Castle Hill Cricket Chat. A Huddersfield Cricket League Podcast

As the Sykes Cup first-round matches approach this Sunday, we're excited to bring you a special look back at two iconic finals that shaped Barkisland's local cricketing legacy.

Joining us on this episode are Darren Robinson and Matt Steers, key players in two of Barkisland's historic victories. In an engaging discussion, they reminisce about the thrilling matches that put Barkisland on the Huddersfield Cricket League map.

In 2008, Barkisland clinched their inaugural Sykes Cup win, defeating Delph in a hard-fought affair. Then, in 2015, they upset the odds by toppling a much-fancied Scholes team, proving their mettle once again.

These victories embody the spirit of a Sykes Cup winning team – resilience, teamwork, and determination. Join us as we revisit these unforgettable moments and celebrate the essence of cricketing greatness. Stay tuned for our latest episode, where we'll take you on a journey through the heart of Barkisland's Sykes Cup triumphs.

Esteemed umpire and former bowler, Ron Tindall joined us on the show to discuss his career at length. Despite being in his eighties, Ron's cricketing career is nothing short of compelling, spanning from his fierce bowling days to his stoic umpiring presence.

Tune in as Ron shares what it was like to play alongside Yorkshire and England player Edric Leadbeater and other cricketing [and history] icons. Plus, hear how Ron transitioned from player to umpire, and enjoy some fun insights into his favourite batsman and grounds!

We also had Paul Cummins from YCB on board who gave us his input about the crucial role of umpires in the game. Despite a few audio gremlins—we promise it's worth it!

A brand new episode coming in time for the supposed start of the season, which has been put back at least a week (at least!).

In this show, We caught up with the Premiership title-winning Moorlands boys, eight months after their memorable triumph. Andy Fortis, Mikey Rounding, and captain Eddie Walmsley shared insights on their preparations for the upcoming season. Plus, we got Andrew's perspective, Moorlands' award-winning groundsman, on the frustrating weather conditions and a sneak peek at how teams are shaping up for the campaign.

We also touched on exciting developments like a West End star (who could that be??) performing at one of our clubs and a new prize has been launched centred around our hard-working grounds staff.

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Paul Cummins from the Yorkshire Cricket Board (YCB) and who also plays 1XI cricket for Skelmanthorpe CC, who provided invaluable insights into the crucial role played by the YCB within local cricketing communities. Paul elaborated on the various initiatives and support mechanisms implemented by the YCB to nurture and enhance cricket at the grassroots level, emphasising the importance of fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the sport.

One of the key topics of discussion centred around the Huddersfield League's application for ECB Premier League status, a significant milestone in the league's journey. Paul shared updates on the progress made by the league towards achieving this prestigious status and addressed pertinent questions regarding funding options for essential infrastructure such as double sight screens, a requirement for all Premiership clubs initially.

Furthermore, our conversation delved into pressing issues facing cricket today, including the ECB's stance on limiting teams to only one overseas player and the rapid growth of women's cricket. Paul shed light on the YCB's efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusivity within the sport, highlighting the strides being made to create opportunities for female cricketers.

In addition to discussing senior cricket, Paul provided insights into initiatives like All Stars and Dynamos Cricket, aimed at introducing infants and juniors to the game. He also outlined the availability of interest-free loans and bursaries from the ECB, offering practical guidance on how clubs can access these resources to support their development efforts. Overall, this episode offered a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted efforts being undertaken by the YCB to nurture cricketing talent and foster a thriving cricketing ecosystem in Yorkshire and beyond.

You can find links to some of the areas we covered here:

ECB’s interest-free loan scheme: https://www.ecb.co.uk/play/club-support/club-funding/interest-free-loan-scheme

The YCB: http://www.yorkshirecb.com/

A list of useful contacts within the YCB: http://www.yorkshirecb.com/page/about/west-yorkshire-contacts/contacts-16704/

In this episode of our official podcast, we unveil a brand new segment: 'Champagne Moments.' This exciting addition takes us on a nostalgic journey through the annals of local cricket history, shining a spotlight on memorable matches and campaigns that have left an indelible mark on our beloved clubs.

For our inaugural feature episode, we're delving deep into the archives to revisit a momentous occasion for Golcar Cricket Club – the 2009 Sykes Cup Final. It was a clash to remember as Golcar faced off against heavyweights Elland.

Led by charismatic skipper Ash Pamment, who shares his memories of that campaign with us, Golcar showcased their mettle on the field, delivering a performance that would go down in club folklore. Also joining us on the show are CHCCpod regular co-host Steve Whitwam and Craig 'Jack' Horner, each offering their unique insights and anecdotes from that historic day.

