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 […]
Cricket podcast
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 […]
Jack Brooks on fitness, form and emptying the bars when he’s batting
Yorkshire County Cricket Club seam bowler Jack Brooks must have broken a few mirrors last season such was his bad luck with injury. Sporting what he laughingly refers to as an Oxfordshire tan after catching the sun in the pre-season tour to Potchefstroom, the Headband Warrior is on fine form at the County Media Day. As […]
BME Development Centres give kids a chance at cricket
With funding from the Yorkshire Cricket Board (YCB), there is a programme in place to deliver cricket to those who’ve never tried it, in areas with large BME (black and minority ethnic) populations through development centres. The YCB cover the cost of venues and coaches (these are local to each community) and the 10 development […]
Cricket scoring is set for a revamp across club cricket
It would be an understatement to note that Steve Ward (right) knows a thing or two about cricket scoring. As Regional Scorers Officer (North) for the ECB ACO (Association of Cricket Officials), his role has been to teach and update cricket scorers across the region as technology and the laws change. Ahead of the 2018 […]