HOLMES & ASPINALL SET MORTON UP NICELY FOR WIN

MORTON COLLIERY CC 234 ALL OUT WALTON ON TRENT 177 FOR 9
DERBYSHIRE COUNTY LEAGUE DIVISION 2 @ BACK LANE
23 JUNE 2018 --- 1.30PM

MORTON COLLERY CRICKET CLUB READY FOR PLAY TO BEGIN

A century stand between John Aspinall and Morton captain Paul Holmes set up the home side nicely for a winning draw against their south Derbyshire visitors who kept a firm grip of the final wicket to deny the hosts an outright win.

HOLMES [L] AND ASPINALL RESCUE MORTON

Like that comfy armchair of non league football clubs that it is a pleasure to frequent it is added too in cricket terms by Morton Colliery it always feels like a return home and the comfy slippers are waiting, it had been too long this season but finally a short journey would allow me to re-acquaint with the old girl.


SCOREBOARD RE SITED SHOWS THE EARLY TROUBLE WITH KIERON MARSH ALSO IN THE PICTURE

The departure at The Corner Pin allowed for a brief walk along the sleepy weekend streets of this former mining village and now of course roundly credited with being the centre of England with a plaque at the base of a tree on Station Rd in the western side of Station Rd.  The brief walk was brought to a halt by a visiting player who asked directions to the ground and then kindly transported me the remaining quarter of a mile to the ground, cheers!

JOHN ASPINALL KEEPS THE SCORE MOVING

Previous visits and recordings have listed much about Morton so repeating them would serve no purpose save to say the club now has a 1st, 2nd and 3rd Xl alongside the younger sides much else remains in place the wonderful setting is only added to by this clubs excellent band of volunteers.  As per most sports teams and clubs the free time of the helpers keep them going and here at Back Lane its no different with the ever youthful grounds man Charlie Wright still overseeing all things pitch side and with Ken, John, Tony and a whole band of lady officials everything from scoring to snacks to the bar go like clockwork and of course are a credit to the club whose teas are famous around the circuit.

HOLMES IS OK ON THIS ONE DEFINITELY IN

Greetings aside and thank you there were many proceedings would get under way with Morton batting after losing the toss and being invited to take up the challenge and so it proved as they quickly slipped to 96 for 5.  Out strode captain Paul Holmes with a purpose to join the experienced John Aspinall who had started to steady the ship before Bair Mathews fell for 25.  The partnership of 104 certainly rescued Morton and the gentle endeavour of Aspinall [62] set up the foundations for the final total going along gently at first but then opening up as Holmes stepped on the gas.

CAPTAIN HOLMES RECEIVES THE APPLAUSE FOR HIS 79

Big hitting became the order of the day for Holmes who bludgeoned six 4's and four maximums in his total of 79 before being on the receiving end of a harsh umpiring decision, with bat down in the crease before the bails were dislodged a long think by the square leg umpire saw the finger raised.  The innings closed far more advanced than originally expected at 234 all out off the last ball of the 46 overs.

ITS THE WRIGHT TIME FOR CHARLIE

As Charlie Wright wandered out with brush and wheelbarrow in hand for a gentle sweep of the business area there was even time for a brief head scratch under the industrious sun hat of his it years have seen many players come and go.

ECONOMICAL SPELL FROM DAVID GREAVES

Suitably fed and watered the players returned and with Holmes and David Greaves opening up the Morton attack with expectations high by the time Walton reached 50 for the loss of just one wicket, a superb sharp catch from Jordan lemon, the home faithful had tamed their hopes a little.  The arrival of first change Tom Coxhead made the difference though and when Lemon took his second catch off of his bowling the visitors lost their second wicket at 50.  A steady flow of wickets followed and it became clear that Walton would need to hang on and so they did under the able stewardship of Edward Chapman [51] and Lewis Williams [4] who denied Morton that final wicket.  The introduction of Coxhead changed the game for Colliery he finished with 3 for 42 in 14 with four maidens added to by some economical bowling from opening bowler Greaves who sent down 8 overs returning 2 for 16.

PAUL HOLMES OPENS THE BOWLING

A points tally of a 19-11 in a winning draw for Morton who finished 57 runs ahead seemed a flat end to the afternoons toils but many local leagues have this deflating system.  Surely the leagues should look at this system a win is a win except when you don't bowl a side out who get nowhere near your total.

A SLIP CORDON OF HAW, LEMON, MARSH AND KEEPER STONE FOR MORTON

A pleasant return to Morton and with a thanks to ex Morton player Harry Wilmot's granddad for a lift back to base a comfortable return around 8pm allowed time for a small bit of watering.

