MORTON AND SOUTH WINGFIELD BEATEN BY ENGLISH WEATHER

MORTON COLLIERY 29 FOR 3 [8 OVS] V SOUTH WINGFIELD  122 ALL OUT [34 OVS]
MATCH ABANDONED @ BACK LANE MORTON
DERBYSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION 2
SAT 25 JUNE 2016 1.30PM

MORTON COLLIERY CC OVERSEEN BY THE VILLAGES HOLY CROSS CHURCH

Oh the joys of an English summer time, cricket, cucumber sandwiches, warm beer etc and then there's rain lots of it.  This match was disrupted by the ever threatening wet stuff that seems to accompany all Saturdays at the moment whether it be football in the winter or cricket in the summer and what a shame it was because this encounter was well set when players handshakes called the game to an end at 7.10pm following another downpour.  After a delayed start and a reduction in overs to 35 per team Morton restricted South Wingfield to 122 all out in 34 overs after at one stage the visitors were coasting at 42 without loss.  As the rain disrupted the proceedings late on Morton were left stranded on 29 for 3 after 8 overs and a tantalising finish was denied by the wet stuff.

THE MODEL HEADSTOCKS IN THE VILLAGE IN MEMORY OF THE COLLIERY 1865-1965

Having tried to cover a game a Morton on 2 previous occasions today was another opportunity grasped and as the weather forecast did not look good it was with trepidation that arrival at the ground via the narrow unadopted road that leads to the ground was greeted with some relief to see a wide selection of cars in situ.  So there was a chance of some play and as I made my way across to the pavilion umbrella aloft the club officials were just waiting for an improvement in conditions.  Play did start at 2.45pm with a reduction to 35 overs it allowed a chance to pick some snacks and a soft beverage from the smart little club house alongside catching up with a few familiar faces a quick greeting from Tony Lowe was welcome after I had met him a few weeks ago on a postponed game.  There was plenty to look at and one of the selling points of the club was the Yorkshire Tea Great Cricket Tea Challenge, indeed this was mentioned to my Frank Mosley who I knew from watching Derbyshire County Cricket Club.  During the last season I had spoken to Frank at a few football Sunday League games in which his grandson Jack Maltby had been playing and the proud Granddad mentioned I should come along and take a look at Morton Colliery Cricket Club where Jack also played and who had just achieved two promotions in 3 seasons pushing them to the heady heights of Division 2 in the County League.

TEA ANYONE? YES PLEASE AT MORTON COLLIERY CC FOR AWARD WINNING TEAS

Having spoken to some of the ladies in the pavilion I soon gained some more information about how the clubs had finished in the top half a dozen countrywide and were awarded a runners up position.  Proudly on display is a Yorkshire Tea tea pot and also a screen frame of the Daily Telegraph's article on the club featuring a visit from Gareth Davies the journalist and former England Captain Mike Gatting who came to sample the teas, apparently Gat's was more than happy to tuck in! 
Morton as a village came to life in 1865 when George Stephenson developed the pit which is just 1/4 of a mile down the road and some of its buildings remain in place today and the main road through the village has a memorial in the form of some model headstocks as is so often seen around pit village in this area of Derbyshire.  The date 1865 was very relevant here with the cricket club formed in the same year and having celebrated its 150 years last season with a promotion things couldn't be much better.

