Written Nov 2010
Tim Beaumont invited me to join the Casuals in 2000, having played against them three times for Huddersfield Doctors. I learned my cricket on Southport beach and in the back garden, before going to Huddersfield New College where I captained the Second XI. A couple of games with Liverpool University Second XI were followed by evening league at Heath Hospital, Cardiff, Manchester University and Northallerton. I also played country house cricket for five years at Thorp Perrow, near Bedale, N Yorkshire, home of Sir John Ropner.
A good player as a thirteen year old, my subsequent cricket career has been one of unfulfilled potential.
My family is rooted in W Yorkshire. Dad was a bookkeeper (Hopkinson’s, Ellis’ and the YEB), mum was a shorthand typist and shop assistant (Hopkinson’s, Whitehead’s photographics and the Huddersfield Infirmary). Previous generations include engine tenter at Pat Martin’s, Wellington Mills, greengrocer, chemical works labourer and several mill hands. Grandfather on mum’s side was a teamster for the Coop (he delivered coal). His partner was Douglas Clark, a famous Cumbrian who played with Fartown after the 1895 split.
After ‘A’ levels (1966), I managed to fool several sets of university and Royal College examiners into accepting me as a medic. I took a career break between 1997 and 1999, collecting a masters in behavioural science at the University of Huddersfield. Subsequently I studied english literature and creative writing. Fiscal issues necessitated a return to proper work and requalifying in occupational health. I now work with W Yorkshire Fire Service and write freelance.
I’m a fan of nomadic friendly cricket. It allows a wide range of abilities and ages to play, and is more involving than say, evening league, and is more relaxing than the Saturday leagues. How do the Casuals survive and thrive? Keep the skippers/match managers fresh and rotating. They become continuous sources of new talent, some of who might even sign a banker’s order.
Almondbury Casuals Cricket Club 