Were you there?

When You Are Old

William Butler Yeats (1865 – 1939)

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,

And nodding by the fire, take down this book,

And slowly read, and dream of the soft look

Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,

And loved your beauty with love false or true,

But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,

And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,

Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled

And paced upon the mountains overhead

And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

.

.

Sunday 1st September 2024

English Schools Cricket Association

National T20 FINALS Day (@Arundel Castle)

First Semi-final

Scarborough College (won toss) 162 for 7 (20 overs)

defeated

Shrewsbury School 136 for 6 (20 overs)

by 26 runs

Umpires: Matt French & John Tomsett. Scorer: Eddie McGeown

Second Semi-final

Harrow School 161 for 4 (20 overs)

defeated

Kings College Taunton 116 all out (15.2 overs)

by 45 runs

Umpires: Terry Barstow & Martin Bodenham.  Scorer: Eddie McGeown

FINAL

Harrow School (won toss) 195 for 8 (20 overs)

defeated

Scarborough College 132 all out (17.0 overs)

by 63 runs.

Umpires: Matt French & John Tomsett.    Scorer: Eddie McGeown

A fine day’s cricket, with Harrow School (perhaps not unexpectedly) head and shoulders above the rest of the competition. The day was overshadowed by the passing of Richard Somerford. He worked for ESCA for many years, nationally, regionally and also for Surrey and Norfolk.

Richard played an important part in the running of  the National School rounds. He was well liked and respected for all his hard work. Despite not being in the best of health,  he was determined to attend Finals day, but sadly passed away during the competition.

He was a valued member of The National Executive and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

.

Chorley gained some small measure of revenge this evening at St James’ Park in Brackley for their play-off defeat in May. In a closely fought contest, two second half penalties were enough to gain victory and the points for the visitors. With son, Jim and grand sons, Freddie, Sonny and Kingsley.

The last time I was here, some fifteen years ago, the attendance was nineteen and that was for a UCL match! Much has changed in the meantime. There is a new club house, cover behind the goal and down the far side, a seated stand for maybe two hundred souls and a marquee pitch side for half-time refreshments. The club have also added “Leicester” to the front of their name. This may have been the FA Youth Cup, but there was a great deal of local pride at stake as both clubs come from the Aylestone area of Leicester. The visitors had the edge against a determined and enthusiastic home side and with two first half strikes and a third eight minutes from time, they garnered the victory despite the dismissal of their number seven with twenty minutes to go. With John Main..

Saturday 7th September 2024

Wessex League Division 1

Romsey Town 4

Alex Wilson 11, Craig Bryant 63, H Russell 73, Robbie Stapleton 84,

Cove 2

Armani Riley 26, George Usuwu 90+1,

Referee: Lee Nowacki.                                  Attendance: 80

Admission: OMGDS £3.00 (£7).                Programme: on line.

A fine repast at the superbly appointed hostelry: “The Duke on The Test”, just outside the town of Romsey (pop: 15,000), in Hampshire. The Bypass Ground is full of character – if a little eccentric – with cover on three sides and seating along each flank. There is an adequate club house and a refreshment hut. In a dull opening period, both sides managed a single strike, but the second half perked up considerably. The visitors were down to ten men around the hour mark following a bad tackle. The hosts capitalised five minutes later and almost immediately, the visitors captain was invited to warm the bench for ten minutes after a furious altercation with the referee. The hosts extended their lead before his return and scored a fourth six minutes from the end. The visitors had the last word, however, with a strike deep into added time. With John Main.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Today, Tomorrow, Long Ago and Years to Come

When yesterday we thought about tomorrow;
It’s strange to think that we just meant today.
Don’t look to days to wipe out stress and sorrow,
The calendar and clock refuse to play.

.

When I was young these summer days meant cricket
From morning till collapsing into bed.
I’d strive to score some runs or take a wicket
Today I watch professionals instead.

.

In days to come my grandkids may be players
And I’ll be cheering them with every shot.
But whether they are shooting stars or stayers,
I’m sure that they’ll have talents I have not.

.

But look at days or years the same thing’s strange
The more things change the less things seem to change!

.

by Anonymous

.

Thursday 1st August 2024

Northants District U15 Triangular Tournament

@Kettering Town CC

In the first match (where I wasn’t umpiring) Kettering & Corby U15 lost to East Northants U15. In the following two games:

Northampton & South U15 (won toss) 111for 4 (20 overs)

defeated

East Northants U15 101 for 8 (20 overs)

by 10 runs

Umpires: Martyn Dobbs & Eddie McGeown

.

Northampton & South U15 (won toss) 139 for 1 (20 overs)

lost to

Kettering & Corby U15    140 for 5 (16.5 overs)

by 5 wickets

Umpires: Colin Megennis & Eddie McGeown

Kettering & Corby U15 won the tournament on a better run rate.

.

This is Benfleet’s first season at step five after winning The Eastern Counties League Division 1 South title last season and gaining promotion to The Essex Senior League. One week ago, they lost their opening league encounter, also against Woodford Town, on this ground (Woodside Park) by a single goal. They have returned to their own ground after sharing with Canvey Island for several seasons. A new one hundred seater stand, two small covered areas, hard standing on three sides and floodlights, have improved the ground to a degree and there is a bar and catering facilities, too. The official attendance looked a tad suspect. Several hoppers counted well over 400. The hosts scored three first half goals in a fifteen minute spell and thoroughly deserved their victory and revenge for last week’s defeat. With John Main.

Wednesday 7th August 2024

West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division

FC Darlaston 4

Connor Garrett 46, Rhys Horton 62, 88, Number Rashad 84,

Gornal Colts 2

Alistair McCue 76, Zak Wadley 78,

Referee: Josh Lee.                                                        Attendance: 64

Admission: OMGDS £3.00 (£5).                              Programme: NONE

A free cheese ‘cob’ on entry to this evening’s match at The Rec where impressive Darlaston continued their successful start to the new campaign. Their ground is basic, a (mostly) fenced in field with dugouts and some steep terracing behind them. A small covered area behind one goal, but no hard standing – although the materials are there, donated by a local builder – there are also plans to install floodlights as the club hopes to move forward. This evening, after a goalless first period, the hosts gained a two goal advantage, only to squander it and then regain it with two goals in the final ten minutes. Good game!

