t return home all weekend. Probably holed up with Salman Rushdie  whilst it all quietens down a bit. It’s a funny old game.

Saturday 25^th June 2005.

         Rawdon 2^nd XI       308-9 dec      Adel 2^nd XI        108 All Out

How the mighty have fallen. Last year Adel finished top of the tree, but the side that came to Rawdon on Saturday was a shadow of their 2004 team. Westy took the reigns from Vinall, who was once again away, drinking heavily. Put into bat, Rawdon rushed to 62 off the first ten overs before losing the skipper to the only good ball of the innings. Bodey looked out of sorts, but late addition Haighy (32) showed he can still do a job in the twos, especially when the attack is of a class he normally faces on a Sunday. Weff got his foot in the way of a Windy rocket, and got bowled next ball but Charlie (36) once again proved he can actually score runs more than once a season, to take the score up past 250. All this time Windy was clubbing away merrily. 22 fours and 6 sixes, with a smattering of ones and twos, broke the Rawdon 2^nd XI record held by Belly (141no), and on he went. He finally fell to a rare straight one from Ewen that he missed, for a super 160. The declaration came with Pod heading for tea rather than the middle, at the fall of the ninth wicket.

Charlie got the reply stuttering immediately trapping Jonah in front for 7, but Bryan Hall and Chris Dallas looked in no difficulty on the easy paced track. It wasn’t until Dallas pulled a fetlock and Don Helme (Addingham, Adel, Alwoodley…etc.) came out as a runner that the excitement started. Hall pulled Pod to Haigh at slip and the tail started. Dallas had had enough and limped off, with Don in tow. Simon Whitehead appeared, after making a trip to Otley General in the interval but didn’t last long. Sarucan, after facing one ball, waved to the changing rooms and up popped Don again, padded up and ready to run. Again his introduction was short lived and they trudged off together. With Parky bowling quick, the innings was in free fall. Ewen was adjudged LBW, and in his next over Parky caught Paddy himself, before bowling Shires first ball. Guess what? Here comes Don for his third visit to the crease. The over finished with the score book reading ww.664, top entertainment with the ball disappearing over third man into the Emmotts car park twice. Pod mopped up, for a Michelle, and the game was over.

The last two home games have been won by 180 and 200 runs, and Besty hasn’t bowled a ball. Terrific.

I feel Adel have a long, tough fight to retain A Division status, and personally wish them all the best for that battle.

Thursday 23^rd June 2005

The Pyjama Game

Twenty20 cricket is the flavour of the month at the moment and Guiseley have wasted no time in jumping on the bandwagon. After having a couple of warm up games against lesser opposition, Rawdon were invited to join in the fun this week. White balls, black cloths tied over the sight screens, coloured shirts and DJ Threap were the order of the day. A healthy crowd had gathered too, on a balmy evening.

Guiseley had batted, reaching 124 in their 20 overs, and Rawdon’s reply was well underway when Pod managed to get up there.

It was looking grim too with Jamie and Dingy at the wicket, Jamie smashing the sponge of a ball to the edge of the square for a single at the start of each over and Dingy playing five dots. It’s all about pacing the chase and Craig knew what he was doing. All those hours spent playing Stick Cricket at work finally paid off. Just as Nerys said “This is embarrassing now!” the ball disappeared over cow corner, twice, and to the fine leg boundary a couple of times to give us a sniff.

Jamie got out, letting our mystery guest in, and that was it. A very quick-fire 17 runs later, finishing with a massive 6 onto Silver Cross’ roof , and Rawdon were the victors. No doubt Dingy got his “Never worried” line in.

It may not be the purest form of the game, but when the pros play it’s good to watch. When amateurs play, it’s nothing special, just a 20 over slog. It’ll never catch on.

Wednesday 22^nd June.

