Warning note from the editor

Warning note from the editor - The views expressed on this page do not necessarily represent the views of the JESTERS CRICKET CLUB. (but we laugh at them anyway!)

Top tosser Vinall inserted the away side who appeared to have a batting order worked out on a height/weight basis. After being asked to do the stock bowling on Saturday, Pod got the downhill Feeling better Charlie?

spot from the injured Best, and quickly accounted for the 4ft opener. Charlie got his overweight partner and Besty was introduced to get skipper Roberts. Parky looked like his season has only just begun as he grafted for 37. Bram, in at 5, then batted 29 overs for 54*. Perhaps, on reflection, an earlier acceleration was required but Rawdon were more than happy. Pickup slapped Besty into the Emmotts but Pod got him in his first over back (uphill into the wind again!), and that was the end of the big hitting before tea. Viners also lost his 20p in the 12 over challenge calling an optimistic 207.

The reply was punctuated with boundaries aplenty as Windy and Westy made hay, putting on 48 for Viners practices the victory walk.

the first wicket. Haighy, didn’t join in, preferring to stodge it out and enjoy the Mark Windle show. It was also nice of The Lane to let Windy carry on batting after lobbing one to mid off. How they must enjoy his performances, 100+ last year, 94 this. There were a couple of hiccups later on as Chappy did his Marcelle Marceau impression whilst managing to turn a comfortable 1 ½ into 1 ¼ and getting run out. Tom got excited and hit two fours and tried to go for a third,

but Charlie finished a top individual performance with a red inker. He even had the audacity to beg Viners if he could score the winning runs.

A twelve point weekend was welcome indeed as the next couple of games are real toughies and will surely test our resolve. Charlie puked on Saturday, and performed magnificently on Monday. Humphrey & McCallum play with the big boys (Who have signed the relevant forms).

Humphrey & McCallum play with the big boys (Who have signed the relevant forms).

Windy showed his powers of recovery after being “out of it” on Sunday and a physical wreck on Monday morning to close in on a ton, but bottle it on the home straight.

His text to the skipper on Monday morning totally summed up his state of mind, body and thoughts on the umpires’ decision to give him out LBW later in the day. “Shabby.”

Got a bit of stick for having talked to Parky a couple of times during his self imposed exile from the game, but on the whole Green Lane are a much friendlier bunch than a few years ago. If only Tommy would stop begging every time it hit the pads.

This match will be remembered by many involved for one thing only. It won’t be for Pod bowling 21 overs uphill (yeah, I know Pool is flat but, it felt like it was uphill) into a gale force wind, or for Charlie, feeling rough. Weff, Besty, Viners & Wilky, looking rough.

Charlie, feeling rough. Weff, Besty, Viners & Wilky, looking rough.

Weston having one of his dizzy spells and then carrying on to score his first 50 for Rawdon. Not even Charlie nipping off to puke, will be recounted in future years. No, it was the “obstructing the field” incident. Pool opener, Davy, had bludgeoned his way to a quick-fire 20, and was looking to hang around in the middle for a while, after running out star batter Bolton for a duck. Backing up at the bowlers end, he called for another ludicrous single as the ball was pushed to Weff at short fine leg. Half way down he was sent back, but the ball was already looping over him to Besty, positioned behind the stumps. As another run out appeared inevitable, Davy’s bat swung up into the air, over his head, to swat the ball away. The Rawdon appeal was answered in the affirmative by the umpire. Davy stood there flummoxed, claiming it was accidental. Laugh? Of course we did.

After that there was little incident. Pool felt the whole world was against them as Wood (51) was given out, when a return drive from Wynard (37) was deflected onto the stumps by the bowler. Indeed Bolton showed his displeasure by launching the remains of his cup of tea. At 65 yards away, and directly behind the batter, it didn’t look like he had a better view than the umpire who was 64 yards closer to the action.

It was nice to bump into the Jesters’ Chris Wilkinson, and it was lovely of him to play a horrible cross batted slog to one that kept low, and get bowled for a duck. Cheers, Chris.

