BACON COMPLETES CENTURY BEFORE THE RAIN ARRIVES AT KIMBERLEY

KIMBERLEY INSTITUTE V ATTENBOROUGH
NOTTS CRICKET BOARD PREMIER @ 2BM GROUND
29 MAY 2017 --- 12 NOON

KIMBERLEY INSTITUTE CC AND THE TOWN

For the second day running a well appointed century was the order of the home sides innings, following Jordan Lemons for Morton yesterday, today it was Kimberley's former Notts CCC player George Bacon who set his side well on the way to a commanding score before the rain arrived and called a halt to proceedings with the score at 237 for 2.
Bank Holiday arrived and as ever the weather forecast had gradually deteriorated over the proceeding days to the darkest of murky days with of course plenty of the damp stuff, indeed in the area around the ground people were discussing last night thunder storms.  So the blog set off with little hope of any play I envisaged this premier league fixture would suffer with at least 'bad light'.

COME ON UMPIRES LETS GIVE IT A GO

Heavy rain on the initial bus to Alfreton left little hope as the change of bus was made but as Eastwood was passed by it became a little and I mean a little lighter but positively the rain had stopped.  By the time the Rainsbow 1 service was pulling up the hill into Kimberley I had convinced myself to get off and take a look at the ground whatever. 
While the blog always tries to cover over sports the main chance of this is in the close season for football and it generally features rugby league and cricket and this weekend would give both sports a highlight with todays ground having remained a hidden gem for too long.  As I wandered up the delicately name Newdigate St hoping for play very shortly the right was taken that had a tight driveway leading to an opening 100 yards later that shows this beauty of a ground.

TOWARDS THE CLUBHOUSE

Its quite amazing that I had never discovered The 2bm set up before but I guess most of my cricket watching had taken in Derbyshire sides in this short hiatus before non league football starts again.  Today the weather for photos was really poor and it does not show this ground of to its best but I hope to cover Kimberley again this season on a lovely day and get the full experience in north west Nottinghamshire.  Having arrived the covers were of course on but positively the umpires were hovering and the players changed and chomping at the bit.  Having completed a circuit for some photos I don't know where to start with a ground descriptor well may be the entrance, coming across the small parking area to the left is and angled old style clubhouse and pavilion changing rooms, all very comfortable and practical.  As with many rugby league grounds the stats and history of cricket clubs are often proudly displayed on the walls and Kimberley Institute CC is no different a wide collection of memorabilia is on show, even though I only spent a short time in the club house it was great to see a former poster for a Harold Larwood testimonial game held at the ground in the mid 30's with admission a 4d!  Moving back outside the hanging baskets were readying for bloom on the exterior and a wide selection of dedicated seats were in place for spectators next and in a separated viewing hut a separate area for the scorers.

LONG WAY BACK TO AVOID THE HILL

So far I have missed describing the playing area because it is the most difficult to do justice too, Morton Colliery CC has a very undulating outfield all around and there is a consistency too it but here at Kimberley its wonderfully idiosyncratic and matches up the pure eccentricities of the game.  Delayed enough here goes from the wickets the walk back to the pavilion involves an climb up first a sharp probably 5 foot incline before the outfield plateaus out onto a steady rise towards the boundary, indeed the fast bowlers run up takes him down the incline before flattening off on his last few strides to approach the umpire.  Back to the cover boundary and this offers a constant high rise towards the pavilion side boundary.  Moving around the boundary edge drifts In and out of small inlets towards the terrace houses of Noel St that back onto the ground and yes and the boundary is liberally scattered with white moulded seats often accompanied by neatly trimmed trees, believe me a cricket lovers joy!  The opposite cover boundary features a large smart remotely controlled scoreboard and the boundary edge once again meanders back and forth as it dips away.