.

Note the terracing behind the dugouts, it used to have a roof over it!

.

.

.

The only cover at the ground is this shed behind the near goal.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Saturday 9th August 2024

Tony Barnett Memorial Trophy

(@ Workington Town RLFC)

Maryport Athletic 2

Ethan Weir 87, Ciaran Booty 90+1,

Northside 1

Max Litt 28,

Refere: Tommy Linford.                                                    Attendance: 129

Admission: £3.00.                                                             Programme: NONE

Workington Town’s impressive Derwent Park was the backdrop for this memorial match between the champions of The Cumberland County League and the champions of The West Cumberland Sunday League. Tony Barnett was a longstanding player, manager and administrator in Cumberland football and he passed away on 7th March this year. His family were here to present the trophy. Northside, the Sunday league team team scored midway through the first half and were very unlucky to lose to two strikes in the final five minutes of the match to the Saturday league side.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Saturday 10th August 2024

Professional Development League

@Poolfoot Farm, Butts Road, Thornton Cleveleys FY5 4HX

Fleetwood Town U18 1

Harvey Currie 90+1 (pen),

Cardiff City U18 3

Dan Ola 22, Mannie Barton 58, Jake Davies 73,

Referee: Sam Orritt.                                                Attendance: 25

Admission: F.O.C.                                                   Programme: NONE

With John Main, Andy English and Richard Livall.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Saturday 10th August 2024

North-West Counties League Division 1 North

Thornton Cleveleys 1

Jordan Beavers 33,

Daisy Hill 3

Jake O’Brien 49, Krisel Prifti 53, Ryan Talbot 83,

Referee: Jamie Law.                                                   Attendance: 145

Admission: OMGDS £3.00 (£5).                            Programme: £2.00

Gamble Road, home to the newly promoted Champions of The West Lancashire League, is a work still in progress. They hope to have the floodlights installed by the end of September and there are plans for a hundred seater stand and cover behind one goal. Very friendly club who supplied team sheets free of charge and a weird referee who somewhat distorted the match when he sent off a home defender after half an hour for two bookable offences. At that time, the hosts were leading 1-0 and it was a lead they clung onto until the break. Ten minutes after the break, the were behind and the visitors killed the game off with a third goal five minutes from time. With John Main and Andy English.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Sunday 11th August 2024

Rutland League Division 1 (@Burghley Park)

Barnack (won toss) 279 for 7 (45 overs)

lost to

Burghley Park 280 for 1 (42.2 overs)

by nine wickets

Umpires: Mallie Bandaranaike and Eddie McGeown

Lovely day, the wicket was a batsman’s paradise and Burghley Park, with the horse trials due to start next week, was resplendent with Burghley House itself just visible about a mile away across the park. Keyan Gace was the man of the match with his imperious 157 no and Barnack’s challenging total was overhauled with comparative ease.

.

.

.

.

.

Monday 12th August 2024

Cricket @Finedon Dolben CC

East Northants U15 (won toss) 219 for 7 (40 overs)

defeated

Northampton & South U15   66 all out (21.2 overs)

by 153 runs

Umpires: Bob Inchley & Eddie McGeown

.

Wednesday 14th August 2024

Peterborough & District League Premier Division

Deeping United 0

Reece Driscoll penalty missed 48,

Wittering Premier 3

Dougie Zimbango 57, 65, Ben Roberts 75, Harry Whittington penalty saved 37,

Referee: Jonathan Clayton.                                              Attendance: 33

Admission: F.O.C.                                                              Programme: NONE

The Werrington Sports complex in Peterborough has four football pitches, one of which is presently the home of Deeping United. Both teams turned up with the same colour of shirts, so the visitors had to wear training bibs. Nobody had thought to unlock the changing rooms and the hosts, having held Premiair to 0-0 at half-time, were comprehensively dismantled in the second period and succumbed to a heavy home defeat. Simon Barton from Norwich was also there.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Thursday 15th August 2024

Cricket @Rushden & Higham Town CC

Northants U11 110 all out (21 overs)

defeated

Yorkshire Central U10 (won toss) 78 all out (29 overs)

by 32 runs

Umpires: Jeff Beal & Eddie McGeown

.

Friday 16th August 2024

Banbury Cricket Club hosted an u-11 ‘Hundred’ tournament, with teams from Buckingham, Witney and Chipping Norton also taking part. A beautiful arena with a spacious clubhouse, impressive nets, a large array of benches and trees accompanied by heartfelt commemorations and some enthusiastic play from all the teams involved, combined with plenty of budding talent. Have to confess an interest, as two of my grandsons were playing in the Chipping Norton team and the pictures include them batting and bowling! Banbury won the tournament with Chipping Norton being runners up, Witney third and Buckingham 4th.

.

Kingsley batting

.

Sonny scores a boundary with this shot.

.

Kingsley batting ““` and “`out!

.

Sonny bowling, dad, Jim umpiring.

.

Sonny bowling, dad umpiring.

.

Sonny bowling and his dad umpiring

.

Jim with his Chipping Norton U11 team.

.

.

Kingsley bats!

.

Saturday 17th August

Northants Cricket League Division 7 (at Brigstock CC)

S&L Corby II(won toss) 332 for 3 (45 overs) Dinesh Rodrigo scored 183no, Mike McGeown 22no.

defeated

Brigstock II  195 all out (39.1 overs)

by 137 runs

Umpires: Jamie Stewart & Eddie McGeown

.

Sunday 18th August 2024

East Midlands Women’s Cricket League Division 1 (@Kettering Town CC).

Kettering Town CC Ladies(won toss) 132 for 9 (40 overs)

defeated

Thrapston CC Women  101 all out (32 overs).

by 31 runs.

.