The Rawdon innings was never in danger of not reaching the target as the bowling showed little penetration, and the quick outfield gave good value to anything hit wide of a fielder. Windle, (31) Weston (51) (despite us clapping his 50 ten runs early – in true Jesters tradition) and Doyle (46*) saw us comfortably home. Singleton's two wickets gave him the pick of the bowling figures, but one would imagine it will be a long hard season for Pool, as they look to retain A Division status.

The grapevine brings news of more fall outs across the league. To the already reported clubs can be added Adel (who’s selection policies are leaving individuals displeased), and Pool themselves ( who are finding that employing a top quality Aussie does not leave everything in the garden rosy). I am happy to report however that the North Leeds – Green Lane 1^st XI game passed without incident!!!!

I also need to mention Rawdon U15’s terrific win against Leeds Sikhs. Looking dead and burried with wickets falling and the run rate climbing they snatched victory with some audacious running and neat strokeplay. The bacon sandwiches were tremendous as well, much appreciated by the home supporters and visitors alike.

A couple of days off to play a bit of golf this week. Wednesday found Viners (21) and me (20) in the Rabbits Open at Headingley G.C. We played with a couple of guys from Hollins Hall and Baildon. Turned out the Baildon member lives on the same street as me. Small world and all that. They both played what Viners classed as “boring golf”. That translates to hitting the ball straight down the middle, albeit not very far. We played a more expansive game. When we did hit the short stuff we were 50 yards in front of them. Unfortunately when Viners blobbed, so did I (couldn’t handle the pressure) and two no scores left us with 35 points. Pedders (23) and Mushy (28), playing behind us, had the club house lead on 41, but eventually got pushed down to fourth, as some bigger bandits came in late on. Still it was a good course, greens a bit woolly still, but nevertheless hugely enjoyable.

Rushed off from there to see Matty bat out 7 overs for the U17s at Addingham . Rawdon were never going to win after an early order collapse (chasing 127), so they used it as batting practice. Another red inker for Matt, like father, like son.

The glorious 18th - My ball is in the trees to the left.

Thursday was the second Swing Gate Golf Society day of the year, this time at Horsforth G.C. Again the course was suffering from the wet weather earlier in the week as the rough was v. long, and the greens in need of a good trim. I wonder if anyone has won a society event with Andy Reynard in their group. Now, he’s great company and a laugh a minute, but does nothing for your concentration. It really is social golf with Andy around, even though you can go a couple of holes with seeing very little of him. We set out as a 3-ball. By the 11^th Andy had disappeared to retrieve his 7 iron, presumed left on the fringe of the 8^th green. So then it was just Baz and me. On the 12^th green we found Steve Darcy wandering around like a lost puppy. He had got stuck in traffic and arrived 1 ½ hours late for his tee time. So we are back to a 3-ball, as Steve joined us. Then like a bad penny Andy returned. His 7 iron had been in his bag all along, hiding under a sand wedge cover seemingly. So we closed the round as a 4-ball. I was in a winning position after 15 holes. If I’d have played the last three well I’d have won. Played them poorly, I’d have got 3^rd. As it was I came 9^th, I think. 3 holes- nil points. Terry T. won it with Viners 2^nd, both with 35 points. Great game golf and the food wasn’t half bad too. Well worth ironing a shirt for.

Onto news on the cricketing front. Just heard details of Guiseley 1sts bowl out in the Waddilove. The umpires got it wrong (quell surprise?) and had them bowling at one stump rather than a wicket ( three stumps and two bails). Guiseley appealed, after they had lost, but the result stood. Anyone else think the cups are a bit of a joke this year?

It’s nice to know Green Lane are not the only club with inner turmoil. I heard Burley have had a bit of a contre temps. No doubt it’ll be their 2^nd XI who lose out, having to fill in the gaps in the 1s. Pity we aren’t playing them for a while, it’ll all be sorted by the time they come up to us. I’m sure they were miffed at the rain last week, coming as The Lane were on the rack. The game had been slowed down, with old man tactics aplenty. And no-one can do that better than Tommy P. The request for the heavy roller in a 10 minute interval is an old favourite. Hats off to them, they managed a point, we didn’t.

Don’t forget to keep me informed of any interesting stuff going on around the league as I’m planning to have a laugh at anyone’s expense that I can.