THE SECRET GATE

Here is another little gem with a full size gate that had I approached from Victoria St offers and secret garden entrance into the ground.  The ground offers views of the former Methodist Church and on the hill side the church building associated with the hillside cemetery.  By the time the circuit was near completion the covers were coming off and we were about to get underway with Kimberley batting, oh yes and I forgot to mention don't come here hungry, why?  Well as I discovered when watching at the nearby Stag Ground if you arrive at the of a shift the Hovis bread factory on Main Rd emits its smell of fresh baking bread over the town and its sports grounds another positive bonus making Kimberley worth a visit is there any nicer smell than baking bread?

GEORGE BACON ON HIS WAY TO A TON

To the cricket the rain had stopped but it was still very murky and you feared it may be a difficult time to bat but it wasn't to be Kimberley moved gently onto 31 before the first wicket fell and then 71 for 2 with Bacon building his total all the time.

TOM ROWE ON HIS WAY TO A QUICK FIRE 25

He was now joined at the crease by Sam Johnson and how he made it move with a danger at varying stages of him catching up the opening batsman Bacon.  Johnson went to his 50 in the 37th over with the 50 overs reduced by 2 due to a small delay at the start we were now very much entering the business end and by the time the rain saw the sides off at around 3.15pm we had seen 41.5 overs and Kimberley had amassed 237 for 2.

BACON STILL ACCUMULATING THE RUNS

It was Johnson who secured a very exciting 78 from 70 balls including 12 x4's and 1 x 6.  But lets look at Bacon who was the builder in this innings with some equally exciting shots he finished on 122 with 13 x 4's, 2 x 6's.

GEORGE BACON ADDING TO HIS TOTAL

With the rain falling sharply and a check on the weather for the rest of the day I made the decision to depart it proved the correct one with no more play possible and an abandoned result being the unfortunate outcome.  Its always disappointing not to see a full result but this enjoyable ground and club is one I hope to cover again soon but on a nice day to enjoy its full benefits.

LEMON CENTURY LEAVES TEVERSAL WITH BITTER TASTE

MORTON COLLIERY C C V TEVERSAL C C
MANSFIELD AND DISTRICT CRICKET LEAGUE SECTION 1 @ BACK LANE
28 MAY 2017 --- 1.30PM

JORDAN LEMON CENTURY FOR MORTON C C C

The need for a solidifying big score for the home team was provided by Jordan Lemon and his 117 not out helped Morton to victory with 4 wickets to spare in the 38th over.  It was a much needed requirement as Colliery fielded a young side and were posted a challenging total by Teversal thanks to some big hitting from Callum Else for his 74 that got the visitors to 226 for 7.

ITS A FRIENDLY FAMILY AFFAIR AT MORTON

A quick repeat visit for the blog to Morton and why not its a club that as previously mentioned has a good feel about it and is in a relaxing setting, today with the weather set fair we were treated to a cracker of a game.

THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

With previous coverage of the ground this season shall we just say not much as changed since two weeks ago and with Teversal electing to bat it would be a big ask for Morton especially with the visitors at 145 for 2 at the half way stage in their innings.

CALLUM ELSE DOMINANT FOR TEVERSAL C C

Most of the momentum was gained through an excellent 74 from Else who looked in fine form as he powered the ball to all boundaries in a helmetless show of strength, he finally fell to a wonderful catch by Morton captain Jack Maltby on the cover boundary.  The overall impetus of the innings seemed to slow down and with the home side tightening up their bowling the visitors reached a still very respectable 226 for 7 in their allotted 40 overs.

ONE MORE OF ELSE 

Morton set about their response at around 5 an over and were put on a firm footing by Ashley Caunt who contributed a smart 43.  At the half way stage Morton had reached 118 for 2 and although behind Teversal at this stage they were up with the overall ask.  By this stage Lemon was building his total and was receiving able support from Simon Todd.

