Hello everybody, On Sunday the 20th of June I am organising an unofficial forum cricket match.
It will be held on what used to be the Works Dept sports ground on Heeley Bank Road and will start at 1pm. There is a licensed bar.
Even if cricket bores the pants off you do come along and enjoy the day. Bring your own picnic and a blanket and bake in the sun whilst watching grown men being boys again.

This event will also incorporate the unofficial monthly meet which usually takes place at the Harlequin on Nursery Street on the third monday of the month...and immediately following the match we will wend our way to that fine establishment.

So...if you fancy a semi-serious game of cricket (Whites rather than tracksuits please) and want to play...here's your chance.
If I tell you I'm 64 two days later you'll no doubt be able to gauge the standard. :hihi:

Those coming:

Swami Dhyan
Conspirator + 6
Ghozer
sibon
CorkerSWFC
Wizz
BaldyOwl
The Strange One (By kind permission of Ashington F.C.)
Zinger549
Chelle88

Maybe coming:

decaff
HurstyOwl
sTaGeWaLkEr + 1
mojo1
Agent Orange
KTHFB
Dozy
expat88
Shiesh
BasilRathbon
millhouses24

May join this one, sounds like fun!

PLEEEAAASSSEEEE post a reminder nearer the time. If the weather is good it sounds like a fab day out - but watching not playing. I seem to remember volunteering to be a cheering wench about this time last year!!

I don't have any whites but will come along :)

Is it definitely men only?

Is it definitely men only?

No, not definately. If you're good enough you're in...if you're not...expect no quarter. :twisted: :hihi::hihi:

I don't have any whites but will come along :)

Can you not find a pair of jeans you can bleach? ;)

PLEEEAAASSSEEEE post a reminder nearer the time. If the weather is good it sounds like a fab day out - but watching not playing. I seem to remember volunteering to be a cheering wench about this time last year!!

You can count on reminders...ad nauseum some may conclude.

The more "cheering wenches" the better. Cheering lads too. :thumbsup:

May join this one, sounds like fun!

Plenty of time twixt now and June to decide. Please remember though that it will be first come, first served. :)

I'm definitely up for this! be good to get out playing again its been ages :)

I'll have a go. And I will lend Ghozer some whites. No excuses now.:)

Sounds like should be a good day. If i'm not captaining the sunday side i'd like to play

Should we have some official cheerleaders ?

Should we have some official cheerleaders ?

Yes (http://bsbingo.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/cheerleaders.jpg)
:wink:

If some1 can lend me some whites im willing, can bowl a decent fast bowl and i love a field.
HurstyOwl will probably be up for this aswell, i'll let him know, sounds a giggle.

I won't be playing - but if we're around that weekend we'll pop along and show our support.

:)

Is this still happening? who's up for it? i can get some people to play if needs be?

This month's Harlequin meet is on Sunday instead of the usual Monday.
Proceedings will start with a 20/20 cricket match at 1pm on the Heeley sports ground on Heeley Bank Road. There is a bar and clubhouse and plenty of room for picnic baskets.
Busses 48/51/32 pass the ground and car parking is free.
The Harlequin part of this all day event will start from 7.30pm if cricket bores you senseless. :suspect: A free buffet will be provided. There will also be live musical entertainment.
Busses 47/48/53 stop outside and car parking is free.

If you've never been to a meet here's your chance folks. :partyhat:

If anyone fancies actually playing in the match please PM me.



NB: Plea to the moderators. Would it be possible to merge this thread with the unofficial cricket match thread in the "all other events" section please? My gratitude would be eternal. :)

Threads merged.

I don't do white and hopefully I'll be moving house that weekend, I'll try and pop down for the harlequin after :)

I might pop along and have a beer at the crease.

Ooh, this sounds like it could be fun!

Threads merged.

Thankyou. :love:

Might just honour the cricket match with my presence, if the weather obliges.

Not too clued up on cricket, but it's terribly entertaining watching the "men" playing in my local park. They seem to take it so seriously, I'm sure their lads would be much happier playing on their own!

Definitely up for The Harlequin - especially if there's some of their lovely grub on offer.

Make it rounders and I'm on the team :P

I'll deffo come for the beer if the sun's out :)

If i'm still here then I will come. Might be back in London then

Ok...I've posted the list in the OP. I'm aware that it has been a while since I first posted this so if your name is on the list and you can't make it please let me know so I can cater for numbers. :)

Picture the scene...hot sunshine, the sound of leather on willow...and old men gasping for breath. Picnic blankets full of sumptuous delights and wine flowing during the craic. It's as quintessentially English as it gets. Come and join in the fun!

heya - I'm an Aussie Bowler so I might wonder down if it is a nice day.
(that is a joke that you may not get if you don't know me)

I'll be at the bar.