I’ve had a further tip off about all the unrest at The Lane. It seems most of the bother is due to 2^nd team cricketers not happy at playing in the 1^st XI when selected. Now I am qualified to speak on this matter having had something of a difference of opinion with Mr Walsh, my 1^st team skipper a couple of years ago. I found a concise, well thought out reply was sufficient, to counter the selection committees request I field at 3^rd man for the 1’s. Plus, unsurprisingly, they haven’t called on me since. And the wording of that reply, I hear you ask? Well it’s not too dissimilar to a very successful ad campaign run by French Connection recently. Back at The Lane, this one could run and run, as one would imagine the club has to back the club captain on this issue. I see a “me or him” situation arising here. Watch this space.

The person who tipped me off about the above also requested I keep hitting on Steeton. Quite frankly it is all too easy, but what the hell, just one more then I’ll give them a break. Well, the Steeton Juggernaught got run off the road by Upper Wharfedale, in rain affected conditions last weekend in the Birty 2^nd round. What is more, they’re not happy about it. The muck spreaders had their Aussie turning out for them, and that rankled.

7.5 Qualification of Players (ii) (d) When a club has been defeated in a Waddilove Cup tie, any player, except where his last three appearances (League and Cup) have been for the 2^nd XI, shall not be eligible to play in the Birtwhistle cup, if he has played more than four first XI matches prior to the 2^nd round…etc.

Now funnily enough last year, in the Birty semi-final, Steeton themselves fell foul of this rule. As their Saturday game was called off due to bad weather , this left G. Boulton ( who had played in the firsts all year until their elimination from the Waddilove) ineligible for the game the next day, as he had only played two 2^nd XI games, not the required three. I understand the beaten semi-finalists appealed to the league, but had their appeal turned down. Mr Clayton decided he’d nearly played three games and that was close enough. I wonder if Upper Wharfedale have had a game rained of which apparently enabled their Aussie to qualify to play last Sunday? Perhaps Steeton should appeal, or maybe they should just take defeat in their stride and wish the Upper Wharfedale guys all the best for the next round.

Finally as I was driving past Adel, I noticed they have a new flag embellishing the clubhouse. One of my contacts told me they wanted a new design that encapsulated the whole ethos of the club. Here’s what it looks like. I’m sure you will all agree, that it sums up Adel Cricket Club much better than anyone could have envisaged.

The nice thing about golf is even after a crap round, there’s always some plus to be taken from it. You either putt okay or the long irons go well, or even most of the drives might have hit the short stuff. The thing about getting a right dicking at cricket is there’s just nothing good about it. Sooty was back to his best this week and put us on a green top at the changing room end of the square. I think it may have been the U15 strip we were on and right next to last weeks one that offered 460+ runs in 80 overs, which still looked fantastic. Apparently with rain forecast, he thought we’d be able to get the covers on and off quicker!

With Viners in Prague on the piss, Nervous Nerys lost the toss and before we knew it we were trying to re-enact last years’ Birtwhistle cup final. We even managed to hit 49-5 again, but this time carried on the slump. To be fair the talent of the Wynn family bowled pretty well, and Phil Barrett took some sharp chances at slip to help the demise. On that point, I gather Steeton weren’t at full strength either, seeing as Phil was in the XI.

With plenty of rain about and a couple of stoppages, losing 9 overs. Realistically, making the game last as long as possible was our only hope. Sweetcheeks opened from the Emmotts end, got slapped for 35 off 4 overs, and that was game over. Patanker showed what a good batter he is, but didn’t have the technique to see the visitors home, slapping a friendly full toss to cover.

There’s not a great deal to say about Rawdon’s ineptitude, but please call into www.steetoncc.org.uk for a totally one eyed view on proceedings.

Sledge of the day _” Lets have one for wierdy beardy” as Charlie ( with admittedly dodgy facial hair) strode to the wicket.

The sledger? Correct. The man who after getting a golden at last years cup final ran threateningly at Hally looking for a confrontation. Just to note Allan has now retired from cricket due to his need of a hip replacement operation.

Matty and me scooted off down to Tong Park just in time to see the firsts call it off. What a great day.

Earlier news that Green Lane are a man down are to be taken with a pinch of salt, I am now lead to understand. He’s just working this week! Storm in a tea cup, and all that. Kirkstall must be counting their blessings.