After turning up on Sunday and then going home without playing, our first round in the Matchplay Championship was rearranged for Wednesday evening. Expecting to go out at 5.30 p.m, the course was packed with a corporate do, and we walked up to the third to avoid the queues and teed off at 6.15 p.m. John (24) and Roy (7), were the home team and a cagey start by both sides resulted in our first three holes being halved. Holes 6 and 8 were then won with the aid of Pods shots, holding his nerve whiles Barrie knobbed it off the tee on the latter hole. Now, I thought it was the high handicapper who is supposed to spray it about a bit, so I joined in on 9, and enjoyed a fruitless five minute walk in the woods. Baz turned it on winning 10 and 11, as the home team didn’t gel, with John having a torrid time off the tee, and his partner Roy unable to shoulder the burden.

Up onto the tops, and the heather kicks in, as Barrie found out. Nevertheless the 12^th was won by Pod, with par, putting us 5 up after 10 holes. Time for consolidation, so I smashed one O.O.B. and left Barrie to get the half. The only blip came on 14, a short par 5. I’ve heard the way golf course designers locate hazards is by hitting a great drive and then placing a bunker or pond in that spot. I took a leaf from Nicklaus’ book by doing exactly that, but going one step further. I hit the great drive and with my second started preparatory work for said bunker. Note to S.G.G.S members – hit right side of 14^th fairway in October, for a decent lie. Hole lost to birdie from Roy, but still in control and with Barrie halving the next two we’re dormie 4.

It was getting dark as we teed (Barrie), knobbed (Pod) off on the 17^th (a shot hole for us hackers). With John and Baz both at the back of the green in 2, and Pod 10ft away in 3, Barrie chipped it stiff for a par. As John was about to chip, Roy said “This to keep it alive.” The chip was short, all the balls picked up and handshakes all round. As Barrie marked the card he realised John still had a putt to win the hole. Too late, the game was over. Does this ring any bells Keith/Ian?

So a comfortable 4 & 3 win and onto the next round. Our hosts snuck off leaving us to savour the victory drinks alone. Coors on draught, what a terrific result.

For the record;

Halves - Barrie 6 Pod 2                      Wins – Barrie 2 Pod 3

Wins – Roy 1 John 0                           Halves - Roy 5 John 3

Saturday 18^th June 2005

Follifoot 2^nd XI    233-5                                  Rawdon 2^nd XI     175-9

Wilky’s name came out of the hat this week to open the bowling with Pod, and very well he did too. On the down side, Parky bowled some unplayable deliveries mixed with a few that proved unstoppable in the field. Hutchinson and Bailey did bat well in the stifling heat as the change bowlers toiled, and the wilting fielders fetched the ball back from all corners. Weff had a few overs and limited the flow but no break through ensued. Viners even had a bowl himself, showing his performance in the cup against Upper Wharfedale had been no fluke. As Wilky and Pod came back, Follifoot were in command, but feeling the heat and a late flurry was stemmed, albeit with only four more wickets taken, two of which fell to run outs.

Follifoot has never been known for it’s culinary delights, but as appears to be the norm this season, we were treated to a beautiful spread. Once again, as much as you can eat for £2.50. As we were all goosed, there were no great appetites, (Matthew excepted, naturally) and much was left. Thanks anyway, what we did eat was terrific.

With the pressure of facing 233 to chase, Windy gave a simple c & b to Mayes early on. Westy kept up with the rate before flagging himself and departing. Bodey (59) and Doyle (35) then batted well together and pulled the game Rawdon’s way. With 8 wickets in the tent and less than 100 required from 16 overs we were slight favourites at the second drinks break. Alas Richards and Nuddsy (surely too old to be called a veteran) eked out a few wickets to swing the game completely Follifoots way. The middle order capitulated, as expected, and we limped to 175, the 2 point target, with 2 overs remaining. Chappy and Pod batted out the closing overs with little anguish to ensure the spoils were somewhat shared.

Monday 20^th June 2005

Gutted to have missed the first Jesters fixture of the year at Sewerby, choosing instead to watch the lightening and listen to the thunder up at St. Ives, and then go home just before it cleared up for the evening. Sods Law.

