Great Horton Park Chapel Cricket Club

Great Horton Park Chapel CC

Welcome to the official website of Great Horton Park Chapel CC. During the winter of 2014 the merger of Wibsey Park Chapel CC and Great Horton CC took place, the result being the creation of Great Horton Park Chapel CC.

The club's cricketing activities resemble those of Wibsey Park Chapel CC, with all 3 teams playing in the Spencer Wilson Halifax League. Two teams in the Saturday section and one in the Sunday section.

All 3 teams now play their home games at Ewart Street, formerly the home of Great Horton CC, with Park Avenue no longer on the list of retained grounds.

The club also continues to run a team in the Bradford Evening League who were finals day winners in 2014.

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Our clubhouse is available to hire for events and other activities.

Please ring or call into our Clubhouse for more details and to book your party.

Joining Message
Great Horton Park Chapel currently run Three teams in the Halifax League. Following the 2018 season where both Saturday teams narrowly missed out on promotion both finishing 3rd, both teams are looking for promotion to the premier League while the Sunday Side who won promotion to the middle section in 2018 will also be looking for back to back promotions to the premier division in 2019. The club also runs a team in the Bradford Evening League on a Wednesday night.

If you are interested in joining us do so by coming down to training at the Ewart Street Ground weekly on Tuesdays from 6.00pm onwards during the season. or contact our club via our facebook page or twitter page.

Wibsey Park Chapel
The club was formed in 1887 and joined the Bradford Mutual Sunday School League in 1908 where it played until 1998. At that time it was the oldest surviving member of the league only missing one season since joining. Originally club members were drawn from the membership of Park Methodist Church in West Bowling, Bradford, and although that is not the case today the club still retains links with the church through a number of both playing and non playing members. The club had a proud record in the Sunday School League, having been league championship winners on no less that sixteen occasions and playing in the top division of the league most of the time. In 1999 the club modified its name to reflect the area in which it now plays and draws most of its membership. At the same time it was accepted in to the Bradford Central Cricket League were its two main teams played as well as retaining a third team in the Mutual Sunday School League. In 2000 links were finally severed with the Sunday School League when it had two more teams accepted in the Dales Council League. In 2005 the club voted on going back to three teams this was accepted due to the lack of quality senior players in the lower teams. Today the club can boast some 100 active members, drawn from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds, in accordance with its membership equal opportunities policy. Four senior teams play each week during the summer as well as a midweek evening team and four junior teams at under 13, 15 and 17 levels. The club takes development of junior cricketers very seriously, filling the gap in the provision of facilities for the local community as well as the void left by the demise of sporting activities at school. Additionally it provides a continuous pool of players to help maintain the traditions and future of the club.

To support so much cricketing activity the club operates from two grounds – it’s home base at Haycliffe Lane, adjoining the special school, and the former Yorkshire County Cricket ground at Park Avenue, which it hopes will provide the infrastructure for continually improving and raising the quality and standard of cricket in the future. 30/01/2004 UPDATED 23/6/06

Cross Roads and Daisy Hill Cricket Club

In Division Two, demoted Thornton’s fight to get back into the top flight begins with an away game at Halifax League outfit Bradshaw, who have been a credit to the league since they joined a couple of seasons ago.

The other demoted side, Shelf also begin with an away fixture, visiting another Bradford League outfit, Cross Roads and Daisy Hill, at their Busy Lane, Windhill ground.

Halifax Direct Cricket Club

Given the state of HBOS etc, not really too surprising that they keep quite about their club.

Welcome to the Home of Divison A Champions for Seasons: 2014/15/16 & 2017

Joining Message

The Team was founded for staff members of Halifax Direct, although other staff members from around the HBOS group are invited to join. 

If you are a staff member and would like to enquire about joining our team please e-mail me either through this website or at work. 



Halifax Direct CC - 2nd XI Vs Baildon CC - 3rd XI

Fixture Details
Type : League: Dales Council Cricket League - Division B 2019

Date : Saturday 29th June 2019
Toss: Start Time: 13:30
Ground: Karmand Centre

Rules Type: Standard

Result Summary
Result: Baildon CC - 3rd XI - win by 4 wickets
Halifax Direct CC - 2nd XIBaildon CC - 3rd XI
Score 133 all out (34 overs) 134-6 (31 overs)
Game Points 0 10
Penalty Points 0 0
Batting Points 3 5
Bowling Points 3 5
Total Points 6 20

One Stop Cricket Club

It was hard enough trying to access Tong Park Cricket ground.

Finding information on some of the clubs is even harder.

The One Stop website is here

Currently top of Dales Council Section B

Scorecard for a recent game states;

OneStop CC - 1st XI Vs Muff Field CC - 1st XI

Fixture Details
Type : League: Dales Council Cricket League - Division B 2019

Date : Saturday 18th May 2019
Toss: OneStop CC - 1st XI won the toss and elected to bat

Start Time: 13:30
Ground: Add New Ground

Rules  Type: Standard

Update, however, I've just found this fixture.....

OneStop CC - 1st XI Vs Leeds Sikh CC - 2nd XI

Fixture Details
Type : League: Dales Council Cricket League - Division B 2019

Date : Saturday 27th April 2019
Toss: Start Time: 13:30
Ground: Low Springs

Rules Type: Standard

Result Summary
Result: Cancelled (before starting)
OneStop CC - 1st XI Leeds Sikh CC - 2nd XI
Score
Game Points 4 4
Penalty Points 0 0
Batting Points 0 0
Bowling Points 0 0
Total Points 4 4

Interlink Cricket Club

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.  The Beneficent, the Merciful.  Master of the Day of Judgment.  Thee do we serve and Thee do we beseech for help.  Keep us on the right path.The path of those upon whom Thou hast bestowed favors. Not (the path) of those upon whom Thy wrath is brought down, nor of those who go astray.

In 2012 Interlink Cricket Club was re-opened after an absence of 14 years from the Bradford Mutual Sunday School Cricket League.  Playing at Hirstwood Playing Field (Shipley), the club was entered into Group B Division of the BMSSCL League and for a new team did well in finishing third in the league table.