But it's not just about celebrating the victors; we're privileged to hear from the other side of the pitch as well. Ryan Robinson graciously shared his perspective as an Elland player, providing a glimpse into the efforts of the defeated team amidst the exhilarating atmosphere of the final showdown.

A standout moment of the match was undoubtedly 'Jack' Horner's stellar batting performance, earning him the coveted man of the match award. His remarkable feat ensured that Golcar lifted the Sykes Cup for the first time in their history, a triumph decades in the making since their last appearance in 1963.

As we bask in the glory of Golcar's victory, we extend an invitation to all cricket clubs to be part of our 'Champagne Moments' segment. If your club has a special match or campaign that deserves to be commemorated, simply reach out to us via our podcast page. Let's celebrate the rich tapestry of local cricket together, one champagne moment at a time.

In the latest Castle Hill Cricket Chat episode, we hosted former Primrose Hill, Shepley, and Hall Bower player, Wayne Swift. With his compelling experience in Huddersfield cricket, Wayne takes us on a reflective journey through his career, recounting the people and seasons that shaped his time on the field.

Wayne shares the pivotal moment of settling at Armitage Bridge, a club close to his heart, and the satisfaction of witnessing his son's cricketing prowess unfold. Beyond the cricket field, Wayne transitions into the business realm, discussing the inception of Swift Teamwear, his venture supplying top-notch team kits.

As our conversation unfolded, Wayne opens up about his sponsorship of the Huddersfield Cricket League Premiership, revealing the significance it holds for him. The connection between his business and supporting the local cricket community becomes evident, emphasising the role of entrepreneurs like Wayne in fostering the growth and vibrancy of the sport in Huddersfield.

It’s been a while but we felt it was time for a dive into the heart of Huddersfield Cricket as the new season beckons! In this episode, we're shedding light on the latest tweaks and turns in the league's rules and processes.

As we gear up for the upcoming cricket season, this episode brings you a comprehensive overview of the noteworthy changes in rules and procedures within the Huddersfield Cricket League. Delving into the intricacies, we invited Mark Binns, the Admin Secretary of the Huddersfield League, as our guest to go over some under-the-bonnet stuff.

Mark addressed innovative strategies to manage player behaviour effectively. Exploring new concepts and approaches, we shed light on initiatives aimed at fostering a positive and respectful atmosphere on the field.

Additionally, we dissected proposals aimed at modernising and revitalising our cup competitions and considered proposals geared towards hurrying up innings’. The conversation revolved around ideas that aim to maintain the integrity of the game while introducing efficiencies to streamline match proceedings.

The podcast guys discussed their ‘alternative’ awards and the highs, lows and funnies of the season. Contains a heavily used bleep machine and an increasingly deteriorating set of podcast regulars and a guest that frankly, wondered what he’d let himself in for!

Up for discussion were some straightforward choices such as all-rounder of the season and young player of the year. However, they had their take on more abstract categories too.

We discussed the best veteran, tail-end-performance and champagne moment of the year. We got to discuss which umpires we thought cut the mustard and which team were too good to go down (but did anyway). There were some humorous incidents during the summer which we shared and lived long in the memory too. Well, for some of us!

A little capsule show where we followed up on our discussion in Episode 61 about the crisis enveloping Elland Cricket Club. Jamie invited Ben Speak onto the podcast to try and iron out some of the speculation regarding the league’s most successful club.

A huge turnover of players in recent years has left what was always one of the league’s flagship clubs in a state of flux. The last three matches of 2023 they were forced to concede which accelerated their third relegation in only eight years to leave their first team in the fourth tier.

Ben was one of the recently departed players and now plays his cricket at Bradford League club Lightcliffe after spending his whole career up to now playing at Hullen Edge. From starting as a junior in 2003, he was coached by some of the best local players around. He dedicated a lot of his time serving on the cricket committee, so he was well placed to talk to us about his experiences and how he saw the club evolve towards how it is today.

The unique model the club adopted was something Ben enlightened us on, and how they went from a position of strength to tumbling down the divisions.

The dust has settled on another season, a great time to digest what we played in, saw and experienced in 2023. This month, it was Rastrick’s turn to guest on Huddersfield Cricket’s only discussion podcast, and what an enlightening discussion it was too.

Jacob Waterson, first team captain of Rastrick has personally had another excellent season where his team missed out on promotion, but were just about in the running behind Golcar and Delph in the Jedi Championship. He was joined by Rastrick Chairman Paul Shaw who gave us an insight into the club off the field. A club celebrating their 160th anniversary (100 in the Huddersfield League) with a modest history, but a vibrant future.