Just because we were knocked out of the cup at the first proper hurdle, doesn’t mean my interest has waned in the competition. Absolutely not, as all the cups are giving us a real laugh this year. With the exception of the prelim round, it has been an unqualified farce, as sides have been either knocked out or victorious on run rates and bowl outs. Thackley 1sts and Rawdon 3rds have even bitten the dust on the toss of a coin. Perhaps the clubs should rethink the bit where it says if one ball is bowled, a result must be gained on that day. Surely the reserve Sunday could be better utilised to guarantee that the best cricketing side has a better chance of going through. It is nice to see our victors, Upper Wharfedale 2nds, hanging in there, beating their third Division A opponents.

Finally, Ilkley 1sts and Beckwithshaw 3rds have been knocked out of their cups and then given a reprieve due to rule-breaking by Skipton and Steeton. One wonders what goes on at some clubs’ selection nights. Seems illiteracy is no excuse!

Wednesday 15^th June 2005             

Whilst it seemed all of Yorkshire was spending today putting their best clobber on to get stuck on the A64 for an hour or two, and then going to The Knavesmire to stand in the rain and lose their money, we had an altogether better plan.

A 9.00 a.m. tee time had been secured at Moor Allerton G.C. courtesy of Allan, once a high flyer in banking circles. He was lucky enough to partner me, in the first part of this festival of golf.. Viners & Topham made up the opposition. It did rain but we had our waterproofs, unlike the race-goers who no doubt were sheltering under a hired top hat or some other assorted millinery. 

A keenly fought contest went to the 17^th all square. Viners came good and took the game down the last ahead. Hall and Pod both cleared the ditch with their approaches to the green but were hampered by calls to search in the trees rather than in the light rough, where the balls were. With concentration broken, Topham chipped close from out of the bunker and three putts from Pod secured a 2 down loss. A quick lunch and a pint and onto the main event of the day.

Moortown Golf Club, ranked in the top 100 in the UK, and home of the first Ryder Cup encounter, was the afternoon venue. Allan again had come up trumps getting us on, utilising his wealth of contacts. Itwas Barries first visit here and he was a bit in awe. Too intimidated to go in and use the locker room, deciding a small copse of trees on the 5^th was more suitable. Baz, rich people p*ss as well you know, they don’t have someone to do it for them, it’s not a real issue. 

Disaster struck early as Pod and Viners had to pair up. The course is tight, long and a real challenge. We held it together on the front nine but, Allan with his shots and Baz with his good golf left no chances of us taking the honour, let alone the lead.

Signature hole “Gibraltar” was halved in par, after a miraculous up and down from Baz, who had been stuck in the intimidating front bunker, and that did it for me. My partner and I had words on the next hole as Viners put a 3 wood to 2 foot, (after a bit of timely advice from Pod, that was not appreciated).

With holes called Gorse (went there) and Heather (went there repeatedly), you get a good idea what you’re up against, although the 11^th named “Long” should probably be re-Christened “Out-Of –Bounds Left, Viners Don’t Follow Me. S**t, You Have.”

We were comprehensively beaten 4 and 3, with Barrie carding a 36 for the back nine. Not only were we put off by the quality of the golf , but also by Barrie’s shirt. In reverence to Dr MacKenzie , he wore a Pebble Beach  design bought in the US, and the like of which has probably not been seen at Moortown since the Yanks were sent home with their tails between their legs back in 1929. In mitigation he claims it is unique and a one off. As if they’d have been able to sell two of them!!

After a terrific day, and a couple more beers, we all went home very tired but well aware that days like these don’t come around all that often. I for one thoroughly enjoyed both courses and many thanks to Al for getting us on. Cheers mate.                        Pod

Saturday 11^th June 2005

Rawdon 2^nd XI     243-7          Otley 2^nd XI    60 All Out   (no crest, no website)

High flying Otley came to Larkfield Road in confident mood, even bold enough to turn out just ten men, and give Rawdon a chance. With Jonty Maston, Chris and Mike Smith and David Brady in the team, Sean Atkinson was obviously not required, so turned up late and departed shortly afterwards (which was nice). Their bowling was their weakness with only Etherington and K.P. ( miraculously shaking off the fashion police on his way to the ground) worthy of a mention.