In 2013 Interlink Cricket Club was promoted into the Group A Division of the BMSSCL League.

In 2014 Interlinks all-round performance was shown by finishing in the top 5 of the league for the season.  An achievement for the year was two players who scored centuries for the first time within the last three years of the running of the club; these were Ibrahim Bismillah and Yunus Bismillah.  Asif Collector also made his first half century of his career.  Mohammed Data, our new leg spinner was introduced to bowling for first time.  Mohammed took 21 wickets in the season, his highlight being 4 wickets for 0 runs in 2.3 overs, against one of the top teams of the league.

Interlink Cricket Club entered two 20-20 charity competitions played at Mount Cricket Club (Batley).  The first tournament was to raise funds for Palestine.  The second tournament was to raise funds for Darul-Ilm Masjid in Dewsbury.  Interlink won the 2nd tournament in the final against Mount Cricket Club.  Mohammed Memi was awarded the batting trophy, Mohammed Pandor was awarded the bowler of the tournament and the player of the tournament trophies for his outstanding bowling.

In 2015 the club moved from Hirstwood Playing Field (Shipley) to Bradford Park Avenue.

Currently top of Dales Council Section C

Adil Rashid Cricket Academy

In Division One, Ciroc, the Adil Rashid Cricket Academy and defending champions Salem Athletic are fighting it out, not only for the championship but also for the two places available at the end-of-season finals day play-offs.

Ciroc still top the standings, despite their match being abandoned last week due to the weather against Shelf with the game finely balanced.

Shelf had made 110-8 (Asad Shah 45, Kez Ahmed 4-22), and Ciroc were 59-2 with nine overs remaining.

Third-placed Salem Athletic kept up the pressure on the top two with an 11-run victory against second-placed Adil Rashid Cricket Academy at East Bierley.

The visitors were indebted to Mohammed Waqas (51no) as they set the Academy a modest 115-7 from their 16 overs, with Adam Ahmed taking 3-9.

Despite being 80-3 at one stage, thanks largely to opener Imran Arif (37), the Academy lost their momentum, ending on 104-6.

Stonewhite Cricket Club

STONEWHITE have been suspended from the Bradford & District Evening League for the rest of the season due to disciplinary issues.

The club, who use Keighley Cricket Club for their home matches, were Division Two runners-up last season and were third from bottom in Division One before their results were expunged.

Meanwhile, not for the first time this season, the weather forced the abandonment of all last week's games in the league without a ball being bowled.

With only four weeks to go in Division One, just two points (one win) separate the top five teams.

Greenfield Cricket Club

Greenfield, who also share joint second place, secured a five-wicket home victory in a low scoring affair against Denholme at the Karmand Centre.

I already have Greenfield flagged as playing in Shipley.
I suspect that many of these Bradford Evening League teams are Nomadic

Raja’s Cricket Club

Division One champions Ciroc will be as strong as ever and will again be led by the experienced Mushy Shah. They claim the likes of Adam Ahmed in their ranks, who now plays for Durham Academy, & Hamzah Iqbal who won the Division 1 batting averages in 2018.

They start the defence of their title at home at the Karmand Centre to Raja’s who, led by Mohammad Altaf, can beat anybody on their day and who will play their home games at iconic Bradford (Park Avenue) this season.

Ciroc Cricket Club

Division One champions Ciroc will be as strong as ever and will again be led by the experienced Mushy Shah. They claim the likes of Adam Ahmed in their ranks, who now plays for Durham Academy, & Hamzah Iqbal who won the Division 1 batting averages in 2018.

They start the defence of their title at home at the Karmand Centre to Raja’s who, led by Mohammad Altaf, can beat anybody on their day and who will play their home games at iconic Bradford (Park Avenue) this season.

John Breare Cricket Club

Welcome to the John Breare Cricket Club website.

This site is used primarily for keeping an archive of matches.

We also have a facebook page

We are the longest serving club in the Bradford & District Evening Cricket League.

About Us

Information about us

Playing Facilities

Windhill Cricket Club
Hepworth/Idle
Bingley Congs
Laisterdyke
Low Moor
Baildon Bridge
Norwood Green
Riddlesden

I think I've tagged enough of these grounds to claim John Breare CC

Sharing joint second spot are Crossflatts, who were the day’s top scorers with 164-8 at John Breare (Mosum Hussain 50no, Mo Shahnawaz 46no, Jonny Robinson 4-24, Alex Robinson 3-23). The Westfield Lane side fell well short of their target, ending on 122-9, with Ben Waller top scoring on 50no as spinner Wasim Hussain took 3-10 and Mosum Hussain took 3-17 for the visitors.

Long Lee Cricket Club - Housekeeping

Friday 28th June
Knowing that I would be close to Long Lee again today, I was able to plan a few extra minutes into my schedule to try and locate the ground. Enlisting the services of Captain James Cook, (yes a seafarer but fellow Yorkshireman and therefore cricket fan) we anchored in the same place as before. This was my first Port of call and as it turned out only Port required. Nothing to do with the fact that it was the only option left.

The initial view up the track didn't look too promising.

Neither did the view half way up.

Undaunted, Cook whipped out his tools and made a few calculations.

We pressed on.

Finally we came across a sign, somewhat pointless, given its distance from the road.

Eldorado was found, and quite a tidy Eldorado, and even in the rain on Tuesday, if the cricket was boring the view made up for it.

White Hart Colts Cricket Club

I can bag a few clubs here, if I can remember them. (Possible update later)

This ground is on Healds Road in Dewsbury and was home to White Hart & Westborough, and maybe a couple more should the relevant grey cells kick in.

Absolutely no surprise that google knows sod all about White Hart and only has this on Westborough, though it has just reminded me that a team used the pitch at Westborough High School.

Formerly the site of Cottage Homes

(Possibly housing for Nurses)

Overlooked by Westborough Methodist Church

Formerly the White Hart pub just a couple of hundred yards on from Wormalds & Walkers.