A few things to report before we hit the weekend. Firstly, I’ve been questioned on the use of gig pictures on a cricket based site. And this was by someone with a very limited knowledge of cricket. In fact they’d fit in well on the Rawdon selection committee they know that little. Anyway, it’s my page, I’ll put what I want on it. So firstly golf. Just sneaked three rounds in this week. Up at Northcliffe for a knock with Pedders on my day off. I was still nursing the bad back but seeing as he shot 39 for the front nine I was never going to challenge him. Fortunately he was on sandwich buying duty, so had to rush off before he could make me get the beers in. Thursday saw me get dumped out of the Swing Gate Trophy by defending champion Martin Pogson. Three putting five greens (9- Hole 11 – Par 4 308 yards S.I. 15

13) saw me go dormie five down. Interestingly enough the pro’s tip for the 11^th states “Drive down the left side of the fairway to leave an easy pitch to a green guarded by two bunkers at the front.” Quite unwisely I went for the “Blather a driver to within an inch of the ditch on the 14^th, knob your second about 5 yards, smash a pitching wedge over the back, chip onto the green and three putt.” Hmmm, lost that hole! Anyway, a brief recovery, winning 14 and 15 held a little hope but Poggy held his nerve on 16 to beat me 4 & 2.

So, Friday saw Viners and myself taking on Biffa and Liam at Horsforth G.C. The lead swung both ways with “The Dream Team” one down going up the 18^th. I’ve played at Horsforth about a dozen times now and only once has my ball seen the bottom of the cup on the 18^th. 3 Wood, 4 Wood, 5 Iron later I’m sat pretty about 6ft behind the flag. All square and onto the practice putting green to decide who is buying the beer. You can guess the rest, as I wouldn’t be writing about it if we hadn’t won. Those three putts of yesterday are a fading memory as O’Rourke has the first trip to the bar, very nice it was too Liam, cheers mate.

Right, cricket again. I’ve heard a whisper about a falling out at one club in the A Division. Obviously I don’t want to name names, so let’s call this guy errrrrm, Barry. Rumour has it, half his side left in the winter, and he didn’t get anyone else in to replace them. Even the talent from the 2’s didn’t want to know.. His team were near the bottom of the league, and at Thursday night selection he throws an uncharacteristic strop and storms out. Looks like the Lane’s loss is Kirkstall’s gain, (er loss as well, long term). Don’t forget, it’s just what I’ve heard, and names have been changed to stop me getting a battering from some psycho Aussie.

The debacle of the Birtwhistle cup continued this week as holders Rawdon, once again due to the vagaries of the weather, were dumped out of the competition in the first round and to division C opposition. Last weekend saw many ties interrupted by rain and ending in either a bowl out or a toss of a coin. This week, it didn’t rain, and that cost us deer.

Upper Wharfedale, to their credit, fielded a genuine 2^nd XI, when many other clubs would have slotted a few first teamers in, and were rewarded with a deserved victory.

Sooty’s preparations of the wicket had been hampered all week and he did not have time to change the batters dream into the seamers paradise he is renowned for. On realising this, the visitors chose to have a bat, and bat they did. It is bad enough being slapped to all corners with that much regularity, without it being done by a septuagenarian called Butty (100). Graham Grinstead, who became a Jester during one of his periods of inactivity from the league scene, due to an indiscretion against Adel, slapped 37* in rude fashion. Pick of the bowlers were Sweetcheeks with only 20 runs from his 6 overs, and Charlie who picked up three late wickets in the closing overs.

We needed a good start, so Windy got himself off after the second ball of the innings. Chappy Boden before scoring 50 and 'Giving It Away'

walked when caught behind and skipper Viners, after talking about valuing your wicket got bowled by a straight one that he felt worthy of a vicious and ugly swipe. Both Bodens and Charlie batted fluently with an extra-cover drive for 6 from CB being shot of the day. Getting bowled leg stump the next ball wasn’t. It is worth noting that at all stages of the chase Rawdon were ahead of the game and scoring in excess of 5 an over. It was the wicket every three overs that was the problem as the visitors dibbly dobblies were better than ours, and the rain that hadn’t been forecast, didn’t materialise.

