Final day at Headingley

Brian Sanderson finds enjoyment in the inevitable

The ACS’s latest publication, a lively history of cricket in Suffolk by Simon Sweetman, is available for purchase on our website. Buy it here.

I walked to the ground yesterday beneath an overcast sky. The forecast was for rain in the afternoon, but I had to arrive early anyway, as I was working in the museum, showcasing and discussing Yorkshire’s memorabilia. The first visitor was a Middlesex member, a true cricket aficionado. It is always a pleasure to discuss cricket’s antiquities with someone who truly understands the game.

Next in was the legendary Dickie Bird, looking quite sunburnt after his time in Scarborough for the Yorkshire match. He had generously donated some of his medals to be displayed in the museum, adding a touch of history and prestige to our collection.

As the match began, I made my way up to the Long Room. It wasn’t long before Luke Hollman was caught by Jonny Bairstow off Dom Bess, marking Bess’s five-for. Yorkshire took the second new ball, and Ryan Higgins was bowled middle stump by Ben Coad for a gritty 155 in 331 minutes, leaving Middlesex trailing by 97 runs. Toby Roland-Jones was the next to fall, also to Coad, for 31. The last two wickets fell to Dom Bess, who ended with the impressive figures of seven for 179. The final wicket was a spectacular catch by Jordan Thompson, bringing the innings to a close at 522, Middlesex’s biggest total at Headingley. Dan Moriarty bowled tirelessly, delivering 61 overs for 174 runs without taking a wicket.

Yorkshire had four overs to bat before lunch, which they navigated without any trouble. I returned to the museum to engage with the members, always a delightful experience. Afterward, I headed home for a quick bacon sandwich. Upon my return, Finlay Bean was trapped LBW for 30, continuing his struggle to put together a significant score, and just before tea, Adam Lyth was caught at short cover for 62. Rain was due after tea, and indeed, half an hour later, the match was called off. Yorkshire took thirteen points to Middlesex’s eleven.

It wasn’t the most memorable match, but with three games left, each one is crucial to determine who will be promoted to the first division.

Brian Sanderson is an ACS member. He serves on the Yorkshire Cricket Archives Committee. If you would like to contribute to this newsletter, please either respond to the email in which you received it, or leave a comment below.