Assuming that the club was named after this White Hart & not the one in Batley

From the Dewsbury Reporter

Thornhill and Westborough join forces at The Combs
Published: Thursday 15 February 2007

EXCLUSIVE By Andrew Hunt

THORNHILL and Westborough cricket clubs have joined forces in an agreement which enables cricket to continue at The Combs.

Negotiations between the clubs have been ongoing for some time but the deal was only finalised on Wednesday evening.
Westborough will move from their Healds Road ground and play under that name at The Combs in Thornhill this season, while the cricket section of Thornhill Cricket and Bowling Club will operate under the new name of Thornhill and Westborough CC.
It is too late for the new name to be adopted by the Huddersfield Central League this year but it will be as soon as rules permit and will be in place before the start of the 2008 season.
Thornhill Cricket and Bowling Club, incorporating the bowls, football, tennis and archery sections, will retain its name with just the cricket section changing.
Westborough will take their management team to The Combs and work closely with Thornhill C&BC chairman John Helliwell and secretary Steve Davis.
Work has already started as Thornhill and Westborough prepare for the new season and it is hoped several players who remain at Thornhill from last season will now sign for Westborough to help strengthen their side ahead of their groundbreaking season in the Premier Section of the Huddersfield Central.
Westborough chairman Dave Lodge said: "I am delighted that all parties are committed to the long term development of cricket at The Combs and I regard this as a massive opportunity to take the club to the next level.
"To achieve this I expect hard work, loyalty and commitment from everyone within the club."
Mr Helliwell said: "Playing cricket at The Combs, with its exceptional facilities, should allow Thornhill and Westborough CC to impress and compete with other Premier sides as well as help generate the additional revenue required for a successful future.
"Interest has already been generated among potential new players and announcements can be expected over the next few weeks as the start of the new season approaches.
"Everybody at the club is committed to creating a friendly, family atmosphere to encourage people to come along to watch and enjoy their sport in comfortable surroundings or simply enjoy a drink from the bar."

Thornhill and Westborough are looking to attract further sponsorship, from match ball sponsors to ground advertising, and anyone interested can contact the club via the website www.westborough-cc.org or telephone Dave Lodge on 01924 491457 or 07799 341825. They are also planning social events including a sponsors' evening, a race night and post match barbecues.

Thornhill C&BC welcome new members who want to take up cricket, bowls, football, tennis and archery, while a male voice choir practice on Tuesday evenings in the club's function room.

Wormalds, Walker & Atkinson Cricket Club

Very disappointed that there seems to be bugger all about Wormalds & Walkers Cricket Club, soooooo, it's memory time & as I only played there once this might get a bit sketchy.

They played in the Dewsbury and District Cricket League, as I remember, at or near the top of Section A.

Their ground was used for many finals, not that we qualified :-(

This seems to be the only sign of the ground having existed.

From da Yorkshire Post

Blankets are synonymous with comfort, warmth and cuddles, but the 100 per cent wool versions have almost been driven to extinction thanks to duvets and synthetic alternatives. In their heyday, every good bed sported one and children, including loveable Peanuts character Linus, gripped one for comfort. It even spawned phrases including "don't be a wet blanket" and "wrong side of the blanket".
In the 1950s, more than 2,000 people worked in the blanket capital of the world – Dewsbury – weaving them as fast as they could. "The decline really began when duvets became popular," says Tom Hainsworth, whose eponymous company now manufactures blankets alongside military uniforms and snooker cloth for top class casinos. But the real McCoy, as opposed to "fleeces" that have barely seen a sheep's back, is creeping back into interior fashion. Not only do blankets have nostalgic charm, they are eco-friendly and immensely practical. The team at Hainsworth is capitalising on this 21st century interest with fresh, contemporary colours and new packaging with an old Atkinson Hainsworth label that boasts a proud Yorkshire heritage.
John Atkinson blankets, started in the late 1600s in Sowerby Bridge, was taken over by Dewsbury's Wormald and Walker and in 1983 became part of Leeds-based Hainsworth, itself founded in 1743.

Until now the focus has been on serving John Atkinson's impressive client list that includes everyone from Middle Eastern princesses and billionaire yacht owners to Harrods, with blankets ranging from 60 for a simple single size to 3,000 for an extra large cashmere version.
The company also supplies John Lewis, Woods of Harrogate and the Spanish department store Cortes Ingles, because in hot countries, sleeping under a sheet and a blanket is still common. Further afield, Canada is an important market for the Yorkshire firm, which manufactures Hudson Bay Point Blankets. "That connection goes right back to the 17th century when we used to trade our blankets for their fur. The famous Hudson Bay blankets are the Canadians' national product but they are still made here in Yorkshire," says Tom Hainsworth. "Another historical fact is that during the Boer War when Lesotho in South Africa became an English protectorate, Queen Victoria gave them a John Atkinson blanket. The tribal leader took off his skins and replaced them with the blanket and apparently that was the start of them using blankets instead of skins."

Back in the present, and Hainsworth is appealing to the young fashion tribe and is also trading online.
"We want to refresh the image and we think there is a lot of potential for them to be used not just as bedding, but as decorative throws," says Tom, whose Stanningley-based mill buys the wool, spins it, dyes it and weaves it into the finished item.
To drive the message home that blankets have substance as well as style Hainsworth has commissioned research from Leeds University that is expected to show sleeping under pure new wool, be it common or garden, merino or cashmere, is good for you.
"There is nothing like it," says Tom.
"Wool has so many advantages. It's a natural, sustainable fabric that breathes and regulates your body temperature better than anything else.
"We're hoping to promote that to a generation that has never had a blanket before."

Kirkheaton Cricket Club

A random leap in to the Huddersfield league, only because 2 weeks after grabbing this ground, I didn't recognise the photo and therefore the club, I've now remembered where it is.
For a club in the Huddersfield Cricket League, all be it the conference (3rd Level) I'd have expected better.
Currently the strongest team in that division, yes they're propping it up.