The regular lads reflected on an exciting campaign, talked about some of the players who appear to have played their last games in announcing retirements and discussed the crisis at Elland, a club forced to concede their last few league fixtures at all senior levels.

It was also a time to announce who won our pre-season prediction game "Finch's Forecast", named after the winner of the 2022 edition. There were some distinct airshots, so you’ll hear about those and the usual other content / guff over the course of the show.

Our monthly chinwag in podcast form had a bumper feel this month as we descended on the bijou and perfectly formed Holmbridge Cricket Club. We were looking forward to interviewing one of local cricket’s best characters in Ian Whiteley. And, since he moved to Holmbridge after three decades at Holmfirth, we thought nothing better than to check in with him, and club chairman Jim Woodhead to get the skinny at Holmbridge.

Recent seasons on the pitch have been a challenge, but there aren’t many clubs lower down the pyramid who are better equipped for success than Holmbridge. A brand new clubhouse, impressively tidy surroundings and one of the pioneers in Clubmark adoption puts them in a position which lots of local clubs can be inspired by, despite their humble league positions.

We also invited Jackie Brook to come on the show and talk about her new role with the league in helping clubs achieve Clubmark, which is a prerequisite for any club with a first team in the top two divisions ahead of The Huddersfield ECB premier League era.

Of course, our usual features are here, although the lack of cricket recently meant that ‘the fallen’, was replaced by a naming and shaming of all the grubby, shameless bounty hunters hoovering up centuries instead. Ian took on our ‘It Only Takes A Minute’ Quiz. and we discussed three clubs whose fortunes had perked up in recent weeks. A couple more news bits and pieces were tied up and we all had a thoroughly jolly time recording it.

It’s the eve of the flagship final. The 103rd Sykes Cup reaches its climax on Sunday. We invited two guests, one from each finalist to come on and share their thoughts ahead of the big day.

Siraj Sajid, one of Moorlands longest serving players joined us to talk about his team’s chances of collecting the trophy for the third year in a row. Their domination this season sees them go into the tie against Broad Oak as warm favourites. However Oak’s Dom Finn, in his ninth season with the club reflected on what is a huge occasion for them and how they stack up going into it.

Our regular contributors Steve Whitwam and Andrew Crawshaw also gave us their thoughts on a mouthwatering final. It’s a nice amuse bouche ahead of Sunday’s big day, held at Armitage Bridge for the first time ever. Enjoy!

Our official League Podcast, Castle Hill Cricket Chat, Has a special career overview episode. Ritchie Howarth, formerly of Holmfirth, Scholes, Holmbridge and Thongsbridge, but had his greatest successes at Honley, joined us on the podcast. Ritchie has not been shy with his long battle with mental illness where he felt as low as he could possibly be. Since recovery - which is still ongoing - he decided to start Holmfirth Mans Club, an opportunity to help other local men who have been taken over by depression.

From a modest and sometimes cameo-style cricket career, he transformed into one of the league’s deadliest assassins with the ball in hand and played throughout Honley’s most decorated period until his retirement in 2015. We got to hear what that was like as he battled with self-doubt during his early years to become one of the most lethal bowlers the league has ever seen.

Ritchie also took part in our “It Only Takes A Minute” career quiz, plus was joined by his Honley teammate (and former guest of the show) Simon Kelly. It was such a joy to do, and fantastic to see Ritchie back to healthy ways.

Enjoying the oldest and greatest Test Series in the world? Well, settle in at lunch and tea to listen to our special Ashes Edition of Castle Hill Cricket Chat.

We roped in three Australians thoroughly pumped to be playing on our shores this summer. Holmfirth’s Kye Zanardi, Zac Hurley (Golcar) and Matt Schubert who is Almondbury Wesleyans’ overseas man and all are in debut seasons in the UK.

We caught up with the three Antipodeans on how they’ve found life here, and some of their highlights. Jacob Mulhall ran them through their Ashes knowledge for our “It Only Takes A Minute” leaderboard and all of us looked forward to the upcoming Ashes series, along with submitting our predictions (and worst ever Test player!).

It’s a bumper episode as we pay tribute to “The Fallen”; those brave, valiant young men who fell in their prime on 49 or 99 since we last met. Of course domestic cricket wasn’t ignored and we shone a spotlight on Armitage Bridge, Moorlands and Denby Dale who have all enjoyed good periods of form and progress in the cups.

Just a quickie in this episode as we hooked in League Administration Office Mark Binns to provide an update on how the approach towards overseas cricketers will be next season.

