For this feature, I’ve talked to cricket clubs this season about switching leagues; something that happens every year. It’s a little like moving chess pieces around a board. Thinking several moves ahead, reacting to scenarios unfolding and a game of strategy behind the scenes. I remember talking to Ben Rhydding about swapping the Aire-Wharfe Cricket […]
Club Cricket
David Major: Photographing Yorkshire’s cricket clubs
I’ve followed David Major, a photographer who captures cricket, including here in Yorkshire, on Flickr for years. There are relatively few of us who cover the grassroots game and his photos are an important body of work. I caught up with David to learn more about his journey and to share a few images with […]
Ripon win Cricket Yorkshire Tea of the Year 2022
Ripon Cricket Club have been crowned winners of the Cricket Yorkshire Tea of the Year for 2022, sponsored by Yorkshire Tea. Founded in 1810, the cricket club is located in the heart of Ripon with two senior teams and a reputation for stellar cricket teas. Ripon win a whopping 2,500 tea bags from our sponsor […]
Illingworth St Mary’s throw Halifax Cricket League title open
The tidy, scenic Alloe Field View ground, home since 1888 to Illingworth St Mary’s Cricket Club, was described by a first-time visitor as the “crown jewels” of the village. It is one of many stories told by Andrew Smith, 13th club president, former player and chairman, and author of a superb, 232-page club history, published […]
Should First XIs be allowed to play Second XIs in club cricket?
Bill Marshall explores the conundrum of first XIs and second XIs Watching Hoylandswaine’s second team win the Solly Sports Crowther Cup in rapid time on Sunday at Sandal, defeating Farsley seconds by seven wickets, reminded me of a long-forgotten conversation I had with Matthew Anderson. He was then captain of East Bierley’s second team, and […]
Sutton-on-Hull Cricket Club throw 150th birthday party at Netherhall
Birthday parties are fun – and the one I attended at Sutton-on-Hull Cricket Club was no exception. Sutton, founded in 1872, mark their 150th anniversary this season. A high point of the celebrations was a visit, to the Netherhall ground, in Bransholme, by an MCC XI. The sun shone all day, the cricket was very […]
Around the Leagues: Title, promotion or relegation?
It is ‘do or die’ time for those eyeing championship glory or promotion, or seeking to avoid relegation, as Yorkshire’s 2022 club cricket season enters its final weeks. We start our review with the county’s four ECB-rated Premier Leagues. With two games to play, Woodlands (343pts) are on course to retain the Bradford Premier Cricket […]
Waddilove Cup Final: Steeton beat holders Rawdon at Olicanian
Early August means one thing to the club cricket enthusiast: a mega choice of cup finals. Unfortunately (and I’m sure there must be a good reason), many are staged on the same Sunday. Which poses a dilemma for the neutral. Where to go? I opted, as I have several times in recent seasons, for the […]
Bilton-in-Ainsty celebrate new beginnings in 90th year
Photographer Mark Doherty shares his thoughts on an absorbing day’s play at Bilton-in-Ainsty for their pavilion opening and Hunters Yorkshire League North Division Two Ebor league game against Londesborough Park. Saturday morning would normally be a case of a final check on my schedule for the day before heading out to various agency photoshoots or […]
Could this be New Farnley’s year in the Bradford League?
New Farnley Cricket Club President Steve Dalby discusses their evolution as they look ahead to major matches that will help define their season. Following all the hard work over several years and the hosting of a very successful ECB Bradford League T20 Final in 2021, along with winning the Tom Mathers Ground of the Year, […]