From their twitter account;

Kirkheaton Cricket Club

@kirkheatoncc

Kirkheaton Cricket Club, Founded in 1880, proud history, pride of place in Yetton! The home of THREE England players...so far.

Excellent but where's the detail?

Are they current players, ex-players, players with the same name?

You'd have thought that in almost 130 years they would have learnt something about advertising.

Welcome To Kirkheaton CC!

A strange welcome to their Play-Cricket website.

Costcutter - Kirkheaton
We all know there is a place for planning when we shop, but at times we all like to give in to the unexpected, to live life on impulse, to simply be spontaneous. Costcutter is on your side. Not just for great value basics, but also for the surprising extras, giving you the freedom to enjoy the more carefree and unexpected moments in life. Call in and see Steve and Sonya at Costcutter where you will always be greeted by a warm friendly welcome!

E3R Recruitment
E3R provide a wide range of temporary, permanent and contract recruitment solutions across multiple industries. Working alongside our clients, we create bespoke solutions to meet their business objectives. We can supply a range of recruitment services, from ad hoc, as part of a Preferred Supplier List or via one of our specially tailored managed services.

Flooring4U Mirfield
With a wide range from high quality bespoke patterned Axminsters, twist and velvet plains, right down to a selection of cord, we have carpets to meet all desires and budgets. With a large selection of quality rolls and remnants, and 1000's of samples to choose from, there is something for everyone.

From the Yetton Together website

CRICKET

There has been a cricket club in Kirkheaton since 1858 when it was known as Kirkheaton Beaumonts. During its 150 years history it has managed to produce two of the best cricketers ever born in England – Wilfred Rhodes and George Herbert Hirst – at the same time! As to which one was the greatest ….

‘…nobody knows the name of the world’s greatest all round cricketer. All we know for certain is that he batted right–hand, bowled left and was born in Kirkheaton.’

A A Thomson

Cricket historian Roy Genders describes Kirkheaton as a ‘village known, like Pudsey, throughout the English-speaking world’ [!] Hirst and Rhodes were aware of the debt they owed the place. In 1923 Hirst stated: ‘I attribute my ability in later years to the persistent practice which half a dozen of us Kirkheaton lads put in night after night in all departments of the game. We used to take the side nets away and every ball had to be fielded.’ Hirst had actually grown up in one of the village pubs, The Old Brown Cow Inn, and had practised his skills in the backyard of the pub and in the nearby croft. In later life, both men assumed the club presidency.

Another of Kirkheaton’s famous cricketers is Allen Hill who distinguished himself by taking the first wicket at the first ever test match [ against Australia in March 1877] Extract from Wikpaedia

Allen Hill (14 November 1843 Kirkheaton – 28 August 1910, Leyland Lancashire) played in the first-ever Test, taking the first wicket. Hill also went on to umpire in the Test match played at Lord’s in 1890.
Allen Hill was the son of Francis (Frank) Hill, a Hand Loom Fancy Weaver, and Elizabeth Thornton (married 5 Sept. 1825, Kirkheaton). In 1851 Frank and Betty were living at Shaw Cross, Kirkheaton with 6 children. In 1861 they had moved to Cheesbourgh (sic) Fold with only Allen age 17, described as a Fancy Weaver, then living with them.

Allen married Ellen Jessop in 1868 and in 1871 they were living at Common End, Lepton, Yorkshire. Allen’s occupation at this time was described as Fancy Weaver. There was a son Frank born c. 1869 who died in 1876 age 7.
By 1891 Allen had moved to 3 Stanley Street (Goulding Terrace) ,Leyland, Lancs. In that year’s census he was a widower, his wife Ellen having died in 1889, and his occupation was then shown as ‘Professional Cricketer’. There were 4 daughters – Alice (19), Kathleen Mary (12), Gertrude (10) and Mabel (7).

In the 1901 census Allen was living at Fox Lane in Leyland with his 2nd wife Margaret (Whittle), daughter of James Whittle, a coachman, & Ann Mills, whom he had married in 1900. She was some 18 years his junior. He would then be 57, shown in the census as 51, but still described as a Professional Cricketer. Daughters Gertrude (21) and Mabel (17) were still at home along with Allen’s grandson Frank Hill born 1901.
He began his career with Lascelles Hall and Kirkheaton clubs and, in 1863, became professional at Dewsbury and Savile, but it was with Burnley when he first played for the county in 1871. He played 139 matches for Yorkshire between 1871 and 1882. His highest score for Yorkshire was 49 versus Middlesex in 1876. His best bowling was 7 for 14 against Surrey at Argyle Street, in Hull in 1879. Hill played for the Gentlemen v Players, from 1874 to 1882. He toured with Lillywhite to Australia in 1876-77.
Hill was a bowler with an approximate round arm action, which Wisden said was “one of the best of its kind that can be recalled”.
Hill, who described his profession as being that of a woollen weaver in 1881, had a wife, Ellen, who was three years his junior, and at least three daughters Alice, Kathleen and Gertrude. His playing career ended in 1883, when he broke his collar-bone, but he went on to become an umpire.

Rawdon Cricket Club

Another grim day in Yorkshire last Wednesday was brightened up by a visit to Rawdon Cricket Club.
Why?

• Easy to find
• Good signage
• Good website
• Blue plaque

History
Evidence is in place that confirms Rawdon C C was in existence in 1835 making it one of the oldest clubs in the area. Down the years many players have come and gone, all with varying abilities, however without doubt the most famous sons of the club are former Yorkshire batsman Bryan Stott and the legendary Yorkshire and England Test cricketers Hedley Verity and Brian Close, all whom played their early cricket at Rawdon.