JORDAN LEMON ON HIS WAY TO A CENTURY

After the latter fell the onus fell to Lemon to see Morton through but the wickets fell in a regular fashion to bring the score to 218 for 5 in 34 overs.  Lemon crashed his was to an excellent century which was widely appreciated by all, but the determination was their at the end with Tom Keenan holding an end up so that Lemon could hit the winning 4 in the 38th over and secure a wonderfully enjoyable 117 not out to guide Morton over the line to win by 4 wickets in a very competitive encounter against a good Teversal side.

AND ONE MORE OF LEMON

Not too much froth on the blog today but needless to say a sharply run single to the nearby bus stop saw me catching the bus with a minute to spare and back at base by 7pm.

 

DERBY CITY SECOND HALF ROUT OF OUTLAWS

DERBY CITY RLFC 40 NOTTINGHAM OUTLAWS DEV RLFC 4
MIDLANDS PREMIER LEAGUE @ THE STUTE ILKESTON
27 MAY 2017 --- 2.30PM

DERBY CITY GO OVER THROUGH LEWIS STURGESS [11]

[As explained below please be aware du to doubts on numbers matching names on team sheets a number has been added to each name, apologies and hopefully Derby's are correct]
A powerful second half performance broke to 4 all half time deadlock with Derby scoring 7 second half tries and converting 4 of these alongside denying the Outlaws any points in this period too.
Todays choice of venue really s completely down to Mr R of the Buxton parish but formerly resident of this vicinity before an inter parish transfer.  Having decided last weeks football match at Hunslet was the final one of the season it would be cricket or rugby league all the way now, well at least for the next 8 weeks!  With the favoured National Conference Rugby League taking a break on a weekend with a bank holiday in it the option was looking like local cricket but with a worrying weather forecast I was dithering until Mr R through out this fixture in a text sent to blog HQ. 
Most of my Knowledge of Ilkeston surround the football club and the town centre but having researched todays venue which is just south of Ilkeston in Little Hallam at The Stute the home of Ilkeston RUFC the decision was taken to give it a go.

WELCOME TO THE STUTE

Departure from base on The Comet soon found us on the Ilkeston Flyer to just short of The Bulls Head and onward by foot along Longfield Lane of which all was peaceful with some rather swish houses on show.  From the ridge you could look southwards to see the former site of Stanton Iron Works established in the late 1800's and a major employer for a hundred years before its closure and as you get nearer to the ground it becomes all the more evident of this area and the nearby Stanton by Dale's importance to the works in its heyday.

ST BARTHOLOMEWS OVERLOOKS THE ACTION AT 1058

  Just below the ground is St Bartholomews Church which was built for this expanding community and its wonderful tower is a listed building but with the church now out of service since around 1969 its clock is stuck at 1058 I wonder if its been like that for just short of 50 years?  Still its right twice a day!  Back towards the ground and some superb old ironwork declares the sports grounds as the Kirk Hallam Fields Sports Ground and states their association with Stanton Iron Works.

SOME GOOD OLD IRON WORKING

With entrance to the sports facilities of cricket, rugby and football through 'The Stute' I settle for a quick refreshment and bag of savouries, the feel is very much of the 70's and 80's.  On the exterior wall there is a superb information guide to the area stating that at its height The Stanton Working Men's Institute had 4,000 members and that the then visible chimney of the nearby works rose to 190 feet.  You could only dream of this area in its prime what a sight and what a great little community must have built up around this large employer.
Inside to the ground then and a little descriptor the exterior of the club has a large hard standing area with railed off protection of the pitch to the left you soon enter a blocked off area and to continue you need to go pitch side and behind the posts onto the grass.  Coming up the far touchline there is a modern green fence with below it today action on the cricket pitch once again there is a mix of grass standing and over the fencing some hard standing.  Behind the top posts are the changing rooms in use today by both cricket and rugby.  Before the game there was a little time to catch up with one of the Derby officials and meet a few people who were looking to continue and advance the game of rugby league.

