Jack Russell helps Yorkshire club fire again

Team celebrate revival with the former England wicketkeeper

An East Yorkshire club has bounced back from oblivion to good health, and Jack Russell has painted their ground to celebrate.

North Cave Cricket Club, formed in the late 1800s, folded in 2019, only to be resurrected when Hull Ionian Coal Exporters CC, known as the 'Coalies', moved there in 2023.

Thanks to hours of graft from volunteers led by chairman Andy Swallow, the old ground has been salvaged, and the intriguingly named North Cave Coal Exporters Club is now running two senior teams, a midweek team and junior sides again.

"It's a really feel-good and positive story," the former England wicketkeeper told The Cricketer.

"From where the two separate teams were to now has been quite astonishing. It just goes to show what can be done with the right attitude, determination and enthusiasm.

"Their youth team numbers are snowballing, and it has revitalised the village’s love of cricket. True cricket lovers like this are, in my opinion, the lifeblood of the game. I painted their first match back, and it’s the longest title of a club I have ever had to write 100 times on limited-edition prints."

Swallow has been delighted with Russell's involvement. "Coalies Cricket Club was formed in 1909 and have always aspired to play at their own ground," he said. "The dream came true in 2023 with the chance to move to the nearby village of North Cave.

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^{The best of Russell's work from Taunton in 2019 (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

"After months of dedicated work, transporting heavy equipment and preparing a square fit for competitive cricket once again, we were rewarded when the Yorkshire Premier League North deemed the club the 13th most improved of 105 at the end of our inaugural 2023/24 season.

"No one is complacent, however, and we’re determined to build on our initial success and give the residents of North Cave many enjoyable summers to come.

"Jack and I have been good friends for several years, largely due to our shared passion for cricket and art, and to my growing collection of Jack's original works.

"So, when he agreed to capture the inaugural home match on canvas, officially open the new facilities, and spend a whole afternoon giving freely of his time to players, club members and local villagers, it was a dream come true.

"A signed, framed print of the occasion now graces the clubhouse for posterity, thanks to Jack's kind-heartedness and generosity.”  

Jack Russell is exhibiting at the Chris Beetles Gallery in Ryder Street, London from July 8