The facilities the present members enjoy, both on and off the field, are a far cry from the days gone by. This indeed is a testament to the older members who fought to establish the club, and the belief that the present facilities at our club are widely accepted as among the best in the League are borne out by the fact that our ground and facilities have been chosen by the League to host many representative fixtures and Cup finals down the years.
One name synonymous with Rawdon Cricket Club is Jack Lees one of a rare breed these days, a true one club man, indeed he was a member for 75 years joining as a junior in 1928 and has served the club in virtually every capacity. He was a player for 25 years, secretary for 8 years, treasurer for 17 years, Club President for 5 years, he was elected a life member in 1966 a fitting tribute to a great man who was widely respected at Rawdon and throughout the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League (of which he was a Life vice president for his services to the League).
So back to the humble beginnings. As previously mentioned the club was in existence in 1835, and an extract from the Wharfedale Observer in 1897 reads "In the Airedale & Wharfedale League Rawdon defeated Baildon Green who scored 93 by three wickets thanks to a fine innings by J A Rawnsley who scored 48 and W Barrett who scored 18 was the only other Rawdon player to reach double figures. J A Hustler and W Thomas each took four wickets". By 1929 the club was playing in the Aire-Wharfe section of the Yorkshire Council, and in 1934 reached the Championship final where they lost to Rawmarsh in front of a crowd of 5,000 at Swinton. The Rawdon team that day was; R.D.Denison, V.Grimshaw, A.Carlisle, E.Denison, G.Heptonstall, F.Greenwood, J.Brogan, C.Carlisle, J.Greenwood, H.Jefferson and W.Long.

1936 is a year that without doubt shaped the whole destiny of the Clubs future. That year the Aire-Wharfe section of the Yorkshire Council resigned en bloc to form the present Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League. More significantly though, at a grand ceremony held at the Cricket club the deeds of the ground were handed to the club, on the proviso that Cricket continues to be played there for all time. Newspaper cuttings describe how Mr. Heaton Naylor, the donor, received the deeds from Capt. J.H Pardoe the agent for the Green Emmott Estate, as a Coronation gift to the Cricket Club and to Rawdon. Mr. W. A Wood the Club President described it as "A very proud day indeed for Rawdon Cricket Club and thanked Mr. Naylor for his gift, we on our part will try and give you some good cricket". Hedley Verity snr stated, "this is one of the happiest days we have seen at this ground, and our dreams have at last come true".
The club has long held strong ties with the county club holding benefit matches for among others Len Hutton, Emmott Robinson and Herbert Sutcliffe, matches that attracted gates of over 1,000 to Larkfield Road. These games featured legendary test stars such as Learie Constantine and George Headley. Jack Lees recalls both these hitting huge sixes, which cleared Highfield Terrace a feat that has only been repeated by Bruce Percy in modern times. As well as the Benefit matches the legendary former Yorkshire player George Herbert Hirst regularly visited the club for coaching purposes, Len Hutton also attended the Club dinner as guest speaker in 1952, a fellow speaker at the function stated "In Cricket in this part of the world there are no quarters asked and no quarters given" - something we still like to believe today.
Apart from the clubs county players there are several names people readily associate with the club namely, Arthur and Clifford Carlisle, Claude Barrett, Fred Hardaker, Reg Kirkbright, Reg Richardson, Jack Palliser, Albert Houghton and Walter Firth. Many batsmen also remember with fear and trepidation the prospect of having to face the likes of Colin Stretton, Denis Newell and Jim Kitson on a "Rawdon Flyer' before it was the more batsman friendly wicket of modern times. Of more recent past Mike Hitchenor and John Kirkbright were all rounders of note (see records section),
However it is generally accepted the outstanding player of the recent past has been Bruce Percy the Clubs record run scorer (see records) and more than useful medium pace bowler he is a joy to watch when in full flow. He learnt his junior cricket at Rawdon before moving out of the area; he had two spells in the Bradford League but has always returned "home'.
The Club has also been well served by overseas players down the years namely Simon Stirling, Cliff McNally and Chris Smith (New Zealand) Darren Hall, Andrew Sugars, Matthew Hutton, Nick Williams, Steven Duckworth (Australia) and Kenrick Marshall (West Indies). Arguably the clubs best overseas player was Australian David Morgan who made an enormous contribution to the successful 2009 season scoring over 900 League and cup runs and taking 52 wickets
As far as recent successes go, 1995 and 1996 will live long in the memories of the club members. In 1995, the first team achieved promotion back to Division A, and was unlucky to come runners up to Horsforth in a closely contested Waddilove cup final. However in 1996 they went one better winning the Division A title at the first attempt, for the first time in the clubs history. Craig Walsh was the proud skipper both seasons. Since then the club have finished runners up twice and never been out of the top four, they also finished runners up to local rivals Guiseley in the 2001 Waddilove cup final . We suffered the disappointment of relegation from the top flight in 2006, but bounced straight back up lifting the second division title in 2007 under the leadership of Stewart Smith. Although ending the season empty handed 2009 will be remembered as one of the best for many years the team finishing as runners up to Beckwithshaw in the first division title race and losing to the same opposition in Waddilove cup final.
The second team won the Reserve division championship for the first time in 1952 but had to wait until 1991 under the captaincy of Roger Parker to repeat the feat, they did however lift the Reserve division B title in 1981. They won the division A title again in 1999 going through the entire league campaign undefeated and retained it in 2000 under the captaincy of Gary Walker,. They reached the Birtwhistle Cup Final in 2001, for the first time in the clubs history before losing out to Guiseley. The Reserve divison A title once again found its way to Larkfield Road in 2003 this time Ian Vinall being the successful captain, arguably the most memorable day though was at Olicanian CC in August 2004, when after overcoming Steeton Vinall lifted the Birtwhistle Cup for the first time in the clubs history amid glorious celebrations from a large Rawdon following. The 2009 season saw Duncan Stow write his name into the record books, his innings of 204 not out was not only the highest individual score in second team cricket in the history of the League, it was also the highest individual score in any form of cricket for Rawdon.
The Junior section of the club has always thrived, indeed Rawdon Cricket Club was at the forefront of the formation of the Airedale Junior Cricket League in 1939. The clubs youngsters had won the Leeds Red Triangle Sports Federation Knockout in 1938, and the idea of a third team section of the senior League to foster junior talent was mooted, at a meeting at Rawdon on 17May 1939 the Airedale Junior Cricket League was formed. Fittingly the Leagues first president was the Rawdon president Mr. W. A. Wood (an office he held until his death in 1944), Rawdon were the first Junior League champions in 1939 the side was - Jack Palliser (Captain), Douglas Cowgill, John Sharpe, Tom Palliser, Ken Westcott, Alf Massheder, Colin Stretton, W. Smith, S. Nunns, M. Codd, Jack Moon and J. Dixon. The Club has enjoyed limited success since, however they did lift the Junior League championship again in 1962 and in the Leagues golden jubilee season of 1989 under the captaincy of Chris Brown. at present have teams at under 17, 15, 13, 11 and 9 age groups and have always been indebted to coaches and helpers who have given their time freely down the years and got their rewards seeing the boys they have nurtured at Junior level progress to senior cricket. 1999 saw the club enter a third team in the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League the objective being for the clubs junior players to acclimatize to senior cricket in readiness for promotion to second team and ultimately first team cricket
Off the field the existing dressing rooms though modernized and extended many times down the Years have been in place over 100 years, the opening ceremony to the original structure being performed by Mr. Walter E Green Emmott in 1905. The tower above the dressing Rooms which now houses the clock was formally the scorebox, the new scoreox being built in the 1950's a result of ground improvements carried out from a Hedley Verity memorial fund.
The main Clubhouse has perhaps seen the most changes down the years. The original old wooden pavilion was sited towards the back of what is now the car park running parallel to Larkfield Road in those days it was known as the "tea hut" and accommodated six to eight people the remainder sat on the verandah to eat their tea, This was eventually replaced by a bigger new wooden structure built by local joiners, and then in the early 1950's a new pavilion was obtained from the Army apprentices college at Harrogate and transported to Rawdon by club members, many will recall the steps leading up to it with the verandah on the front. Again this was modernized and extended many times the most significant change being the addition of a licensed bar in 1973, The main structure was almost totally demolished and rebuilt in 1995, the club can now boast a bar lounge area to view cricket from which is the equal of any club in our League, and the envy of many. Additional alterations and refurbishment work was completed in 2005 to further enhance the clubs comfortable and multifunctional facilities
Finances are another aspect of our Club, which has seen much change an extract from the 1944 balance sheet showed the total running cost of the Club to be £161 7s 4d, It also states that postal orders to the value of 7shillings and 6d along with the Clubs good wishes for Christmas were sent to our 43 members in HM Forces. This is in stark contrast to the Balance sheet of today which shows a turnover of approx £100,000, what was a six month hobby has without doubt become a twelve month business.
The Club has always been renowned for, and very well supported by a very active and hard working Ladies section, Not only providing excellent cricket teas in the summer months but working tirelessly all year round organizing social and fund raising activities. This goes back many years and the Club is most fortunate and grateful for this.
Our forefathers at the club would see a totally different picture looking at the club now, Bar Lounge, Dressing Rooms with showers and toilets, all the very latest motorized ground machinery and roll on wicket covers (Jack Lees used to recall many years ago the outfield cutter being pulled by a horse wearing protective boots so as not to damage the field), perhaps a little envious of the luxuries the modern members enjoy. Let us just hope the future members keep progress going and make it their business to ensure the solid foundations laid are maintained and guide Rawdon Cricket Club into the next millennium

Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club

Not sure that Nelson is the right name for this club.
Nomads would be more accurate.

I played against them at what was at the time their new ground on 'The Oval', behind Morrisons which "I think" is still there and still used.

When in doubt, go to the Bradford League website for a history.

Hunslet Nelson history

The early days
Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club was formerly called the Albion which dates from circa 1810. The Albion changed its name in 1869 to Hunslet Nelson and played at the same ground at Low Road, Hunslet.
Like all clubs in the mid nineteenth century, Hunslet Nelson didn’t play organised league cricket. Cricket clubs at this time informally invited other clubs to arrange friendly matches via the local daily newspapers.
Hunslet Nelson was no exception, and was one of over thirty cricket clubs in the South Leeds area playing friendly cricket. Amazingly it’s now the last remaining cricket club in the area of South Leeds!
Early league cricket in the Leeds area proved to be a tangled web for the club and they went from league to league. Initially they took part in the Leeds Second Class League and their reign was from 1893 until 1905.

League changes
In 1906 Hunslet Nelson joined the more prestigious Leeds and District Cricket League and spent a 29-year spell there until 1935. Thereafter there was a league/club rebellion that led to the creation of the Leeds Central League. The club took part in this new venture in 1936, but just lasted three years before returning to the Leeds and District Cricket League in 1939. The club found cricket stability in this league and participated until 1964. However, in 1965 Hunslet Nelson took a major step forward when joining the Central Yorkshire Cricket League. This league covered a wider spectrum and was considered to be one of the three senior leagues in West Yorkshire.

Success in the Central Yorkshire League
It was a triumphant first season as Hunslet Nelson won the Division Two title in 1965 under the captaincy of A Westerman. But, it proved to be a real struggle to keep their top flight status and relegation soon came knocking. Encouragingly, they returned as Division Two title winners in 1969 and in doing so ensured silverware for the second time in four years. J Taffender led a team that enjoyed further glory with A. Denison winning the League Batting Averages with 343 runs at 49. Having never made a great impact on the Heavy Woollen Cup the club exceeded all expectations in 1971 by reaching the semi-final. In a real nail-biter against Ossett they set a decent score of 207-7. In reply Ossett scored steadily but with four overs remaining still needed 28 for victory. The winning run for Ossett came off the final ball of the match, a four hit by Farrar. Hunslet Nelson, often Ossett’s bogey team, dropped seven catches, any one of which could have altered the result in their favour.
Hunslet Nelson got a taste for the Heavy Woollen Cup because they reached the semi-final again in 1972. Again it was a close affair and again the club suffered an agonising defeat. The powerful Heckmondwike side was restricted to 161 after being odds on for 200-plus.
Hunslet made slow and dogged progress in reply, but had a realistic chance of victory at the half-way mark. Then a shutter of wickets ruined their day as they folded to 117 all-out, with nine wickets falling to catches.
The club had proved they could mix it with the big boys on their day but still found it difficult to break through as one of the leading clubs of the league and were relegated again.
Probably the highlight of the seventies was R Bebbington’s bowling feat in 1974 taking 71 wickets at 8.11. This secured him the Division Two Bowling Averages which was a first for the club.