ELECTRICITY SPORTS CHASE DOWN REVISED TARGET TO WIN CLOSE MATCH

LEICESTER ELECTRICITY SPORTS 289 FOR 5 LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN 2nd Xl 329 FOR 4
LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND CL LG 1 AT NEW BRIDGE ST
16 JUNE 2018 --- 1PM

LEICESTER ELECTRICITY SPORTS WITH TIGERS WELFORD RD IN THE BACKGROUND

Electricity Sports chased down a revised target to gain the victory that must have left visitors Loughborough Town deflated after they had set a massive 329 for 4 in their allotted 45 overs.  In a batters paradise there was a stunning effort from Neel Gandhi who went on from securing his century to reach 137 and also secure 2 for 48 with the ball.  But with the home side five down and still requiring 105 from 15 overs the rain break of around 25 minutes set up an achievable total that thanks to big hitting from Tim Phillips [34] [who also took 3 for 74] and the rock that the innings was built on Andy Deacon [118] Sports got home with two overs to spare.

NEEL GANDHI TOP SCORE FOR LOUGHBOROUGH TOWN WITH 137

Quite by chance a few years ago I discovered this little gem of a ground while walking round some of the sporting sites of Leicester while covering a game at St Andrews FC in the city in the latters promotion year, at that point the marker was set to cover a game of cricket at New Bridge St.  Sadly dodgy weather last year and then a few weeks ago put this on the back burner until today with the hope of a nearly full days play the 45 minute journey from base station was made and after a walk through Nelson Mandela Park and by the Welford Rd site of Leicester Tigers, a memory jerker took place with a look at the old Filbert St site of Leicester City sadly now much a weed strewn rubble save for a third of the site housing a student accommodation tower block.  A  brief meander along to take a look at the new home of The Foxes found the cricketers warming up with 1230 approaching it was then that I realised the start time was 1pm so a visit to the nearby Morrison's over the Aylestone Rd on the site of the former cattle market provided pre match provisions.

LEICESTER CITY'S KINGPOWER STADIUM OVERSEES PROCEEDINGS

Although the ground is now listed as New Bridge St it was formerly more recognised as new Ayestone Rd especially around 1901 when it was the main county ground for Leicestershire who took it as home until around 1946 when they moved back to their current base at Grace Rd.  With the era of cricket played here there was many a famous name gracing the ground including WG Grace, Herbert Sutcliffe, Don Bradman, Wally Hammond, Douglas Jardine, Len Hutton the list goes on so an esteemed who's who of cricket.  Leicester played 399 first class games here and it was once described as one of the biggest grounds in the country.

ELECTRICITY SPORTS WOULD SOON BE JUMPING FOR JOY

Today then the playing surface as been reduced by a triple set of mini apartment blocks which overlook the ground on the Aylestone Rd side and from what historically I guess would have been fields on the edge of the city we now have an expanse of industrial and factory units alongside the two other sporting stadia.  Although railed off with small park fence type barriers there appears to be a public walkway around most of the site.  Very much like Throncliffe CC from Chapeltown which also sits in a busy town centre this ground offers a haven of peace amongst the nearby hustle and bustle of a major route into the city centre around 3/4 of a mile away.
The star of the show is the double deck pavilion which is rather difficult to describe with its many features needless to say the windows on the top deck have been replaced from the former mini slatted variety.

LOUGHBOROUGH OPENER GANDHI KEEPS HIS EYES ON THE BALL

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat but it was looking dubious when the first wicket fell with just one on the scoreboard, Greg Hollins [68] joined opener Gandhi and they proceeded to put on 160 for the second wicket before Hollins lost his stumps to Tim Phillips.  Stuart Fielding partnered his opener for a swift 58 before the third wicket at 277 saw Gandhi dismissed but during this time he had been striking out and sending the ball to all corners of the outfield and when it did finally end the Loughborough opener had amassed a remarkable 137 which at this stage looked to have set up a match wining total of 329 for 4 which was ably added to by Ben Wooldridge [31] in the latter stages.
Tea break and off to said store again this time to sample their wonderfully exotic salad bar, yes you've heard it right SALAD, in the mixed up lyrics of The Proclaimers song 'fish and chips no moooore'!

ANDY DEACON LAUNCHES HIMSELF INTO ANOTHER BIG HIT

As ever the day was matched by some boundary conversations including a Loughborough fan who it was a pleasure to speak to, David who was with his son in the nets and we had a brief discussion about the club and a few things football and latterly Loughborough's injured opener who was out trying his arm at photography while on the side lines, as ever great to meet you thanks!