As the Huddersfield Cricket League evolves into becoming an ECB Premier League, of course certain caveats and changes will follow with regards to overseas cricketers.

Yes, being an ECB League Club with Clubmark status means we will see a return to top class test-level professional cricketers. But is it the end for clubs wanting to bring in one, two or even three extra cricketers on a UK passport? Listen on as Mark provides clarification on this subject, which hopefully will help clubs plan for 2024.

Mark also provided an update to how the application to the YCB and ECB is going so it’s worth a listen.

It’s time for a detailed career deep dive. An episode where we look closely into the career of one of our league’s standout players of the past and present.

With Ryan Robinson, not many have such a decorated career to reflect on. Ryan has played for the league’s top clubs and won just about everything there was to win. From modest roots at Emley, Ryan talked about his early days, trying to break into county cricket first with Yorkshire and then with Durham. But it’s his league career we’re particularly keen to talk about, with highly decorated spells at Kirkburton and Hoylandswaine, along with his other clubs Elland, Honley and Skelmanthorpe.

As with all our career overview guests now, we put them through their knowledge with our ‘It Only Takes A Minute’ 60 second quiz about their career. Listen on to see where Ryan ranks in our burgeoning leaderboard.

The latest episode of Castle Hill Cricket Chat summarised what’s happened in the Huddersfield Cricket League since we last met two weeks ago (a lot!). The brand new T20 format launched properly to great success so we gave our thoughts on what we saw. Plus the Sykes Cup R2 and Quarter Final was reviewed and previewed.

We also found time to look at the increasing phenomenon of being out on either 49 or 99, had a look at on-this-day in 2019 and discovered what the rainiest Test Match ground in the world was (It’s not Old Trafford!). Plus, we gave two marvellous performances by juniors in senior cricket the spotlight.

A special Castle Hill Cricket Chat podcast episode this week as we welcome Craig Horner, AKA Jack Horner, onto the show to talk about his 30 year career.

Craig made his debut in English cricket back in 1993 for Lascelles Hall where he won the league in his first ever season, and the only time he became a Byrom Shield winner.

He went on to have three spells at Hall, and played at Skelmanthorpe and Scholes before settling at Golcar - his second stint - since 2008. ‘Jack’ is known throughout the league for playing his cricket hard on the pitch, and enjoyed the off the pitch stuff just as much!

Seriously, this was one of the most enjoyable, funny and downright interesting interviews we’ve done so thanks to ‘Jack’ for taking part.

Listen on to find out how he got on in his “It Only Takes A Minute” quiz, where we debut our seriously terrible new jingle and see where he ranks on the early leaderboard. All the questions are Lascelles Hall, Golcar and Scholes related so play along at home too.

The final Captain’s special preview comes from newly promoted Mirfield Parish Cavaliers’ skipper Tom Fretwell as he looks forward to Saturday’s opener and the season ahead.

Proud Parish lad Tom is Mirfield born and bred and has experiences all the highs, lows and everything in between at his club. Tom's a frontline bowler for Mirfield Parish and the experienced seamer claimed nearly 200 wickets since they joined the Huddersfield League - and plenty more from before then too.

Last season was one to remember for the men from their self-titled 'Pig Pen'. An unbeaten campaign in a fiercely competitive Championship where they were the only team promoted. However, can they take inspiration from Skelmanthorpe and Almondbury Wesleyans before them and solidify their Premiership place for the foreseeable future? Tom casts his eye on this critical campaign as well as talking about the players they hope can knock opening-day opponents Honley off their game.

We're nearly at the close of our roundup of club captains all from each club in the Premiership. The penultimate episode features Chris Holliday (Hoylandswaine).

The Barnsley-based club have been the team to catch in most ways and since they joined the league - which doesn't seem that long ago back in 2009 - they've been making tidal waves and ruffling feathers amongst the staple clubs around the Huddersfield League.

Chris Holliday; Hoylandswaine new captain is about to enjoy his seventh full season at the club and has been a central part in turning Swaine from inconsistent sometimes-rans to a fierce intimidating tour-de-force. He is - on his day - one of the most destructive club batsmen in the modern era.

Chris puts forward an intriguing insight into a team that's proving hard to stop when the title is concerned, yet have unfinished businesses with some of the knockout trophies on offer. Have a listen as we reflect on their past successes and how they hope to push on into this coming season.

With the opening day within reach now, the Castle Hill Cricket Chat podcast talked to the tenth skipper in this mini-series; Allan Greenwood from Skelmanthorpe.

