I stepped off the train at Burley-in-Wharfedale’s station to persistent Sunday rain. Fortunately, the drizzle cleared on the walk to Hodson Park for this Heavy Woollen Cup first round match. The less said the better about the grim forecast predicted but not for the first time, I travelled in hope, keen to see how New […]
Aire Wharfe Cricket League
Podcast: Juniors & Rockets at Otley Cricket Club
Claire Bassindale was Highly Commended in May’s Yorkshire Tea Community Cricket Awards and I caught up with Claire to learn how she got involved and the successes since at Otley CC. Her award nomination for last month read: ‘Without Claire being such a huge part of our cricket club and volunteering every day/night, I can […]
All change at Bingley Congs: Juniors growth and ground upgrades
It’s Friday night at Bingley Congs Cricket Club. Having walked across the park and clambered over a wobbly gate inelegantly, the view is of junior cricket in all directions. On the second pitch, a game is underway as the young bowler gets some advice from one of the Congs coaches who is umpiring. At the […]
Knaresborough stun York in YPLN Premier Division win
As you would expect of a cricket club established as long ago as 1815, Knaresborough have a storied history. Topping the remarkable achievements of the 1970s will take some doing. In an unparalleled run of success, featuring numerous league and cup triumphs, Knaresborough dominated the Airedale & Wharfedale Senior League. But the club’s Class of […]
Refurbished Burley nets help shape the next Harry Brook
In this feature for total-play, we’ll look at the refurbishment work done at Burley-in-Wharfedale Cricket Club as their outdoor nets have had a major upgrade. After a scenic train journey and a short walk, I arrive at Burley; its tree-themed club emblem and sponsor Arundel Travel on the signage at the entrance. A number of […]
Harry Brook: From Burley to England white-ball captain
Harry Brook is used to breaking batting records and earning plaudits at the dizzying speed at which he plays. He can now add England T20 and ODI (white-ball) captain to an impressive CV. Brook said: “It’s a real honour to be named England’s white-ball captain. Ever since I was a kid playing cricket at Burley […]
Counters and white coats: Cricket umpires courses in Yorkshire
Tim Burnley, Umpire Development Officer for the Aire-Wharfe Cricket League, is telling me about life in the white coat. The experienced umpire has been officiating a few times when there’s been a run out at the non-striker’s end by the bowler which has the potential to get spicy. Usually, a batter leaving their ground early […]
Paying club cricketers: Blurring the lines
Paying cricketers has to be the single most contentious issue in club cricket and is discussed here on Cricket Yorkshire. Editor’s Note: This article has been refreshed for 2025. Do club cricketers get paid? Yes, they do – but not everyone. The majority of amateur cricketers who play in clubs and leagues are not paid. […]
Aire-Wharfe League: Rodley and Follifoot await vote nervously
In the Aire-Wharfe Cricket League, there is an annual vote by all member clubs, revealed at their AGM, as to whether to retain the two lowest ranked clubs – or eject them. For 2024, the two clubs at risk of being without a cricket league to join for 2025 are Rodley and Follifoot. It is […]
Skipton Community Sports Hub opens at Sandylands
The Skipton Community Sports Hub is a welcome new addition at Sandylands. The £1m new facility will be home to Skipton Cricket Club, Skipton Juniors FC and Skipton Ladies AFC, as well as being available for community use – as a bar and for venue hire. Malcolm Birks, chair of the Skipton Community Sports Hub, […]