DEACON STRIKES ONE THROUGH THE OFFSIDE

The first innings proved hard word for the bowlers in finding a length that would contain the scoring and the fielding was proving difficult on this fast outfield.  Your choice of winners at this stage looked to be with the visitors but a blistering start from Electricity Sports saw them get to 50 in 5 overs thanks to Oliver Gratix [30] and Luke Clark [39] but they soon fell to 99 for 3 in the 13th over it was case of wickets being available to see the task through.  By this stage Andy Deacon had come to the crease and was slowly amassing the runs in a measured manner along the way he was joined by Jacob Humphries [20] who was bowled by Alfie Gurney brother of Notts and England international Harry.   When the a rain stoppage intervened at 225 for 5 in 30 overs it was looking a difficult ask certainly one which needed a preservation of wickets while moving the total along at the same time.  The revised target after the short delay saw eight overs lost and from the now remaining 7 a further 62 runs were needed.
Electricity Sports were more than up for this and showed their intent when Deacon hit the first ball after the restart for 4 and with Phillips bludgeoning the ball around the ground they found themselves grabbing victory.  The final ball of the 35th over saw Phillips launch it well beyond the ropes to set off some joyous scenes at the front of the clubhouse with a victory that had been set up by the superbly measured century from Deacon of 118.

SPORTS OVER THE LINE WITH A BIT MORE BIG HITTING

This must have felt like a big disappointment for the visitors but they were part of a superbly entertaining game for the neutral spectator and one that if the full total had been required who knows what would have happened, mind you with the ferocity of hitting by Phillips and Deacon at the end even that may have not been beyond Electricity Sports.
A sharp bit of movement allowed departure on the 8.05 from Leicester to base and an enjoyable day was backed up by over hearing a young child on the train discussing with his grandma about their pets he was telling her he had two pets one he bought and one he found, to which she enquired 'what's the one you found'?  He promptly replied 'a caterpillar'!

WORRYING TIME FOR THE EAGLES

SHEFFIELD EAGLES 18 SWINTON LIONS 29
CHAMPIONSHIP @ OLYMPIC LEGACY PARK
10 JUNE 2018 --- 3PM
These are worrying times for Sheffield Eagles following on a week in which Director of Rugby and 'Mr Sheffield Eagles' Mark Aston warned of ever rising costs since their return to the city the club have won just once at their new base and have now suffered a disappointing loss against bottom side Swinton.

SHEFFIELD EAGLES V SWINTON LIONS

This game was the classic 'four pointer' and with Sheffield having secured a19-18 win at the Lions at the start of April this was their chance to put a little bit of space between the two sides as the bottom clubs already find themselves in a dog fight to avoid relegation to League 1.
Relegation looks a real non starter for Eagles as a club, but clearly on the cards performance wise and Mark Aston has this week declared how costs have rose three fold since their return to The OLP and a drop may not be sustainable.  Of course like any club whether that be football or any other sport the chicken and egg situation applies again Eagles need more supporters through the gate, something they probably expected when they returned home, but often the floating fans won't come to watch a side who have won at home just once this season.  Lets make it clear the club have a loyal band of around 700 fans but even with the visiting supporters today they still returned the lowest gate in the Championship.  This is the blogs fourth game out of seven at home this season to see Sheffield and without a win in that batch it does get a struggle but of course with two of those games being against big spending Centurions and Broncos it was with anticipation of a win against Swinton today that three of us paid with programmes and other add on's around £55.  The cost is probably about right for the league but there is a need to attract back the old fans who probably left the club during their recent nomadic times it is too be hoped that some wins on the board will soon come and attract back their investment.  Maybe the club can look at a one of £10 admission for a select game that is well promoted to encourage old and new fans to attend a game of rugby league now it is back in Sheffield.
Sadly Eagles are not unique as an array of sporting sides are going through the same frantic need for investment indeed in rugby league this last week as seen Whitehaven working with their fans and community to find enough financial input to get them through the remainder of the season and with Bradford Bulls now residing in League 1 there is of course no club safe.
I hope the Eagles can find that investment required or the appeal for a more understanding cost base at The OLP can be found but more than anything in a sport that I have developed a interest in over the last few seasons its is to be hoped the Eagles can find a sequence of wins that staves of the threat of relegation, brings back the missing spectators and rewards their loyal base of current fans in what is a magnificent game.
The game then just a minor mention Eagles lost!  A dozen each at half time by the end of a poor second half they had lost 18-29 and Swinton had secured the 2 points that cancelled out the same hard earned number of points two months earlier at Heywood Rd.
The friendly side of the game was further supported today both sets of fans mingling together during the 80 minutes and the blog was pleased to catch up with referee John McMullen, for a quick chat, who as we mentioned in the Keighley blog a few weeks ago we had first seen in his National Conference League days.

