South Yorkshire Times – Friday 20 April 1934
Council Cricket Prospects
Ambitious Team Building
A Powerful Trio
So far as it is possible to judge before the opening of the cricket season, the three South Yorkshire clubs whose outlook in the Yorkshire Council is most promising are Rawmarsh, Mitchell Main and Denaby, though, of course, clubs like South Kirby and Hickleton must not be overlooked.
Rawmarsh and Mitchell Main have built up what appears, on paper, to be very strong sides, and Denaby, who finished higher up in the Council table than any of the other local clubs last season, have retained all their best players, while their attack should be greatly strengthened by the inclusion of A. Dickinson, a young fast bowler from Thorne, who has been up at the nets at Headingley and has already been described as a “second Bowes.”
Quite a number of players have transferred their allegiance during the close season and Wath have probably been harder hit than any of the clubs in this respect. They have lost Fenn to Rawmarsh, Ellis to Mitchell Main, and Shaw to Upton, but remain optimistic and their fine team spirit may discount these losses.
Other changes of note are the departure of Swinton’s promising young all-rounder, Cutts, to Mitchell Main, “Ivy” Baxter’s move from Wathley Hall to Thorncliffe, which club he will captain, and the acquisition by South Kirby of A. Broadhead who headed Mitchell Main’s bowling averages last season.
The customary feeling of general optimism pervades the reports from the various clubs, and so far it is justifiable, but much remains to be proved on the field during the next few months. All that is now required is weather like last, for the seasons printed below comprise sufficient material for one of the most interesting seasons on record.
Mitchell Main
Out for Honours
It looks as though Mitchell Main will make a big bid for supremacy this season. They will be able to rely on the best of the older players, while there are additions of notable promise.
Cyril Utting, who has captained the side for 16 years, and has been with the club for 26 years, has made way for the Barsley schoolmaster, C. G. Smith, who has served the club so well during the past three seasons. The new captain’s summing up of the club’s outlook is: “I feel confident we shall have a strong side this season. I feel our prospects are very promising.”
Smith has been consistently cricket for 20 years, having assisted Morley, Heckmondwike and Barnsley. He helped Heckmondwike to win the Heavy Woollen Cup in 1927. Last year he and Laurie Birkenshaw were the opening pair, their most notable partnership being one of 130 at Elsecar. The new vice-captain is Billy Brookes, the experienced wicket-keeper, and Sam Gilpin will lead the South Yorkshire League side.
Colin Kilner, Laurie Birkenshaw, Evans, Senior, Wilkes, Ward and Grayson are all promising to take their places, and prominent among the newcomers are Sam Cutts from Swinton, one of the most promising young all-rounders in the district, Sid Ellis, the former Wath batsman, P. R. Smith, brother of the captain, Jack Parkin, promising batsman who played for Barnsley last season, while H. Fieldhouse, who was prevented by ill-health from playing last season, is now fit. Other new players may yet be acquired.
A big improvement in playing conditions is anticipated as the new pitch, constructed two years ago, will this season be put into use. The ground is to be loaned to the Wesleyan Thursday team for their use.
Clubs in the district have combined to organise a competition for the schools, and a knock-out competition is also under consideration.
Denaby
Promising Fast Bowler
Denaby, who proved themselves the premier side in the district, in Council cricket at any rate, by finishing fifth in that competition, seem set for another good season and with the team slightly strengthened may this year achieve the semi-final honours which so narrowly eluded them last year.
All the old players are available with the exception of A. Springthorpe who has gone to Doncaster L.N.E.R. The batting strength will be unimpaired with Wainwright, Greenwood, Wright and Robinson to give the side a good start and the addition of Crumack, a batsman from the Doncaster district who comes with a good reputation.
Robinson, Probert, Wild and Mounsey form the nucleus of a strong and varied attack and young Holland, the slow left arm bowler who performed creditably in the few games in which he played towards the end of last season, is also likely to be given further chances.
An important recruit is W. A. Dickinson, a 19-year-old fast bowler from Thorne, who the Robinson has already been up at the nets at Headingley. He has been advised to get into Yorkshire Council cricket as the best medium for improving, and Denaby have been fortunate enough to secure his services. He is a likely lad and stands 5ft. 11ins.
The team will again be led by W. Criddle. Twenty-six Council games will be played, two more than last season, the new clubs being Upton and Thorncliffe. The second team will once more operate in Division I., Section “B,” of the Doncaster League.
Supporters will find the stand accommodation greatly improved. The old stand has been dismantled and on the site two new dressing rooms have been erected with a flat roof from which spectators will get a splendid view of the game. Mr. Friend Waring retains his position as secretary and the chairman is Mr. Ernest Robinson.