Tuesday 21st August 2024

Cambridgeshire County League Premier Division

Comberton United 0

West Wratting 3

Brandon McKay 56, Callum Harrison 70, Spencer Sykes 85,

Referee: Oliver Humphreys.                              Attendance: 78

Admission: F.O.C.                                               Programme: NONE

Deep in the heart of Cambridgeshire, the tiny village of Comberton hosts maybe 2,000 souls and a football team who play at the Recreation Ground which also hosts the village cricket team. This evening they were professionally dismantled by an efficient visiting team who kept the game scoreless until the interval, but then unleashed three devastating second half strikes and could have had more! Tea, coffee and biscuits available at pitch side!

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Wednesday 21st August 2024

County Pathway Fixture @Wellingborough Old Grammarians

Derbyshire U13 Girls   88 all out (30.2 overs)

lost to

Northants U13 Girls (won toss)   90 for 3 (13.5 overs).

by 7 wickets

Umpires: Martyn Dobbs & Eddie McGeown

.

Sunday 25th August 2024

Rutland League Division 2

(@Stamford)

Stamford Town (won toss).  226 all out (45 overs)

defeated

Uffington     157 all out (36.2 overs)

by 69 runs

Umpires: Bob Inchley & Eddie McGeown

.

Monday 26th August 2024

Spartan South Midlands League Division 2

Milton Keynes College 1

Matthew Haworth 75,

Newport Pagnell Town Dev. 6

Chris Carter 5, Ash Harris 45+2, Josh Bird 61, Euphrapy Kalonga 68, Nat Edmond 70, Jack Turner 90,

Referee: Luke Damon.                                   Attendance: 64

Admission: F.O.C.                                          Programme: NONE

A cage with a plastic pitch on the inside, a club house outside for alcoholic refreshment (and tea/coffee), but NO viewing inside the cage. The match had to be observed through the wire mesh. There was no cover, no seating and precious little hard standing and yet … and yet … there was a comparatively healthy gathering of spectators between the cage and the main railway line from Euston to Scotland. The students had already lost their opening four league fixtures, so it was no real surprise when they succumbed to yet another heavy defeat. I don’t think I’lll be returning any time soon!

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Tuesday 27th August 2024

Central Midlands League North Division

AFC Phoenix 5

Josh Bennett 40, Chris Cook 63, Joel Bradshaw 66, Tanga Chiba 78, Cameron Beer 85,

Glapwell 0

Referee: Michael Gilvarry.                     Attendance: 36

Admission: £3.00.                                   Programme: £1.50

The Phoenix Sports Complex occupies a generous chunk of territory in the Brinsworth area of Rotherham, but football, the poor relation, is tucked away in a far corner of the empire. Enjoyed a fine repast in the generously proportioned pavilion before adjourning to the ground which was surrounded by a meshed fence and a metal railing round the pitch. There was shelter from the showers and a refreshment hut with tea/coffee and snacks. There was also an excellent programme. This was a contest which stuttered into life. The hosts carried a 1-0 lead into the second period, but then stamped their authority on the match with four unanswered strikes for a convincing victory.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Wednesday 28th August 2024

Pathway Development Match (@Wollaston)

Northants U13 Girls (won toss) 252 for 3 (35 overs)

defeated

Oxfordshire U13 Girls 114 all out (32.4 overs)

by 138 runs

Umpires: Simon Clarke & Eddie McGeown

.

Friday 30th August 2024

Premier League 2

West Ham United U21 1

Josh Ajala 64,

Norwich City U21 0

Referee: Jamie Oldham.                                Attendance: c200

Admission: £5.00.                                          Programme: NONE

The Hammers acquired this ground at Rush Green, formerly the home of Ford United, in 2016 and turned it into their training facility. There were plenty of very helpful and cheerful staff to welcome the fans, both outside and inside the ground. Spectating was all down one side where the fine stand stood and half way behind the near goalmouth. The match was keenly contested and the hosts just about deserved the victory, aided, however, by a very one-sided referee!

.

.

.

.

.

Saturday 31st August 2024

Southern Combination Football League

Premier Division

Wick 1

Josh Irish 19,

Eastbourne United 1

Mason Creese 62,

Referee: Darren Eaton. Official                       Attendance: 101

Admission: OMGDS £4.00 (£7).                    Programme: £2.00

Crabtree Park is a scruffy little ground adjacent to the railway line in Littlehampton. Foundations are laid for a new stand, but the rest of the arena would benefit substantially from a touch of TLC. The clubhouse has an extensive bar area upstairs and a refreshments kiosk by the entrance downstairs. Adjacent to the upstairs bar is a shrine with candles to commemorate a popular and well loved chairman, Dave Phillips, who died very recently aged only 62. On the pitch, the visitors, who have yet to win a league match this season, fell behind before the break, but equalised around the hour mark and could easily have taken all three points.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

The memorial to Chairman, Dave Phillips who died a couple of weeks previous to the match aged 62.

.

Vitai Lampada

There’s a breathless hush in the Close tonight –

Ten to make and the match to win –

A bumping pitch and a blinding light,

An hour to play and the last man in.

And it’s not for the sake of a ribboned coat,

Or the selfish hope of a season’s fame,

But his captain’s hand on his shoulder smote

“Play up! play up! and play the game!”

.

Sir Henry Newbolt (1862 – 1938)

.

The rare sight of a cricket tea at Kibworth CC!

.

Monday 8th July 2024

Ashbourne Summer League

Bramshall 2

Joe Lobosco 40, Josh Ellis 42,

Vaults 3

Freddie Murphy 57, 81, Jake Edge-Lucas 76,

Referee: William Maskery.                                  Attendance: 15

Admission: F.O.C.                                                Programme: NONE

I found the ground, eventually, on the outskirts of Uttoxeter. Little more than a field with a wooden hut for changing rooms – oh, yes, and a stand with seating for about five spectators behind one goal! The playing surface was surprisingly good and well maintained, and the match was a good one, as these two teams – second and third in the league battled it out. The hosts held a two goal interval advantage, but the visitors took the victory and the points with three unanswered strikes in the second half. A smattering of hoppers in attendance, including Martin Hayden and Bob Lillyman.