SHEFFIELD COLLEGIATE HELPED TO VICTORY BY ELDRED AND VARLEY

SHEFFIELD COLLEGIATE 232 FOR 7 V BARNSLEY WOOLLEY MINERS 168 FOR 5
YORKSHIRE PREMIER SOUTH @ ABBEYDALE PARK
9 JUNE 2018 --- 12 NOON

ABBEYDALE PARK ON A SUNNY DAY

An eight wicket stand of 74 from Henry Eldred [48] and Josh Varley [30] helped Collegiate to 232 for 7 in 50 overs after they had been in danger of not batting out their overs when the seventh wicket fell at 158.  The total was always looking testing for Barnsley who never really got near to passing the home sides score finishing on 168 for 7 with Azeem Rafiq taking 4 for 52 to add to his 55 in the Sheffield total.
Day two then of the extended sporting weekend and after International Polo yesterday, see previous blog, it was back to the, often, more relaxing game of cricket.  A small journey sees the train fly past Dore and Totley station before changing in Sheffield to come back to our destination by once again a rammed to overloaded Northern Rail train on the all stopping Peak District route, thankfully within a few minutes it was time to decamp and soon seeking out the local Tesco which is just five minutes past the ground always handy for the hopping fraternity and non more so than in a full 'dayer' at the cricket.

CRICKET TO THE FORE WITH SHEFFIELD RUFC IN THE BACKGROUND

The Abbeydale Park complex is an excitable variety of sporting sweet shop for the sports fan with Sheffield RUFC siding onto the cricket ground, a racquets and fitness centre, badminton hall, tennis club, hockey all weather pitch and of course cricket ground too.  The hockey pitch is a re-lay from the 2012 Olympics and looks resplendent in aqua blue and pink and receives constant water dousing during the day of which there is a charity football game plus an English Universities hockey game taking place.

MATCH ACTION WITH COLLEGIATE BATTING

The cricket ground is interesting in its own right in that it has the unique tag of having had two county sides use it as their home before a boundary change in the 1930s the site was in Derbyshire and then strangely after the amendments Derbyshire played there in 1946 and 47 all be it for just two games.  Yorkshire used the ground from 74-96 and some 2nd Xl games around the turn of the century.  There is talk of changing room improvements which may see Yorkshire return in some format soon and that will be good because although not a stunning ground it is a lovely setting surrounded by the tree lined hills and rich suburbia that is Dore.

BARNSLEY CAPTAIN HAIDER JAHANGIR APPEALS FOR LBW

Having seen some pictures of the ground it was sad to see, although positive for the ground, the pavilion under development with much boarding up and building work going on around the site.  Thankfully the rugby club and bar area were open for varying snacks and non alcoholic liquid refreshments during a steaming hot afternoon.  The pavilion reminds me of a version of the 1970s Headingley build with the players changing upstairs with a viewing balcony, moving around the far side is met by a raised bank which offers a good vantage point with behind this a further rugby pitch. The scoreboard end is backed off by trees and in the far corner the tennis club as we come around back to the pavilion the boundary crosses over to the rugby union pitch and behind it the small seated stand and terrace for the oval ball spectators.  The only disappointing aspect was the lack of spectator seating around the ground this would have added to the general feel of the ground and many Yorkshire grounds are made up by the stop of points around the boundary edge.

COLLEGIATE LOOK TO SWEEP BARNSLEY AWAY

Its always quite amazing the amount of people who are known to you that greet you at sporting events where you least expect them and Mr Kingham [sorry don't know your first name] from the local non league football circuit was in situ for the afternoon and it was good to talk sport currently and swap a few stories.  I must also thank you for a kind gesture in your lift back to base which was very much appreciated.

A WELL EARNED DRINKS BREAK FOR COLLEGIATE DURING THE BARNSLEY REPLY

Collegiate were without Billy Root, brother of England captain Joe, who was away on Nottinghamshire duty which was a  shame because on the previous occasion I saw them he was also away on first class business.
With Sheffield winning the toss and batting first they lost wickets at steady intervals although the scoreboard was ticking along and by the time Rafiq had fallen at 158 for 7 there looked a danger of being dismissed for a manageable score with overs not fully used up.  Up stepped Eldred and Varley who added 74 undefeated that saw Collegiate reach 232 for 7 that even before Barnsley batted looked a good ask.  For the visitors Ali Jahangir was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 65 in 14 overs.
With the tea time dash to the commercial enterprise previously mentioned for a refrigerated sandwich and a few other bits and bobs arrival back at Abbeydale was just in time for the Barnsley reply.