GROUNDS MAN CHARLIE WRIGHT SECOND FROM THE RIGHT WITH FRANK MOSLEY NEXT LEFT

There was clearly a lot of people involved in varying activities at the club alongside the kitchen ladies, bar operators, scorer and Charlie Wright the grounds man who was available for action on this wet afternoon.  Here it has to be commented that the outfield is an undulating but well manicured affair and as ever the many volunteers like Charlie who keep local sport going are the real stars.  During the early stages of the game it was good to catch up with Gary, whom I know from my time with Clay Cross Town, born in Stonebroom he has a long service record since 1965 with the club and now assists Charlie with pitch cutting duties.
With a club house emitting the European Championships Football on a large screen it was a welcoming little set up but with the rather slight but persistent rain we just hoped for a break.
A quick wander round the ground upon entry via Back Lane there is a grass car park edged off by fenced off nets, the whole perimeter [barring the pavilion front] is railed with no advertising boards the club has a fantastic ball stopping device hanging to the railings in former pit conveyer belt material of which some is from Oxcroft Mine and a little I'm told from Morton Pit.  To our left are the main buildings with scorers box and scoreboard above although to the opposite corner the club have a smart electronic scoreboard.  To the side are the changing rooms and then attached to them the pavilion and kitchen area, the far end of the pavilion has a nice fenced off patio area.  The whole of this side has a nice selection of seats and benches some in memory of former supporters and players.  On a nice afternoon this is a tremendous setting and I guess exceptionally peaceful place to watch your cricket.  Directly viewing out of the pavilion you see the pit tip a short cover drive away as a reminder of the clubs history which still holds the colliery name in its title.  The club proudly displayed within and without the pavilion the helpful assistance they have had with grants from various places including Coalfield Regeneration, Viridor, Sport England etc.

MORTON RESIDENT DAWN ADLINGTON HERE TO SUPPORT HER SON MITCH

Just before the start it was also good to catch up with Dawn Adlington and her son Mitch who was playing for Morton and indeed finished with a creditable 3 for 34.

EARLY ACTION WITH MORTON'S PAUL HOLMES BOWLING

The umpires were ready and convinced we could get some play in and it was also noticeable to see Mick Glen former DCCC player in the middle today.  Play got under way 1 and a quarter hours late with a reduction to 35 overs a side and South Wingfield rattled onto 42 before they lost their first wicket after that they advanced to the early 70's before the loss of the third wicket.

 
From here on in the positive start seemed to drift away and they were dismissed for 122 with an over to spare.

JOSH CLARKE 4 FOR 18

Top wicket taker for Morton was Josh Clarke who returned figures of 4 for 18.

MITCH ADLINGTON RETURNING FIGURES OF 3 FOR 34

With Mitch Adlington chipping in with three wickets the home side had secured a creditable effort in restricting the visitors to what looked a low total.  The innings suffered a break just short of halfway during the allotted overs for a rain shower and tea was taken before the visitors completed their efforts.

TODAYS MOBILE COVERS WERE A MUST

During the perimeter walk it was great to see Frank Mosley whom I previously mentioned and throughout the afternoon we had some interesting conversations about local and county cricket.
During the break I meandered down the road towards the west of the village to locate the tree that signified Morton as the 'centre of England', upon mentioning this to many people at the club it was treated by them with caution.

THE BLOG BRINGS YOU THE CENTRE OF ENGLAND........TREE!

But its a good selling point that pits this former pit village on the map and maybe should be used by the Parish Council as a promotional tool.  The entrance to the ground is also fronted by the smart stone built Sitwell Arms and brings a link to the blogs earlier visit to Eckington and Renishaw Hall the home of the Sitwells.

ADDLINGTON RACES IN FOR ANOTHER PACEY DELIVERY

Having made it back in time with a few minutes to spare the blog popped into the pavilion and the Bill Copson bar for a few more refreshments.  Copson was a former England International born in neighbouring Stonebroom who made his debut versus the West Indies in 1939, taking 9 wickets and who played 18 years for his county side.
Morton started their innings with a little threat of rain and sadly at 5.50 they players left the field with the reply at 16 for 1 off 5 overs.

MORTON WICKET KEEPER KIERON MARSH ON STRIKE

After a 45 minute delay the football beckoned in the pavilion and when the umpires gave the weather of a restart 45 minutes later it was clear that very shortly this would be all over with dark clouds gathering.  Indeed it was with Morton reaching 29 for 3 off 8 overs and a weird looking scorecard had two batsman out for a duck and the 2 not out batsman scoreless it was Harry Wilmot scoring 28 and one wide taking the plaudits in the scorers book.
Just before the rain came lashing down there was a chance to see Stamford FC player Jordan Lemon take to the middle.
At 7.10pm the captains shook hands on the result an abandoned match that saw the home side gain 11 points to the visitors 8.
After bidding farewell to the club on an entertaining and enthralling afternoon which was sadly curtailed by the weather the blogs re appearance onto the main road was greeted by a halt to the rain and a sparkle of sunshine,  English weather and cricket you couldn't make it up.