I'll be there. Does Ghozer still need to borrow some whites?

heya - I'm an Aussie Bowler so I might wonder down if it is a nice day.
(that is a joke that you may not get if you don't know me)

I'll be at the bar.

An Aussie with a sense of humour eh? It just goes on getting better by the minute. :hihi:
First one's on me...unless I'm batting...and that won't be a long job given all past experience.

I'll be there. Does Ghozer still need to borrow some whites?

The answer is probably yes. :)

Note to anyone else contemplating playing:

Whites are preferred but it's ok if you don't have them.

Hi everybody, If you are coming to the Harlequin after the cricket and you would prefer vegetarian food, now is the chance to tell me. I'm told the veggie options are excellent.

In the event of a day like today where no cricket is possible we will meet in the pub earlier. Keep watching this space nearer the day if it's brolly weather.
16 day forecast says sunshine. :D

heya - I'm an Aussie Bowler so I might wonder down if it is a nice day.
(that is a joke that you may not get if you don't know me)

I'll be at the bar.

Very clever :hihi:

I'm in London for the weekend (seeing Green Day, yipeee!) so won't be there. Have a great time everyone, hope the weather picks up for you :gag:

Very clever :hihi:

I'm in London for the weekend (seeing Green Day, yipeee!) so won't be there. Have a great time everyone, hope the weather picks up for you :gag:

Ahh...now I get it. :hihi::hihi:

I like how i'm already on the list, before even replying for this 'second' round... oh well, i'll try and come down, I had totally forgot about the previous one, and can't remember why I didn't attend lol :/

I like how i'm already on the list, before even replying for this 'second' round... oh well, i'll try and come down, I had totally forgot about the previous one, and can't remember why I didn't attend lol :/

One of us is confused. :hihi:

There's only one match and it's the 20th. See you there. :thumbsup:

Ooh, I'm wavering on this one!

Much as I'd like a stab at the old leather on willow, it'll mean missing no less than 3 World Cup matches. Put me down as a "definitely maybe", to quote Blur's classic 1990s album.

Ooh, I'm wavering on this one!

Much as I'd like a stab at the old leather on willow, it'll mean missing no less than 3 World Cup matches. Put me down as a "definitely maybe", to quote Blur's classic 1990s album.

The World Cup is over. England won. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/8684847.stm)

No more excuses.

Hi everybody, If you are coming to the Harlequin after the cricket and you would prefer vegetarian food, now is the chance to tell me. I'm told the veggie options are excellent.

In the event of a day like today where no cricket is possible we will meet in the pub earlier. Keep watching this space nearer the day if it's brolly weather.
16 day forecast says sunshine. :D

I can confirm the veggie options are excellent. A lot of us non-veggies were scoffing them at the Christmas "do".

Assuming the weather forecast is correct, you can move me to the definite list. Oh, and add Brahms Bear, please. If I can find him any whites he can play - he'll probably be well up to the standard of the rest of you. :hihi:

I'll definitely be moving that weekend, but as we're moving just around the corner from the where you're playing we may pop round for an hour when we want a break.

Ooh, I'm wavering on this one!

Much as I'd like a stab at the old leather on willow, it'll mean missing no less than 3 World Cup matches. Put me down as a "definitely maybe", to quote Blur's classic 1990s album.

Wavering? Flippin' wavering? :suspect:
...And...footie before cricket?...even when England are'nt playing? :suspect:
Either you've taken leave of your senses or you're not the man I thought you were!

I just may send "the boys" round to your house if you're not there to open the batting. :evil:

Waver ye not young Sir...be there or be square. :D

Worse yet swami, send the girls round. We'll soon have him into his whites, bat in hand and looking keen.:heyhey::heyhey:

Trust you to pick a date when I'm on nights , played at that ground back in the days when it was the City Surveyors CC .... :)

Worse yet swami, send the girls round. We'll soon have him into his whites, bat in hand and looking keen.:heyhey::heyhey:

Careful, Mort, it might not be a good idea to encourage Basil to come along.

Have you not considered the possibility that he might have a pair of white cycling shorts and consider them as appropriate wear?? :hihi:

Careful, Mort, it might not be a good idea to encourage Basil to come along.

Have you not considered the possibility that he might have a pair of white cycling shorts and consider them as appropriate wear?? :hihi:

I have given it some very thoughtful consideration yes. I think I can probably handle the trauma.