BARNSLEY MOUNT THEIR REPLY

A steady fall of wickets found Barnsley at 44 for 4 and when top scorer Boeta Beukes was caught by Eldred off Rafiq with the score at 99 for 5 things looked ominous for the visitors.  Stephen Walters [38] and Haider Jahangir steadied the ship with the latter not out on 33 when Barnsley innings came to a close on 168 for 7 in their allotted overs.

SHEFFIELD CONTINUE THEIR DEFENCE

An enjoyable afternoon once again backed up with some good boundary conversations one of which was with a gentleman, who once again sorry I forgot to get your name, were we discussed all things sporting and especially cricket.  He even convinced me to try some Sheffield RUFC next season and told me about the hockey that is played there on site, thanks a pleasure as always.
With a swift lift back as previously mentioned base was arrived at by 7.30pm from an enjoyable day 2 of 3 in this sporting bonanza moving on to Sunday and Sheffield Eagles and The Olympic Legacy Park.

SPORT OF KINGS AND THE COMMON MAN

LAURENT PERRIER 11 V VDOCS 1
ARBUTHNOT LATHAM 7 V LDF 3
LDF INTERNATIONAL POLO SEMI FINALS  @ THE ROODEE, CHESTER RACECOURSE
8 JUNE 2018 --- 2.30PM
Life as well as sport if often guided and decided by pre conceived ideas and so I guess it is with the sport of polo that of course bills itself as 'the sport of kings' but often you have to go and sample the book to find out what's beneath the cover, or at least a flute or two of champers.

ACTION FROM THE LDF INTERNATIONAL POLO EVENT

A first visit to polo was secured quite by accident while checking out end of season travels that would mean avoiding busy trains around Chester it was then that the LDF sponsored international polo tournament was spotted for both today and the Saturday and a note was made that there was a chance to widen the sporting horizon.

CHESTER RACECOURSE A FINE VIEW

So with a departure just before 9am the vagaries of a busy public transport system were encompassed full on, no arriving by Range Rover et all here, with an arrival in the delightful city of Chester just after mid-day.  On a warm day the racecourse at Chester, otherwise known as The Roodee, was arrived at after a short amble with plenty of time to familiarise myself with the surroundings.  The racecourse is the oldest still in use in England and at 1 mile and 1 furlong one of the smallest, however it is so well appointed sitting on the banks of the river Dee with the properties on the south bank overlooking the course and back to the walled city which sits majestically above the main stand.
Interestingly the day had started with a conversation with the proprietor of the base station newsagents when I mentioned I was off to the polo she informed me that her granddaughter played horse ball, a form of horse basketball, another one to look up!

HOW FAR AWAY ARE THE GOALS

Guided towards the centre of the racecourse where the expanse that is the pitch with at either end two posts to form the goals made up of black and white hoops, the length is 300 yards by width of 160 yards and you certainly need a trained eye to follow the ball during play.  The goals are 8 yards apart and a chukka is of 7 minutes in time with today 4 chukka's being played in a match.  Interestingly, but of course for safety reasons, no left handers are allowed they were banned in the 1930's but when you observe the speed and swiftness of the mallets safety has to be of paramount.
There were by now a fair few spectators gathering pitch side but overall it appeared very much a corporate event with today being semi final day a lot of the outlets were not open or stocked but HR Owen luxury cars where in attendance with 3 Maserati's totalling just shy of 1/4 of a million pounds.  The star player being the Gran Turismo all coming in at a very reasonable price with the bargain priced Levante Gran Sport at £77,000 you can guess where the formers price range is.  The other side players in attendance today where a quality fish and chip outlet with bar adjacent.

GO ON THEN THE MASERATI GRAN TURISMO

With hospitality the order of the day the pre match meals and drinks were well underway while the blog wandered off to take a look at the ponies and their carriages all being prepared and kept in shape.  Chester Polo Club had their own little VIP area along side four tents for todays teams.

JAMES FIELDING SIGNS THE VDOCS SHIRT

The whole event was sponsored by the LDF group who took up one of the four teams the others where sponsored by bankers Arbuthnot Latham, VDOCS and Laurent Perrier and with prize money of £10,000 the event was not to be taken lightly.

LAURENT PERRIER TEAM COOLY GATHER TO MEET THEIR SPONSORS

Before proceedings got underway there was a chance to observe the teams in their mini tents and get a quick picture of James Fielding signing his VDOCS shirt for some lucky winner later.  The event thanks to the LDF group had produced what appeared an excellent programme that was available to hospitality it was just a shame that it never made the rounds of the general spectator, although many were of course left on the tables in hospitality afterwards.

VDOCS TEAM WITH A FORMAL TOGETHER TEAM LINE UP

The first match would see Laurent Perrier ahead 4-0 after the first chukka and by the end of proceedings they had stolen an 11-1 march on VDOCS with Michael Henderson scoring 9 of their goals.
Half time in each match saw a silver champagne stopper placed under a divot on the pitch and with members of the crowd invited on to 'stomp' down the lifted up turf the person to find the silver today were awarded with a bottle of Laurent Perrier for their troubles.

