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 […]
Aire Wharfe Cricket League
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, […]
Aire-Wharfe: Fitting finale at Addingham Cricket Club
A return to Addingham Cricket Club was long overdue; I came close in the National Village Cup until the game with Scottish side, Falkland, was won by the hosts by walkover due to a clash with cup competitions. Beyond Silsden, there’s a pleasing panorama that opens up as Bolton Road affords a long speedy straight […]
Beckwithshaw win promotion to the Aire-Wharfe Premier Division
Looking back to September 2022, Beckwithshaw faced probably their fiercest local rivals, knowing that they had to win to retain their top-flight status. Ultimately, the visitors to The Stag Den, Bilton, dominated the game, relegating Beckwithshaw’s first team to Division Two. I was sitting on the boundary rope that day, covering what had been another […]