JOE DOUGHTY PROUD OWNER OF A WELSH YOUTH CLUB

Derby City were formed originally in 1990 and after various league changes and reorganisations that even I lost the will to remember found themselves sharing with Ilkeston RUFC via Asterdale, Markheaton and Derby RUFC grounds.  This will be their first home game of the season after 3 away games resulting in two wins and a loss so overall a good start returned from on the road travels.  The other noticeable achievement is the awarding of a Wales youth cap to Joe Doughty a lovely achievement for the player and Derby City.  Bringing the story of Derby City up to date and they withdrew from the league in 2008 while continuing with junior teams but couldn't resist the temptation of a senior side and re formed in 2011 and made their debut at Ilkeston on 2014.

EARLY ACTION WITH THE OUTLAWS IN POSSESSION

With the weather set fair but an increasingly blustery wind making kicking difficult we were off and its a this point I have to say having secured the team sheet I was warned that some of the players did not match up their number I think this in the end applied to the visitors so apologies I will add numbers and hope names are correct.

STURGESS [11] FIRST TRY OF THE DAY

The first half was a typical Derbyshire v Nottinghamshire 'derby' with tight defences and to the surprise of many officials a low scoring affair at the end of 40 minutes a try for Derby on 14 minutes through Lewis Sturgess [11] was levelled up 5 minutes before the whistle by the visitors number 2 [Chris Pearce].  Both conversions were unsuccessful with the strong wind making it almost impossible to settle the ball.
The first half had seen a 50/50 split with Derby starting strongly but Nottingham showed resilience to force their was back onto the game to level.
If the first half was close the second was anything but with the right wing proving Nottingham Outlaws undoing on 53 minutes Lewis Thompson [1] went over with once again Joe Doughty [7] unable to convert.

CLEAN DISTRIBUTION FROM DERBY CITY

  It was 14-4 on 57 minutes when Alex Brown [13] broke through on halfway to go overt he whitewash and this time Josh Jackson [14] took over the kicking duties and converted.  Moments later the one way traffic was confirmed when Thompson [1] broke away down the right to secure the points with Jackson [14] converting.  The next score was all down to Jackson [14] selling an outrageous dummy he went over then did the necessary with the kick to make it 26-4.

DERBY OVER AGAIN

  It was then time for early bird Sturgess [11] to complete his hat trick of tries when he went over twice in the space of 5 minutes with Jackson [14] converting one of the two chances and with the score running away from Nottingham, Derby added a final try on 75 minutes when Adam Walker [5] found joy again on the right hand side to make it 40-4 and seal a convincing victory in the second period after a very close first half.
As the wind got stronger in the second period and the dark clouds gathered I was rather wishing I had added a coat to my shirt and umbrella but with a steady amble back for the Ilkeston Flyer there was enough time to make the connection onto the Comet from Derby at 5.05pm.
This had been a day of new discovery I have certainly learnt of a new ground, club and area of Derbyshire that I had not previously known much about and also a much needed intake of local industrial knowledge in regards to the Stanton Ironworks.  Best wishes to both clubs for their season and hopefully I will see them again during the summer.

LEICESTERSHIRE MAKE IT HARD FOR DERBYSHIRE

DERBYSHIRE V LEICESTERSHIRE 417 FOR 3
DAY 1 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2 @ THE 3aaa's GROUND
May 25 2017 --- 1105am

THE NEW MEDIA CENTRE AT DERBYSHIRE OVERSEES THE ACTION

On a blistering hot day Leicestershire made Derbyshire toil in the field by piling on the runs in sessions 2 and 3 and by the close of play they had burst through 400 leaving the home fans concerned.

ALL SET FOR A DAYS PLAY

Summer was here and today we had the evidence so the opportunity to take in some cricket at Derbyshire's fast improving headquarters.  From previous seasons entries hopefully this small blog will show the major developments off the pitch its not my intention to cover the game to any degree just look at the excellent changes taking place at Derby.