As always, distilling the thoughts of all those main men at each Premiership club - the cricketing brains you might say - has been varied and interesting and this was no exception. Allan Greenwood, a T20 Shield winner with his side in 2021 and led Skelmanthorpe to Premiership safety with a tenth place finish last term. Along the way they had some memorable wins and some standout performances, however he needs to get that 'difficult second album' perfected this time round as we got to know just how they're geared up on the eve of another thrilling season.

Allan's opening day opponents are Scholes - always a tough assignment - so he gave us his thoughts; just like Scholes skipper Benji Birkhead did a few days before.

Another Castle Hill Cricket Chat Captain's Special - a daily episode where we bring on a top flight skipper and get a closer look at their side with the season just days away. There isn't anyone who knows Shepley cricket club more acutely than Danny Glover - a player who's been at the club for most of his entire life.

My Podcast co-contributor Steve Whitwam calls him ‘Mr. Shepley’. The affinity runs deep at the club, with his brother Craig usually bowling from the opposite end in tandem. Danny's been a huge part on and off the pitch and last season helped propel the club to 6th place in the table.

Shepley's hard work around the club paid off handsomely. They enjoyed hosting their first ever Sykes Cup Final last season and have also hosted a Heavy Woollen Cup final too. On the pitch has been at times a struggle, but with safe hands around the club they've steered through those choppy waters with relative calmness. Danny gave us the lowdown on what that's been like and what the future looks to hold.

Listen via the link here or subscribe to our show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear our episodes as soon as they come out.

Each day this week Castle Hill Cricket Chat interviewed each Premiership captain on how they were feeling heading into the start of the season which is only days away. Thongsbridge skipper Alex Kemp is the guest who's turn it is in the spotlight.

Alex has been a keystone at the club for some time now. He was part of their side that gained promotion in 2016 and has led them well, finishing in the top four last season and enjoying top half finishes in nearly all the others. Make no mistake, they're one of the lights that shine brighter in the top division so enjoy this episode where he gives us an insight into the goings on at Miry Lane.

The league’s official podcast; Castle Hill Cricket Chat, is on day six of their chats with each Premiership skipper on the eve of the season. Eddie Walmsley (Moorlands) is today’s guest.

Eddie has led Moorlands to glory in the Sykes Cup for the last two seasons, as well as a 2021 T20 triumph. Aside from an uncomfortable at times league campaign last year, they pushed champions Hoylandswaine most of the way in 2021.

Moorlands have had a busy winter. Club legends have moved on to pastures new and with a good contact base along with a bit of persuading to a family member, he has his new-look team at his disposal ready and raring to go. We'll also discuss their opening day opponents Thongsbridge, a side who'll equally have designs on silverware this season.

The Castle Hill Cricket Chat podcast relentlessly picks out another episode with another skipper, eager to get the season started. Bryn Jenkins from Almondbury Wesleyan.

Bryn helped steer his team to the holy grail of Premiership safety last season. He's looking to follow up that achievement and put behind his club's modest status by asserting themselves as a top flight heavyweight.

Bryn will tell us about what led him to become skipper at his club and who laid the foundations for him to succeed. He reflects on that tense season last time round and what the future holds for the Wesleyans. Just like his opposite number Jonny Butterfield did in our series of pods, he'll cast his eye to the opening day and that tough fixture at Kirkburton.

The Castle Hill Cricket Chat, the league’s official podcast, puts a Premiership captain in the spotlight each day this week. In this episode Benji Birkhead; Scholes’ captain reflects on last season and looks ahead to the new campaign.

This is the fifth installment of our daily catch ups and Benji, a fantastic player for his club, has taken up the captaincy at Chapelgate and is itching to stamp his mark on a side that finished third in the top division last season.

Benji reflects on the last year or two at the club and divulges the new faces that have been recruited before looking forward to the new campaign.

Following the captain and secretary’s pre-season meeting on 6th April, Castle Hill Cricket Chat sat down with three of the main individuals who headed up the meeting, to give a debrief about what it was all about.

David Ward from the ECB who helps run the Who’s The Umpire software that will be in use for the first season explained his role and how the software will be used. Mark Binns, the Assistant Secretary to the League was on hand to give us an overview as we head into a new season full of changes and experienced Umpire Ron Tindall also gave us his thoughts on some of the key new law changes brought in by the MCC / ECB.

Ahead of the new season, the Castle Hill Cricket Chat podcast has interviewed a bunch of Premiership skippers with this episode centring on experienced Honley man Danny Howard.