.

The changing “hut” at Bramshall

.

.

.

.

The main stand with seats for maybe half a dozen (thin) spectators.

.

.

Tuesday 9th July 2024

Pre-Season Friendly

Opening match at the NEW Ground

Shawbury United 1

Ollie Wispen 45+1

AFC Wulfrunians 5

Ryan Bright 1, 45+2, Freddie Cockerell 54, 74, Jake Webb 88,

Referee: Scott Davies.                                              Attendance: 56

Admission: F.O.C.                                                    Programme: NONE

The first match at Carradine Road, the new home of Shawbury Town, perennial groundsharers, they have finally, after a twenty year journey, reached a home of their own inside the town. There was a very friendly reception, but no alcohol, this evening, as they have yet to arrange a licence. The lady behind the bar told me that when the project for the ground commenced, her children were toddlers and that they are now in their twenties! There is also the possibility that the pitch at the new ground will be replaced with a state of the art artificial surface in the future. So, there is still much to be achieved, but there are two fifty seater stands, a substantial metal rail and hardstanding around the pitch, a large bar and refreshment area and floodlights. Their opponents this evening were from a step higher in the pyramid and it showed. Ryan Bright scored the first goal at the new arena in the first minute and scored again in the final minute before the interval. Three further second half strikes completed a comprehensive victory. With John Main and Graeme Holmes.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Wednesday 10th July 2024

Northants Women’s Midweek Cricket League (@Irthlingborough)

Finedon Dolben Women 102 for 6 (20 overs)

defeated

Irthlingborough Women (won toss) 96 all out (17.1 overs)

by 6 runs

Umpire: Eddie McGeown

.

Saturday 13th July 2024

Heritage Cup

Cray Wanderers 0

Sheffield 4

Alfie Smith 45, Jack Watson 54, 62, Luke Aldrich 58,

Referee: Jack Smith.                                                    Official Attendance: 466

Admission: OMGDS: £5.00 (£10).                           Programme: £2.00

This was a match between the two oldest clubs in England, and, also, marked the opening of Cray Wanderers new home at Flamingo Park. The new stadium is an impressive work in progress. A 3G surface with hard standing all round and a three hundred seater stand down one side and an older club house with ample bar and catering facilities. It was a pre-season friendly and not too much credit should be put to the score line as Northern Premier League Sheffield overcame their Isthmian League rivals mainly because they were more clinical in their finishing. The hosts hit the woodwork at least three times, but were unable to score. With John Main and a fair smattering of hoppers!

.

.

.

.

.

.

The Heritage Cup

.

.

.

.

.

.

Matchday Programme – £2.00 

Programmes will be issued for all home matches this season, but it is likely that the price will rise to £3.00

.

.

Sunday 14th July

Cricket U-13 National T20 Cup Competition (@Burton Latimer)

Regional Final

Horton House U13 (won toss) 126 for 3 (20 overs)

defeated

Little Shelford U13 100 for 7 (20 overs)

by 26 runs

Umpires: Keith Timpson & Eddie McGeown

.

Tuesday 16th July 2024

Pre-Season Friendly

ON Chenecks 1

Tom Tyrell 12,

Wellingborough Town 2

Joe Blowers 7, Neo Richard-Noel 13,

Referee: Chris Walton.                                    Attendance: 42

Admission: F.O.C.                                           Programme: NONE

This match was played on a 3G pitch in a cage in the grounds of Northampton School for Boys, a couple of hundred yards down the road from Chenecks usual haunt. Both of these clubs have been promoted this season, Chenecks to the premier division of The UCL and The Doughboys from the UCL to the NPL Division 1 Midlands. All the goals came in the opening fifteen minutes of an entertaining encounter and I expect that both teams will be challenging again this season!

.

.

.

.

.

Wednesday 17th July 2024

Northants Midweek Women’s League (@Thrapston)

Thrapston Women’s CC Green (won toss) 117 for 3 (20 overs)

tied with

Thrapston Women’s CC Yellow 117 for 4 (20 overs)

I didn’t realise it at the time, but this match turned out to be very controversial. Thrapston Women’s Yellow team had won all their games this season and were champions. This match was tied and, at the time, I thought it was an exciting match with the last over being a maiden (I could have given a wide, but decided against it!). Later in the month, I got an email from the league (Fay Robinson), suggesting, strongly, that the two teams had conspired to effect a tie so that a) the champions would remain unbeaten all season and b) that Thrapston Greens would gain an extra point to give them a play off place in the league CUP rather than the league PLATE. This was not how the match felt to me., but did the two teams conspire??? If so, I was completely unaware of it.

.

Thursday 18th July 2024

Rothesay 2nd Test Match

Day One @Trent Bridge

England 416 all out

Freddie and I took the train from Corby and were inside Trent Bridge by 10.00am. Great day’s cricket in glorious sunshine and Freddie got what he wanted – to see England bat. In fact, he got to see all of them bat, because, at the end of day one, England were 416 all out! Apparently, Freddie even managed to get himself on TV on one of his walks around the ground. To be fair, although they scored 416, England didn’t bat particularly well. There was an early flashing innings from Ben Duckett (71), a watchful 121 from Pope and 69 from Ben Stokes, the skipper. Zac Crawley was ducked early on and Joe Root managed just 14. It was a very good day out! We only saw Day One. On Day Two, The West Indies scored 457 all out and by the middle of day four, England had replied with 425 all out. Then The West Indies collapsed to 143 all out before the end of Day four and England won by 241 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

.

Freddie Arthur McGeown

.

Freddie and grand dad, Ed

.

Saturday 20th July 2024

Northants Cricket League Division 7

@Bowden CC

S&L Corby CC IIs (won toss) 224 for 8 (45 overs)

defeated

Bowden CC IIs 159 all out (39.5 overs)

By 65 runs

Bowden is a pleasantly eccentric ground with a tree on the infield, which garners four runs each time it is struck. Adjacent to the ground, East Midland Railways have regular services. This match pitted third against second. S&L batting first set a reasonable, but not too daunting a total, however, young Freddie McGeown, bowling with pace and zest, took four for 29 off nine overs and it was this contribution that settled the tie! Proud grand dad was umpire for the match!

