> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://cricketyorkshire.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The hidden cave under the pitch as Lofthouse hit 503 - URL: https://cricketyorkshire.com/lofthouse-cave-under-cricket-pitch/ - Published: 2026-11-04T09:00:19.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-04T09:00:19.000Z - Description: Extraordinary story of a cave system unearthed beneath a cricket ground while a record-breaking Nidderdale League match went on above. - Author: John Fuller - Tags: Cricket Grounds Believe it or not, this is the story of digging 10 metres under a cricket pitch during a record-breaking Nidderdale League match. Since June, a group of caving enthusiasts called the Black Sheep Diggers had been excavating deep underground in the North Yorkshire village of Lofthouse. ![A muddy cave explorer squeezes between rocks underground, standing upright with his yellow safety hat.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ee/73/ee73d104-a6c6-4e5c-a4b8-854785d36d20/content/images/2026/10/david-smith-howzat-junction.jpg) David Smith standing at the Howzat Junction looking into the Lord's Way passage. Photo: Chris Fox A cave called Lofthouse Pot, situated by the fire station, was the subject of much excitement. It started with a 5m passage by the River Nidd and through eager volunteers painstakingly removing mud, metre by metre, more was gradually revealed. Over time, a series of discoveries showed another 100m+ that the Black Sheep Diggers believe is theirs to claim. Put it this way, no-one else is digging, draining and delighting here. > As you might imagine, this is physical work with long hours in the cold. Patience, skill and determination are needed in very tight surroundings. A fondness for getting very wet is likely useful too. The rewards? Understanding the world underneath us and being the first to break through must have its pioneering thrills. The group has experienced cavers and those interested in the mining history of the area. Their know-how can combine conservation with the practicalities of clearing debris after floods. In this case, plans to forge a path beneath the surface and potentially link up with Low Eglin’s Cave, near How Stean Gorge, took a turn towards the cricket. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ee/73/ee73d104-a6c6-4e5c-a4b8-854785d36d20/content/images/2026/10/lofthouse-cricket-ground-cy.jpeg) Just across from the fire station (above left) is Lofthouse & Middlesmoor Cricket Club, who have featured on this website a few times and are a chapter in my latest book, *Brews on the Boundary*. These muddy explorers opted to negotiate a section under the pitch as demonstrated with the meeting of two passages christened ‘Howzat Junction’ while there’s also ‘Lord’s Way.’ (Far be it for me to compare a wet stretch of Nidderdale mud with the trials and tribulations of the ground at Lord’s this summer. Though, as it happens, Pitch Nine at that Test venue was dug up in October!) > I was told by the caving group that the progress at Lofthouse Pot is at least 10m under the cricket ground in solid limestone. The principal passage is known as ‘Smith & Western,’ coined after one of the diggers, David Smith, and the direction of travel, rather than any particular fondness for gun-toting in the Wild West. This ongoing expedition has been the focus of hardy souls, some travelling from other counties, over months but while the Black Sheep Diggers were breaking new ground way under the grass, the home cricket team were shattering records above it. That particular Saturday at the end of July, Lofthouse & Middlesmoor 1st XI put visitors Dacre Banks to the sword in ruthless fashion. No evidence of digging in, that's for sure. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ee/73/ee73d104-a6c6-4e5c-a4b8-854785d36d20/content/images/2026/10/lofthouse-cricket-pitch-markers-cy.jpeg) The victory - by 348 runs - saw Lofthouse score an absurd 503-2 off 40 overs. Matty Collinson’s 269 not out included 26 sixes. At the other end, Craig Costello chipped in with 103 off 53 balls. The team total is believed to be the highest ever in the Nidderdale Cricket League so history was likely made on several levels. As for Lofthouse Pot, it’s since had a sealed lid to the entrance fitted to keep it safe and protected from winter floods. Further progress is planned for 2027. *\*To discover more, there's a* [*Black Sheep Diggers*](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064568864584) *Facebook page for more muddy adventures from Nidderdale caves. My thanks to them for background & use of the caving photos in this feature.* ***Enjoyed this article?*** ****Get** ***Boundary Notes** **in your inbox** A fortnightly letter from me on all things club cricket, plus stories, competitions and offers for our subscribers. [Join for free ](https://cricketyorkshire.com/#/portal/signup/free)