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Sunday 13 July 2008

Match Report

Woodhouse Grove School, Yorkshire

Lords Taverners vs. Arnie Sidebottom Woodhouse Grove School XI

July 13th 2008

Graham Roope Memorial Match

The Lord’s Taverners visited Woodhouse Grove School to support the Graham Roope Memorial Day Match which concluded with an exciting last ball victory by three wickets for the Taverners.

Many will remember Graham Roope’s support of the Taverners over the years and the Match was organised by the School to support both the  Taverners and a new Memorial Fund to be established in Graham’s name for the support of local cricket development in schools within the Leeds and Bradford area.

Graham was the School’s Cricket Coach for many years following his retirement from First Class Cricket.

The Match was preceded with a lunch attended by almost 300 people from the local community and the world of sports and entertainment.

Arnie Sidebottom, the former Yorkshire and England seam bowler, won the toss against the Lord’s Taverners captain, former Yorkshire wicket keeper Richard Blakey, and elected to bat in the 30 over contest.

Good fortune was at hand in that the game was played in bright sunshine which was a stark contrast to the heavy rains which fell during the preceding week and all credit should go to the School grounds staff for presenting such a fine playing surface and outfield.

The School side mustered a creditable 123 for 9 in its innings with contributions from a number of players with representative honours including former England players Jim Love (Yorkshire) and Alan Igglesden (Kent ).

The School also had support from old boys Joe Bedford, now playing with Leeds Carnegie Rugby Union Club and Simon Worrell, Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Football Club. Jonathan Bairstow, one of the most promising young batsmen in the country, and the son of former Yorkshire and England wicket keeper David Bairstow, also featured in the top order.

In truth the Lord’s Taverners Team did well to contain the School’s side to the score. This was achieved through a wide range of bowling talent including Matthew Wolfenden (Emmerdale), who opened the bowling and in the middle of the innings Sky TV Presenter Guy Mowbray was supported by locally recruited players Amila Ranga (Sri Lanka) and Richard McCarthy (Victoria) who are playing professionally in the region.

We also were treated  to a couple of delightful over’s from the ever lovely and supportive Lorraine Chase, who we were delighted to have in our starting XI.

The Lord’s Taverners innings, again without major contribution, made steady progress in search of the target with Frazer Hines, as always, to the fore but it was not until Charlie Dale went to the crease that the run rate achieved a sufficient level to put the Taverners in with a chance of an exciting win.

Richard Blakey joined Charlie Dale with 3 over’s remaining and 18 runs required. By the time Richard Blakey faced the last ball the scores were level at 129 and with the Taverners 7 wickets down.

Richard Blakey square cut hard but straight to the fielder at backward point, Charlie Dale immediately setting off for the winning run. The throw, fortunately for the Taverners, was to the bowlers end and somewhat wayward, resulting in 5 overthrows which left the Taverners successful at 134 for 7.

All those who attended and supported the fixture agreed that it had been a marvellous day, well organised by the School.

Thanks should go to Chris Chittel for securing the services of Matthew Wolfenden and Tom Lister from the cast of Emmerdale.

Lorraine Chase, once again, made the long journey and added much needed glamour to the Taverners side and thanks should also go to Richard Blakey and the 2 local professionals who also supported the event.

As well, at very late notice, Terry Dolan former professional Footballer and Manager at Bradford City Huddersfield Town who stepped in at the last minute when Rob Duncan had to withdraw through illness.

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