.

.

.

East Midlands Railways run regular services from St Pancras to Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield.

.

.

Sunday 21st July 2024

Cricket @ Oundle School

Northants U12 197 for 5 (40 overs)

defeated

East & Central Yorks U12 (won toss) 167 for 8 (40 overs)

by 30 runs

Umpires: Adam Jeskins & Eddie McGeown

.

Tuesday 23rd July 2024

Pre-Season Friendly

Biggleswade FC 1

Ethan Kessell.

Cambridge United XI 4

Sam Okoye 45,68, Mark Murefu 80, Randy Bulakio 85,

Referee: Johnny Lamb.                                             Attendance: 94

Admission: F.O.C.                                                      Programme: NONE

Biggleswade FC, the youngest of the town’s trio of teams, actually groundshare at Bedford Town’s stadium in Cardington. Tonight, they were playing back in the town at a 3G plastic cage at Stratton Upper School. In a fine, free-flowing, pacy match, the hosts took the lead, but conceded on the stroke of half-time and conceded three second half strikes to give the youthful visitors a somewhat flattering victory. Several hoppers in attendance.

.

.

.

.

Wednesday 24th July 2024

Cricket @ Oundle School

Derbyshire U12 (won toss) 177 all out (37 overs)

lost to

Northants U12 178 for 4 (40.3 overs)

by 6 wkts

Umpires: Martyn Dobbs & Eddie McGeown

.

Saturday 27th July 2024

Velocity Wessex League Charity Cup FINAL

Moneyfields 0

Hamble Club 0

Referee: Ant Cross.                                                      Attendance: 128

Admission: OMGDS £4.00 (£8).                             Programme: £2.00

Reputed to have cost £10 million, Moneyfields’ new grounds (there is a separate enclosed pitch for the reserves), comprise of a 3G pitch in a glorified cage with a stand holding around 200 seats and a minimalist refreshment outlet and a bar round the back. Still to be installed is cover on the far side and the new upstairs bar facilities. The match was nothing to write home about. Hamble, the underdogs, a step below the hosts who had just won promotion to the Isthmian League, easily contained their rivals, but rarely made any impression on the home defence. Penalties decided the contest and Moneyfields took the spoils. With John Main.

.

South Western Railways trundling past

.

.

.

.

.

.

Programme

.

Monday 29th July 2024

Area Pathway fixture @Marston St Lawrence CC

The tiny village of Marston St Lawrence, at the southern end of the county of Northamptonshire. Is home to around 200 souls and yet supports two cricket teams at its beautifully appointed cricket ground called Monk’s Piece. They are a very friendly club and certainly very competitive. This season, the first XI are unbeaten. Well worth a visit!

Kettering & Corby U13 (Won toss) 185 all out (32.4 overs)

lost to

Northampton & South U13 189 for 4 (33.4 overs)

by 6 wkts

Umpires: Colin Samuels & Eddie McGeown

.

Tuesday 30th July 2024

County Youth Match @Oundle School

Northants U11s 198 all out (39.3 overs)

defeated

Notts U11s (won toss) 166 all out (36.5 overs)

by 32 runs

Umpires: Colin Samuels & Eddie McGeown

.

Wednesday 31st July 2024

Northern Counties East League Division 1

South Leeds o

Horbury Town 1

James Cusworth 52,

Referee: Craig Atkin.                                                             Attendance: 255

Admission: OMGDS £4.00 (£6).                                       Programme: on line

This season, new arrivals in The NCEL, South Leeds (formerly Middleton FC) are plying their trade in The South Leeds Stadium, where Hunslet RLFC play their matches. It is a beautifully appointed arena, but, I may not be saying that on a cold, wet and windy January evening! There is a friendliness and a desire to succeed at the club and I really hope this promotion will work for them. This evening, however, they were defeated by another recent NCEL recruit, Horbury Town.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Match ticket

.

.

I sat next to a duchess at tea

It was just as I feared it would be.

Her rumblings abdominal

Were simply phenomenal

And everyone thought it was me!

Anon

.

Sunday 2nd June 2024 (at Thrapston)

East Midlands Women’s League Division 1

Ockbrook & Borrowash Women  (won toss) 79 all out (32.4 overs)

lost to

Thrapston Women 80 for 4 (23.2 overs)

by 6 wickets

Umpires: Kate Marshall & Eddie McGeown

An opening stand of 60 by the visitors, suggested that a good score was in the offing. However, the next nine wickets yielded a paltry nineteen runs in almost seventeen overs. The hosts did not start confidently, slipping to 18 for 3 after nine overs, but a confident stand of 54 took them close to the winning tape, and eleven balls later, they romped home to win by 6 wickets, in the shadow of St James’ spire on a very warm afternoon.

.

.

.

.

Wednesday 5th June 2024

Northants Women’s Midweek League (@ Overstone Park)

Thrapston Yellow 152 for 3 (20 overs)

defeated

Overstone Park Women   (won toss) 90 for 4

by 62 runs

Umpire: Eddie McGeown

.

Friday 7th June 2024

T20 Vitality Blast Northern Group Stage (@ Northampton)

Northamptonshire Steelbacks (won toss) 169 for 4

(20 overs)

defeated.

Worcestershire Rapids 163 for 9 (20 overs)

by 6 runs

Umpires: Russell Warren & James Middlebrook

A pleasant evening with bright sunlight at Wantage Road and a half full stadium to see a fairly tepid encounter, only enlivened at the end, when the visitors needed eleven off the last over with two wickets remaining. Three balls later, the deficit was reduced to seven to win. Then the hosts took a wicket and no further runs were scored!

