In a ground-breaking moment for cricket enthusiasts and players alike, the traditional game of cricket has taken a remarkable twist with the introduction of “Walking Cricket” in the prestigious sport.
This development has led to the establishment of a county representative side, fostering healthy competition between counties.
Yorkshire County Walking Cricket made their debut hosting a first-ever county walking cricket match at Monk Bretton Cricket Club in Barnsley, where they played against Worcestershire, on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
As the summer sun shone down on the picturesque Monk Bretton ground, players from across our county took part after being through a rigorously selection process, with roughly 40 applicants all trialling for selection, to have the honour to represent Yorkshire this season.
The final selection consisted of 12 players (seven male and five women) varying from different towns and cities across Yorkshire.
Players all eagerly embraced this new variant, jelled well as a team and were ready to test their skills and celebrate the inclusivity that Walking Cricket brings to the table.
After winning the toss the Yorkshire captain elected to put Worcestershire into bat in the 20 over match.
On a fairly benign wicket, Worcestershire scored a respectable total of 171 – 6, this total kept down by some fine Yorkshire fielding and catching on what was a difficult outfield.
Yorkshire began their chase of this total and from the first over it became clear that the challenge had been accepted as all five batting pairs scored around or above 50 runs.
Big hitting, excellent communication and quick walking resulted in Yorkshire finishing on 258 – 2.
The match was played in good spirit and there was plenty of supporters in attendance. We would like to thank Simon Sykes for his phenomenal cricket teas for all players and officials. Finally a big thanks goes to our volunteers, our umpire Chris Parkes and our scorer Frank Mellor.
Mac Mckechnie, Manager of the Walking Cricket Yorkshire side, said: “It was outstanding to witness the boundaries of cricket continue to expand, this exciting evolution invited us all to embrace and where the spirit of cricket remains unwavering, and every participant finds their place on the hallowed turf, something I am very proud to be a part of.”
The Yorkshire team comprised of players from Barnsley, Wakefield, Rotherham and Huddersfield. A great effort from both teams and an excellent advert for the game of cricket.
Yorkshire County Walking Cricket Team:
Manager Mac Mckechnie
Dave Craddock (Captain)
Paul Richards (Vice-Captain)
Nick Franklin W/Keeper (1)
Muriel Johnson (Wicket-Keeper 2)
Malcolm Perry
Vernon Hayes
Steve Loman
Di Allison
Angie Nash
Sue Proctor
Carol Smith – 5th Woman
John Smith Warren – 7th Man
Thank you to Neil Glover at N G Décor Ltd, our Walking Cricket County kit sponsor.