For an assignment on behalf of The Cricket Paper, I found myself puffing up Red Lane to Bradford League outfit, Farsley Cricket Club. On a day with only the occasional whisper of wind and a crackling heat, getting myself thoroughly lost amid the myriad of streets from New Pudsey station proved thirsty work. Farsley turned […]
Cricket podcast
Katie Levick on her leg-spin and county ambitions
Drum roll, please….Yorkshire Women’s CCC’s Katie Levick is now officially the leading wicket taker in the history of the Women’s County Championship. We caught up for an episode of the Cricket Yorkshire Podcast (clip below) and it’s a record that the leg-spinner from Sheffield is rightly proud of claiming as her own. In our interview, […]
Glyn Pearson on cricket umpire challenges for the recreational game
The ECB’s ACO Education Officer Glyn Pearson was my guest for the Cricket Yorkshire Podcast recently and on form as we debated the challenges facing umpire recruitment in the recreational game. Glyn umpires in the Bradford League and is very well known in umpiring circles for his training and expertise – so who better to […]
Captain Steve Bullen on MCCUs, his league ban & fresh start
When I caught up with Leeds Bradford MCCU captain Steve Bullen (above right), it was after a few false starts to co-ordinate timetables but well worth the wait. For an episode of the Cricket Yorkshire podcast, Steve covered everything from a rigorous defence of the MCCU programme to discussing publicly for the first time his Aire-Wharfe […]
Nigel Martyn on life behind the stumps for Leeds Mods
In the latest episode of the Cricket Yorkshire Podcast, former Leeds United and England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn is on top form talking about his switch from professional football to league cricket in North Leeds. Cricket came first for Cornishman Martyn who got stuck into league cricket with St Austell and Fowey before a blossoming football […]
Blathers on cricket bat trends, Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s design and facing Yorkshire Over 50s
On a recent visit to their factory, I caught up with B3 Cricket Managing Director Michael Blatherwick who was having a net. In an episode for the Cricket Yorkshire podcast, we began with a chat about the importance of tip-top indoor facilities. Alongside the shop and the workspace where batmaker Gav was busy hand-shaping cricket bats, there’s a […]
Huddersfield Cricket League: tradition, technology and transfers
The Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League is a marvel in cricket history and continuity. Its first season was way back in 1892 and comprised the ten clubs of Armitage Bridge, Golcar, Holmfirth, Lascelles Hall, Linthwaite, Slaithwaite, Cliffe End, Huddersfield United, Lockwood, Meltham Mills. The first six of those clubs are still around now and will compete […]
Yorkshire league cricket and bats with B3 Cricket’s Richard Blakeley
On a visit to the B3 Cricket HQ, General Manager Richard Blakeley talked me through his playing career in Yorkshire league cricket and offered coaching and buying tips on cricket bats. Up for discussion was: Richard’s playing career with Birstall and other Yorkshire clubs Coaching and umpiring at Coal Aston Cricket Club Customisation at B3 […]
Alex Lees on his fresh start, self-belief and batting stance
Yorkshire CCC opening batsman Alex Lees is talking to me as the echo of conversation bounces off the walls in the sports hall under the East Stand. The capricious nature of the weather has brought with it a flurry of snow so the interviews are indoors and we grab a few minutes before the team […]
Barnsley & District Cricket League: 125 not out
The Barnsley Cricket League is enjoying its 125th anniversary in 2018 and so what better time to promote South Yorkshire Sunday league cricket as the Quasquicentennial party kicks off. No, I’m not that clever and yes, I did just google the Latin description for 125 year-landmark! We have all seen historic cricket leagues in Yorkshire merge […]