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Saturday 8th June 2024

Northants. Cricket League Division 1

@ Loddington

Loddington 181 all out (46.2 overs)

drew with

Thrapston(won toss) 156 for 9 (53 overs)

Umpires: Terry Owen & Eddie McGeown

Scorers: Simon Blackett & Ned Kelly

The idyllic surrounds of Loddington Playing Fields hosted this close encounter and after a rain delayed start, Thrapston inserted the hosts who posted a pretty competitive total, which included a half century from Jamie Esler. In reply, the visitors were always behind the clock and indeed with twelve overs to go, found themselves 82 runs adrift with nine wickets down. The final pairing managed to hold out for the remaining overs to claim an unlikely draw. An excellent tea provided by the hosts, which was an unusual occurrence since the COVID-19 outbreak as most cricket teams no longer provide teas!

.

.

.

.

.

.

Sunday 9th June 2024

East Midlands Women’s Cricket League

Division 2 (@ Nassington)

Nassington Women (won toss) 68 all out (31.1 overs)

defeated

Hinckley Women  41 all out (20.5 overs)

Umpire: Eddie McGeown

.

Wednesday 12th June 2024

Cricket @ Peterborough Town CC

Northants Over 50s     (won toss) 240 for 3 (45 overs)

lost to

Huntingdonshire Over 50s     243 for 5 (44.2 overs)

by 5 wickets

Umpires: Martyn Dobbs & Eddie McGeown

Scorer: Nathan Armstrong

A closely fought contest which went down to the very last over.  A handsome tea provided by the hosts, Huntingdonshire.

.

Nathan Armstrong in the score-box

.

It looks like an indoor tennis facility adjacent to the cricket pitch. 

.

.

Friday 14th June 2024

@ Billericay Town

Lloyd’s Bank 8

Rhys Tyress (og) 24, Simon Walton 26, Harry Talbot 33, 37, Jack Mead 72, 75, George Nash 87, 90

London Police 0

Referee: Mark Jacobs.                                Attendance: 10

Admission: F.O.C.                                       Programme: NONE

New Lodge, home of, Billericay Town, has changed unimaginably since my only previous visit in 2011. It is now a pretty impressive stadium, albeit with a plastic playing surface. Lloyd’s Bank FC were also pretty impressive in their fine victory over London Police. They led 4-0 at the interval and after making eight half-time changes, they doubled that score in the second period. Indeed, were it not for some impressive saves by the police custodian and some incredibly glaring misses by the Bank’s profligate strikers, the score would have been much higher than the attendance! With John Main.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Monday 17th June 2024

On a cloudless, sunny morning, the way led across the playing field, past the new fitness facility, and over to St James’ Church, standing proudly in the azure firmament. From there, down Church Gap and across the fields – and the railway line – with the village of Thorpe-by-Water clearly visible in the distance. The River Welland was sluggish and opaque, covered in reeds and weeds. Under the railway bridge that once carried the Rugby to Peterborough line and across to the village of Lyddington, passing a convenient resting place en route. More fields with long grass and herds of cows on the way to Caldecott where the parish church of St John the Evangelist, proudly pointed its spire towards increasingly cloudy skies. On the way out of the village, a flower shop by the roadside proudly displayed its colourful wares. The fields were covered in waste high grass and walking was difficult. Gretton Weir was low and cluttered, but it was good to see the tower of St James Church once more and to climb back into Gretton past the new houses on the steep path up to Arnhill. Opposite The Bluebell Inn, the Baptist Church had a graveyard wall bedecked with flowers in commemoration and celebration of two hundred years of service to the community. 8.25 miles and 13 stiles.

.

Wednesday 19th June 2024

Northants Women’s Midweek League @ Geddington

Geddington Women 78 for 6 (20 overs)

defeated

Thrapston Women Green (won toss) 47 all out

by 31 runs

Umpire: Eddie McGeown

.

Saturday 22 June 2024

Cricket @Uppingham School

Uppingham School Girls 117 for 6 (20 overs)

defeated

Oundle School Girls (won toss) 95 for7 (20 overs)

by 22 runs

Umpire: Eddie McGeown

.

Sunday 23rd June 2024

East Midlands Women’s Cricket League Division 1

@ Kettering

Kettering Ladies (won toss) 119 all out (34.1 overs)

lost to

Blyth Women 120 for 2 (30.3 overs)

by 8 wickets

Umpires: Michael Carlisle & Eddie McGeown

.

Monday 24th June 2024 Cricket @ Stamford School

Girls Cricket Festival

10.00am Eastbourne College U15 Girls 90 for 9 (100 balls)

lost to

Stamford School U15 Girls 91 for 7 (99 balls)

by 3 wickets

Umpires: Kiran Makwana & Eddie McGeown

.

2.00pm Stamford School Girls U15 144 for 6 (20 overs)

defeated

Framlingham College U15 Girls 89 all out (18.4 overs)

by 55 runs

Umpires: Kiran Makwana & Eddie McGeown

.

Tuesday 25th June 2024 Cricket @ Stamford School

Girls Cricket Festival

10.00am Framlingham College Girls (won toss) 167 for 3 (100 balls)

defeated

Eastbourne College Girls 114 for 7 (100 balls)

by 52 runs

Umpires: David Tress & Eddie McGeown

.

2.00pm Seaford College Girls (won toss) 122 for 8 (20 overs)

lost to

Framlingham College Girls 124 for 4 (14.4 overs)

by six wickets

Umpires: David Tress & Eddie McGeown

.

Wednesday 26th June 2024 Cricket @ Stamford School

Girls Cricket Festival

10.00am Seaford College U15 Girls 123 for 2 (100 balls)

lost to

Framlingham College U15 Girls (won toss) 126 for 7 (100 balls)

by 3 wickets

Umpires: Kiran Makwana & Eddie McGeown

.

2.00pm Framlingham College U15 Girls (won toss) 103 for 2 (10 overs)

defeated

Eastbourne College U15 Girls 60 all out  (7.2 overs)

by 43 runs

Umpires: Kiran Makwana & Eddie McGeown

.

Wednesday 26th June 2024

Northants Women’s Midweek Cricket League (8 aside)

@ Brixworth CC 6.00pm

Brixworth Women (won toss) 104 for 4 (20 overs)

lost to

Geddington Women 105 for 1 (13.1 overs)

by 7 wickets

Umpire: Eddie McGeown

.