Viners spent the early afternoon chasing Besty, who had not appeared. It later transpired that John had pulled out early on Thursday evening and phoned the skipper. Apparently Viners had had a drink, nuff said.

We tracked John down with 10 overs of the innings left and he hurried up to complete the eleven. Chappy (22) batted well at no.4 and Charlie (39), up the order, played some lovely shots. The innings however belonged to Viners. Due to his indiscretion on Thursday, he had his sensible head on, and batted properly. 59 balls for his 50 was merely an aperitif as a further 49 were added in just 20 deliveries. 102 runs came in the closing ten overs as Mick Gray’s figures were destroyed. 15-3-46-1  soon became 18-3-91-1 as the Emmotts car park was peppered.

The wicket was not a 240 track, and Otley found that out early doors. The dangerous Maston went for a duck offering a simple chance  to Chappy at cover. Bailey then blocked the proverbial crap out of it. Brady, after calling for a runner, scored 26 before being the first of Pods victims. Etherington was next and the first ball after drinks Charlie took an easy c & b from Trotter. 47-4 was dire straights for the title contenders and it just got worse. C.P. Smith is still a prized wicket in the Aire-Wharfe. To watch him play and miss at two away seamers and then shoulder arms and see his off stump flattened was a delight to behold. There was to be no comeback from Lazarus, who befell a similar fate, and Charlie mopped up the tail. So Pod only got 18 overs in this week, a mere stroll in the park. Victory by 180 runs, over my tips for the title, but I still maintain they’ll be right up there come September.

Alas, the search for that elusive bowler is over after only one week. Stand up Don Helme (oh, you are stood up Don). He’s the man to get Mr Aire-Wharfe out LBW, and that was just a few short weeks ago. The task now, surely, is to name and shame the umpire involved. (I'm on it - editor)

Wednesday 8^th July 2005

Bingley St Ives G.C. was the venue of today’s golfing expedition. It was their rabbits (16-28 hcp) open day and the Northcliffe boys were out in force. There was a bunch of six of us and with four others we hogged most of the last hour of the tee times. I had the pleasure of playing with Viners again, but it didn’t go as smoothly for him as Headingley a few weeks ago. There he carried me for much of the round but today it was a complete roll reversal. He did have a good par on the first to get us off and running but put his ball in the field on No.2 and No.3, and into the rhododendrons on No.4 to leave me with all the pressure. I gave him a ticking off for being too pally with the old gadgers from Crosland Heath  that we were paired with. I’d said they would try to ‘old man‘ us with their tactics but Viners knew better. It wasn’t until the 12^th when at the top of his swing, Ken started flicking his lighter, leading to a duff onto the ladies tee, did he realise what their game was. That said, Mel and Ken, though not as easy on the eye as their 80’s pop star inspiration, were good company and played some respectable golf. They struggled on the back nine as tiredness set in, but showed some nice touches around the green and a steadiness that we should probably learn from, but won’t. We finished with 40 points, but felt two 1 pt. holes had cost us dear.

In the clubhouse, Evans and Hutchinson, held the lead, not unexpectedly with 45. Pedders & Guest came in with 44, Mushy and Phil amongst a large group on 41. Just as we were leaving, Gareth Evans was approached by one of the officials and informed of his disqualification for marking his card incorrectly. I suppose that is what can happen when you are playing with your mates. I must say I prefer to play with guys from other clubs. Sure, when you play well they moan about your handicap, but it does tend to focus the mind onto the fact it is a competition and you are there to (try to) win. Unless your name is Vinall, that is!