THE GROUNDS LOOKING GOOD FROM ALL ANGLES

Following a straight forward trip to Derby the short journey to the ground was completed and the first noticeable change is the overpowering new build of media and business centre which houses DCCC staff offices, media centre and of course business suite.  The previous large scaffold stand has been dismantled and placed around the new centre with the remainder offering a elevated view behind the opposite gym end.  The new club shop is now situated by the pavilion, sadly this only opens before the day and at lunch time but needs must.  The former cafeteria just offers a rest room area with to the side a new mobile catering wagon serving eating and drinking requirements today.  Well I remember the old breakfast days followed by ploughman's in the pavilion when the club did their own catering they were great days all at reasonable prices.  Still advancement as seen the ground develop well and the club must be pleased with their on going efforts, now for the on the pitch improvements.

ALFIE GLEADALL OF ECKINGTON CC ON SQUAD DUTIES

By the end of the first session Leicestershire who had quite obviously elected to bat following winning the toss were 77 for 1 a slow performance but by the close of play had amassed 415 for 3 with 2 centurions in Cosgrove and Ackerman, with over 200 added in the final 32 overs it had been a hard day for the home side with just Palladino showing much promise for Derbyshire.

DIVING SAVE AT GULL TO DENY LEICESTERSHIRE RUNS

It would only be decided in the forthcoming days if this was a superb pitch and both sides would find it relatively easy.

PAUL HORTON LEICESTERSHIRE C C C

The postscript shows Leic made 619 with Derbyshire at the end of the third day on 532 for 8, some of which was in overcast conditions.  So overall it looks like 2 evenly matched sides it was certainly a game Derbyshire could not afford to lose.

HARRY DEARDEN DISPATCHES ANOTHER DELIVERY FOR LEICESTERSHIRE

During the day it was interesting to catch up with many friends at the county ground and be lucky enough to take a look at the new media centre, well done the Falcons I hope the season will be enjoyable and successful.

ROOM WITH A VIEW FROM THE MEDIA CENTRE

It was also interesting to see former Derbyshire player and coach Graeme Welch now coaching at todays visitors and a blast back to my early watching days saw Mike Hendrick in attendance from the glories days of the late 70's/early 80's.

MORE SOLID LEICESTERSHIRE BATTING

A comfortable journey back see arrival at just short of 8pm after a long day for Derbyshire and their supporters in what had been a superb hot summers day.

HUNSLET MISS OUT TO POOL IN THE WATER

HUNSLET CLUB 2 POOL 3
WEST YORKSHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE @ HUNSLET CLUB
20 MAY 2017 --- 2.30PM

HUNSLET CLUB V POOL

After 5 months of mediocrity you finally arrive towards the end of the season in a dead rubber game and you've guessed it the most entertaining game of 2017 comes along.  With little to play for both of these sides didn't play anything like you would have expected with a full on game which featured some excellent football and 5 goals in the pouring rain.  In the early stages Pool had secured themselves a 2 goal lead only for Hunslet to fight back with two goals in seven minutes before half time.  As both sides slugged it out in the second half it was Pool who were to enjoy the joy of a winning goal after 89 minutes.

A WARM WELCOME AT HUNSLET CLUB

The base station start was just short of 11am and before the day gets under way there is a need for a little rant.  This week I was looking forward to the end of season jaunt into the West Yorkshire League after last seasons successful visits.  With the option of Field, Bradford based, versus champions Carlton Athletic, on Sunday Field announced there was a doubt about the game due in fairness to Bradford City visiting Wembley for the play offs.  As the week developed it was clear a number of hoppers country wide planned a visit and asked the question 'is it on'?  I have to say Field failed to answer the question and even the FA Full Time site still had the game as on all day on Saturday, thankfully a call to the referee on Friday got me the answer of not too travel it was off.  So it was either Hunslet or Beeston St Anthony's so the new ground was chosen, luckily because BSA's visitors Oxenhope failed to raise a team shortly before kick off resulting in a broken fixture!  The chance to visit Hunslet club would give the blog an insight into two of the NCL rugby league clubs not so far covered in Hunslet Warriors and Hunslet Club Parkside who play on adjacent pitches, indeed the former were at home today to Shaw Cross Sharks so a back up was available.  The rant is just an appeal for clubs to advertise [and leagues] and keep fans up to date Hunslet Club had done so with a quick Twitter announcement and saw around 35 people in attendance with I guess three quarters of them hoppers of the local and national variety [Surrey and St Annes Lancashire were in evidence].