Danny, who’s been at Honley for over twenty years since cutting his teeth at Thongsbridge, has enjoyed a stellar club career being part of a title-winning Honley side in the 00’s along with several cups and trophies. However, since taking the captaincy role, he’s been solely focused on ensuring the next generation can benefit from his wisdom and establishing Honley as genuine title contenders.

The Honley skipper talked about the challenges in keeping the pace at the top of the table with Hoylandswaine - a side they’ll face twice in the opening first few weeks. He also mused upon the happy problem he has blooding such a productive junior production line in the cut and thrust of first team cricket. And he casts an eye on his opening day opponents, newly promoted Mirfield Parish Cavaliers.

With the new season fast approaching, the Castle Hill Cricket Chat podcast took a Premiership captain aside each day. This episode it was Jake Finch from Barkisland who gave us his observations for the new campaign.

One of several brothers who are involved at Barkisland, it's Jake’s first season as captain after performing as vice captain for some time. He’s learnt his trade from two influential figures at the club; Ben Heritage who was captain since 2020 and Darren Robinson before that.

Jake gave us an insight into their new overseas signing and explained how their team is shaping up with key men Cameron Van Rensburg, Luke Bridges and Matty Weston at his disposal. We also talked about Barkisland’s opening day opponents Broad Oak and reflected on what was an encouraging season last year around the village.

In anticipation to the 2023 season the Castle Hill Cricket Chat podcast elected to interview a swath of pumped up Premiership skippers relishing the season ahead. This episode features Kirkburton’s captain Jonathan Butterfield.

Jonny has been heading up first team operations at Riley Lane for three seasons, if you include the Covid-affected T30 year. In that time he’s helped mould Kirkburton from relegation-threatened candidates to a tough nut to crack.

The former Clayton West and Honley man gave us an insight into how his team has been performing for him and where he sees improvements. Plus they’ve welcomed several new faces into their lineup for 2023 and who will be key players for them in the upcoming campaign. Kirkburton will face Almondbury Wesleyans at home in the opening fixture so he reflected on head-to-head matches with them in the past few years.

In anticipation to the 2023 season the Castle Hill Cricket Chat podcast elected to interview a swath of pumped up Premiership skippers relishing the season ahead. This episode welcomes new Broad Oak captain Fletcher Coutts.

Fletcher, who made a huge impact with the Linthwaite-based club during his first season last year, takes on the main role for this campaign. He reflected on how his first season went at the club, gave us an overview of their incomings and outgoings player-wise and looked ahead to their opening match with Barkisland; a team they did the double over last time round.

We invited another intriguing guest, held in high esteem for his exploits in league cricket with the bat where he has made over 22,000 career runs. 

In this show, Paul Winrow goes through his outstanding career with spells in the Bradford League, Central Lancashire League and the now defunct Pennine League but it was with Huddersfield Cricket League clubs Barkisland, Elland and Shelley where he played the most.

Paul talks about being a late developer around his ‘home’ club Barkisland, before cutting his teeth in tough dressing rooms at Cleckheaton and East Brierley. Continue to listen as he reflects on a scintillating title win with Woodlands and helping take Barkisland to Sykes Cup glory in 2008. 

Injuries may have had an effect on his later career but he had plenty to say about his spells at Elland and Shelley, as well as his current club Almondbury Wesleyans where he hopes to wind down his career.

Elsewhere, the chaps mused upon typical pre-season activity such as winter nets, umpire refresher courses and of course a batch of the latest transfers. Meanwhile I uncovered a shocking miscarriage of justice from a cold case which had been a stain on our game since 1983.

This New Years episode we invited one of the hardest-to-pin-down men in the parish, but it was definitely worth the wait. If anyone has ever shared a field with this man, then you will know that field is usually well lit and as colourful as he is. So, inbetween mini breaks to Benidorm and the busy world of construction around Kirklees Dale Winterbottom was kind enough to donate his time and give us an insight into his background. Well worth a listen.

We also chewed the cud over the rule changes that have been embedded in for the new 2023 season, of which there are many including a radical refresh for the T20 competition. 

Amazingly we still had time to take Andrew’s ‘We Are The Umpire’ quiz which you can play along at home and see how much you know how to handle oddball one in a million incidents!

Finally, we lamented the passing of Lepton Highlanders, who have wrapped up their cricket side of the club and taken their stumps in, hopefully as a temporary measure. However, we do have a little post Christmas treat in a message from a well-known Leptoner so you’ll just have to listen on and find out.

Castle Hill Cricket Chat, the podcast all about the Huddersfield Cricket League returned after a break where the three regulars; Jamie, Andrew and Steve lamented the ramifications of the relegation battle in which two of the contributors teams were ones to suffer.

