CLUB WEEK: Break-ins, back-tracking and caravans stop play

The Cricketer rounds up some of the more unusual stories of the past seven days from across the local cricket scene...

The show must go on

The Ribblesdale League in Lancashire have been caught in hot water after controversially calling off fixtures this weekend due to the clash with England’s World Cup quarter-final with Sweden.

The decision has now been reversed after criticism from clubs who were not informed on the matter.

Mike Bridges, the league treasurer, was apologetic about the initial decision.

Talking to the Lancashire Telegraph, he said: "Clubs have two options, either play at the scheduled time or, if both clubs agree, then the game can be postponed to take place at a later date.

"We would like to apologise to all clubs and members for taking the decision without consulting the clubs first."

Oakley bouncing back after break-in

Oakley Cricket Club in Hampshire have not let a recent break-in dampen their spirit.

Thieves broke into the club on Sunday night, stealing a television, a safe compromising round £500, alcohol from the clubhouse, and a computer used to operate the electronic scoreboard.

Nevertheless, club chairman Bob Lethaby remains positive.

Talking to the Basingstoke Gazette, he said: "We are not going to let these cretins get the better of us and we encourage everyone to support events at Oakley CC and the one we will be utilising as a fundraiser for the cost of the burglary is the Under 19s Twenty/20 game against Petersfield on Friday, 20 July."

Cricket crimewave spreads North

Cricket clubs in rural North Yorkshire have recently been the target of thieves. 

Last month, offenders broke into South Milford Cricket Club and stole a small tractor, while at Burton Salmon Cricket Club, two men were seen acting suspiciously but departed empty-handed.

North Yorkshire Police officers visited both venues, security-marking equipment with the ‘dot peen’ system.

The Rural Taskforce has advised sports clubs to review their security, while members of the public can help by keeping their eye out for any suspicious activity.

As always, keep your eyes on the ball.

343 not out

Richard Symmonds, a vending machine supervisor from Harrogate, wrote himself into the history books last weekend.

Symmonds smoked 30 sixes in an astonishing innings of 343 for Burnt Yates 2nd XI against Darley 2nd XI on Saturday. It was the highest score by a batsman in the 122-year history of the Nidderdale and District Amateur Cricket League.

"The ball came perfectly off the bat every time. My team mates were a bit gobsmacked. They’ve all said there’ll never be another game like it again in their lifetime," he told the Daily Mail.

Symmonds was unable to repeat his heroics for the first XI on Sunday, falling five short of a half-century. Perhaps the previous day’s efforts had taken its toll.

Caravans call off the cricket

Bramley Cricket Club in Surrey were forced to cancel a first XI match on Saturday due to some peculiar circumstances.

Around 30 caravans and vehicles took over Gosden Common, home to the club, having begun to arrive on the ground last Thursday.

While police officers have been called to the ground and authorised vehicles to leave, there are worries that permanent damage has been done to the pitch.

Speaking to Surrey Live, chairman Jon Vocking outlined his worries: "It’s devastating. The surface we have, we have been working on for 30 to 40 years to make it playable."

Here’s to hoping that the situation is resolved soon.

NOW READ

SAM MORSHEAD: Playing second fiddle to the World Cup might just be the right thing for cricket to do this weekend