NO SEAT ON JUNE 9 TOO?

So back to the journey on a beautiful day, not to remain so weather wise for long, but with brolly in hand we arrived in Leeds at 1215.  The city was in good and busy form with a short walk to The Cornmarket to catch the First Leeds service to Hunslet.  Luncheon break was taken in the yellow M's and as we looked up to prepare our next move we noticed the weather had done a complete change and it was raining sharply.  The official opening of the umbrellas for today were struggling to keep us dry but after a walk around the local shopping centre there was chance to admire, for political balance after previous political appearances, The Green Party candidates advertising on the edge of the precinct a non polluting bicycle which was minus its seat which I guess Mr Carlisle might also be come June 9 in Leeds Central.
The arrival at Hunslet Club, a multi functional sports venue, was of course still greeted by the downpour and after a welcome from a couple of the Hunslet officials we took a small respite in the snack bar area of the club resisting the chance of a bout in the boxing ring which was right by the comfort break stations.

TO THE LEFT OF ME HUNSLET WARRIORS TO THE RIGHT OF ME HUNSLET CLUB FC

Rain still teaming a circuit was attempted before I realised the NCL Rugby Warriors v Shaw Cross Sharks was on the adjoining pitch separated by just a walkway, this would be a tester not to try to watch both!  Although I did take a few glimpses at the rugby there will be time to catch up with it in the next few months hopefully.  The football ground has a couple of dug outs is nicely railed off with sturdy mesh below the railings but mainly grass standing apart from the immediate area after entering from the club car park, there are no floodlights.

LETS TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE M621 FOOTBARIDGE

But overall this is a smart little set up for this level and even with the downpour it offered a pleasant viewing experience.  Mick had made contact with a few of the other visitors and also some of the Pool [Pool in Wharfedale] officials and it really is amazing the distance some had travelled for this game yet the local estates don't come along and support their team.
With the team sheets gained it was nearly time for kick off and it looked like the photogenic parts of the ground would be the artistically designed footbridge over the A61 and M621 and to the other side of the pitch the Parish Church and Rugby clubhouse.

GOAL [7] IN THE RAIN FOR POOL

The game started at a pace with the visitors in the lead after 9 minutes when Jamie Algar converted and it was 2-0 shortly afterwards this time Algar was the provider for '17' [no number on team sheet info to follow] to head home.  It looked as though Pool would take this game to the cleaners but little by little Hunslet got themselves together and on 39 minutes pulled a goal back through Samuel Kyermeh whose back post header rippled the net.  As half time approached Hunslet crafted out an equaliser when Gareth Groves turned in a Killian Mabey cross.

POOL IN POSSESSION

A highly entertaining half had somehow seen Hunslet force their way right back into proceedings and Pool must have felt quite deflated after conceding their two goal lead.
The first half downpour made watching conditions testing and with the second half starting in finer weather we hoped above hope to leave the umbrellas closed up however it wasn't to be long before they were unfurled again as darkness and heavy rain returned to the skies of Hunslet.   Our friend the unlisted 17 for Pool was in the mix with a couple of good chances to give his side the lead again indeed he even turned provider on 61 minutes setting up Grant Blyth who saw his effort saved by the leg of home custodian Jordan Myers.