In the top flight
The club was back in top flight in 1983 when captain P Rix led them to the Division Two title for the third time in 18 years.
As an added bonus All Rounder Steve Lawrence had an excellent season scoring 560 runs at 43.08, and also taking 51 wickets at 10.59 with his characteristic leg breaks. This performance won him the League’s Clifford Sykes All Rounders Trophy. 

Ground move
In 1987 Hunslet Nelson CC relocated to the Arthur Thornton ground, Gipsy Lane, Beeston. This was regarded as a good move by all at the club, but in 1995 they moved to a purpose built home at the Oval, Hunslet.
Back in Division Two in 1997 they finished in third place two points behind Staincliffe. The best performer was R Kinder who took 58 wickets, and also scored 476 runs. A Balmforth also took 58 wickets.
After four years at the Oval the membership decided to return to Gipsy Lane, Beeston in time for season 1999. However, the club did not rest on their laurels and re-fashioned their ground so successfully they won the league’s ground award on six out of eight years.
With a dedicated and hardworking volunteer base a` three bay’ practice pitch was laid in 2005, followed by tree/bush planting round the perimeter of the ground in 2006. This was followed by improved changing rooms and toilets for two teams.
Hunslet Nelson was one of nine cricket clubs throughout England and Wales to pilot the Chance to Shine project in 2005. In the same year the club achieved ECB Focus Club status. 

Ground improvements
In 2008 two new buildings were constructed, a digital scorebox and tea room which also provided toilet facilities. After that, in 2009 a patio was constructed in front of the changing rooms and tea room, and the following year saw the addition of a purpose built car park, and hard standing and paving areas.
The best batsman at the club in 2009 was Daniel Calverley who won the batting averages with 483 runs at 32.20 followed by the consistent Tommy Roy who scored 499 runs.
In 2010, Hunslet Nelson had won the Division One title (former Division Two) with an incredible nineteen wins. It was based on a team of individual achievers led by captain Thomas Roy who set the example, winning the Division One Batting Averages with 815 runs at 58.21 with a top score of 118*.

The bowling was penetrative with opening bowler Sohail Raz, above, winning the Division One Bowling Averages after taking 45 wickets at 9.84, with a best analysis of 6-8. Derek Hammill was just behind him in second place with 44 wickets at 11.02.
To complete the full set of individual honours that year Joe Smith won the Division 1 Wicketkeepers Trophy with 25 victims.
Still led by Roy, they nicely consolidated their new Premier League status in 2011 with ten wins. Roy was again the chief run-getter with 663 runs, while Raz again had an effective season with the ball taking 38 wickets.

Riding high in the Premier League
Hunslet Nelson was now riding high in the Premier League and in 2012 recorded twelve wins. Seamer Michael Lambert was the major influence finishing fourth in the League Bowling Averages with 56 wickets at 13.64.
In 2013 Lambert took a further 46 wickets, assisted by his opening partner Derek Hammill who took 38. With Roy carrying the batting responsibilities again with 480 runs the club were entrenched in mid-table.

It was a different matter in 2014 when only the re-organisation of the league to accommodate the Scholes departure to the Bradford League saved them from relegation. An 18-year old South African Jean Strydom, above, who had been making the grade for Western Province, was the best performer with 592 runs at 42.29. What turned out to be the last season in the Central Yorkshire League ended with a lowly position after a tally of just four league wins. The salvation of the season came in the form of 24 year old South African All Rounder Warren Ekstraal.

He came to the fore with the ball taking 51 wickets at 13.69, and also scored 361 runs. After an early struggle in the season the club looked to Ekstraal, above, who hit 82 and claimed 4-15 in their first Premiership win at Carlton. However, he was often battling on a lone front, illustrated by the one-wicket defeat against Batley, when he scored 35 with the bat, and took 6 wickets for 42 runs. William Stiff emerged as a key bowler at the club with 38 wickets in 2014, followed by 36 in 2015.

Into the Bradford League
During 2015, plans were afoot to absorb the Central Yorkshire League clubs into the new Bradford Premier League set-up. In consequence, Hunslet Nelson’s lowly position had no bearing on their Championship status for the 2016 season.
Hunslet Nelson were wafer-thin on batting strength for 2016 with only Australian batsman Christopher Anderson able to get past 200 league runs. Anderson, who played Premier League 2XI cricket for Richmond, scored 623 runs at 38.94.
The club recorded seven league wins and missed out on a Championship One slot for 2017. The best bowler was 16 year-old left-arm spin bowler Max Chappel who took 30 wickets, and also received recognition playing for Yorkshire U19s.