Up to Rawdon C.C. as we weren’t in the prizes, and as Weff was walking down home, I assumed I’d missed the end of the match. However they were still playing when I arrived. Rawdon U17s chasing a massive 150+ from Green Lane. It turned out Weff had thrown another paddy when out (he doesn’t in the seniors, why does he in the juniors?) and had picked up a stump. He got some stick from one of his team mates, who he threatened with the stump but then threw it behind him. Matty (not unusually in the wrong place at the wrong time) copped for the stump in the middle of his forehead. Kev sent Weff home, hopefully with no further repercussions. Rawdon finished with 100 for 2 with Dingy triggering Matty McCallum in the last over.

Just found out Barrie and myself are back at St Ives for the 1^st round of the American Golf National Matchplay Championship later this month. Can’t see myself playing as well there next time so it looks a bit ominous, anyway we’ll just have to wait and see.

Until next time,            Pod

MONDAY 6th JUNE 2005

Rawdon 2^nd XI   188  Kirkstall Education 2^nd XI   189-5   

Kirkstall is a much changed place to that visited several years ago when they were first admitted into the Aire-Wharfe league. The work done on the ground should be commended, and it is now one of the better grounds to visit. Granted, there is still a feeling of relief when your car is still there at the end of the game, but ….

Westy never looked comfortable against the right arm petulance (cheers A.C.C!) of  Mulligan but Windle helped himself to the smorgasbord of half volleys. Dave Wilky (50) batted supremely, an on driven six the shot of the game, before losing his off stump to Martel’s first delivery. Weff (25) also showed some fine technique, and poor running, before getting one that popped.

With Chappy given another chance to show he is of 2^nd XI standard we batted right down the order. There is a gulf in class between the 2^nd and 3^rd teams and one that is difficult to bridge. Add to that a skin-full of beer on Friday and a large hangover for the match and that gulf is massive, as Chappy endorsed.

Eight wickets fell in 15.4 overs to lose any initiative held by Rawdon and Viners took the 20p. 188 was never going to be enough with the lack of bowlers, and so that proved.

Charlie, after last weeks performance, stepped up to the plate and threw down a load of tosh. Wilky and Weff tried to stem the flow, and for a change the fielders helped out as Hally and Windy held good chances at slip. I must admit I was reduced to begging for LBs as the bat was beaten repeatedly. In desperation and bewilderment I questioned the umpire what was wrong with the latest close call. “Pitched outside off” was the reply. “

“What?” I demanded.

“I’ll explain the LBW law to you after the game”

“ Best ask your mate about it first”  We had two umpires, trust me to get the numpty at my end.

Well Wonfor enjoyed it, as he continued to thrust his front pad down the track, Dobby-like, and capitalise at the other end. We felt if we had got him earlier we would have exposed a more brittle batting line up, but Dave carried his bat for 93* and a deserved victory.

Kirkstall skipper Caddy seems a good sort (even disclosing extra-marital shenanigans at *.C.C!), and there was a good bit of banter between the sides. I was called a “tosser” by Urwin as he departed but I’m sure it was under his breathe, so as not to offend me face-on.

Updated news from around the grounds confirms  the fall out at Burley as no Wheelers appear for the 2s this week. Is it just me or is it a bit rash to alienate your best two players? One of them is even a nice lad!

Otley are my tip for the title as they field a more than useful batting line up. With a chance of the title Chris Smith may hang around in the 2’s all season instead of looking after his average, and with Maston and Atkinson in the team, bowlers beware. Looks like 25 overs for me again next week then.

Whilst I’m on about Chris, I’m trying to find out if anyone has ever had him out LBW in the Aire-Wharfe. Rumours abound that this has never happened, I’m interested to hear a first hand account of any incidents of this. Hearsay just won’t wash, I want to hear it from the horses mouth. (“I once had Chris out LBW,  I didn’t mean to appeal, it’s just he was bang in front. I couldn’t believe it when he was actually given. I did apologise in the bar afterwards.”)

Yours in sport,                 Pod         d.v.podmore@btinternet.com

CLICK ON PODS HEAD TO READ HIS APRIL/MAY RUBBISH.