THE OTHER VIEW AT HILLIDGE RD

Hunslet were straight back at Pool with a superb 50 yard weaving run from Omri Linfoot which ended with Hunslet substitute 17, I now realise last seasons problem clubs do not list their subs number only 1,2,3, etc on the official team sheets it would be nice W.Yorks League to sort this one so sorry to these 2 players so far for no name checks.  Both sides were now going at it like a heavy weight boxer with fantastic endeavour and commitment but it would be Pool who snatched the three points with a minute of normal time to go when Scott Cater crashed a header in via the underside of the bar.

HUNSLET HOLD ONTO THE BALL

A shame somebody had to lose this one but both teams can be proud of their efforts in an end of season fixture I have seen many poorer games in both effort and quality and paid a higher admission, well done.

CLOSE GAME ALL OVER THE PITCH

An about turn took us on our departure through the rugby clubs car park, the Morrsion's equivalent and out through the shopping centre as the '74' pulled into its stand and we were soon in the City Centre and departing on the Northern Rail service at just after 5pm, base being arrived at 1 and a half hours later.
Overall this was a superb little visit even with the very poor weather it was a game that provided a roaring amount of entertainment for the neutral great to see so many hoppers visiting lets hope the locals start to realise what they have on offer too.

MORTON SHORT IN THE RUN STAKES

MORTON COLLIERY C C  V DENBY C C
MANSFIELD AND DISTRICT CRICKET LEAGUE @ BACK LANE
14 MAY 2017 --- 1.30PM

MORTON COLLIERY CRICKET CLUB

After the first site of cricket this season before yesterdays NSL League cup final at Dunkirk today presented an opportunity to re visit the delightful Morton Colliery Cricket Club far a 'Sunday' xl fixture versus fellow Derbyshire side Denby.
The game is often not the only benefit in the cricket stakes with the social occasion and sportsmanship show by many clubs a real plus in todays sporting environments.  Having started off trying to cover the penultimate Sunday league fixture in the local Sunday League only for it to become a broken fixture a quick look at the scheduled cricket matches came up with a few but there was only going to be one choice today a chance to start the season at Morton.

GROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT BACK LANE

First thing of note on arrival at this lovely appointed ground, see last seasons blogs for a descriptor, was an extended boundary edge which now has smart new fencing and conveyor belt edging nicely whitewashed.  The smell of bacon cobs was calling and although I resisted there were of course copious chocolate and fizzy stuff consumed.  As mentioned before its a friendly club and today proved no different with a  warm welcome offered by all old friends and new.  The outfield now extended still undulates every which way and offers a similar feel to Underbank Rangers rugby league ground at Holmfirth.  But it is a labour of love for all concerned including long standing grounds man Charlie Wright who has prepared every blade of grass on the outfield with tender care.  This lovely setting offers The Sitwell Arms behind long off to the road side, the former pit tip through the covers and opposite the clubhouse and tower of the Parish Church.

DRINKS BREAK AND TIME FOR A REST FOR THE UMPIRES

So with the sun out the scene was set and with Denby losing 2 early wickets things were looking good for Morton however the visitors got away a little in the middle of their innings and although they were tied down a little in there late overs they finished on 186 for 6 in their allotted 40 overs.

MORTON CCC APPLAUD GROUNDS MAN CHARLIE WRIGHT ON AT THE TEA INTERVAL

After the team interval which saw the aforementioned Mr Wright pop out to the middle to resolutely do his work on the square we were soon back and after an encouraging start and the continuation by Kieran Marsh with a brisk 43 including one massive 6 which amazingly landed full on the top of his car way back over long on, of all the cars in all the world to miss quote!

ASHLEY CAUNT OPENING FOR MORTON

There was a small cameo from Sam Evans but the innings fell away after Marsh departed and Morton were dismissed in the 28th over for 136.

A CAMEO FROM SAM EVANS

A disappointing loss for the home side but overall its about the game and today both sides showed some excellent sportsmanship applauding all batsman off the pitch and roundly thanking one another for the game afterwards, long may this continue.

THE POP SIDE

An enjoyable afternoon and good to catch up with the club hopefully more visits to follow this summer.