Tag: Cricket

The Beautiful Devon Village of Kentisbeare - 1947!

UK: Yorkshire Puddings Are Made of It – Dead Fish Are Covered in It – On Why the MCC is “Wrong”!

My Dad learned cricket from the rich-boys who played on pristine pitches in the overwise bombed-out city of Leicester. These were Grammar School (posh) boys and my Dad was definitely not allowed to play. He was from an averagely poor working-class background. What he did was cleverly make himself useful to these privileged fools – so that they would slowly let him into a little bit of their affluent world. This is how he learned to play cricket. Many years later, when I was a child, the BBC would screen six-hours of cricket on a Sunday – I think BBC 2 – and my Dad would explain the game to me. This is how I learned to understand the rules of cricket. My Dad went on to found Tiverton Cricket Club as a player-manager – and I used to go with him as a child to roll the pitch a day before each match. On occasion, I would be at the game – mingling with the players – as I was young – I did not grasp “opposing sides” thing too well.

Continue reading

A video of a wicket during Saltburn's win over Norton in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has gone viral for an alleged incident of cheating

UK: Weird News from England – Saltburn Cricket Club ‘Clicking’ Scandal Goes Viral! (29.7.2026)

Anyone who knows cricket – will understand that there is a lot going when the ball is being bowled. Add to this the players talking, shouting, running about, and the noise from the crowd and the general environment, as well as the weather conditions – I would say it is impossible to a) make a loud enough noise to fool the Umpire (simulating a leather ball is hitting a wooden bat), whilst b) doing this so as not to make it obvious you are attempting to cheat. There is now a viral investigation where cricket enthusiasts are watching past videos of Saltburn CC games – to see if the alleged fielder is regularly doing this. A recent video can be seen on the BBC coverage of this story – and it looks to me like a mannerism – but I could be wrong. More evidence is needed. Apparently, despite being local cricket, numerous videos are available of Saltburn CC playing matches – but failing that (the situation may not be obvious whilst filming at a distance) – the players might have to be interviewed and a confession extracted if this matter is to be resolved. There is another possibility. As Saltburn CC seems to be doing rather well for itself – has it fallen victim to malicious intent from an unknown cause?

Continue reading

Local Tilford History!

Surrey: Tilford Local History – Village Hall & Medieval Bridge! (25.5.2026)

The temperature rose to 32 degrees today – and I believe this is the highest recorded temperature for May on record for the UK. It is said that when the Romans occupied Britain – 1st century BCE-5th century CE – it was much hotter in Southern England than it is today. Indeed, so hot was it that the Romans regularly cultivated grapes. Since those heady days – the temperatures have cooled in the UK – and 32 would be more usually experienced for a few days in mid-August – not late May. We waited to late afternoon to take the dogs to a nearby woods near Tilford village – so as to not overheat their paws on the overly hot ground. We stayed in the shade – but I did get photographs and footage of a village hall built in the 19th century – and an old bridge – which looks medieval to me! Cricket was being play on the Green – and I like a good game of cricket. It is complicated and very Confucian in nature!

Continue reading

Playing Cricket in the Back Yards of UK Cities!

UK: British Council Film Archive ([1950] – Cricket Documentary! (25.9.2025)

At his peak, however, he was a very good all-rounder wielding the bat and ball. When a child, my father taught me all the rules of cricket and this is why I know a) how to play the game, and b) what is going on when watching it (we support Leicestershire County Cricket Club – and we watched them play once). I have tried to teach my partner and children – but the modern youth now have the internet to take their attention! I have played “in-door” cricket – as well as cricket on a proper pitch – and I never wore a helmet (I couldn’t afford one). When standing at the crease – the mind must be calm and expansive – clear and reflective. Peace and self-control must permeate reality – whilst the bat and ball must be properly utilised in a technically perfect manner. There is no hatred for the opposition – or unnecessary attachment to one’s team-mates – all are equal to the true gentleman. This is why I refer to cricket as a form of English Confucianism!

Continue reading

Morris or Moorish - You Decide!

UK: “Barn the Burkha” – the Countryside Alliance Shares Its Views with Reform UK! (7.6.2025)

We propose an education, environmentally-friendly “barn” within which the said population will be able to volunteer to congregate – where we will offer Morris Dancing, Cricket, Equestrian Sport, Country Dancing, light refreshments and a myriad of other wholesome activities – including a Driving Course given by Jeremy Clarkson. Children will be able to watch re-runs of Jon Pertwee’s Wurzel Gummidge on a big screen, with a live appearance by the Wurzels themselves!  We will add a subtle message which states that although the Wurzels are very popular in Japan – and given that they are not “Japanese” – they are not permitted to hold any citizenship in that country.

Continue reading

Met Police Officer Punches Suspect!

UK: Met Police Policy of “Punching Suspects in Back of Head” Backfires – as Offending Officer Spared Jail-Time! (1.5.2025)

She told the court: “I accept it was out of character and you lost self control.

“As a police officer, you were in a position of significant responsibility. (These actions) will reduce trust and confidence in police.”

Speaking after the trial, father-of-two Mr Attanayake, 42, originally from Sri Lanka, told the PA news agency the incident had left him with both psychological and physical damage.

He said: “I play cricket as a bowler, but I have been unable to play because of issues I now have with my shoulder. It will get better but I have missed two seasons already.

“Psychologically, I now get triggered by alarms and people in uniforms. I have been a law abiding citizen since I have lived in the UK.”

Mr Attanayake also confirmed he was yet to receive an apology from the Metropolitan Police, and claimed he had instead been told the incident was a case of “mistaken identity”.

Continue reading

1 2