Castle Hill Cricket Chat. A Huddersfield Cricket League Podcast

In our latest episode, we bring you a comprehensive preview of the upcoming Sykes Cup final! We're excited to welcome special guests from one of the finalists, Skelmanthorpe. Joining us are George Sommerville, the team's wicketkeeper, and Allan Greenwood, the captain, to discuss their chances in the showpiece final this Sunday.

George also shares exciting news about his new venture, Sixers, which includes a brand new indoor net facility aimed at growing his coaching company. He even takes on our career quiz in one minute feature!

Additionally, we cover the latest action in the top three divisions as the season reaches its climax, with title and relegation spots still up for grabs.

We’re back for another Huddersfield Cricket League takedown and another brilliant guest was in tow. Dom Finn joined us from Broad Oak CC. One of the Premiership’s most consistent performers with the bat, although in a dry, self-effacing style he admitted he’s looking forward to the season starting, from his personal perspective!

Dom took us on his career retrospective, starting at Lightcliffe and forged in an Elland team, studded with quality. A short hiatus later, he spent the last decade at Broad Oak, being a losing T20 and Sykes Cup finalist before achieving a major goal in life as a Sykes Cup winner in 2023. Dom was in great form as he took on our Career Quiz In One Minute, so see how he gets on (big thanks to Dom’s brother Alastair Finn and Oak skipper Dan Rushworth for some of the Q’s!). We loved Dom a lot so you’ll no doubt see him pop up with us more regularly as well as his popular Friday Night Rain Card Forecast which you can find on Dom’s Insta / FB accounts.

There were loads to discuss in this bumper episode. Have Moorlands turned a corner? Is the format of the T20 Trophy right or does it need further modification? And if Steve Whitwam is the Don Corleone of our podcast, what does that make Jacob?

Finally, we heard from the lovely Lauren Dalby who helped put on an all day cricket marathon for young cricketer Fred at Mirfield CC. Fred has recently been diagnosed with leukaemia so a fundraiser took place on 21st June in aid of his family. Lauren filled us in with how the day went and where you can continue to donate. Follow the link below to add to Fred’s fundraiser and help a young boy’s family cope with such a shocking condition.

Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/24hour-cricket-marathon-for-fred

In this week's episode, we were back with a bang as we welcomed our co-host Jacob Mulhall from his Aussie adventures!

We also had a special treat lined up as we sat down with one of the best wicket keepers to grace the Huddersfield Cricket league, Matty Butters from Marsden Cricket Club. Matty shared insights from his remarkable 20-year journey at local cricket’s outpost at Marsden along with the handful of years he spent at Broad Oak. Even his solo season over at Elland was covered with some great stories from his experiences. Matty was also put through his paces in the Career One Minute Quiz, so see how he fared!

It was a jam-packed show as we dived into a preview of the Championship and Conference with two current captains Chris Dennison (Armitage Bridge) and Beau McGuinness (Mirfield) sharing their thoughts. We also snuck a peek back at the opening fixtures in the league and cup from last weekend.

Want more? We unveiled Soothsayer Simon's Season Prophecy game, where you can make your predictions for the 2024 season! Play along using the link below, and we'll revisit the picks in September to see who's got the gift of foresight!

Prediction game entries: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScaO6cTXR2GvqJpR7wTRJd6aP-vvubebMNoAF1lL3Q1GDuDTQ/viewform

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.