Saturday 29th June 2024

Northants Cricket League Division 1

@ Weekly & Warkton

Weekley & Warkton (won toss) 229 for 9 (50 overs)

defeated

Overstone Park 135 all out (35.4 overs)

by 94 runs

Umpires: Graham Lawman & Eddie McGeown

Scorers: Catherine Pringle & Lindsey Bates

After a dull morning, the sun came out in force for the afternoon session as the hosts posted a challenging total at Boughton Park. The visitors started positively, but then lost wickets regularly and subsided to a 94 run defeat. It was good to see two very professional and competent scorers (see below) supporting the on field umpires.

.

.

.

.

Sunday 30th June 2024

Cricket @ Irthlingborough Town CC

Player Pathway fixture

Northampton & South U15  (won toss) 225 for 9 (40 overs)

defeated

East Northants U15 133 all out (24.3 overs)

by 92 runs

Umpires: Jeffrey Beale & Eddie McGeown

.

One Perfect Rose

.

A single flow’r he sent me, since we met.

All tenderly his messenger he chose;

Deep-hearted, pure, with scented dew still wet –

One perfect rose.

.

I know the language of the floweret

‘My fragile leaves,’ it said, ‘his heart enclose.’

Love long has taken for his amulet

One perfect rose.

.

Why is it no one ever sent me yet

One perfect limousine, do you suppose?

Ah no, it’s always just my luck yo get

One perfect rose.

.

Dorothy Parker (1893 – 1967)

Cricket (@ Oundle School)

Wednesday 1st May 2024

Yorkshire u14 128 all out (31.2 overs)

lost to

Northamptonshire u14 130 for 6 (29.4 overs)

by 4 wickets

Umpires: Colin Samuels & Eddie McGeown

.

Cricket (@ Oundle School)

Thursday 2nd May 2024

Oundle School 1st XI 144 for 8 (25 overs)

tied with

Yorkshire CCC Academy 144 for 7 (25 overs)

Umpires: Danny Crowson & Eddie McGeown

.

Despite the heavy and unrelenting precipitation, this was a fine match at a surprisingly good standard. Both these teams were a credit to their league, but Westend had the greater fire power in an entertaining encounter!

Saturday 4th May 2024

Peterborough & District League Premier Division

Tydd 1

Stanground Sports 8

Referee: Phil Hayes.                                                       Attendance: 34

Admission: F.O.C.                                                          Programme: NONE

A small changing rooms and kitchen and a field surrounded by a rope, were the facilities available at Tydd St Mary’s Playing Field (there was an excellent village shop at the end of the road supplying very reasonably priced victuals!). This was the hosts final game and perched perilously, just above the relegation drop zone, they now have to rely on favourable results from elsewhere to help them to avoid the drop. High flying Stanground Sports were in total command throughout, scoring four goals in each half, including a hat-trick for Taylor Duthie. Good to see Paul Jeffrey from Ely in attendance on a sunny afternoon.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Sunday 5th May 2024 (@Thrapston)

East Midlands Women’s Cricket League Division 1 

Blyth Women 72 all out (25.5 overs)

lost to

Thrapston Women  75 for 5  (20.5 overs)

by 5 wickets

Umpires: Keith Simpson & Eddie McGeown

.

Monday 6th May 2024

Cricket @ Kettering Town CC

Huntingdonshire u14 157 for 9 (40 overs)

defeated

Kettering & Corby u15 143 all out (33.3 overs)

by 14 runs

Umpires: Colin Megennis & Eddie McGeown

.

.

Tuesday 7th May 2024

Cambridgeshire County League Division 1B

Exning United 3

Alex Prigg 64, 69, 71,

Needingworth United 3

John Gifford 10, Ben Carter 33, Charlie Whitehead 35,

Referee: Carlton Joseph.                                                         Attendance: 18

Admission: F.O.C.                                                                    Programme: NONE

Hansel & Gretel country, the little house in the woods where the players get changed and a football pitch surrounded by trees. The population of Exning is less than 2,000 but they have a football club competing well in the Cambridgeshire League even though the village is situated in Suffolk! The visitors, playing their last game of the season, drew their playing position out of a hat, which meant that their top striker was in goal and central defender in attack! It all worked well in the first half as they powered to a three goal advantage, but the hosts had the better of the second period and the match deservedly ended all square.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Wednesday 8th May 2024 (@Geddington CC)

Northants Women’s Cricket League

Overstone Park Women (won toss) 103 for 3 (20 overs)

lost to

Geddington Women 106 for 0 (11 overs)

by ten wickets.

Umpire: Eddie McGeown

.

.

.

Thursday 9th May 2024

Central Midlands Alliance Premier Division South

AFC Normanton 1

Josh Manifold 38,

Linby Colliery Welfare 2

Ashton Bernard 1, Ashley Mellor (og) 76,

Referee: Richard Thompson.                                             Attendance: 49

Admission: £2.00.                                                               Programme: £2.00

Not much to see at Boundary Meadows. There was a railed pitch and a building with changing rooms and a window for refreshments and drinks. This was the host’s third game in six days and a very end of season affair. The visitors opened the scoring within the very first minute. The hosts replied before half-time. A draw would have been a fair result, but, with fifteen minutes remaining, the home centre-half walloped a clearance against the head of his own custodian and the ball ricocheted into the net to give the visitors victory. Good to see Jack Warner in attendance!

.

.

.

.

AFC Normanton

.

Linby Colliery Welfare 

.

Matchday programme

.

Friday 10th May 2024 

Cricket @ Stamford School

U13 National Cup

King Edward School Birmingham (won toss) 191 for 6 (30 overs)

defeated

Stamford School 43 all out (18 overs)

by 148 runs

Umpires: Martyn Dobbs & Eddie McGeown

.

Saturday 11th May 2024

Cricket @ Oundle School

Oundle School U15A (won toss) 172 for 9 (35 overs)

lost to
Rugby School 173 for 4 (22.4 overs)

by 6 wickets

Umpires: Alan Pearce & Eddie McGeown

.