LIZZIE ARMITSTEAD WINS TOUR STAGE 3 IN CHESTERFIELD

AVIVA WOMENS TOUR STAGE 3 ASHBOURNE TO CHESTERFIELD
MARKET PLACE CHESTERFIELD
FRIDAY 17 JUNE 2016

LIZZIE ARMITSTEAD STAGE 3 WINNER

Otley's own Lizzie Armitstead won stage 3 of the Aviva Womens Tour which this year graced the Derbyshire Peak District from Ashbourne to its finish in Chesterfield.  The stage took on 112 km and some of the toughest mountain climbs including the unbelievable steep Bank Rd in nearby Matlock.
The blog only spotted this gem a few days before the event and it was another opportunity to add a sport not so far covered.  Well where to start, where to stand, what time to arrive, a bit of research all were questions buzzing around.  I have to say I did some research before on the excellent website that supports 'the tour' it is packed full of information and stats.  If you think Cricket and other sports have facts and stats piled high you haven't seen nothing till you take a look at cycling.
After reading up on the riders and different teams I decided to just go and enjoy this fantastic event because I would never remember all the teams and any large amount of the riders.

MARIANNE VOS ON THE PODIUM

Needless to say there were some famous names there of course world champion Armitstead, Dutch rider Marianne Vos [5th finish],  Elisa Longo Borghini,  and in the end my favourite for here tremendous ability to climb winner of the Strava Queen of the Mountains who looked absolutely delighted to have won the associated jersey at the podium.  Of course each rider is within a team and its a combined effort but the peak performer here was Amitstead of the Boels Dolmans team as she sprinted across the line to take the yellow jersey.  By the end of the tour she had also claimed the overall victory and Hall had done the same as Queen of the Mountains.

STAGE 3 FINISH IN CHESTERFIELD

The blog is hopefully to be much about the experience than the cycling of which I probably can do no more justice than above mini report.  Lets just say its a sport that you cant be everywhere unless you are in one of the race cars or on one of the many motorbikes and some people will prefer the climbs other the sprints and probably the newbies like the blog wanted to be at the finish line and by the presentations.  This though takes nothing away from these tremendous athletes and when you watch the days highlights on TV it makes you appreciate the riders tremendous abilities.

FINAL STRETCH NEARLY SET UP

Having done a small journey to this event there was an amazement that the whole set up was well in place at just after 11am and the size of the event is impressive.  The finish line was the usual advertisement strewn arch and alongside it an impressive winners podium.  The whole course into the town centre finish is fenced off by tilting back barriers festooned with race advertisers publicity.  The sponsors area was just about waking up to greet todays visitors including the local dignitaries.  The whole of the final section of the route was over the Market Place cobbles would test the riders after the most strenuous stage of the tour and at the finish line and the final meters the whole event was giving a constant up beat feel by announcer Joe Fisher who did an excellent job for the event.  The sound system was excellent and with a constant flow of upbeat music and race updates this added to the whole experience.

PROMO ZONE

With a little time to walk up to the town hall before securing a position the blog had time to wander around the promo zone with all sorts of bike associated equipment and snacks available.  One of the organisers was pacifying a local who had seen their Friday shopping disturbed by advising him he had been there since 4am setting up and that it had taken a year of planning to bring this wonderful event to Chesterfield.  The latter point is one of the things I would take away from the event the organisation, planning and setting up of the street furniture for this event was unbelievable all credit to the organisers!

RACE CARS TAKE A REST

Following a little walk around the rest of the closing stages I took up a position just after the finish line and in close proximity to the podium for the presentations.

ANNOUNCER JOE FISHER GETS THE FANS IN THE MOOD

The build up was noisy and upbeat with as previously mentioned information about how the race was going and having arrived at about 1215 there was a good hour and a half to enjoy build up or the Tours arrival at around 1.55pm.


THE LORD MAYOR WELCOMES THE TOUR TO CHESTERFIELD

BBC Look North were in attendance with reporter Paul Ogden acting as cameraman and interviewer, there was a shortage of race side souvenirs although some people did game some reminders of the event including some excellent mini cow bells which came out just before the finish.  There was an excellent race programme priced at £5 and a very informative effort for any race follower.

