One final league match

After a detour in York, Brian Sanderson heads to the Brandon Oval in Shadwell

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My day began with the promise of literary treasures, as I set forth early for the book fair in York. But fate conspired against me, as an accident on the Leeds Ring Road delayed my journey by a vexing 45 minutes, and upon reaching York, I was ensnared in another traffic jam, costing me an additional half-hour. This unfortunate series of events curtailed my time at the fair, as I had a cricket match to attend at one o’clock.

Despite the setbacks, I managed a brief but delightful conversation with Chris Saunders, a purveyor of cricket memorabilia and a devoted Somerset supporter. Finding no items to pique my interest, I departed for Leeds, my thoughts already turning to the match ahead.

The contest was between Shadwell and Old Leodiensians, in Division 2 of the Airedale and Wharfedale League. Shadwell, founded in 1895, celebrated their 125th year of village cricket amidst the trials of the Covid summer of 2020. Their current home, the Brandon Oval, is a splendid ground with a fine pavilion and new nets, a testament to their enduring spirit.

Old Leodiensians, born from the alumni of Leeds Grammar School, play on a ground adjacent to Alwoodley cricket ground. Although their facilities pale in comparison to Shadwell’s, the charm of their setting is undeniable. The sun shone bright as I joined a modest gathering of five spectators—the perfect backdrop for a day of rural cricket.

Shadwell, batting first, reached 122 without loss after 31 overs, and I dared to predict a total around 260. This was not to be, as three superb catches in the deep curtailed their progress. They concluded their innings at 230, Hanzaq Mir contributing an unbeaten 39.

During the tea interval, I strolled around the ground, admiring the new nets and the pastoral scene beyond, where two llamas basked in the sunshine. Blackberries still clung to the bushes, suggesting to my mind a delicious crumble. As I made my way round to the pavilion, I encountered a dog and his master, swelling the crowd to seven.

Tea was served inside the pavilion, which is adorned with photographs chronicling the club’s history. Old Leodiensians then took to the field, but their innings faltered early, slumping to twenty for three in seven overs. They never recovered, finishing on 127, with Amjid Tariq claiming five wickets for 46.

A cooling breeze and gathering clouds signalled the end of a memorable day at a ground I had not visited before. I have resolved to return in April 2025, when these teams will next be in action. My own season, however, is not yet over, with the prospect of a fifty-over match between England and Australia at Headingley next Saturday to look forward to.

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.