CLOSE UP ACTION FROM LAURENT PERRIER V VDOCS

Interestingly the winner followed out one of the organisers of the day and was immediately in for the winnings but the second match saw nobody locate the stopper and who knows its probably still their now.

MORE ACTION FROM MATCH ONE

The second match pitted Arbuthnot Latham against LDF and it proved a slightly less one sided affair with the bankers running out 7-4 winners to secure a place in the final against Laurent Perrier on the Saturday, a final that they won the following day in the presence of Sir King Kenny Dalglish.
Todays proceedings received an overview commentary throughout to guide spectators around the matches and alongside a post lunch introduction to polo this was very well applied by the man on the mic.

GOOD JOB FROM THE MAN ON THE MICROPHONE KEEPING ALL UP TO SPEED WITH GOINGS ON

Live sport is live sport much like live music and just needs to be sampled to see if your taste buds are whetted and today was an enjoyable afternoon watching the speed and undoubted skill of the players, bring it a bit closer to base and I would definitely attend again.  If you want to look for the stereotypes then they are there just as in any sport but along with quite a few other people sampling it for the first time I had an educational and enjoyable day in the company of Chester Polo Club.
The sport of train cramming and delays was endured back to Stockport before changing onto a further crowded train back to Sheffield and finally a seat for the return to base station around 9pm.

MOSELEY BOWLED OVER BY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE IN QUICK TIME

MOSELEY 64 ALL OUT V KNOWLE & DORRIDGE 65 FOR 2
BIRMINGHAM & DISTRICT PREMIER CRICKET LEAGUE PRMIER DIVISION
@ STREETSBROOK RD 2 JUNE 2018 --- 12PM
Knowle and Dorridge [KD] made short work of securing victory in this top of the table derby clash first dismissing the home side cheaply before knocking off the required runs with 8 wickets to spare.  The fixture looked encouraging with third v fourth in table position and a north and south of Solihull derby game to boot however by 3.20pm it was all over and strangely it had taken me as long to travel to the ground as I had witnessed play.

MOSELEY CC THE BUSINESS END

With weather watch in play again following some torrential downpours in the week, these were now encircling base, the late decision was made to travel to Birmingham to avoid any loss of fixtures or overs to the wet stuff.  Midnight oil was burning and with two games selected both in the Birmingham Premier League the final decision after the usual train planning plumped for an attractive looking ground on Streetsbrook Rd the home of Moseley Cricket Club, although the ground is just over the border in Solihull.  Formed over 50 years ago the club were one of the founder members of the league and with the club supporting a wide selection of teams cricket appears very much alive and well in this corner of the West Midlands.

RETRO RAIL AT MOOR ST WITH HOUSE OF FRASER AND THE ICONIC ROTUNDA

Journey down was generally summed up by 'late', base station departure behind and then after a quick hour to Birmingham a change to Moor St the retro station in the city which has all its signings and paint work in a bygone era, contrasted by the bubbled exterior of the House of Fraser beyond platform four.  Late departure to Yardley Wood saw us arrive to light drizzle and with murky clouds above there was the ultimate fear of not seeing to much cricket, how ironic that turned out to be.  A sprightly 30 minute walk saw us arrive at our destination and the smart ground of Moseley CC about ten minutes after the start.

THE SCOREBOARD AT STREETSBROOK RD AS KD BATSMAN WILLIAM RIGG IS TRAPPED LBW

As ever a quick ground descriptor and by the time I had completed the circuit it was nearly all over to the right a selection of boundary seats and benches and behind the bowlers arm a further cricket ground plus some bowling for the slower paced but no less competitive!  The pitch slopes away to the far side with the scoreboard of an old large construction offering up all information required and well maintained during the play which is always a help.  The far side again has a small selection of boundary seats with most of the ground offering a driveway around it to gain access to the other facilities.  The star of the ground is a smart whitewashed pavilion with spectator viewing area offering the best place to observe the proceedings here, the changing rooms to the lower side with grounds mans 'office' underneath.

ETHAN BROOKS 1-14 FOR KD

The main bar area is to the rear of the tea and function room area, there was no food visible for spectators today apart from the usual hoppers crisps and chocolate although there was evidence of a snack bar probably in the not too distant past.
To the play then and after a steady start by the home side who were invited to bat by KD in the overcast condition they soon fell away to 23 for 3 in the tenth and from here it the Moseley innings just fell away with little resistance except for top scorer Jugdip Singh Nandra who contributed 15 the only other player to reach double figures was opener Jake Sammons with 14.