ITV'S NED BOULTING ARRIVES AT THE FINISH LINE

A short while before the finale of stage 3 ITV4's Ned Boulting arrived and he was very approachable as he walked the finish stopping to talk to many of the fans and pose for pictures
As the lead riders came into Chesterfield the overhead flight of the TV helicopter signalled the Tours arrival, the race cars came into the final straight and then whoosh that was it within 10 seconds Armitstead had flown over the line after the cobble sprint to raise one arm in the air in celebration.  The Peloton, hark at me, were soon following up and received a rapturous local reception and just as the presentation was about to get underway the final rider came over the line probably 10 minutes behind the leaders but to any equally warm reception full of admiration for their efforts.
As one policeman on duty commented to Joe Fisher 'I have no idea what's just gone on there', it really is that quick.
That was it all over very quickly and although the experience is something not to be missed I guess its also good to be able to watch the riders on TV afterwards.

STAGE WINNER LIZZIE ARMITSTEAD

The presentations were also a quality highlight once again done excellently and the enthusiastic crowd were delighted to see their own favourite riders.  Lizzie Armitstead was resented with the stage win and of course her yellow jersey for overall leader, plus the Adnams best British rider.  My favourite was Katie Hall of the United Healthcare Team who as Queen of the Mountain showed tremendous stamina and fitness on this testing stage.

KATIE HALL QUEEN OF THE MOUNTAINS

The previously mentioned Vos retained the Chain Reaction Points Jersey to much acclaim from the now 10 deep crowd.
Part of the highlight of the presentation was Lizzie Armitsteads proud grandma and granddad the former wearing a T shirt advertising the fact being interviewed by the gathered journalists.

LIZZIE ARMITSTEADS SUPPORT TEAM

Overall this was an enjoyable experience over all be it too quickly it certainly has gained the blog as a follower of future tours.

FLORTJ MACKAIJ BEST YOUNG RIDER

It was a tremendous experience for Chesterfield and lots hope for a quick return soon of this fantastic event.

LIZZIE ARMITSTEAD WITH HER POINTS ADNAMS JERSEY



MILFORD MARLINS WIN TIGHTEST OF CHALLENGE TROPHY GAME

MILFORD MARLINS 15 V UNDERBANK RANGERS 14
CONFERENCE CHALLENGE TROPHY RND 2 @ THE ARCHIE GORDON GROUND
18 JUNE 2016 --- 2.30PM

The tightest of games that had been well supported by the 'game of two halves' theory was settled in the home sides favour when Martin Loveridge secured a moments space for his drop goal with 4 minutes remaining to set of joyous scenes shortly afterwards.
Back at base the heavy rain had put much of the cricket in doubt and so happily we set off with rugby league on the cards again this time with a possibility of three fixtures on our way to Leeds.  By the time we had arrived at base station though the decision was made to take in Marlins trophy game versus Holmfirth based Underbank Rangers.  The journey was not an easy one due to an incident on the way to Chesterfield a detour via Barrow Hill added some time to the journey but luckily held up in the delay was the all stopping train to Leeds.  We arrived at platform 17 and had plenty of time for the one o'clock train to Harrogate which would take us all the way over to platform 1!

THE FORMER STATION BUILDING AT HEADINGLEY

Arrival in Headingley at the small station was around 8 minutes later and as its name suggests also serves the cricket ground and Leeds Rhinos rugby ground today though we would turn the opposite way on Kirkstall Lane and after a downwards traverse we climbed before looking down Beecroft Street towards the Marlins Sports club and onwards into the valley our ultimate destination of Leeds Rugby Academy.

MILFORD SPORT CLUB TO THE LEFT

The club is an impressive affair with three separate rooms, one being enjoyed by one of the clubs many junior teams and an impressive changing room set up we popped inside bit before settling Mick had asked about chips and we were soon sent in the direction of where we had just come from.  Halfway back to the station we came into friendship with Kirkstall Fisheries for a sample of the finest, having mentioned the rugby club had sent us over the owner seemed quite happy.  Mick got into conversation rather dangerously trying to order a bread crumbed fish cake, in Yorkshire there are only Yorkshire fish cakes Mick!

