A return to Stainland Cricket Club recently, two years after my last visit, gave a chance to meet everyone again, marvel at the teas and be interviewed by BBC Radio 4.
On a cold, grizzling day of rain, we had Halifax League 2nd XI cricket (credit to players and umpires), with appropriate fuss about the hospitality and food.
This was an uplifting day in many ways, not least with the winds threatening to pick up and lob the sightscreens into the centre of Halifax.
In a rain-reduced 38-over-a-side contest, Stainland (124-9) defeated Clayton (119) by five runs in the gathering gloom, with two balls left.
By then, the BBC Radio 4 Food Programme had surely recorded enough joy, stories and personalities to fill a series. The episode – dedicated to cricket teas with chef Romy Gill as presenter – will be aired in late June and I’ll share the details when I have them.
I discussed the Cricket Yorkshire Teas of the Year competition (back for 2026) and at the interval, dived gracefully into a bowl of homemade sausage rolls.
The belated discovery of veggie curry with chickpeas and spinach resuscitated the circulation and brought enough warmth to encourage me outside to record a podcast.
If you have time for a relaxed 13 min listen on Spotify as I walk the boundary, teeth chattering, to discuss the day then I recommend the clip below. You can also check out other episodes of the Cricket Yorkshire Podcast too.
There will be more guests, boundary walks and chat across this season. Thanks to Stainland CC for looking after us.
🎧 LISTEN: SPOTIFY EPISODE (12m 46)
- ItsOKToTalkT20: Women & girls’ fixture at Whiston Parish Church - June 1, 2026
- Designed for altitude: Queensbury’s custom-made ACS cricket covers - May 28, 2026
- Cricket Yorkshire Teas of the Year returns across June - May 28, 2026
Always a pleasure to see you and Moira here at Stainland CC.
Don’t be strangers and we look forward to seeing you again but next time can you please bring the sun with you 😁