The chaps reflected on a season of highs and lows, which teams were the surprise packages and which had campaigns to remember (or forget!). They also shone a light on some of the individual award winners and their performances of the year.

Finally, we got to find out was victorious in the most unrewarding season predictions competition to ever take place; Mystic Mog and what completely underwhelming prize they have won too.

As we’re coming up to the thin end of the wedge where cricket’s concerned. All the major flagship finals have been and gone and what memorable ones they were too. We had a look at who were celebrating silverware already and cast a close eye on the state of play in the leagues.

We also threw our spotlight onto Denby who, next season will be their tenth in the Huddersfield Cricket Club and have been not so much making strides as leaps of progress on and off the pitch. Mike Mannifield is cricket chairman there and he spoke about the challenges of the past as they transitioned across into the Huddersfield Cricket League and what brought them to the cusp of Premiership cricket.

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We’ve just passed the halfway point of the season and, as predicted, it has been as competitive as it has ever been. The Premiership is one huge mixed salad with just about all clubs apart from the top three fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.

There was big news announced by the league as they bid to become the 30th ECB Premier League so what does that entail for the clubs? The chaps here discuss the effects and advantages that may bring, to take Huddersfield Cricket to the next level.

Our guest this episode is Darren Hinchliffe, a player who enjoyed a hugely successful career with six clubs and he gravitated around three specifically. He has appeared in seven Sykes Cup finals; joining an esteemed group of players who have appeared the most times in it so it felt like a great chance to discuss Armitage Bridge’s first appearance in the semi-final since 1978.

We’ve also rounded up other news in and around the league in the past month including reflecting on the life of a Golcar great; John Cooper, who passed away recently.

It’s a jam-packed episode so grab yourself a refreshing cup of tea, coffee, glass of wine or a beer (if it’s a suitable time of day!). Enjoy the show!

After the third week since the start of the season, the Premiership couldn’t be any more competitive with everyone just about beating everyone. It’s a vivid watch and with plenty of weeks left, there’s going to be a lot of brilliant, agonising and surreal moments to come.

We had the pleasure of welcoming on to the Podcast one of the most, if not THE most successful captains in Huddersfield Cricket League history. Rob Moore from Honley was at the helm of a team that dominated the league and in 15 short years virtually doubled the trophy count in Honley’s long history.

Rob, who is mostly known by his nickname of Archie, was happy to give his thoughts and memories of those years. But it didn’t stop once he hung up his boots either, as the club embarked on a sustained period of serious development on and off the pitch.

Honley is a fine place to enjoy cricket and most of that is thanks to Archie’s work, or direction so this one is a must-listen for those who are determined to set standards at their club as high as it can be.

We also digested an engrossing weekend of cricket which saw some great matches none more so than in the first round of the Sykes Cup which was played on Sunday.

So, settle in for the next hour and a bit and enjoy the show

In week two of the 2022 season, we have had yet more incredible cricketing achievements and who we’re zoning in on this time is Rastrick’s Jacob Waterson, a batsman-wicketkeeper that somehow flayed a huge double century, yet his team ended up empty handed! 

Jacob was a great sport and filled us in on the events at Round Hill, the curious little ground right by the M62 that must get more views a day than a Kardashian Instagram account! Jacob’s played on-off for Rastrick for since he was but a lad so it was good to hear his thoughts on how they’ve started the season, and frankly, that completely bonkers match at Mirfield Parish Cavaliers.

Elsewhere there was sad news as David Pamment, a big figure around the league passed away so Steve and Andrew, who both knew him well paid their tributes to the man. We also had to digest an action packed weekend as well as look forward in anticipation to the Sykes Cup first round matches this coming weekend.

This week on Castle Hill Cricket Chat, the boys reflect on an opening day that was not short of its usual drama and pulsating matches. In fact, it was a day that records were broken as Linthwaite’s Abdullah Manzoor broke the bowling record for a match. In his first match. Having not played for three months. What a performance! 

Abdullah was kind enough to come on the podcast to share his experiences and he was joined by Raheel Akhtar; his skipper at Linthwaite who kept us up to date with how they’ve stabilised and started to rebuild this great club, so the next generations can enjoy cricket there.

We’ve crammed so much into this episode. We’ve looked at the possibilities of the Huddersfield Cricket League becoming an ECB Premier League. We’ve also taken in Cobber’s predictions for the season via what’s officially, the most unrewarding competition to ever take place; Mystic Mog.

With the new season on our respective doorsteps, Jamie and Andrew (sans Steve) waded through the list of new season signings in and around the clubs of our league. 