I have given it some very thoughtful consideration yes. I think I can probably handle the trauma.

I takes my hat off to yer, lady, you're one tough broad!! :hihi:

Trust you to pick a date when I'm on nights , played at that ground back in the days when it was the City Surveyors CC .... :)

That's a pity.

Maybe steelhead 31 will come and keep wicket if he's free. If he can see a flying puck I would imagine a cricket ball would be a piece of cake. :D

That's annoyed me! I arranged to work the next night shift and clean forgot that my LAST night is Sunday night! o(

Worse yet swami, send the girls round. We'll soon have him into his whites, bat in hand and looking keen.:heyhey::heyhey:

You're much better at this sort of thing than me...what a splendid idea! :hihi:

That's a pity.

Maybe steelhead 31 will come and keep wicket if he's free. If he can see a flying puck I would imagine a cricket ball would be a piece of cake. :D

Unorthodox but it would probably work , he's faced quicker pucks than any fast bowler can manage :)

Sorry I can't make it.
Hope you all have a great day.
Have a pint of strawberry beer for me Mojo !!

Sorry I can't make it.
Hope you all have a great day.
Have a pint of strawberry beer for me Mojo !!

I'll do my best, but you know how I loath the stuff :hihi:

I am now a definite for this. Is it ok if we don't have whites.

I am now a definite for this. Is it ok if we don't have whites.

Ah...good news!
If you don't have whites it's ok. Loose and light are the key words. :D

General note to everyone:

The 5 day forecast says light cloud and spells of warm sunshine so it's good news for those planning a picnic and wine day.
If you are intending to come and play please arrive at the ground for half past midday and bring your own box if you have one...it's not the sort of kit one generally likes to loan out. :hihi:

Might come to this in some form. My schedule (work, Race for Life, everything else) is a mess and can't play cricket to save my life but would be nice to see everyone :)

Might come to this in some form. My schedule (work, Race for Life, everything else) is a mess and can't play cricket to save my life but would be nice to see everyone :)

Be good to see you millhouses, and as for playing cricket... well i was rather thinking of merely providing a decorative background to the game. .....

put me down as a 100% - but won't be bringing/can't bring anything to eat as I don't have a 'box' and i'll probably be cycling, we'll see what happens :)

put me down as a 100% - but won't be bringing/can't bring anything to eat as I don't have a 'box' and i'll probably be cycling, we'll see what happens :)

I don't think you want to be putting food in the sort of box swami is referring to.

Or maybe ............. no let's not go there..... :shocked:

I don't think you want to be putting food in the sort of box swami is referring to.

Or maybe ............. no let's not go there..... :shocked:

:hihi::hihi::hihi:

oh the comedy!

:hihi::hihi::hihi:

oh the comedy!

It's not so much putting it in as taking it out again that worries me.... cucumber sandwiches will never quite seem the same again. :heyhey:

I don't think you want to be putting food in the sort of box swami is referring to.

Or maybe ............. no let's not go there..... :shocked:

You might find some cheese in there. I'd stick with the cheddar though :hihi:

ok, you lot are disturbing me now... I don't know if i'll be turning up after this :P

ok, you lot are disturbing me now... I don't know if i'll be turning up after this :P
What did you expect from this lot.

What did you expect from this lot.

Talk about sticking your head in the lion's mouth! You're for it now! :hihi:

It's not so much putting it in as taking it out again that worries me.... cucumber sandwiches will never quite seem the same again. :heyhey:

No, no, no! We don't keep cucumber sandwiches in our box...it's for our nuts. :D

No, no, no! We don't keep cucumber sandwiches in our box...it's for our nuts. :D

I really do have to pop round for an hour now if only to mock Ghozer a bit more :hihi:

This sounds like fun! I'd love to come along and join in, if I may, just to watch,lol

This sounds like fun! I'd love to come along and join in, if I may, just to watch,lol

Well judging by this lot you'll see quite a bit. :hihi:

This sounds like fun! I'd love to come along and join in, if I may, just to watch,lol

See you there. :)

Well judging by this lot you'll see quite a bit. :hihi:

Humph! I'll have you know that decorum is the watchword of some of us! :hihi:

Humph! I'll have you know that decorum is the watchword of some of us! :hihi:
Yer but once you've had a few. :hihi:

Yer but once you've had a few. :hihi:

Excuse I, but some of us are also tea-total! :hihi:

Excuse I, but some of us are also tea-total! :hihi:

Clean-living, upright, sober citizens ..... and ladies as well.

HELP!