Arty Farty - Like much of Rawdons batting.

So hats of to the Division C outfit, who came down to the big city, weren’t too phased by the big buildings and amount of traffic on the roads, and went home well fed and victorious.

On the bright side we’ve avoided having to make three trips to Steeton this season. I’ll still be viewing their web-site with interest to see if they have had a change of selection policy over the last couple of weeks with the league fixture against them coming up next.

It just goes from bad to worse. Not only have I hardly had a game but Monday night footy left me nursing a back injury, which left this weekends availability in doubt. Vinall has never been off the phone checking on my condition but I’m happy to say I pissed a late fatness test on Thursday evening (bowling at Matthew, with a tenniser in the street) and declared myself in.

A Friday night around Bradford on the beer followed by a curry at 2.00 a.m. proved adequate preparation in my view.

Bilton is right up there as one of the toughest places to visit for Rawdon, as we generally come away with next to bugger all. With four players in the changing rooms at 1.00 p.m. things didn’t look great. We started 12 minutes late and had lost 2 overs apiece to the traffic lights down Pool Bank. (& a car crash - the "also stuck in it" editor)

Dawson and Clemerson lead the batting attack, with 78 and 30, respectively. Dawson was out in the last over just as he thought the red ink was assured, and to be fair he must have been devastated, as that was apparently his main intention from the drinks interval onwards. Clemerson was adjudged caught behind to the dismay of himself and the Rawdon fielders as his 90 ball innings was thoroughly enjoyable to the visitors. Waity, bowled well throughout, and once again smashed up his hand in grassing a regulation c& b chance. This allowed him the bat down the order, even asking Besty if he wanted to have a swap. It was noted he didn’t have a word with Pod about batting 11.

After the expected cracking tea, Windy (35) battered Morley (4-0-25-0) out of the attack but that was as good as it got. Bodey batted well for 36 but six single figure scores ensured that Rawdon were never realistically in with a shout of overhauling the 162 target. Indeed Pod (8*) himself was solid in the extreme in seeing out the last 10 overs to collect the two points. Sledge of the match goes to the Bilton wicket keeper asking how much bottle I had to go for the victory in the last over, as the one slip showed how much the Bilton side wanted the six points.

First round of the cup to follow tomorrow, just can’t wait to start our defence in earnest.

The general idea of this blog was to pass on my thoughts and musings of the cricket I played in 2005. Photos of the covers in place, week in week out would be pretty boring. So how much cricket did I play this (double) weekend. Absolutely none. Missing Saturdays game against Guiseley was my own fault as for the first time in about 20 years I chose music over cricket. Ten quality melodic/hard rock bands playing live in Bradford proved just too much of a temptation over Nick Fraser’s men, so I spent 14 ½ hours at the Town & Country for the Firefest. Terry Wogan's favourites turn in a storming performance.

Terry Wogan's favourites turn in a storming performance.

House of Shakira on Friday night and Firehouse on Saturday were the 7,000,000 album sales but CJ of Firehouse can still spot someone not clapping.

pick of the bunch for me, but all the bands were worth watching. A 2.30 a.m. finish made it a long day, eased somewhat by Belly’s idea to waltz into the VIP area between bands for a much needed sit down. Indeed, we mixed with the ‘stars’ as Pink Cream 69 vocalist David Readman came along and plonked himself down next to me just after their set..

Looks like I missed a batters dream as Rawdon notched up 250-8 and Guiseley replied with 192-6. A 4-2 draw in favour of the Soto and Schon keep us up til 2.30a.m.

home side.

So onto Sunday’s first round of the Birtwistle, and Upper Wharfedale were the guests at Larkfield Road. An under-strength XI dragged the covers, squeegie, buckets and forks around the ground for a few hours before both captains saw sense and decided the best option would be to try again next weekend. Naturally one would imagine a shortened game would suit the underdogs, but credit to Vinall, he opted to take on the tie as a 45 over match if at all possible. One interesting revelation however was, as the game was being called off and handshakes exchanged, the umpires (after a quick paddle around the square) declared the ground fit and ready for play!