Promotion
Skipper Will Stiff engendered a good team spirit in 2017, resulting in promotion from Championship One. Without stars and concentrating on a team ethic, they were on the fringes of the promotion race for much of the season. Towards the end of the season they were going` toe to toe’ with Altofts with nothing between them.
In the penultimate fixtures Hunslet Nelson stole a march on Altofts by defeating Hopton Mills, while their rivals were frustrated by their abandoned match at Liversedge. Hunslet Nelson defied the weather by setting Hopton Mills a challenging 155 in 33.1 overs, and then bowled them out for 96 to win by 59 runs. Skipper Will Self led by example scoring a vital 31 runs, and also taking 3-14, while Andrew McIntosh top scored with 47 runs. Glen Thompson had the best bowling figures of 4-7.
The following week Hunslet Nelson confirmed promotion by beating Northowram Fields while Altofts were defeated by Buttershaw St Paul's. The 24 point margin on third place gave a misleading slant on what was a closely run promotion race.
The best league performers were McIntosh (488 runs), Jack Scanlon (435 runs) and Stiff who scored 308 runs and captured 19 wickets. Patrick Hinchcliffe was the most prolific wicket-taker with 27.
The club had a run to the Jack Hampshire Cup Semi-Finals where Hartshead Moor proved too strong for them. They started the competition with a bang scoring 314-8 against Adwalton, before beating Crossbank Methodists and Azaad.
In the higher division the club struggled to put consistent results together, but could consider themselves unlucky to go down, given the fact that they had won three more matches than the side immediately above them who survived.
Lacking real star quality, but possessing a team ethic, they competed most weeks led by the competitive Stiff. Entering the last game of the season they had to win at third place Morley to survive, and Stiff gave them every opportunity. He helped to bowl Morley out for 201 with an analysis of 4-56, and then doggedly fought with the tail ending unbeaten on 37, as his team fell 39-runs short.
Young spinner Dan Cross impressed with 42 wickets, while Mark Murphy and Stiff made invaluable all- round contributions.

Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club

Club History

On 4th April 1853 a group of young men from the Kirkstall Educational Society, a literary club attached to St Stephen’s Church school, conceived the idea of starting a cricket club. After four seasons at Kirkstall Abbey fields, a move was made in 1857 to the club’s present ground, then part of the Kirkstall Grange Estate. Regrettably, its owner, William Beckett, declined the club’s offer of £10 to purchase the field, preferring instead to allow its use virtually rent free.

Ben Witham, better known as “Spank”, was the team’s star player. In 1856 he introduced the round-arm method of bowling, never before seen in the Leeds area. His destructive performances were described as sensational. Indications are that few matches took place in those early days. By 1870 there were sufficient clubs around to enable fixtures to be arranged on a weekly basis. The Yorkshire Cricketers’ Guide for 1878 describes Kirkstall as “One of the best clubs in this district; consists of 103 members with J. Wilkinson as professional, a good all- round man. In 19 matches played they have won 7, lost 5 and drawn 7.”

In March 1887 an agreement was reached with William Schofield whereby he was let “the eatage of grass in the Cricket Field, and to turn in his own working horses and cattle, with the exception of strange horses such as are calculated to get over the fence of the levelled part, or fat bullocks, and to keep the said grass well eaten off”. Mr Schofield paid £9 per annum for this privilege. 

With the advent of competitive cricket, Kirkstall became a founder member of Leeds Second Class League in 1893. Four years later the club moved to the Yorkshire Central League, winning the Championship in 1922. They also won the Leeds Evening League in 1924, defeating a strong Leeds side by nine runs in the Championship Final at Holbeck. Having made only 114, Kirkstall appeared to have little prospect on the second night, but Harold Hargrave responded magnificently with 7 wickets for 22, and was carried from the field shoulder high by exuberant supporters. In 1925 Kirkstall joined the Yorkshire Council and after two unsuccessful applications eventually gained admission to the Leeds League for the 1929 season.

Success at senior level has been modest. The League Championship was won in 1966 and 1968, but of five Hepworth Cup Final appearances, the only victory came in 1943. Happily, a thriving junior section has served the club well, the under- 18 side winning the Shuttleworth Cup in 1973,1982 and 1990, and the under-15s being victorious in the Forbes Cup in 1989.

Two outstanding first class cricketers began their careers at Kirkstall. Bill Bowes arrived in 1927 as an 18 year old, and Jim Love was a prominent player for the Juniors in the late 1960s. At local level tribute must be paid to Keith Dickson for his achievement in scoring more than 20,000 runs for the club in all matches since 1965. Colin Handley brought Kirkstall much-needed success by winning the League Bowling Prize on five occasions and Dennis Pearse crowned a remarkable career with the award of the League Batting Prize at the age of 51. Mention must be made of three other distinguished servants. Both on and off the field William Rawnsley made an outstanding contribution from 1860 to the turn of the century. John Kaye spent 50 seasons with the club, playing his last game in 1948. And no record of Kirkstall would be complete without reference to John Holmes, treasurer for 33 years, whose loyalty and dedication continue to inspire and sustain those around him.

Kirkstall’s ground has been transformed in recent years. A new clubhouse was erected in 1980 and the later addition of dressing rooms and showers helped create one of the finest pavilions in the League. The provision last year of a new scoreboard and comfortable seating is evidence of the club’s commitment to growth and development. Kirkstall’s long and distinguished innings is set to continue.

In 1999, the Club`s last season in the Leeds League, the 1st XI finished as Champions of Division One and also reached the Final of the Hepworth Cup and in 2000, were Champions of Division C of the Airedale-Wharfedale Senior Cricket League.

In their last years in the Leeds League the Second XI won Division 2A in 1993 and Division 1A in 1996. They appeared in the final of the Wood Cup in 1992, 1998 and 1999, winning in 1999 for the first time when Pool were beaten by 45 runs. This success continued on joining the Airedale & Wharfedale League where they were promoted from Division C in 2001 and ended the 2002 season as champions of Division B.

2003 was the club’s 150th anniversary year and another new venture saw KECC with a Saturday 3rd XI in the Dales Council League, skippered by Dom Allen.

2006, under the captaincy of Andy Siddall, saw the 1st XI win the Division 1 championship for the first time. Further success followed as Chris Stevenson led the 2nd XI to win the Birtwhistle Cup and the 3rd XI, captained by Andy Banks, won their league in 2007.

2008 was a sensational season for KECC. In his first season as 1st XI skipper, Stuart Hudson won a remarkable double as the Waddilove Cup came to Queenswood Drive for the first time and the league was won for the second time in three seasons. The 2nd XI retained the Birtwhistle Cup, once again overcoming Otley, but finished runners up in the league, missing out to winners North Leeds, by a single point.

Come down and visit us at:

The Field of Dreams

Queenswood Drive

Headingley

Leeds

LS6 3HT