DEFENDING REQUIRED FOR MOSELEY

With a low total secured in 30 overs unless this was a terror track it seemed a foregone conclusion.  Quick mention to Ethan Brooks who looked sharp for KD he finished with 1 for 14 in seven overs, the damage was done though by Jack Grundy who took 6 for 18 in thirteen overs.
Sport, but cricket in general, always brings together a social side and it was great to catch up with photographer Manjit Narotra who had a superb bit of kit putting my camera to shame.  Capturing action shots for the Solihull observer and his own website, msn images - take a look there are some superb sports portfolios on there.  We also discussed the may sports he had taken action pictures from and it was a very interesting chat that took place on the boundary edge, thanks for taking the time to chat with the blog.

MOSELEY NOW IN THE FIELD

After a short break for change of innings KD set off with there reply and with the first wicket falling at 5 and the second wicket own at 10 when Yadvinder Singh bowled Alex Phillips it looked like we may have a game on our hands.  Sadly from a neutral point of view this wasn't to be the case as the ship was steadied by Ben Griffin [18] and captain Sam Reddish [32] who safely got the visitors over the line with eight wickets to spare with just short of 14 overs bowled.
Once again the second innings was punctuated with an informal and interesting boundary conversation with Gary and after we had sorted out all sports and decided how the game should be played now a days KD were striking the winning runs, once again a pleasure to meet you.
With the pavilion clock proudly declaring 3.20pm and the bright sunshine bathing the outfield what was to be done now!  Of course a further hospitable beverage, non alcoholic of course, and some eats were taken in the seated enclosure while the players consumed tea.  It was a great shame that on a glorious afternoon we were now sat watching the grounds man water the square when we should have been watching some cricket, although I guess KD would not agree.

THEY THINK ITS ALL OVER......IT IS NOW

Having spotted to the right hand side boundary upon our entry a further cricket ground and the distance a floodlit rugby union ground we decided to take a look as the two teams were out from tea.  Once again here the social side of the game came to the fore with a conversation with a much travelled West Brom fan who like his international based ground hopping much like my travelling partner today Dan.
While watching this game and listening it appeared to be a close finish in prospect in a Warwickshire South League 2 game.  With the home side Old Edwardians, also the name of the rugby union club, posting 119 all out Bronze CC from Great Barr were moving along steadily but losing wickets at regular intervals they arrived into the 80's with eight down.  The last three wickets had fallen to ambitious shots when singles were the order of the day with plenty of overs in the bag and so a tense finish saw Gerald Cunningham [12] and Owen Stephenson [13] take the visitors over the line to 123 for 8 in 40 overs, all set up by some tip top bowling for Bronze from Jamie Palmer 6-25 something I had not witnessed of course while watching the proceedings next door.

OLD EDWARDIANS OFFER UP A GOOD APPEAL IN GAME 2

One and a half cricket matches in a day and still 25 minutes before 7pm with a brisk walk back to the station there was even time for a visit to Highfield fish and chip shop for a portion of the delicacy, very nice they were too backing up their external advertising that declared in top 10 of Birmingham chippy's.
Exiting Yardley Wood on time we experienced a delay of just short of half an hour for the return journey back to base where we arrived at around 9.30pm.
Overall a day were we tried to avoid a short or abandoned game saw our game played to a conclusion before tea but thankfully some more cricket was forthcoming next door and what an excellent finish it provided for a enjoyable sporting day out in the West Midlands.

SAINTS LIFT THE FINAL CUP OF THE SEASON

BEESTON ST ANTHONY 3 V LEEDS CITY 1
WEST YORKSHIRE LEAGUE CUP FINAL @ W.RIDING COUNTY FA HQ
30 MAY 2018 --- 7.30PM

WEST RIDING COUNTY FA HQ

Beeston St Anthony lifted the West Yorkshire League Cup in a tight final at West Riding County FA Headquarters, with a final score line of 3-1 in favour of the Saints you would be forgiven for thinking an easy win.  This though was a game high on tempo and endeavour from both sides who served up a fantastic advert for The West Yorkshire League the difference at the end of the day was the finishing of Beeston and then in a second half that Leeds City dominated some resolute defending to protect their 3 goal advantage.
So with the final game of the season pulling the blog to the south of Leeds and the county FA ground that had been viewed many times from the speeding train and with some local knowledge of the area around Woodlesford having visited the neighbouring village of Oulton for a Raiders rugby league game the anticipation was high.
Arriving at Woodlesford station just after 5pm a sharp walk saw me arrive in around ten minutes at the ground just to clarify that if this game finished around 9.20pm the train twenty minutes later would be achievable for a connection in Sheffield to arrive in base station just before midnight.