LUNCH STOP

Having escaped intact we enjoyed the delicacy and then dropped back into the club for a beverage of the non alcoholic variety.  Thanks to the officials from Milford who supplied us a team sheet we were well sorted to take the 1/4 of a mile walk to the ground.  The suggestion of a shuttle bus did come into mind but the downward walk is a slightly circuitous route that found us within 5 minutes at The Leeds Rugby Academy used by many clubs including Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire Carnegie.

WELL MANICURED PITCHES AT THE ACADEMY

To the left are two rugby pitches the first with the plushest carpet of grass that any grounds man would be delighted with.  Straight ahead of us is the offices and facilities of the academy to the right is our pitch for today.  Milford are playing on a 3g caged pitch of which this will be the blogs first rugby league game on this surface it would be interesting to see how this compares with football on the same surface.

THE ACADEMY TO THE REAR OF TODAYS ACTION

Inside the cage after paying the £2.50 admission, for which was included a creditable effort match programme, there is quite a wide boundary around the pitch with up to the half way line on either side is a fenced off standing.  There are no dug outs and both sides technical teams gather just outside the spectator area on opposite sides of the pitch.  The ground is dwarfed by a massive electricity pylon and running adjacent to the ground is the River Aire and the Skipton train line.

OVERVIEW OF THE ACTION

Kirkstall Bridge to one corner is busy and just outside the ground the shopping precincts which include Boots and Morrisons are also generating a constant flow of vehicles.
Todays sides are warming up along with the referee and his 2 touch judges, just before the kick off Milford have the start of a glorified garage for final instructions and get together.  This being an all first division trophy tie and the league fixture last weekend that saw Underbank win their home match and with a further enticement of both sides being on 12 points it looked a good game on the cards.

By half time the visitors had took their chances and led 12-0 against a home side who appeared off the pace. First over after 7 minutes was [number 20-not listed on t sheet] with a comfortable conversion from Richard Pogson.  On the quarter of an hour mark great strength from Adam Ryder gave Pogson the chance for a second conversion, it was more remarkable in that it struck the left upright before flying across to hit the right post and dropping over!

REFEREE NEVILLE HAS A QUICK CHAT

Half time saw Underbank coach Richard Knight urge is players on he seemed aware that Marlins would fight to get back into this game, I thought the visitors looked pretty secure....he was right I was wrong.

HALF TIME GATHERING FOR UNDERBANK RANGERS

Within just 7 minutes of the re start James Barker had gone over with doing the necessary the deficit was halved.
A wise choice on 55 minutes saw Pogson kick a penalty after referee Harry Neville had penalised Marlins for a high challenge, 6-14.

TERRIER LIKE JOSH PARLE IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE

Strength and determination saw Tom Barnes go over the line for the Leeds side before Loveridge added the extra 2 points to bring the scores to 12-14 after 55 minutes.  The visitors number were reduced when Michael Murphy was sin binned.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes Marlins decided to kick a penalty and Loveridge was on target to excitedly pull the scores level.  There was now an excitement from the home supporters that they were in the ascendancy however a drop goal from either side could win it.

JOSH PARLE LOOKS UP TO REF HARRY NEVILLE

With just 4 minutes left on the clock Loveridge found time and space to kick and watch the ball drop through the posts and it would be this point that minutes later would settle the tie.

C'MON I WILL HELP YOU UP

After a couple of one sided games this was a tremendous hard fought tight game of rugby league that Underbank would feel unlucky to have gained nothing from but the undoubted second half strength from Milford saw them over the line.