So, no play to report, which gives me an opportunity to comment on other matters. Firstly, have you seen Steeton’s website? I’m not one to jump to conclusions but I don’t think Phil is too happy about turning out for the 3rds. Not surprisingly, I’ve been dropped at every club I’ve been to, and when that is the case what do you do? Correct. Reach for the transfer form that every well prepared cricketer keeps in the bottom of his coffin and tout your wares around the league. And hats off to Phil, what better way to announce your services, than on your own club’s website. A masterstroke. I’ll have 50p on Silsden then.

Secondly, with the tables appearing on Howard’s pride and joy, after only 3 games there appears to be some shape to the league. I suspect the top six 2^nd teams after 3 games will be in the top six at the seasons close. A bold statement, and one I expect to be reminded of repeatedly, if I get it totally wrong come September.

That’s it for this week. If you have any juicy gossip you wish to impart drop me an email at d.v.podmore@btinternet.com and I’ll put a bit of spin on it to make it suitable for general consumption.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love my work. It was especially good on Thursday when I didn’t go in at all and spent the afternoon in good company, winning some dosh on the golf course. But when all is said and done, most of us live for the weekend. Especially in summer, because that means cricket.

Hmmm, don’t think the umpire fancies this.

Right, the first weekend is out of the way, so we’ve settled into the season. Saturday morning curtains are drawn and it’s hoying it down. Rain before seven, fine before eleven! Guess again. Forecast is for it to clear up. No worries there then!.

Get up to Rawdon it’s still raining, the outfield is okay, the square is wet. Covers are on, have been all night, pitch is dry. 12.30 p.m. – Umpire, hiding from the spotting rain under an umbrella, states it could be dangerous, someone could fall over and hurt themselves. Brian Stevens (North Leeds captain) agrees, stating an injury to himself could end his career. Pod counters that Brian’s career ended four seasons ago. Brian concurs. We reminisce a while about bad weather in the past. Brian recounts the tale of having to come off for snow when he was about 19 years old. Well I knew ’47 was a bad winter but didn’t realise it interrupted the cricket season.

So we hang around for an hour, knowing if it stops raining, we have time to do some mopping up and still have chance of a game. All hopes are scuppered when at 2.00 p.m. Viners is outvoted by 2-1 and the game is called off.

Plan B is put into operation. Rush home, get changed, back up to Horsforth G.C. Tee off at 3.00 p.m.18 holes of golf, not a spot of rain since leaving the ground.

One wonders about the raison d’etre of some umpires. Is it purely to piss off as many people as they can each weekend. Funny, it must be an unwritten rule as there is no

That’s his ball in the bush. Not going great today, is it Ian?

mention of this in their objectives. A couple of dodgy LBWs might brass a couple of batters off, but why waste a perfect opportunity to get all eleven when the chance arises.

Anyway it looks like most games in the division fall to the same fate, so it is not all bad news. Until next week.

“The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously.” - Hubert H. Humphrey

24^th April 2005

Rawdon 191-5 Ben Rhydding 77 All Out

When it comes to the cup holders opening their defence of the title, on the first weekend of the season against Division C opposition, the words skin, potential and banana were always going to come into the pre-match team talk, and as predictable as Viners is, he didn’t let us down. Nevertheless a brave decision to have a bat paid dividends as, Windy apart, most of the batters got to spend some much-needed time at the crease. Third team regulars, Chappy and Sweetcheeks, will have given the selectors something to think over as they did all that was asked of them, meanwhile Charlie showed he is not going to lose his place without something of a battle. We guessed 160 should be enough of a winning score and Viners’ prediction of 188 in the inaugural "12 over challenge" of the season was not a mile away but Pod’s experience won the 20p with a confident ‘higher’.

The Ben Rhydding reply faltered immediately with a wicket in the second over but then a useful stand ensued. With Sweetcheeks and Charlie bowling the bulk of the opening overs 61-1 was a solid base, if not built at a slower rate than that required by the hosts. The introduction of Nelly however changed things dramatically as wickets quickly tumbled to the guile and class of the old campaigner.

Parky joined in with an LBW, before 15 year old Weff took his first wickets for Rawdon in senior cricket. Pod talked himself on, to account for the no.11, and finish the game.