Sunday 12th May 2024

Cricket @ Kettering Town CC

East Midlands Women’s Cricket League Division 1

Kirkby Portland Women (Won toss) 157 for 4 (40 overs)

defeated

Kettering Ladies 140 for 6 (40 overs)

by 17 runs

Umpires: Keith Timpson & Eddie McGeown

.

Monday 13th May 2024

Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior County league

Premier Division

Houghton Main 0

Jubilee Sports 1

Jay Evison 39 (pen),

Referee: Andrew Price.                                                       Attendance: 60

Admission:- F.O.C.                                                             Programme: NONE

Quite an attractive ground, railed on three sides with the fourth side open to the cricket pitch and, behind it, the cricket pavilion which serves both football and cricket. There was a quite substantial 120 seater stand on the far side of the pitch, but no hard standing. The match wasn’t a classic. The hosts are in relegation trouble whilst the visitors sit comfortably in third place. The only goal came from the penalty spot around five minutes before the half-time whistle.

.

.

.

.

The only goal came from the penalty spot  ………….

.

…………….. around 5 minutes before half-time

.

.

Houghton Main

.

Jubilee Sports

.

.

Wednesday 15th May 2024

Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division

Adderbury Park 5

Jimmy Hunt 11,  Joe Thornton 15, 21, Durrell Lives 73, Jack Welch 77,

Launton Sports 4

Charlie Bateman 40, 76, 86, Mike Dann 71,

Referee: Adam Morris.                                                          Attendance: 22

Admission: F.O.C.                                                                  Programme: NONE

Tucked away in the far reaches of the village on the edge of the Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire border, in the shadow of the 13th Century parish church of St Mary The Virgin, The Adders ply their trade on a field with a changing and refreshment facility. They raced into a 3-0 lead in the opening half-hour, but were pegged back by the interval. In the second period, Launton came back strongly, never actually reaching parity, but giving a good account of themselves. With son, Jim, and grandsons, Sonny & Kingsley.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Saturday 18th May 2024

Northants Cricket League Division 1 (@Peterborough Town CC)

Burton Latimer   (won toss) 219 for 7 (50 overs)

lost to

Peterborough Town II   223 for 5 949.1 overs)

by five wickets

Umpires: David Brackenbury & Eddie McGeown

.

.

Sunday 19th May 2024

East Midlands Cricket League Division 1  (@ Thrapston CC)

Kettering Ladies 190 for 5 (40 overs)

defeated

Thrapston Women (won toss) 118 all out (38 overs)

by 72 runs

Umpires: Alan Pearce & Eddie McGeown

.

Tuesday 21st May 2024

Herts Senior County League Premier Division

Chipperfield Athletic 6

Charle Danks 16, Dan Griggs 17, 48, Adrian Abramian 56, 72, Louie Griffiths 76, 

Cuffley Seniors 1

Dan Jones 61,

Referee: Ben Soll.                                                                 Attendance: 34

Admission: F.O.C.                                                               Programme: NONE

Heavy, unremitting precipitation, overcast and gloomy, but, a pitch in surprisingly excellent condition, despite the rainfall. There was a wooden clubhouse with a veranda which provided some protection from the elements (and a cup of coffee), and a railed pitch with dugouts, but no hard standing. The visitors started the match with eight players, but it was only after they had increased their numbers to ten, that they began to leak goals. 0-3 down at the interval, they conceded three more in the second half, but did manage a consolation. With John Main, Paul Proctor and Phil Evans.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Thursday 23rd May 2024

Peterborough & District Sunday League Division 1

Thorpe Wood Rangers 1

Edmunds Grunstein 88,

Orton Wanderers 6

Jamal Nyang 27, 57, 85, 90+2, Spencer Hawkins 30, Louis Freeman 83,

Referee: Jonathan Clayton.                                                     Attendance: 17

Admission: F.O.C.                                                                     Programme: NONE

I once dropped a slip catch off my eldest son’s bowling at The Pearl Assurance ground in Castor. The majestic building is still there, but looking very decrepit. The short, stubby tower of St Kyneburgha’s parish church peaks over the treetops as this evening’s visitors enjoyed a well deserved, heavy victory, going 3-0 up shortly after the interval, but then four more goals were packed into the final seven minutes! With John Main.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Saturday 25th May 2024

Northants Cricket League Division 1 (@Weekley & Warkton CC)

Weekly & Warkton(won toss) 206 for 6 (50 overs)

tied with

Thrapston 206 all out (49.2 overs)

Umpires: Richard Nuttall & Eddie McGeown

.

Sunday 26th May 2024

Rutland League Division 1 (@ Uppingham CC)

Newborough (won toss) 132′ all out (39 overs)

drew with

Uppingham 27 for 3 (7.2 overs) RSP

Match abandoned

Umpires: Andy Watson & Eddie McGeown

.

Monday 27th May 2024

Cricket @ Nassington CC

Notts U11 Girls (won toss) 108 for 3 (20 overs

defeated

Northants U11 Girls 47 all out in 18 overs

by 61 runs

Umpires: Simon Clark & Eddie McGeown

____________________________

Northants U11 Girls (won toss) 110 for 1 (20 overs)

defeated

Notts U11 Girls 76 all out (18 overs)

by 34 runs

Umpires: Simon Clark & Eddie McGeown

.

Tuesday 28th May 2024

Cricket @ Raunds CC

Northants Over 60s 98 for 8 (20 overs0

defeated

Berkshire Over 60s(won toss) 48 for 9 (20 overs)

by 40 runs

Umpires: Paul Bartlett & Eddie McGeown

This was a rain affected game which started off as a fifty overs aside contest, due to begin at 1.00pm. It was reduced to 30 overs aside from 3.00pm and when the rain continued, and it was further reduced to the minimum of twenty overs aside from 5.00pm.

.

Wednesday 29th May 2024

Cricket @ Finedon Dolben CC

Horton House Women (won toss) 92 for 5 (20 overs)

defeated

Finedon Dolben Women 89 for 5 (20 overs)

by 3 runs

Umpires: Eddie McGeown

.

.