WALKING BACK UP THE HILL TO THE CLUB

Am enjoyable afternoon in west Leeds and following a comfort stop at the club we left for the station as the Marlin layers were climbing back up the hill to their changing rooms and a 3rd round tie.
Back at Headingley station we heard the sounds of the nearby Queenswood Cricket Club in action and observed a selection of allotments being tendered before we boarded our train back to the busy city of Leeds.  With a comfortable train connection we arrived back over the Yorkshire border into base station at just before 1830.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN...BOLSOVER TOWN

BOLSOVER TOWN FC, MOOR LANE..............GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

FORMER STAND AT BOLSOVER TOWN FC

Like buses this feature provides two that come along more or less together.  On a cold and wet morning so much so that we had to decamp into the local Spoons for a breakfast and coffee while the continued rain made any venturing out without Kagools unadvisable.
After a window watching delay of an hour the blog set off to hopefully get some access to Moor Lane the home of the former Coalite Sports and then Bolsover Town.  We left The pillar Of The Rock and a circuitous route which took in a sheltered view of the Castle one of Bolsover's highlights the others being The Model Village a futuristic idea of village layout, in its time and of course The Beast Dennis Skinner MP who was not prowling the Market Sq today.

BOLSOVER CASTLE

In recent times the ground has remained locked and having failed to gain any pictures from external points I did not hold much hope out of taking this mini look at the set up.  While viewing from one of the adjacent roads a few cars were spotted and luckily after a quick walk round we went down the approach road which now had its gates unlocked for what looked like some delivery to the former Coalite Sports and Social Club which is on the left at the bottom of the ground, with thanks to Mick from the club for not locking us in as he left it was good to catch up with you thanks!  To the right are the changing rooms in Portacabin type buildings and to their rear a ground mans brick building, the side of the social club also houses changing rooms.

THE BOTTOM PITCH

Although I never saw a Bolsover Town game the set up here in recent years is not unfamiliar having watched quite a few Chesterfield and District Sunday League games.  Immediately to the front of us is a now derelict bowling green and pavilion which was once an active part of the facilities here.  All of course initially for the workers of the Coalite Plant which employed around 2,200 people in the site to the west of the town.  The social club were set up for their exclusive use although this rule was later relaxed especially when the plant neared its closure before finally disappearing around 2003.
To the right is the bottom pitch of two full sized pitches and this is probably now the better kept of the town with a couple of steady wooden dug outs in situ moving up to the top pitch which is the former site of senior non league football in the town that is the point of our visit and upon entry via a gap in the concrete panelled wall we have to the left a junior size pitch which normally house a young Bolsover Town.

STAND NOW ON JUNIOR PITCH NOT SURE IF FORMER FURNITURE FROM MAIN PITCH

On the side lines here is a small corrugated stand which I can only assume may have been part of the furniture of the former club.
The main pitch to the right is resting from its Sunday League activities which sees FC UTD Of Bolsover ply their trade and indeed win the Chesterfield Sunday League 2 title this year alongside a remarkable Alma Cup win at The Proact Stadium too.

FORMER BOLSOVER TOWN FC PITCH

The pitch is railed down one side but has become very unkept behind the railing so that any Sunday spectators view from the pitch side anyway.  Behind the far goal is also overgrown and the only other accommodation that remains is the green tip up seated temporary staging stand on the far half way line, I believe these were the type used for out ground cricket events etc and somehow it found its self a resting place in Bolsover for the clubs games.  Now sadly offering not only a restricted view but also restricted access.

Historically the site was an excellent facility which had Chesterfield FC reserves playing and training here in a time when Coalite were also Chesterfield's major shirt sponsors.  The club on the site was Coalite FC [Sports and Social Club] and after local success spent a small time in The Midlands Regional Alliance gaining immediate promotion from league 1 to the Premier League.

DUG OUTS AND RAILING STILL IN PLACE

When the chance came for an application to The Central Midlands Football League it was taken and upon acceptance and for the 2003/4 season thy changed their name to Bolsover Town.  The club were in its few years of CMFL action quite successful and gained a quick promotion to the then Supreme League which at the time required clubs to have floodlights and varying other improvements in place with a set season timescale.  When Bolsover couldn't meet some of these they were relegated back down to the Premier League and then from what I can ascertain depart from football altogether around 2008.
A great shame that the people who worked so hard to move the club forward into senior non league football could not receive the further support they needed to keep this level of football in a town the size of Bolsover but as we all know its hard work and so lies another sad story of a football club disappearing off the map.

THE PAST LIVES ON