This midwinter madness in the Dales is catching. Together with the regulars from Leeds, Burley and Lancaster, a couple of spectators from Huddersfield also turned up for the first time. As always for visitors to these games, the main attractions are the exploits and performances of individuals rather than scores and who wins. And, of course, there is always a very warm welcome from the locals.
Noticeable this year were some new features: a new ground of a humped-back field, and a game that started early – that is to say, just an hour or so late. So it was to be 16 overs per innings, with about 15 players on each side watched by a good gathering of spectators despite the biting cold wind.
It took the MCC, batting first, several overs to get used to the pace of the wicket. Actually there was none, and hardly any bounce. The few early runs were scrambled and slithered singles. With the ball keeping low and wellie boots not being the best footwear in slippery conditions, most batters, unless they retired, were run out, clean bowled or played on. Not until two mighty sixes did the MCC score get a real move on. One six into the road was followed by another clean over the road and into the far field after the ball had bounced off the top of the stone wall. With this late effort the MCC totted up 67 runs. Oddly enough, to the credit of both sides, there were hardly any wides or no balls. Perhaps the lone umpire was intent on keeping his hands warm. (The other umpire was last spotted in the Buck Inn with another pint in his hand – three overs into the game.)
Spectacular on both sides were the fearless diving efforts of the outfielders – one fielding point, at least, for the man in the red Santa hat. Most flamboyant however, was the ACC keeper who, on the last ball of the innings, dived full length for four yards and slid another two to break the stumps and claim a run-out.