Josh Brook, Scholes’ 1XI captain and the second time he’s been skippering the team, was on hand to give his take on the new arrivals at Chapelgate, not to mention the new faces around the Premiership. Josh talked in depth about what it meant to be captain at the club he’s been all his life and how the club is faring after a host of changes on and off the field.

We have also started a brand new predictions game where you can place your season predictions in the top four divisions plus the leading players in the Premiership. You can place your predictions via our Podcast page where you will find a form to complete and register your choices. 

https://www.huddersfieldcricketleague.co.uk/pages/podcast

After an extended break, the Podcast trio of Jamie, Andrew and Steve returned with aplomb with episode 27 and got straight into one of the biggest pressures facing the Huddersfield Cricket League (and indeed, all club cricket leagues!); the dwindling numbers of umpires.

After addressing any new developments in the game since they last spoke, back in November, the trio got stuck into one of the biggest concerns at the current time. Nigel Brook, a well-known standing umpire also joined the guys to chat about his path to becoming the man in the middle and why the crisis surrounding umpires seems to be getting bigger, rather than smaller.

Episode 26 takes a look at one of the performances of the season which won the Johnny Hunter Award. Tim Orrell from Mirfield Parish Cavaliers pulled out all the stops from a losing position in a crunch match at home to Delph & Dobcross last June.

Tim talks us through how that performance came about and looks back on his illustrious club career as captain at Woodlands to the 12 year stay which brought his playing time to a close at Mirfield Parish. 

We’re sorry, there were a few gremlins in this recording but we’ve tried to edit it best we can so hopefully it doesn’t disrupt your enjoyment too much.

In Episode 25, Hall Bower lynchpin Russell Evans, the second recipient of a Lady Sykes Candlestick chats to us about his devotion to Bower. His career began in the late-80’s and last season was his final campaign, nicely bookended by the prestigious award.

A wicketkeeper for many years, Russ goes through the highs and lows of his time as captain of the club and in later years, just one who has made things tick around Hall Bower.

Episode 24 brings us one of the recipients of the Lady Sykes Candlesticks, Skelmanthorpe’s James Crossland. ‘Crossy’ has now brought his twenty year career to a close but has a wealth of memories to look back on. A time where he bowled at some of the best cricketers we’ve ever seen in the Huddersfield League.

James reflects on his time at the only club he’s played for, where he cut his teeth and just as importantly, the nightclub used as the base for the network of club cricketers to meet and socialise after a hard days play! James was rewarded for all the hard work he’s put in off the pitch and we discuss what that entailed too.

In Episode 23, the youngest award winner Ben Balmforth talks with us about how he felt winning the Reg Haigh Most Promising Young Cricketer Award. The young Thongsbridge quick bowler has enjoyed a stellar beginning to his career at Premiership level, helping his team become one of the most dangerous sides in the top division.

Ben talks about how his game has evolved since being ‘a little midget up at Cartworth Moor’ as he self-describes. He gives us an insight into the people who have helped him become one of the brightest young talents in the league.

This week we’re releasing a torrent of capsule episodes of our official Podcast; Castle Hill Cricket Chat. Five episodes, one per day, centred around the key award winners.

In Episode 22, our regular teammate and record-breaking player Steve Whitwam discusses his tenth Jack Gledhill Memorial Trophy for best all-rounder of the season. Steve continues to go from strength to strength at 40 years of age at his club Golcar. He was particularly deadly with the ball too this season, just missing out on the top Premiership bowling award by a fraction.

‘Cobber’ reflects on his season, and his journey to get him there. Have a listen to the pod and subscribe via your favourite media streamer. We hope you enjoy the show.

Just a quick one this week, and solo too. The events at Yorkshire County Cricket League this week have been shocking to say the least and we do extend our support to Asim Rafiq. The strains, pressures and spotlight that he has come under during his time with the county and in the following weeks can not have been an easy place to be. Obviously the full picture is yet to come out but hopefully, it will result in measures to make it a better place to work, play and be involved in for the future.

So this week the league were asked for comment on the situation that has unfolded, but more specifically about the damage this may cause at grass roots level and trust from Black and Ethnic Minority cricketers in establishments like YCCC, the Huddersfield Cricket League and of course our own clubs.

It shouldn't stop there either, it’s a really important issue. We as a team on the podcast are hopefully working to invite a guest from an Asian or Ethnic Minority background to come on the show in due course. If we’re going to stamp out racism, then talking about it and discussing it has to be part of the cure. 

It’s only a short one. Ten minutes or so and in no way addresses the deeper issues in the game - we will cover some of those on a future show.