Ben Rhydding contributed well to the match with the ‘strength in depth’ factor of the A division side winning through on the day. The game was played in good spirits, and could have been likened to a Sunday friendly game. Not a phrase I can use too often when talking about Rawdon cricket.

On the down side the teas were pushing average. Fish paste – need I say more? Go on then - jam tarts.

My first visit to Ben Rhydding to play also once more makes me ponder the wisdom of the present crop of architectural knowledge of sporting pavilion/changing facilities. Now, top of my wish list would be

Bar area overlooking square

Changing rooms overlooking square

Patio area where spectators can sit and watch cricket – preferably in the sun, with some shelter from the breeze.

Ben Rhydding has none of the above. It’s a superb sporting facility. Good changing rooms if not a little small. A nice bar area, with cheap enough drinks. Shelter outside with room for a couple of benches at the most. A game of cricket invariably has 9 blokes doing nothing at any one time, in my experience they don’t like having to sit on each other’s knees. Obviously a lot of money has been spent on the facilities here, but very little thought gone into the needs of the cricket section. After playing at Malton & Old Malton and seen what can be achieved, on a similar scale and probably with similar budgets, one wonders about the competence of the organising committees

It’s around my 15^th season in the Aire-Wharfe League but I can honestly say I have never looked forward to playing at Burley before. 2005 is an exception. Purely because it is the first time out this year. No warm up games, 15 minutes outdoor netting, no catching practice (it’s been too cold).

Wandered down to Tong Park at 7.30 a.m. to soak in the feeling of being at a cricket ground. Took the dog so I didn’t appear to be a complete weirdo. It’s nippy, no it’s cold. Do a lap. Inspect the wicket. 200 track? Maybe not that good. 185 then. No the outfield is long and with loads of cuttings. I’ll settle for 170 being a winning score. What does it matter? Burley will be different.

Now in the past I’ve had a run in or two with the Burley players. Quel suprise? But that was at Green Lane. It’s all gone and forgotten. Bump into Keith Revis and have a chat about how life is, how strong our teams are, rugby league, we used to watch Northern together, and how Clayton ARLFC’s supercoach is getting along. “Every time I pick up the T&A there’s a headline about Heseltine

Toss won, Burley inserted. Our new signing is driving round Kirstall Road looking for the Burley ground. About 10 miles adrift. I realise we’ve only 10 fielders after 8 overs, yeah fully tuned in already, not. Manage to grass the first chance of the year, Waitey makes me feel better, so does Charlie, TT (just after turning up – after 11 overs) and Parky. Still 127 all out. We’re happy with that. No great shows from the batters. Captain Wheeler entertains by going off injured after two balls, playing and missing them both. He’s got a nosebleed. Batting too high in the order?

Rawdon’s reply starts well, then faulters as the openers go cheaply. (29-2 - great catch by McLoud at gully). When we first got Nelly down into the 2s, this is exactly the situation he should excel in. And bugger me he sees us home. 39*. Its not pretty. 51 balls for 5. Paint drying, grass growing stuff, but my word it was effective. Support from P.C. Boden and debutant Wilkinson. Victory a formality from about 80 for 2, the 4^th wicket falling in the home stretch.

Scorer Matthew is a bit of an expert (greedy get) on the tea front and had reservations about going to Burley. Unfounded. There was a cracking spread. £2.50 for a plate, help yourself. Prawn sarnies, cow pie. Stodgy chocolate cake. Over-eating was the winner. Decent pint in the bar after and good natured chat from the opposition. Just one ump, but a Burley member did square leg for ¾ of the game. Cheers. That said, next year I’ll feel the same about coming back here.

So what’s wrong with the place? Firstly the pavilion is in the wrong place. In the shadows for the second half. It’s a lovely place to sit and watch but its cold in the shade. Rebuild it in the bottom corner. It’s a massive ground, biggest in the league? So why was one boundary 120 yards away and the other about 30 yards. The changing room are tiny, a two shift job. I did glance into the oppos and notice they had a system. All the bags neatly lined up in the middle of the room leaving room to walk down both sides. Not a chance of Rawdon getting themselves sorted like that.

So we’re off and running. 6 points in the bag. 2005 mud on our boots. Still waiting for that first catch to stick. And a pre-lim cup game to boot tomorrow. Yippee.