It's just ocurred to me that I need the help of anyone who knows their way around a cricket score book. If this is you and you're happy to come and score for us, all your drinks will be free...afternoon and evening.

We still need a few more players too. :)

Clean-living, upright, sober citizens ..... and ladies as well.

That's none of you lot then, apart from the ladies bit. :hihi:

That's none of you lot then, apart from the ladies bit. :hihi:

Lucky for you that mort is'nt playing..I hear she bowls a pretty fearsome bouncer. :hihi:

Have a good'un gang, one of these days I will make one of these events. :thumbsup:

Lucky for you that mort is'nt playing..I hear she bowls a pretty fearsome bouncer. :hihi:

Not sure i'd want to see that. :hihi:

I'm quite tempted to pop along.

Not played in years though (21 to be precise :hihi:). Depends on whether I can find any white trousers that fit, and also on what happens on Saturday night, as I'm partying. There's a fair to good chance that I'll be slightly under the weather. :gag:

Not sure i'd want to see that. :hihi:

You might not be getting the option... you've been awfully gobby for a quiet chap :hihi::hihi:

I'm quite tempted to pop along.

Not played in years though (21 to be precise :hihi:). Depends on whether I can find any white trousers that fit, and also on what happens on Saturday night, as I'm partying. There's a fair to good chance that I'll be slightly under the weather. :gag:

White top is all you need really...you can drop the trousers. :hihi:

What makes you think you'd be the only one feeling rough on a Sunday lunchtime anyway? :hihi:

I hope you make it. :thumbsup:

You might not be getting the option... you've been awfully gobby for a quiet chap :hihi::hihi:
Well i'll have to prepare myself then. I'll shut up when i'm there. :hihi:

White top is all you need really...you can drop the trousers. :hihi:

What makes you think you'd be the only one feeling rough on a Sunday lunchtime anyway? :hihi:

I hope you make it. :thumbsup:

What type of trousers are acceptable SD, if I'm dropping the whites? I think I've only got trackies or jeans :huh:

-

Yep, I'm sure there will be some sore heads! Hope I can make it, I've got a friend staying over from outta town, I'll have to get up early, cook em summat, and boot em out! :hihi:.

Be good to see everyone. :)

I'm now a "possible" for this , I will have whites and my own gear although possibly not pads so I might need to borrow some while batting. It will depend on how much sleep I get after working all night on saturday :( . If it were any other ground I wouldn't bother but I spent many years at this ground back in the days of the wooden pavilion when my father was opening bat for the surveyors and I spent most summer weekends watching playing and scoring as I grew up so its a bit of a nostalgia trip for me. Still play a bit these days , two 20-20 matches so far this season.

Who's bringing the balls ??? :)

Who's bringing the balls ??? :)

Apparrently, Ghozer has a box full of them :D

I'm now a "possible" for this , I will have whites and my own gear although possibly not pads so I might need to borrow some while batting. It will depend on how much sleep I get after working all night on saturday :( . If it were any other ground I wouldn't bother but I spent many years at this ground back in the days of the wooden pavilion when my father was opening bat for the surveyors and I spent most summer weekends watching playing and scoring as I grew up so its a bit of a nostalgia trip for me. Still play a bit these days , two 20-20 matches so far this season.

Who's bringing the balls ??? :)

Good news!
We have pads and a lot of balls!...
















...19 at the last count...in various stages of wear. :D

What type of trousers are acceptable SD, if I'm dropping the whites? I think I've only got trackies or jeans :huh:

-

Yep, I'm sure there will be some sore heads! Hope I can make it, I've got a friend staying over from outta town, I'll have to get up early, cook em summat, and boot em out! :hihi:.

Be good to see everyone. :)

Anything loose enough to allow free movement really. A tight pair of underpants or jock strap is important. It holds your box in place. ;)
There is nothing worse than a loose box believe me. I once took a hefty blow in the orchestra stalls and was laid low for some days. In fact...after two weeks I just wanted the pain to go and the swelling to stay. :hihi:

:help: I need brain-bleach. Really I thought cricket was a gentlemanly game and didn't involve such foul innuendos as to bring a blush to a maiden's cheek :blush::shocked:

The batsman is Holding , the bowler's Willey :)

The bar will be open from twelve o'clock tomorrow and will close at 4pm. Unfortunately they do not serve tea and coffee so if you're toe teetal remember to bring your flask.
The forecast is for warm, sunny weather (18 to 22 degrees)...perfect for cricket and picnics.