FARNDALES COOKED THE PROPER YORKSHIRE WAY

Having circuited back to the main shopping area which contains an impressive Coop in its original building there was time for the final fish and chips of the 2017/18 football season and having tried Farndale's on the previous visit I was reasonably confident.  The establishment has a good reputation and fish and chip cost just £3.90 and are cooked in the good old Yorkshire way which probably gives the darkened look to the batter and chips.

PIT RAILWAY LINES STILL IN PLACE ON ESHALD LANE

Walking back to the ground along Eshald Lane the former colliery pit cottages stick out in an area that has now very much become a commuter belt and consequently more semis and detached houses proliferate.  One of the four pits in the area would be on the former miners houses views and indeed of interest further up the what appeared newly tarmac lane where the colliery rail tracks sealed for posterity into the road.
Arriving at West Riding County FA HQ which is based on the former collieries grounds to the right is a whole site for Rothwell Juniors before we turn into tonight's destination admission paid and programme gained there was time for a circuit.

TONIGHTS CUP FINAL PROGRAMME

The ground is over 20 years old now but in the last years has had a smart new 3g surface installed, to the immediate right is a pitch length stand of three rows offering a set back view which of course sadly has spectators who always want to stand to the front of it.  The stand continues past the end of the pitch much like Carlisle United's, but of course on a smaller scale.  Behind the far goal is grassed and netted and the opposite side is has smart moulded plastic blue dug outs, to the goal now where we gained entry and the changing rooms and toilets nestle alongside county FA offices and a selection of function rooms which tonight offer up a mini tea bar.  The site at Fleet lane is a smart set up but like many of these operations is a little off the beaten track unless you have a car although in this example Woodlesford station is reasonably accessible. Pre match amble complete and there was time to catch up with a few hoppers and bloggers with Mr Waite of the ultimate blog, The 66POW, and John McClure in attendance I had better be on my best behaviour!

THATS WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT

The trophy was on display at the turnstile entrance and is an excellent specimen one we mistook for the FA Cup its likeness is so much.  With Beeston finally finishing in third spot and Leeds runners up position this was sure, if my previous West Yorkshire League experiences anything to go by, to be a tight well fought game.

REFEREE DARIUS BRADLEY SORTS OUT THE FORMALATIES

Harshly for Leeds Beeston shocked them and the crowd with a  lead in the first minute when Stevie Crawford finishing from close range after good work from Matty Waller.  City were straight back at it as the game swung from end to end and the best opportunity fell to them when Sean Fitzpatrick at the back post fired right back across the face of goal with a touch just required to level the scores.  Just before the half hour mark though it was Beeston who took their chance when Waller did the setting up with some neat footwork and a clever inside heeled finish from Gareth Groves made it 2-0 and that's how we turned round.
The game was all but out to bed five minutes into the restart when Joe Wood raced through and calmed slotted home past Leeds keeper Declan Flowers.

BEESTON ON THE ATTACK

  Leeds must have wondered what had hit them they were never three goals poorer but they did receive a chance on 55 minutes when Beeston were reduced to ten men when Ryan Bailey was sent off for a late challenge on Joe Tasker.
By this time Beeston seemed to have mad the decision to get bodies behind the ball and defend what they had secured so far Leeds attacks came wave after wave bit the could not break down the resolute defending of the boys in green.   In the final ten minutes City sub James Hochstrasser saw his effort well saved by the excellent Beeston keeper Stevie Kerr he was though beaten by the same player on 82 minutes to pull a late goal back for Leeds City.  As  we entered the closing stages the security Beeston felt began to be tested when Adam Dutson crashed a 20 yard effort against the bar and then moments later Kerr pulled off a wonderful save to further deny Leeds City.

FERGIE TIME FOR BEESTON ST ANTHONYS MANAGER MARK HALMSHAW

Leeds City had certainly given their all but the cup winners were crowned and the finishing of Beeston St Anthony and resolute defending proved what an all round team effort they had put in to win the West Yorkshire League Cup and it was left for captain Stevie Kerr to lift to silverware for the men in green.
Season over there was still a matter of getting back via last train roulette and having arrived at Woodlesford to find the train would be 4 minutes later the frustration developed further when 15 minutes later we were still there some miscreant had apparently thrown an object at the drivers windscreen.  Moving off slowly to Castleford a cab end is required and over a very slow journey we arrived in Sheffield 8 minutes down and all was well as the end of the 17/18 season came about just shy of midnight at base station.
Thanks for checking the blog out this season hopefully you will follow the summer exploits around some other sports facilities cricket and rugby league are sure to feature and offer some excellent grounds and have history and many a tale to tell, look forward to seeing you along the way!