Anything loose enough to allow free movement really. A tight pair of underpants or jock strap is important. It holds your box in place. ;)
There is nothing worse than a loose box believe me. I once took a hefty blow in the orchestra stalls and was laid low for some days. In fact...after two weeks I just wanted the pain to go and the swelling to stay. :hihi:

Looks like a trip to decathlon is in order.

No wishes for children here, however, there is a wish for a pain free day. Especially in that area :hihi:

Unless there is a disaster I'm now definite for this. I usually borrow pads but I've been out and bought some :). And I even found a new ball in the bottom of my kitbag :)

We have been blessed with a beautiful day for it! :)

Banish those world cup blues with an afternoon's cricket played purely for love...come and join us. :)

Just having breakfast .. see you soon

Just having breakfast .. see you soon

I've just had brekkie. Gonna be a bit late. :)

Thanks folks , really enjoyed the day.

Thanks folks , really enjoyed the day.

It was good fun wasn't it. Thanks one and all.

I'm really disappointed that I missed it, but darling doggy wasn't quite himself, so I just didn't feel comfortable leaving him alone.

I hope there are lots of photos for me to giggle at, though.

Just got back, great game, really enjoyed that. And nice to see everyone, and meet some new ones.

Not sure whether I'll make it tonight. Last night catching up with me. :|

Have fun later, and thanks for organising everything SD :)

It was a top night with great entertainment.

Thanks very much and have a very Happy Birthday :love:

Great night and top entertainment indeed.

It turned out to be one of the best days of my life! Despite the fact that I look like a peeled prawn, have a perfect, cricket ball shaped bruise high on my right thigh...and two smaller ones in an unmentionable place, I had a whale of a time.
Thankyou to everyone who turned out and helped to make the day. :love:

The evening session, although meagrely attended was superb. Well done indeed to Tom Beeston and my son...you were both brilliant...musically and as a comedy double act...despite the fact that I was the prime butt of most of it. :suspect: :hihi:
Thanks are also due to Liz at the Harlequin for the buffet.

I had a great night, thanks for organising it. Top entertainment, lost my flyer though so can't remember your son and friends names, lol See you all soon

It turned out to be one of the best days of my life! Despite the fact that I look like a peeled prawn, have a perfect, cricket ball shaped bruise high on my right thigh...and two smaller ones in an unmentionable place, I had a whale of a time.
Thankyou to everyone who turned out and helped to make the day. :love:

The evening session, although meagrely attended was superb. Well done indeed to Tom Beeston and my son...you were both brilliant...musically and as a comedy double act...despite the fact that I was the prime butt of most of it. :suspect: :hihi:
Thanks are also due to Liz at the Harlequin for the buffet.

SD. I really enjoyed the game. Hope your body recovers soon:D

I couldn't make the evening because I had work to sort out. Next time, hopefully.

Does anybody know who won?

SD and I were the lucky winners with 43-1 off our allocated overs :)

SD and I were the lucky winners with 43-1 off our allocated overs :)

Translation?

I particularly enjoyed the fielders spending a bit of time gossiping and catching the sun.

It turned out to be one of the best days of my life! Despite the fact that I look like a peeled prawn, have a perfect, cricket ball shaped bruise high on my right thigh...and two smaller ones in an unmentionable place, I had a whale of a time.
Thankyou to everyone who turned out and helped to make the day. :love:

The evening session, although meagrely attended was superb. Well done indeed to Tom Beeston and my son...you were both brilliant...musically and as a comedy double act...despite the fact that I was the prime butt of most of it. :suspect: :hihi:
Thanks are also due to Liz at the Harlequin for the buffet.

I am just so miffed I missed it! Drat and double drat that dog.

But I'm glad you had a great time, really I am, I'm not jealous or anything, honest!

Enjoyed the cricket match and the evening session was good as well.

bummer!! got my weekends mixed up and missed it.
Glad everyone had fun.

I had a great night, thanks for organising it. Top entertainment, lost my flyer though so can't remember your son and friends names, lol See you all soon

Hi Chelle, If you PM me your Facebook details I will add you as arranged. I forgot your surname in all the fun.

Translation?

I particularly enjoyed the fielders spending a bit of time gossiping and catching the sun.

43 runs for the loss of one wicket.
The fielder on loan from Derby County supporters club was especially athletic...fielding mostly from a supine position at mid-off. :hihi:

bummer!! got my weekends mixed up and missed it.
Glad everyone had fun.

No worries Scozzie, maybe next time. It was mooted by steelhead4 that we may try to set up an unofficial forum cricket lovers section and arrange a series of friendly matches. Marvellous idea say I! :cool: