Want to know what the weather will like? click here

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue39
Sat 10th Sept Meltham 2nd XI vs Shepley - 1230pm Start

The season draws to a close at Mean Lane with Shepley 2nds the visitors in a game that means very little to both side, not even the Schweppes Trophy will be up for grabs.
What with nothing to play for and the football season in full swing who knows what side the visitors will bring. The home side have a similar side to the one that won both games last weekend as they are dictated to who they select by rule L9(a). Again 1230 start but who knows whether it will be fit looking at the weather this week.
The 1sts however face a very different scenario this weekend when they travel to the Welfare ground. Captain Bebbs has the same side that won last week vs Lepton and will be hoping for a HD8 double to ensure promotion back to the big time.
The Clarence, who did Meltham a huge favour last week by beating Hall Bower, are now safe from relegation and are (like most in this division) a little inconsistant but on their day are well capable of beating Meltham. An important and intriguing tie which means a lot and yet the weather could also play a big factor in which division Meltham play in next year.
Good luck to the boys and lets hope it is a Championship or promotion party at the club on Saturday and not a damp squib for finishing 3rd.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue38 - Another Bumper Double Header Edition
Sat 3rd Sept Meltham 1st XI vs Lepton - Sun 2nds vs Golcar - 1230pm starts!!

In the division nobody wants to win Lepton visit Mean Lane hoping to upset another promotion candidate.
After last weeks big win over Hall Bower which did Meltham a massive favour, Lepton will arrive in good spirits no doubt. Led by Steve Brown who 'went beserk' last week to score 175 in 25 overs to surely win a rosebowl, Lepton normally provide a stern test for Meltham. Familiar names such as Winterbottom, Hodgson & Webster all generally do well up at the MCG and the home side will have to be on top form if they are to stand any chance of promotion.
With confusion over rule L9 still ongoing plus the inability of league officials to answer straightforward questions it leaves Meltham, as yet, unable to confirm a side however they haven't been affected by any drop outs from last week so far. It is now time for Captain Clueless to rally his troops and get that promotion spot.
The 2nds travel over to Shat still desperate for points after last Sundays poor showing at Delph so as to avoid relegation. Due to non confirmation over a few players plus the L9 fiasco, as like the 1sts, nothing is confirmed as yet team wise but on paper it should be a strong side we take up for the best teas in the league.
Sunday sees the Chirpy Chappies from Golcar visit Mean Lane for a clash with the 2nds again 1230pm start. As per Saturday the home side are yet to confirm a side due to L9 and whether Boydy will be able to get out of unpacking his suitcase and doing the washing to play. With only Premiership games on, at least there should be umpires so Golcars 12th man can stay at home.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 37 25/08/11 - Bumper Double Header Edition
Sat 27th Aug Meltham 2nd XI vs Marsden 
After a run of 1 point in 6 games the 2nd team face the biggest weekend of their season in a bid to retain top flight status. First up, Saturday and the visit of Armos lot from up the road in Marsden followed by a trip over t'hills to Dobcross n Delph on Sunday.
The Cuckoos arrive at the MCG safe from relegation and in good form after winning their last 2 games. Led by ex Meltham star James Farrell it seems the Cockoos are a real family bunch and expect Clees, Smiths & Daniels to be on the team sheet on Saturday. The main run getters have been Zaffino C, Smith J, Farrell J, Moorhouse and Clarke but as yet no centurians or players over 400 runs so they spread the runs about. In the bowling department, again the wickets are shared about with Ackroyd, Longmore S, Smiths x2 and Zaffino all with a share. In the talking crap department Faz and Sully Coulson stand head and shoulders above everyone else!
What side the visitors will put out is anyones guess, as like ourselves, they seem to be unable to get a settled side. Armo (1st team), Coulson (filming prequel) and Clee (1st team) seem to be missing most weeks but I am sure the visitors from the Colne Valley will provide Meltham with a stern test.
The home side will be missing White (another mini break), Gaunt (friend round for Jelly n Ice Cream), Dyson (standing on a box trying to look tall enough for a go on Nemesis), Hyphen (family camping trip?) and Boyd (holiday - Saturday to Saturday in cricket season! come on) but Daz Hinchcliffe, Kenners and Greg Cooke come in. After some poor performances with the bat this year it is time for the big guns to knuckle down and score the runs then ensure survival.
The 1st team travel over to Paddock needing to win to stand any chance of going up this year. Bebbs will hopefully have the Storeys returning after last weekend sad events with the rest of the side unchanged. A win is a must and then they still have to hope the Bower or West trip up in the race for the Premiership.
On Sunday the 2nds take a trip over the top to play 2 sides at Delph n Dobcross. A real relegation 12 pointer where, if Meltham win they can secure top flight survival. From Saturday the returning Dyson (after a go on the tea cups) and big Erv come in to replace Cockshaw (taking missus out for dinner) and Cooke with the rest unchanged. Again, like ourselves Delph have had a hard year with no continuity in the side through injury and work (plus all these holidayers and mini breakers in the cricket season) and have struggled on by putting out juniors. Hopefully a good game will ensue and an early finish so serious drinking can be done on Bank Holiday Sunday.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 36 17/08/11
Sat 20th Aug Meltham 1st XI vs Hall Bower

With 4 games to go the home side sit top of the FPC just 1 point clear of Saturdays visitors Hall Bower so it is quite a big game this week. It will be the fourth meeting of the two sides this year with the visitors winning both the league games (both tight affairs) and Meltham easily beating Bower in the Sykes Cup.
The Bower will arrive at Mean Lane in a confident mood as they, like Meltham, are up for promotion, the FPC title and/or the Hopkinson Trophy after 12 points in their last 2 games. So far this year runs have come from Javaid Ahmed, Pranesh Naidoo and Tom Cliffe however they do seem to have a few in the tail who have chipped in this year and don't seem to suffer from the MCC style domino effect. Bowling wise the leading wicket takers are Ahmed & Chris Sykes who have nearly 100 wickets between them, backed up by the slow 'spinner' Peaker and Faisal Khan and very little else.
The home side, also with 12 points in the last 2 games make 1 change from last weeks comprehensive win at Almobeenbury as Lee Storey returns from injury to replace the holidaying Space Cadet. As always captain Bebbs will be hoping for big contributions from Strongbow, El Maltesero, Boycs Trueman, Bigeli and Go as they chase a 3rd 6 pointer in a row and one that could set up a party at MCG come September. A tight affair is expected and with more rain forecasted the grafters will win on what you'd expect to be a soft and green un.
The 2nd team will be up and off just after breakfast as they travel over to Halifax to play the gentlemen of Elland. A side who were all technically very good but also great to wind up and couldn't really adapt to the MCC game in their 4 run win at Mean Lane earlier in the year. Unconfirmed reports came in from Marsden last week that they are now an even bigger side than before and would be a match for ourselves in a belly off so the teas have got to be good up at Baines Hall. Matty White should return at the expense of Greg Cooke and the skipper hopes to be fit after last weeks finger injury so hopefully we will have a strong side.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 35 10/08/11
Sat Aug 13th Meltham 2nd XI vs Broad Oak

After 2 weeks on the road the 2nds are back at the MCG and welcome the Colne Valley Cross Jostlers of Broad Oak on Saturday with a 1pm start.
The visitors sit mid table in Premiership2 and arrive at Mean Lane on the back of an easy win vs Marsden last week. With a side containing many an experienced player as well as some from their u17s who lost in the cup semi final at Meltham recently the visitors will surely be confident of completing a double over Meltham. Runs have been coming from Carl Baxter, Ben Burnett and Sean Mee recently as well as Woodruff, Rushworth and Burlaraux this season however they have been as likely to get 250 as 65 and this year were shot out for 30ish at CraggyIsland. On the bowling side, I doubt Brookys family will find as much help from the track for the slow spin but the Oakers do have some good bowlers including the aforementioned Sven n Sean Mee.
Unluckily for Broad Oak at the time of going to press Meltham have out their strongest line up of 2011. Daz Hinchcliffe and Ben Cockshaw return to open the innings with a batting line up also including Holmes, Burgin and Boyd. Under 15 Greg Cooke makes a start and with the strength of the side this week there is [currently] no place for Erv or Steeps this week. 
With poor weather and the groundsman back from his jollys this week don't expect a white WACA style wicket but a good tight encounter is the prospect.
The 1sts this week travel to the ARC and take on Almondbury in another important encounter which should go a long way in deciding their promotion credentials. With the title or the Hopkinson Trophy up for grabs Bebbys boys, bolstered by the returning Obeng & Space Cadet should be aiming to become more consistant against AlMobeenbury.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 34 27/07/11
Sat July 30th Meltham 1st XI vs Holmfirth 1st XI

The 1sts start their battle for consistency and promotion at home this week as the season enters it run in with first of 2 home games in a row, with Holmfirth the visitors this week.
Rocked by points deductions and signing on irregularities the visitors arrive rock bottom of the league and 17 points from safety as well as smarting from defeat in last weekends pop n crisps semi final. Runs, as always, have been hard to come by down at Holmfirth and indeed last week were 8 for 7 at one point but I am sure that their batters will relish the good tracks at the MCG. Cowell, Denton, Usman and Iqbal snr have been the main runscorers this year with Cowell & Denton alongside Iqbal junior the main wickettakers.
The home side will be hoping to build on the 2 wins in the last 2 in a push for promotion over a side the have beaten twice this year, once in the league and once in the 20/20. They did however lose a rain affected 25 ov slog when Bebby inserted down at Holmfirth in the first league encounter. Meltham are bolstered by the returning Storey (L) and El Malteserso however Doosra Fraine is unavailable so Bebbs will be looking for volunteers to open the batting. Its been mostly dry and the outfield is short so expect runs this week up at Mean Lane.
The 2nds have the reverse of last week when they travel over to Riley Lane to use the fabulous facilities at big spending 'Burton. I'm sure both sides will be hoping for more of a game than last week when Meltham lost by 9 wickets inside 140 minutes. With Cockshaw (flu), White (jollys) and Gaunt (shelf stacking, foo fighting, gaylording) all returning the sides average age does go up from 15 this week and i'm sure Meltham will put up more of a fight last last week.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 33 20/07/11
Sat July 23rd Meltham 2nd XI vs Kirkburton 2nd XI

After no cricket at Mean Lane last week due to the weather, we are hoping for better this week as Kirkburton 2nds visit.
The visitors sit 2nd in the league and in good form after hammering Marsden last week and will be hoping to continue to challenge Slawit for the title. A professional looking outfit with training kit and everything, 'Burton will arrive confident and chirpy as per usual. Runs usually come from Examiner favourites Greaves and Eastwood as well as Tindle. 'Burton also look strong in the bowling department with wickets regularly shared between the Kettlewells, a Smith and Crookes and it is no surprise they sit 2nd in the league. How the Huddersfield holidays will affect them is anyones guess but expect a strong side whatever.
Meltham will be missing Matt White (holiday), Rudders (holiday), Durdles (holiday), Hyphen (1st team), Gaunt (ambient goods replenishment), Boothroyd (working) and one more to the 1sts as the holiday season starts but hopefully Erv will arrive and there will be more chances for the u15s cup winners with 'T' and big Sam getting a game. With poor weather forecast this week and the groundsman topping up his tan with an Efes in his hand don't expect a run feast.
The 1sts make the trip up to Wakefield Road to play their bogey side Lepton in front of the generally beered up and partisan crowd. Bebbys boys still sit in a promotion place and will be hoping to cement that this week with a much needed victory. Maltesers misses so The Hyphenator will make his 1st team debuu behind the stumps but the rest is fairly stable, time for some consistancy.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 32 13/07/11
Sat July 16th Meltham 1st XI vs Paddock 1st XI

Melthams inconsistent 1st XI entertain Paddock in this weeks Mean Lane fixture hoping to get back to winning ways and cement a promotion place in the FPC.
Paddock have struggled a bit this season after gaining promotion last year but have had a couple of wins over teams that have beaten Meltham in recent weeks (Emley & Hall Bower) and dependent on what happens with the Holmfirth/Iqbal/Points docking saga may be out of relegation trouble at the moment. They also looked well set last week vs Almondbury when they had the fernsiders at 119/8 until they were Mobeened. Nazir, Rafiq & Siddiq lead the bowling with over 60 wickets between them and the batting is led by Zaid Ahmed who has already topped 500 runs with contributions from most others. No twitter teams news as yet but why not check out the visitors website http://www.paddockcc.org.uk or their twitter @paddockcc .
Meltham will be aiming to bounce back after last weeks poor defeat at Castle Hill and will also be keeping an eye on the Holmfirth/Iqbal fiasco as they aim to cement a promotion place in a league where nobody seems to want to go for it. As for team news, u15 cup winners will continue to open the batting (Fraine) and bowling (Clegg) as the only change is Matt White in for Lee Storey. With the week being dry so far the wicket should have some runs in it and a good game should ensue dependent on which Meltham turns up.
The 2nds travel upto Golcar this week for the first time in a few years with a strong looking batting line up backed by a young bowling attack and no stumper aiming to build on last weeks win vs Delph. Rudkin (injury), Gaunt (shelf stacking), Hyphenator (not allowed out by his mum), Clegg & White (1sts) all miss out but J Moulson jnr should return from Kavos to continue his fine form as Cockshaw also returns from injury in a much changed (as usual) side. Lets hope the predicted rain stays away as thos big covers at Golcar are hard to put on and also it can be a cold hole.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 31 06/07/11
Sat July 9th - Meltham 2nd XI vs Delph n Dobcross 2nd XI

This week visiting Mean Lane are struggling Delph n Dobcross in what looks like a basement relegation 12 pointer.
Delph will be hoping to continue from last week when they gained their first win of the season again a struggling Marsden side (who look like being drawn into the relegation battle). Starring in that win were stumper Belcham and skipper Lees, however this season they have struggled for runs a bit despite the likes of Cotterill, Ball and Horton in the ranks who have scored runs in the past. In the bowling department they can call on last years like prizewinner of Broadbent as well as Lees, Lilley n Jewitt jnr as well as the allround fighting talents of Muhammed Ali. In addition there must be at least 2 Jones in the side as it is in the Delph constitution. Like ourselves the visitors seem to be struggling due to not having a settled side that they can put out.
For Meltham, our own Delphinium Jason Boyd makes a welcome return from 1st team fielding duties and the bowling is further strengthened by the return of Erv and the signing of Cam Field to make his 2nd team debut. Gaunty, Matt White, Jack Moulson and Greg Cooke are however all missing either working, chest hair modelling or holidaying so the batting again looks reliant on the 'old heads'. With a fine couple of weeks the wickets should be hard and full of runs unless the weather turns for the worst but it should be an intriguing game. (Also could you all bring your purses with you please as nobody has paid me playing subs for last 2 weeks, ta!)

The firsts will be hoping its warm for their 2nd visit to Hall Bower and 3rd meeting out of 4 this season in the FPC. After a few impressive performance Meltham now sit 3 points clear at the top of the league and will be hoping to stretch that further. Storey J and Ashraf return and the impressive Cleggster and Joe Lumb Wallis keep their places to give captain Bebbs a plethora of bowling options.



MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 30 30/06/11
Sat July 2nd - Meltham 1st XI vs Almondbury 1st XI

Meltham 1sts entertain Almondbury at Mean Lane this week aiming to go clear at the top off the Frank Platt Championship and build on last weeks good win at Clayton West.
The visitors are somewhat surprisingly struggling this year and visit Meltham on the back of a disappointing defeat to Emley last week. Runs seem to be the problem this year despite contributions from Brothers, Kamran & Salim backed by Van-Ee and Mobeen, the latter two of which provide the main bowling options and both are quick and amongst the wickets this year.
Meltham are missing Lee Storey and Ben Cockshaw this week and Jack Moulson is dropped due to some disappointing form with the bat and they are replaced by Matty White, Sport Billy and the returning Jack Wallis. KK is still missing for some reason so again the bowling will rely on Storey (J) and Nads. Its been fairly dry so hopefully a good game is on the cards.

The 2nds travel to Barkisland buoyed by last Sundays win at Emley and hoping for similar. The bowling is a touch weaker with Cleggy on 1st team duty and no Tucker or Clarke but with Pop Guns Junior Weight Loss Champion in the side hopefully the batting is strengthened. Barkisland have been strong in recent weeks and represent a good challenge with a side with the oldest sounding names in the league what with a Seth, Ted, Cyril, Albert and Sid in the side our own Harold Brook will be in good company.



MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 29 22/06/11 - Bumper Double Header Edition
Sat 25th June - Meltham 2nd XI vs Slaithwaite 2nd XI

Its the 2nds at home this Saturday and they face a tough task against a strong Slawit side who thrashed Meltham by 10 wickets only a month ago up at Rumble Strips Hill Top.
Led by Chopper Holroyd Slawit are a strong side and last years champions and again are right up near the top challenging for honours. They seem to have a good mix of old and young with the likes of Holroyd, Chris Payne & Westy alongside young Payne, Bryson & Sajjad and will be expecting to be challenging for honours especially as it seems they maybe getting back into the Paddock Shield despite losing to Honley last week.
Meltham welcome back Boyd, Clegg & White after their stints as first team deputisees but Jack Wallis misses out due to his nagging hamstring injury (best to give him a couple of weeks rest so as to stop it recurring). After last weeks bowler friendly conditions and another week of poor weather don't expect a run fest this week.

There maybe runs for the first team as they travel to Clayton West on Saturday with both Will Fraine and Ibby Hussain back after missing last week. After the poor defeat to Emley last week the Mean Laners should be looking to get back to winning ways and challenge the top two places. Lets hope some of Bebbys boys graft and Meltham bat their overs out for once.

Sunday 26th June - Meltham 2nd XI vs Emley Clarence 2nd XI

On Sunday the 2nds travel to the Welfare ground in another important relegation clash. After last weeks close and controversial clash both teams will be up for it.
Meltham have a similar side to Saturday with Josh Murray-Webster coming in for Kenners and White, Clegg & Boyd all ok to play. Meltham hope to take a few supporters what with the 1sts not playing and after last weeks #chirpyfun. Hopefully the weather improves and we get a good game of cricket and a result.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 28 

Baz will sort on his return - didn't have time to do.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 27 08/06/11
Sat 11th June - Meltham 2nd XI vs Emley Clarence 2nd XI
Premiership 2
Mean Lane

Yet again the 2nds are at home in what is maybe a bit early to describe as a relegation battle between 3rd bottom Emley and 2nd bottom Meltham.
I don't know much about the visitors since we have never met in a 2nd team league fixture but it seems that Will Appleyard has been the main performer this year with both bat and ball. They have won two games this season and sit 1 place and 1 point above the home side in Premiership2.
Meltham will be without skipper Shaw and Joe Lumb player Wallis through injury, also Cleggy may be on 1st team duties and Erv is away topping up his tan in Majorca but Ben Cockshaw definitely returns as does Jason Boyd. Richard Burgin skippers an experienced side containing Cleaver and Kenners on their first outings of the year plus a recalled Tucker to bolster the bowling.
A tight game should ensue and the home side will be hoping to continue from last weeks fantastic win over Shat.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 26 01/06/11
Sat 4th June - Meltham 2nd XI vs Skelmanthorpe 2nd XI
Premiership 2
Mean Lane

On Saturday we welcome our old foes Skelmanthorpe to Mean Lane as yet again it is the 2nds at home and the 1sts on the road. Usually a strong and vocal side, Shat have got off to a strong start and are up with the leaders in Premiership2.
The visitors bowling attack seems to be their main strength with Scott Jagger, Big Joe Hinchcliffe & Paul Roebuck regularly amongst the wickets this year and will expect to carry on doing so this weekend. Runs have been more of a problem as they have lost a few wickets chasing small totals but Ryan Jagger, Roebucksx2, Green and Redgy have all had some success this year.
Meltham, at last, are looking a little stronger mainly due to a full 1st team and all the bank holidays now done. Wallis and Clegg return to open the bowling and for the first time this year we have a middle order with Burgin, White and Holmes all available. Missing is Jason Boyd, either holidaying or designing bus seat covers or something and Ben Cockshaw remains unavailable.
With a heatwave due and the Mean Lane track the best we've seen in years expect a run feast as Meltham aim for their first win of the year.

The 1sts travel to Holmfirth again in a game which I doubt will be a run feast down there. Hopefully captain Bebbs with have learnt from his mistakes on a pitch where the team batting first has won 7 out of 8 times this year and on 4 occasions teams have failed to get past 65. With Hamid and Storey J returning to Mondays side Wallis n Clegg drop out when hopefully, Meltham get back to winning ways.



MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 25 25/05/11 - Yet Another Double Edition
Sat 28th May - No game at Mean Lane

This Saturday the leagues super fixture computer has thrown up a problem with no game scheduled to be played at Mean Lane. The 1sts travel to Kirkheaton in the 1st round of the Pop N Crisps Cup whilst the 2nds are also on the road as they travel to the batters paradise at Slawit.

The 1sts look to be at usual strength as KK returns to the side that threw away the upset chance at Hemplow on Sunday to replace a missing Storey, Frainey is on school hols so continues to open and after some impressive performances last weekend more will be expected of Hamid, Shah & Hussain. Kirkheaton are struggling in Cedar Court 1 and Meltham start as favourites in a game they should win in a competition they should have realistic thoughts of winning.
The 2nds travel to Slawit on the back of last weeks agonizing defeat against Elland. Usually a decent deck it seems the Moonrakers strip has gone with scores of 73, 74-6, 49-5, 123, 114 & 91 in recent weeks so at least an early finish in time for the Champions League Final is in prospect.
Meltham will miss the batting power of the holidaying Burgin & Matt White but at least Durdles makes a return from injury and the batting is further improved by an appearance by Steeps. Jack Wallis has finished his revising and should be fit to open the bowling but Ben Cockshaw is still missing.



Meltham 2nd XI vs Barkisland - Mon 30th May 
Premiership2

After a blank Saturday senior cricket returns to Mean Lane on Bank Holiday Monday as the other Halifax side, Barkisland, visit Meltham WACA.
After a strong start the visitors slumped to defeat versus Kirkburton last week so will have been knocked off the top of the table. Usually a strong and boisterous (some may say trappy) side, key performances have been from the familiar names of Travis J x2, Holroyd, Oddy & Sykes and they will travel expecting a win over a struggling home side.
Hopefully Meltham will pick up from last weeks performance against Elland and continue to improve. As Saturday Matty White and Burgy are missing but Simon Holmes, Jordan Steeples, Jack Wallis & Josh Murray Webster return that should not only bolster the batting but make the average height get over 5ft 5. 
Sore heads and tired performances may be expected dependent on the footy on Sunday but hopefully a good natured contest should ensue as Meltham, like Barkis 1st team, seek their first victory of 2011.
The 1sts make the short away trip to Holmfirth on Monday, captain Bebbs will be hoping for a similar strength side to Saturday when they visit top of the table Holmfirth. Who knows the make up of the Holmfirth side but so far they have been performing well, but lets hope that Bebby and his mates from over the tops are ok at Marsden Passport control.



MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 24 18/05/11 - Another Double Edition
Meltham 2nd XI vs Elland - Sat 21st May
Premiership 2

On the back of a 2 match unbeaten run Meltham 2nds welcome our friends from Halifax this week when Elland visit Mean Lane.
Elland have started the season strongly and sit 1 point off the top of the table after 3 wins from the first 5 games. Boasting a balanced and sometimes quite large side Elland seem to have benefitted from a strengthening of their firsts and have blended youth with experience. The batting seems strong with young Blakey and some old fella called Palmer scoring the bulk of the runs so far, but rumour has it that the Percy clan are off drinking Super Bock and white port this weekend. As well as himself, Wardy can also call upon a wealth of bowling options with Rehman and O'Connell in the wickets recently as well as the slightly smaller Palmer and former Meltham prizewinner Roy.
Meltham hope to have Cockshaw back from illness and A N Player could possibly sign to further boost the so far shocking batting. The rest of the side is similar to last week, but hopefully there are some signs that Boyd & Clegg are starting to find a bit of batting form and we could finally post a score to bowl at. At least last weekends unbeaten 4 point haul has lifted us out of the relegation zone and there are some signs of progress.

The firsts travel to Paddock and need to get back into the form they showed in the first 3 games. Capatin Bebbs will be hoping for more contributions with the bat from the majority of the side as well as  more of a killer instinct in the field to finish teams off in what promises to be another close encounter.

On Sunday the firsts have a tricky Sykes Cup tie away at Mardsen (1pm start) and travel in hope of causing a shock.
Bebby and his cross border mates won't have far to travel to passport control Hemplow and lets hope for better weather than when the 2nds were there last week, where it was very wet and slippy and play not possible.
Marsden are looking decent again in the Premiership with the likes Butters, Clee and Kilner all performing well, the ex Meltham imports less so with only Ali Farrell making into the 1sts to bat at 8 but at least it means the Meltham players ears maybe saved.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 23 11/05/11 - Double Edition
Meltham 1st XI vs Lepton Highlanders - Sat 14th May 
Championship

After last weeks disappointing defeat at Mean Lane to Hall Bower the home aim to bounce back with a win when they entertain Lepton on Saturday.

Lepton, who beat Meltham 3 times last year, have had an up and down start this year winning 2 but being bowled out for 50 in 2 of their games so far but will be upbeat after last weeks win vs Clayton West and should be confident going into the game. As usual they will be relying on the all round talents of the experienced Dale Winterbottom and new skipper Stephen Brown to both score the runs and take wickets backed up by Alex Slack and Luke Webster. The Highlanders side hasn't changed much from last year and with no overseas player this year, they like Meltham will be a mix of experienced local talent as well as some youngsters of promise.

Meltham are missing their 2nd highest run scorer in 14yo Boycott who is back studying as well as their 2nd highest wicket taker KK, they are replaced by Hamid and Wallis and the rest is the same as usual. Meltham will be hoping for better fielding and a few more runs this week as they continue to push for promotion.

Its ear plugs and woolly jumpers at the ready for the 2nds this week as they trek up to Marsden for another difficult game. Meltham, who so far have yet to make a game last any length of time, will yet again be hoping to score some runs so as their balanced bowling attack can at least have a target to bowl to.

Sunday 15th May
Meltahm 2nd XI vs Armitage Bridge
Mean Lane
Premiership2

On Sunday the seconds are at home in a league game and entertain Armitage Bridge, the side who beat them by 100 runs in the seasons opener. With no Burgin and Cockshaw, runs will again be at a premium but there is a return for Steeples and hopefully Daz Hinchcliffe will have finished his night shift in time for a game.
Armitage Bridge, who have started the season brightly, will be hoping for more of the same up at Meltham but they may have to adjust to the slightly smaller ground and bit bouncier wickets than they are used down by the Monkey Club.



MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 22 04/05/11
Meltham 1st XI vs Hall Bower - Sat 7th May
Championship

Meltham return to league action this week and face the team that they comprehensively beat in last weeks Sykes Cup match.
The visitors will be hoping to be stronger than last week when opening batsman and skipper Dunne and opening bowler Sykes were missing. They will also be aiming for more runs from Bottomley, Javid and Cliffe and make a bigger score than last weeks disappointing 125 up at Castle Hill. Nadeem Rafiq and Fezal Khan should back the bowling of Sykes up (if he returns) and whether the spin of Peaker is effective depends on the weather and the surface which hasn't spun much so far this year.
Meltham are strengthened by the return of Fraine from posh school and R Balboa is also available to play again after his week off shade wearing. The rest of the team, especially the so far impressive bowling unit, remains the same and captain Bebbs will be hoping that Meltham maintain the perfect start that has so far been achieved in 2011.

Meltham 2nds make the short trip over to Broad Oak with a distinctly stronger looking side than has been available so far. What with holidays and football out of the way plus no game at posh school Meltham should be aiming for as many runs in one game as they have mustered all year. With Earnshaw and Cockshaw returning at the top of the order plus the availability of Burgin, Boyd, Hyphen and Wallis, Meltham should go into this one confident of putting the bad start behind them.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 21 27/04/11
Meltham 2nd XI vs Shepley - Sat 30th April 2011
Paddock Shield 1st Round

Cup action this week as Shepley are the visitors in the first round of the Paddock Shield starting at 1pm.
Again we are still in April and Easter holidays so the respective strength of the teams may not yet be known but I am sure the visitors will start off favourites due to the current lack of runs in the Meltham team so far this year.
You would expect Shepley to have a strong seconds what with the investment made in their 1st team and they finished high up last year. A boisterous lot they will rely on the very experienced Stuart Greaves with both bat and ball and usually have input from Parry and some promising youngsters.
Meltham have Wallis back to try and prove his fitness and hopefully Burgin and Holmes have kicked their last football for a while to bolster the batting, Matt White also returns from his Easter Break but Boydy is still on holiday.
Can't predict a result as don't know the strength of the teams yet but if the dry weather holds up and the track plays like last week there could be some runs.

The 1sts hope to maintain their 100% record away at Hall Bower in the Sykes cup, however there is no Fraine due to schooling plus injury doubts over Moulson so the Shaw duo of Earn and Cock are drafted in to replace but the rest of the team as is expected and captain Bebbs will be hoping for more of the same.



MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 20 20/04/11
Meltham 2nd XI vs Scholes - Sat 23rd April 2011
Premiership2
Mean Lane 130pm

Week two of the 2011 season and the 2nds will be hoping for better than last week as they prepare to welcome our Holme Valley neighbours Scholes to Mean Lane.
Who knows what the teams will be due to fact that it is the Easter weekend and still in the football season but after looking at the opening day results I doubt it will be a high scoring affair.
Scholes arrive on the back of a 6 wicket thumping in time for tea with a performance that has drawn comparisons with the newly formed Scholes Cougarettes and will be hoping for better this week. Whether the usual suspects of Wimpenny x 2, Steers, Brooks x loads, Boormans etc will be playing is anyones guess but I am sure that Scholes will arrive with some junior prospects as well as some experience keen to get their season on track and be up challenging for the honours as most expect them to do.
For the hosts, the skipper has many a selection headache with no fewer than 6 players yet to confirm their availability due to football, work, injury and holiday commitments in addition the the confirmed absentees of White, Boyd, Steeples and Boothroyd. We do, however welcome Ben Cockshaw back who has declined to join Lascelles Hall and he should add to both batting and bowling. Runs will be needed from Shaw, Earnshaw and Gaunt at the top of the order and hopefully Rudkin and Clegg can bowl like last week.

The 1sts make the short trip to Fernside this week and hope to carry last weeks performance on against a decent looking Almondbury side.
Buoyed by the 6 wicket win, captain Bebb will again be hoping for good things from our homegrown juniors and our new uncle and nephew bowlers who all made contributions last week and that young Fraineys tea doesn't interfere with his batting. Martin Sykes' Almondbury look a good side and Meltham will have to play 'wrist breaker' Mobeen and Dutchman Johannes Wilhelm Van (H)Ee well if they are to come away with the points against an Almondbury side that also started with a comfortable 6 point win.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 19 13/04/11
Meltham 1st XI vs Clayton West - Sat 16th April 2011
Championship1
Mean Lane 130pm

Well its that time of year again and another season of optimism, hope and change for Meltham CC. This year the firsts kick off the home programme with Clayton West the visitors to Mean Lane.
Clayton arrive after finishing 3rd last year but like Meltham have had a bit of rebuilding and change in the playing personnel over the winter. Gone is the prolific overseas of last year and as yet a replacement is yet to arrive, but with youth more in mind than money the Shat 2nd team trio of Barbersx2 and a Jagger have joined. Led by the experienced Mark Firth, big runs will also be expected as always from Stuart Rank and Clayton will also expect contributions from the likes of Dean Rickson and Kevin Rank. 
For the hosts, new skipper Bebb leads the side and all four new signings are on show (at time of going to press). As like the visitors youth will be to the fore with home grown juniors Fraine (15), Moulson (17 & 3/4s), Wallis (17) and Kenworthy (18ish) all expected to have good 2nd seasons in first team cricket. Runs will also be expected from Ashraf, Hussain and Hamid and a varied bowling attack will be led by the Rochdale Storey duo. 
All in all a good test for both teams in what promises to be a tight league again and lets hope that we have some decent and warm weather first up.

The 2nd team travel down the valley to Armitage Bridge for their opening fixture and will be hoping to mark their return to Premiership2 with a first day win.
With some players yet to confirm what with football, university and work commitments the squad is looking quite strong for a first game. Barry Shaw skippers again and hopefully they can get off to a good start. Chris Earnshaw (due to Fraineys availability) and KK Mhundwa (due to work) are in the squad with the rest of the squad as per last year.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 18 08/09/10
Meltham 2nd XI vs Kirkheaton - Sat 11th September
Championship2
Mean Lane 1pm

Melthams final game of the season and promotion celebration sees our friends from Kirkheaton visit Mean Lane in what is the 2nd teams 4th home game in 5 and our 4th contest of the year. With the Schweppes trophy still a possability the home side will be hoping for a successful end to a successful year.
'Yetton' arrive safe in mid table but after a couple of recent defeats and struggling for numbers. Last week they only had 9 men and will be hoping for more this week however due to the leagues rules they cannot call on any of their 11 year olds no matter how big or good they are. The visitors will probably be hoping for big contributions from the Atkinsons (Tom & Sam) as well as the talented junior Joe Fox who by all accounts scored a magnificent 67 last week.
What with promotion wrapped up and injuries to the more experienced players the home side are yet to confirm a side. Star batters Burgin & Holmes may be off footballing but at least George Gaunt returns for his for final game before disappearing off into the university black hole and the delights of Lincoln. Murray-Webster is off playing school kick n clap so Pix deputises again behind the stumps needing only 2 dismissals to be the clubs top 'keeper.

The firsts travel over to Shelley to try and inflict a 3rd defeat of the year over the top of table side which may also deprive big spending Shelley the Championship crown, 1230pm start again. Meltham who are probably one of the leagues youngest sides will be hoping for runs from definately the youngest ever opening partnership in first team cricket where Moulson & Fraine total 31 years between them. (nb this is a totally unresearched fact but one that I tend to think is true).


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Issue 17 01/09/10
Meltham 2nd XI vs Hoylandswaine - Sat 4th September
Championship2
Mean Lane 1pm

Two games to go now and the league is still nip and tuck, Delph 82 - Meltham 74 - Thongsbridge 73, so this weekends games are vital. This Saturday we welcome Hoylandswaine to Mean Lane for the 2nd time this year whilst Delph go to Lepton & Thongsbridge travel to Micklehurst.
The visitors arrive in good spirits after beating both Delph & Micklehurst in recent weeks, especially as like most teams, the first team has been taking some players. Runs will be expected from the experienced Rob Greenwood and youngster Perry Youel who have 1000 runs between them backed up by the likes of Wilson, Tyas & Lee. Greenwood again features in the wickets with his slow dibble but the main spearhead will be Hague, Youel & Bird.
Meltham hope to have Gaunt & Murray Webster back this week after their trip to Leeds Festival or Gay Pride or wherever they went and Ervin will hope to prove his fitness after missing 3 through injury, Will Fraine stays in the 1sts after his 43 last week.

The 1st team travel to Almondbury (12.30pm start) safe from relegation with almost a full side so lets hope for a good Meltham weekend.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 25/08/10 Issue 16
Meltham 2nd XI vs Delph & Dobcross - Sat 28th August
Championship2
Mean Lane 1pm

Three games to go and this week we welcome our good friends Delph & Dobcross over the hills for a very important fixture. By guessing at the league table (as second teams are obviously not important enough for the league to let them know what is happening at this stage of the year) Delph go into the game on 82 points, 14 points clear* of ourselves in 2nd and 15 clear of Thongsbridge in 3rd. This means a win for Delph, a tie or abandonment will be enough to secure some silverware to put in the the Delph trophy cabinet just where the space left for the Sykes Cup is, however Meltham need the points also in their quest for promotion.
With Warren Jones and John Morris doing a bit in the first team in recent weeks, skipper & red ink run machine Tom Wood will be hoping for help with the runs from the talents of Steve Ball, Phil Lees & Jewitt junior all of whom have been in the runs this year. Broadbent, Lilley, Garside & Jewitt junior should share the bowling workload and the visitors have more than enough firepower to aim for a win, however 2 recent defeats to Micklehurst and Hoylandswaine has slowed the title charge.
Meltham go into the game a bit light what with Will Fraine in the firsts due to Ginges bruised ribs, George & Hyphen going to Manchester Gay Pride (they say Leeds Festival, i'm not sure), Ervin still off work with a knee like a balloon and Armo watching Hollie play for Yorkshire Girls. Meaning Pixie may reprise his 1979 junior team role of wicketkeeper/opening batter as well as a recall for Ben Boothroyd, plus there may be a call up out of retirement for another Meltham favourite.
What with shocking weather again this week and the fact that Meltham wickets haven't produced a score over 160 in 6 weeks it'll be a surprise if we aren't home in time for X Factor again this week and again it'll come down to the team that masters the conditions the best. Thongsbridge welcome Kexborough this weekend which means a win is imperative for both sides.

*Note Drakes website & Examiner - Meltham 2nd Team have 68 points (7 '6' Point wins, 5 '5' Point wins, 1 '1' Point loss, 5 '0' Point losses = 18 Games) Not 62 points (6x6, 5x5, 1x1, 5x0 because that adds up to 17 games and not 18 as published in Examiner).


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 18/08/10 Issue 15
Meltham 1st XI vs Micklehurst - Sat 21st August
Championship
Mean Lane 1pm

As the business end of the season kicks in Meltham know that Saturday is a must win game in terms of a win will ensure Championship cricket (if Kexborough leave the league) however a defeat brings Micklehurst very close with a game in hand. 
After last weeks abject performance when only 4 batters scored any runs the skipper will be hoping for much more from some of his experienced players. In terms of selection the only change is the fit again for now Jack Wallis replaces the missing KK to open the bowling.
Bottom of the table Micklehurst come over to Meltham on the back of a defeat at Clayton West and will as usual looking at Byrom, Lawrence, Blomley & Brylowski for performances.
With unsettled weather and a wicket where the highest score is 159 in the last month runs will be at a premium. As this is the first teams last home game of the season and after last week surely some pride and graft will be shown to ensure Championship cricket in 2011.
The seconds go through passport control in the reverse fixture up at Micklehurst aiming to get the promotion bid back on track after last weeks hammering at the hands of Kexborough. As with the firsts graft will be needed to start scoring runs again.
Both 1pm starts.

Don't forget Sunday when our league champion u17s side featuring such stars as Jack Moulson, Jack Wallis, Jordan Steeples etc are taking on the 1979 double winning juniors at Meltham from 1pm. See this examiner link for more info.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 11/08/10 Issue 14
Meltham 2nd XI vs Kexborough - Sat 14th August
Championship2
Mean Lane 1pm

Meltham kick off the final 5 games (4 of which are at home!) still in 2nd place with what by my reckoning should be a 7 point cushion to 3rd place with 62 points and not 1 point and 56 as the drakes website states. This weeks visitors are Kexborough, a side we have beaten twice already this year but a side that could beat anybody if it is their day. A win is vital to ensure the promotion bid is kept on course however.
Robert Parker steps down as skipper with a 100% success rate as Shaw returns to the side that has gained two 6 pointers under Pixie in the last 2 weeks. The star of those two wins, big Erv is missing due to work commitments, also missing is George of Gaunt who is moving house. Holmes and Fraine make returns from first team action as the firsts have a full complement this week.
Hopefully, with Cleaver returning from his Jollys after 2 weeks that have coincided with low scores at Meltham, a good track will be provided and runs will come.
The firsts make the reverse fixture at Kexborough and what with the 1pm start they will be setting off just after breakfast.


1 new player profile plus some updated this week - profiles


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 20/7/10 Issue 13
Meltham 1st XI vs Hall Bower - Sat 24th July
Championship
Mean Lane 1.30pm

Meltham start the most important weekend of the year with a relegation battle at home to Hall Bower before the league cup semi final up at Emley on Sunday.
Relegation rivals 'Bower arrive at Mean Lane on the back of a defeat against Shelley which left them 3 points and 1 place below Meltham in the league. Meltham are near full strength with only Ben Cockshaw (hand) missing as Chris Earnshaw and Daz Hinchcliffe return to bolster the batting. Jack Wallis should be fit to open the bowling with KK and Ibby will be hoping to continue his good form with the ball.
Hall Bower will be hoping that ex Yorkshire junior Andy Booth will be available to score runs on the ground where he has already got runs on this year, Baxter, Dunne and Peaker will also be hoping to add some runs. Peaker will probably provide the bulk of the overs backed up by Chris Sykes & Hellawell.
Poor weather all week should provide a lively track and it'll come down to who bowls tightest and grafts better with the bat.
The seconds go to near neighbours Thongsbridge in a game that is just as important as it 2nd v 3rd in the league.

Sunday 25th July
Emley Clarence vs Meltham 1st XI
League Cup Semi Final
Welfare Ground 1pm

On Sunday, Meltham travel up to Emley in the Semi of the league cup with the same side as Saturday and will be hoping to reach the final. The struggling Championship side will be hoping to beat the 3rd in the conference side to secure a home final at the end of the season.
Emley will be hoping for runs from ex Lepton and Lascelles Hall opener Richard Haynes as well as Hassan & Stratford. Stratford and Hassan will also be hoping for wickets along with Onions and captain Jon Lee.

No profiles or owt this week from our miserable bunch.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 14/7/10 Issue 12
Meltham 2nd XI vs Kexborough - Sat 17th July
Championship2
Mean Lane 1.30pm

After last weekends weakened team suffered defeat at struggling Kirkheaton it seems the holiday season and strength in depth is having an effect in Championship2 as both Delph & Thongsbridge surprisingly lost to Micklehurst and Hoylandswaine respectively, leaving the top 3 unchanged from last week.
This week we welcome Kexborough to Mean Lane, a side we beat away earlier in the season and are currently struggling but as results show this season I don't think you can read to much into that.
Will Parker, Chris Earnshaw and Luke Kenworthy are available this week but this is tempered by the news that Daz Hinchcliffe is unavailable as are the ever holidaying Burgin & Boyd. Will Fraine will continue in the first team but Simon Holmes should return after doing his first team stint last week. Pixie Parker may also return from dodgy knees especially if he sticks to drinking and not golf this week.
Kexborough may also be struggling on the holiday front unless the holidays are different way over in Barnsley, who knows. They will be hoping from runs in the form of Brooks and Holmes and should depend on the tight line and length of the experienced Greaves in the bowling department. I for one will be shocked if they turn up at Meltham without a Potter or a Wiles in the team (for the second time running).
With a dodgy weather forecast and the likelihood of weakened teams a run fest is not expected but lets hope we get a game in and keep up the promotion charge.
The firsts face the return fixture over in Barnsley and will be hoping to carry off where they left off last week when beating top of the table Shelley against the strong 2nd placed Kexborough.

1 new player profile added this week.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 7/7/10 Issue 11
Meltham 1st XI vs Shelley - Sat 10th July
Championship
Mean Lane 1.30pm

Buoyed by the big win over Micklehurst last week which lifted Meltham out of the relegation zone the home side will be hoping to inflict Shelley's 2nd defeat of the season especially as they are the only team to beat them this year.
As holiday season looms who knows the strength of the side that Shelley will bring but with the addition of ex Hoylanswaine man Ian Simon the bowling has been strengthened, however with their 2nd team struggling as the worst in the league if holidays are causing problems they might not have much strength in depth.
Meltham will be missing Cockshaw, Earnshaw, Parker & Kenworthy this week so it means a first team debut for the impressive 14 year old Will Fraine (who would be averaging 234 in 2nd team cricket if it weren't for his run outs) as well as a call up for evergreen Simon Holmes. A Newbowler (Kundai Mhundwa) will be hoping to continue as he started last week (4/53) when he shares the new ball with the ever improving (and surely Joe Lumb prospect?) 16 year old Jack Wallis. Daz Hinchcliffe will also hope to have more of an effect this week as he continues his rehabilitation from the broken wrist. With mixed weather expected and a very topsy turvy league this year there will be no result prediction from me except I doubt that Clayton Wests run record will be in danger.
The 2nds travel up to Yetton this week with a batting line up ravaged by holidays and first team call ups. With Burgy and Boydy on holiday again (both have more holidays than the queen) plus Will & Whites in the firsts it means last weeks 2,3,4, & 5 aren't playing, however the Hyphen and Gina return after popular music festivalling last week. Ben Boothroyd and Armo return to action and if anyone drops out it will mean Moulson senior will again be called out of retirement.

This week 1 new profile added, a certain Mr Rudkin. 
Where are they now? Probably on holiday until mid August meaning back to the days of 8 men!


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 1/7/10 Issue 10
Meltham 1st XI vs Micklehurst - Sat 3rd July
Championship
Mean Lane 1.30pm

Bottom of the league Meltham will be aiming to carry on where they left off on Sunday in the league cup and get back to winning ways in the league when second to bottom Micklehurst visit Mean Lane. Only 1 point seperates the two teams and both will be desperate for a win that may drag them out of the drop zone.
The visitors will be confident after beating Kexborough last week and will again be hoping for runs from captain Paul Barrow as well as contributions from Chamley x2, Darnborough & Brylowski. However as we get towards holiday season who knows what side they can put out.
Meltham are boosted by the news that A Newbowler has eventually signed and will start this week in place of the missing Will Parker, the rest of the side is unchanged from last week.
With no football to worry about both sides will be aiming to win this one and if it stays dry there should be plenty of runs for the Examiner not to talk about this week.
The 2nds have the reverse fixture and go plane spotting over at Micklehurst, aiming to bounce back from the embarrasing League Cup defeat at Lepton. Will Fraine, Jon Tucker & Mike Rudkin return and there is also a place for Daz Hinchcliffe in his first game back from the broken wrist that has kept him out since week 2. The hyphen and Gina are missing but Meltham will hope they are strong enough to maintain the promotion charge.

Sorry no bonus features this week.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 24/06/10 Issue 9 - Bumper double edition
Meltham 2nd XI vs Hoylandswaine - Sat 26th June
Championship 2
Mean Lane 1.30pm

Both teams will be aiming to show some bouncebackability this week after poor defeats last week which leaves both clubs out of the promotion places.
Hoylandswaine will make their first trip over to Mean Lane hoping to avenge the defeat in week 2 of the season at the hands of Meltham. It seems that a few of the talented Haigh Lane juniors have been in first team action recently so much will depend on what side the Barnsley club bring. Runs will be expected from the skipper Greenwood as well as Tyas & Webb and Swaine will be hoping Youel & Hague will be on duty to spearhead the bowling.
Meltham look stronger this week with the return of Gina G, Jason Boyd and the talented Yorkshire boy(cs) expected to add some much needed runs to the fragile batting line up of recent weeks.
With the weather set fair runs should flow and lets hope Meltham get back on the winning trail.
The firsts travel to Fernside hoping to beat a struggling Almondbury side and drag themselves away from the drop zone.

SUNDAY 27th JUNE - 1pm START
Meltham 1st XI vs LASCELLES HALL 1st XI
League Cup
Mean Lane

Its back to league cup action on Sunday in the quarter final of the league cup where both sides will be hoping that is not a bowl out.
Meltham go into the tie as favourites and ex Hallers Lane, Parker & Cockshaw will be hoping for big games against the team mid table in the Cedar Court Conference.
Lascelles hall will bring a blend of youth and experience and will be hoping for big contributions from skipper Shaun Woodhams, Richard Shaw, Tony Mulhall & Matthew Simpson.
Meltham should be unchanged again and will be aiming to get back on track after an up and down season which includes wins over Barkisland and Shelley but back to back heavy defeats at the hands of Clayton West.
The seconds travel up Wakefield Road for the second time this season for the third meeting with Lepton of the year hoping the result will be the same as the previous two meetings this season.

Where are they now?
This weeks where are they now is non other than the legendary figure of Howard Palmer due to the only nice piece of feedback I have recieved this week, in fact it seems that people who don't play at Meltham and Delphiniums are the only people who want to email me with their feedback about our site and club.
Howard joined Meltham from Shepley as an opening bowler known as 'pacy percy', a talented player who had played representative cricket at a good standard, he was also known to do a bit of left handed biffage with the bat. Howard or Percy as he became known went on to be the cornerstone of the mega successful Meltham side of the 90's, opening the batting with Shahid
Mahmood many Huddersfield League teams couldn't contain the big hitting duo, H also as took many valuable wickets with his right arm pace. The emergence of DC and Boothy restricted Percy's bowling in later years but by then Howards 'Goweresque' batting had taken off and he was often referred to by David Lockwood as an evergreen opening bat.
As age and injuries took there toll, Howard dropped into 2nd XI cricket and in an altogether heavier opening partnership with Barry Shaw helped himself to more honours, in fact the Schweppes trophy is the only honour that Percy didn't win.
Often mistaken for the chap who sold the Examiner in the town, Howard also had a great arm in the field and usually snaffled 2 or 3 run outs a year but his poppadom fingers stopped him winning the catching prize.
Howard left Meltham last year to play at Elland for a variety of reasons including; he needed to play against Scholes - (guaranteed 200 runs a year), he wanted to play in a side with bigger players (mentioning no names) and he loved the massive ground and changing facilities up at Hullen Edge. However it seems injuries are taking there toll again as Percy isn't playing every week in a struggling Elland side that will probably be relegated if things don't pick up.
See Percy's player profile here.

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 16/06/10 Issue 8
Meltham 2nd XI vs Delph & Dobcross 19th June
Championship 2
Mean Lane 1.30pm

After 3 weeks on the road Meltham 2nds are back at Mean Lane for the reverse of last weeks fixture hoping to bounce back from a heavy defeat. Delph will come over full of confidence, well clear at the top of the table and hoping to almost wrap up the league title before the end of June.
Again the Meltham side awaits developments with the first team and their potential new signing before a side can be confirmed but hopefully we can call on Will Parker this week as well as Gina who is surely now clear of the Swine Flu that kept him out last week.
The visitors again will be led by Mark Lilley and will be hoping that the leagues top batters, John Morris & Tom Wood, will be available to score the bulk of the runs as they have all season. The bowling looks strong with Lilley, Jones, Jewitt & Lohdi regularly in the wickets this season.
A tight affair is expected if the home side can tighten up the bowling and runs are expected on the track where over 500 were scored on its last use (probably cos its only 20 yards from Dathans). At least this week there is no rush to be done for the footy unless there are Cameroon or Denmark fans involved.
The firsts also have a reverse of last weeks game as they travel to Clayton West where they'll need to score over 350 to compete after last weeks showing.

No new player profiles this week so from next week I'll have to start making 'em up.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 10/06/10 Issue 7
Meltham 1st XI vs Clayton West XI 12th June
Championship
Mean Lane 1.30pm

In this crazy fixture list, Meltham firsts are at home again for the third match running. This week the visitors are Clayton West in a game where all concerned are hoping for an early finish so as to watch the football. Clayton, like Meltham, are struggling with consistency in the championship and sit 2 places and 3 points above Meltham after being beaten in a high scoring affair with Kexborough last week.
There could be a couple of changes to the Meltham side this week after the disappointing defeat to Lepton. Usman returns to open the batting and there is a new bowler who has signed and may open the attack depending on availability. Cockshaw also returns after missing last week through illness so GG is with the seconds alongside Bebb & Parker who drop in to the second team in a bid to regain some form.
This weeks visitors seem to have no problem scoring runs and again are expecting high scores from Aussie Greg Davis & ex Scholeser Nick Sharp as well as valuable contributions from the evergreen Mark Firth & Stuart Rank. Taking wickets has been the problem as shown last week when Kexborough blasted 363-3 but in Chris Thomson and Sharp they have experienced bowlers at this level backed up by the wily Kola.
As always in this league a tight game is expected and you never know what to expect as both teams could win big on their day or disappoint. It'll come down to which team finds consistency and grafts.
The second team continue there title challenge over thur at top of the table Delph. A strong looking line up should hopefully go close against our main rivals this season. Lets hope for a good game as well as a finish before 7pm.

Player profiles - more added this week including the first team skipper!


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 3/06/10 Issue 6

Matchday Preview 5th June
Meltham 1st XI vs Lepton Highlanders XI
Championship
Mean Lane 1.30pm

Meltham, buoyed by a great victory over top of the table Shelley as well as bowl out success at Almondbury, will go into this very important match in good spirits. Mondays win kept Meltham in 7th and a relegation spot however in such a tight league they are only 3 points from 3rd so every game counts and so will every point come the end of the season.
After great team performances last week and signs that team spirit is on the rise it is no great surprise that Laney has gone with the same team. This means Meltham stalwart Ernie will continue to open the batting and 15 year old Jack Wallis the bowling. Daz Hinchcliffe is still not fit whilst big Matt is still sorting himself (or his move to Marsden?) out.
Coming across town this week are my old lot the Highlanders. Led by Sean 'Mush' Mulhall or Rampramush as he was known some years back when he did bat, Lepton would hope to be contesting the promotion issues come the end of the season. Currently they sit 1 point and 2 places above Meltham and will have been disappointed to lose to Paddock in a bowl out (reports say game lasted nearly an hour before anybody hit) and Micklehurst in the league on Monday.
The bowling will be led Mumtaz Ali, Dale Winterbottom and Alex Slack while Slack and Ali would expect to figure in the runs as would ex Yeaton hitter Gary Hodgson. It seems that Durham skipper and Lepton man Phil Mustard may have bigger things on this season than the Frank Platt Championship as Lepton are yet to see him this year.
As all games this season a tight game is predicted with 1 point between them in the league. Meltham will be hoping to gain revenge for the defeat 2 weeks ago at the hands of Lepton whilst the visitors will be hoping to bounce back from 2 bad defeats at the weekend. Bring your factor 30 and get down to a run feast of a game at Mean Lane.
Meltham 2nds travel up Wakefield Road in the reverse fixture which be our first ever (and my first return) visit to the Highlanders. Hopefully we can continue our strong start to the season in front of the boisterous Wakefield Road crowd and lets hope the village idiot fancies another trip to Meltham rather than staying at home.

Player Profiles - only 1 new this week plus updates from Gina and Steeps as both record career bests last week.



MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 27/05/10 Issue 5

Matchday Preview 29th May

Meltham 2nd XI vs Kirkheaton 2nd XI
Earnshaw League Cup
Mean Lane 1pm

The home side again go into this game on the back of a convincing win last week against Lepton. Second in the league, 2 places above the visitors, the new Earnshaw League cup offers the hope of silverware to all the non premiership teams.
The format of 9 overs max per bowler will test many teams as you will need at least 5 and ideally 6 bowlers. Jack wallis' impressive performances have earned him a first team call up meaning Meltham's bowling will be spearheaded by Steeples, Rudkin & Clarke. Will Fraine being on school holiday means a first appearance of the season for the promising all rounder but the ECB fast bowling guidelines will make it hard for him and Steeps to both get 9 overs in. John Armo returns from the first team and may bowl depending on fitness.
The visitors will again be lead by club steward Jason Easingwood and feature experienced performers such as John Phayer and Michael Calvert. They will be hoping to bounce back from a defeat last week as well as get some consistency in their performances after what looks like an up and down start to the season.
The first team go to Almondbury in the Oddfellows cup hoping to find some form.

Meltham 1st XI vs Shelley 1st XI
Championship
Mean Lane 1.30pm

On Bank Holiday Monday the first team welcom top of the table Shelley to Mean Lane in what promises to be a tough encounter. After a promising early start and winning at Barkisland in the Sykes cup May has been a month to forget for the first team with league defeats to Hall Bower, Kexborough & Lepton. Daz Hinchcliffe is still out so the Meltham crowd will be hoping to see his replacement at the top of the order at least get a run or two. Ben Cockshaw returns after missing last week and Jack Wallis will make his league debut in 1st XI cricket after impressing in the 2nds.
The visitors will be on a high after another 1 wicket win last weekend that keeps them top of the table. Led by Scott Dyson the ex Shat and Hall Bower all rounder the will be relying help from Danny Beef Mulhall to take the wickets and Craig Matthews to help with the runs.
Could be a close encounter, who knows with this division so far, but seeing as Shelley have a penchant for scraping 1 wicket wins they will start as favourites.
The seconds go to Kirkheaton in the league hoping to stay in promotion contention.

Where are they now? I don't know and I haven't got time to look.

Player Profiles - 2 more added including a first teamer, wonders will never cease (thats 2 of the first team now!)




MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 19/05/10 Issue 4

Matchday Preview 22nd May

Meltham 2nd XI vs Lepton Highlanders 2nd XI
Championship 2
Mean Lane 1.30pm Start

After last weeks games, the Home side should go into the game in confident mood, a good 6 point win at Kexborough cemented 2nd place behind Delph who comprehensively beat Lepton last week. Melthams league form looks good with 3 wins from 4 however the home form is suspect what with 1 league and 1 cup defeat at Mean Lane. Lepton on the otherhand seem very inconsistant losing to Kexborough & Delph but beating Hoylandswaine & Thongsbridge - the team that Meltham lost to.

Since this will be our first ever league meeting with the Highlanders we don't know much about them and even myself as an ex player only knows Paul Baxter in the team so who knows which way it will go. The weather forecast is set fair and it has got to be warmer than the last 2 at Meltham so whoever wins the toss may decide what to do on pitch conditions rather than windchill. For Meltham Burgy returns and there maybe first run outs of the season for Whites and Jason Boyd depending on fitness and availability.

The firsts travel to Lepton in the reverse fixture hoping to get back on track after last weeks heavy defeat and then take on Elland on Sunday.

Meltham 1st XI vs Elland 1st XI
Sykes Cup Round 2
Mean Lane 1pm Start

After beating Barkisland in the first round its been downhill for Meltham with defeats to Hall Bower and Kexborough but lets hope they can roll back the years on Sunday and upset the big guns from Halifax in the Sykes Cup on Sunday.
The visitors bring a wealth of talent and experience and are led by ex county man Ryan Robinson who will be backed up by Baxter, Thornton, Fletcher & Rhodes but somehow I expect the biggest and most experienced of the lot namely Percy will again miss out on selection. Elland do however come into the game on the back of some very disappointing league form with only 1 win in 5 league games including a reversal against Slawit last week. They will however be keen to have a good cup run so at least 1 of the Examiner mans favourite teams give him something to write about.
For Meltham this week Daz Hinchcliffe is still out also missing are Ben Cockshaw and Armo so there is a place in the 1st teams squad for the promising Jack Wallis, Obeng will continue to open the batting with the returning Usman.
As neither team can compete in the money stakes with the top sides in Huddersfield this season it may seem that league points are more important this season than a cup run but for all sorts of reasons both teams will be hoping for a good showing on Sunday.

Please note that this Sunday at the club it is the Examiner charity walk/run/bike ride/horsey trot so parking will be at a premium so arrive early to avoid disappointment, plus if the weather is good there will be a large crowd so the collection money could be good.

Where are they now?

Since I don't know where anybody else is this may be the end of the feature. If you are an ex Meltham player who doesn't mind me taking the pee out of you let me know who you are and where you are.

Player Profiles - 4 more added this week, but I still need more, especially first team players seeing as I have had more replies from juniors than I have first teamers. If I don't get yours soon I shall be forced to make them up.


MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 13/05/10 Issue 3

Matchday Preview 15th May 2010

Meltham 1st XI vs Kexborough 1st XI
Championship
Mean Lane 1.30pm Start

It's 5th versus 6th in what is proving to be a very close Frank Platt Championship. With only 1 point seperating the teams and Meltham only being 2 points off 2nd (and 2 points off relegation spots) it is also a very important game for both sides. Both teams come into the game after very narrow losses last weekend, what with Meltham losing to Hall Bower by 5 runs and Kexborough losing against Shelley by 1 wicket.
The visitors are led by the experienced and high scoring Mark Bray a batsman who Meltham last saw when he proved his undoubted quality with a big hundred against our second team in a rearranged game due to Barnsleys play off matches some years back. Geldart, Jepps & Wiles lead the bowling and by some strange quirk of fate there doesn't seem to a Potter in the team.
Meltham will again be missing the allround experience of Daz Hinchcliffe also Usman and Taj are missing, meaning Ernie and Armo continue to deputise, Bebbs returns and there is also a call up for the vastly experienced Richard Burgin.
All things point to a close and high scoring game and as long as it warms up it should be a good game for the spectators, if not bring your hand warmers and blankets. The second team has the reverse fixture and travel to Barnsley, where if Swal is right, we shall be guaranteed wall to wall sunshine.

Where are they now?

The last time we played at Kexborough was 2005 and we had to take our own umpire, the one and only Dave `Gaylord` Sadler who was to be seen appealing for an LBW before he gave it out.

Dave joined Meltham after a successful spell with Honley in which he played in the record breaking side that won the Paddock Shield every year. Dave joined for the cricket and atmosphere and not because he moved to within walking distance of the club that served Tetleys on hand pull. Sadler went on to forge a successful opening partnership with Percy Palmer, due to which become known as Gaylord due to his boring, slow scoring style. Terrible between the wickets and wearing horrible floppy pads, Dave definitely had a style of his own but somehow managed to score lots of runs and top the 2nds batting averages in 2001 & 2003. Later the Gaylord gained a reputation for breaking his fingers everytime he got within 5 yards of a catch and so went onto to umpire (so as not to affect his Tetley bitter intake at the club and the Beaumonts). Dave even bowled an over at Armitage Bridge, which after years of him telling us how good a bowler he was we finally found out.

A couple of years back Dave turned his back on Tetley's and decided that he preferred VB & Tooheys Extra Dry so flew out to Australia to live and work and now spends his days looking at railways and bushland dreaming of freezing cold summer days in Meltham.

Only 1 extra player profile this week, so if I don't get any replies this week I shall be forced to make 1 up and I doubt it will be kind (or accurate).



MATCHDAY PROGRAMME 6/5/10 issue 2

Matchday Preview 8th May 2010

Meltham 2nd XI vs Thongsbridge 2nd XI
Frank Platt Championship 2
Mean Lane 1.30pm Start

After `suffering embarrassment` [David Lockwood] last week Meltham 2nds are back in league action this Saturday with a home tie versus near neighbours Thongsbridge, the only club in our division within 10 miles of Meltham. (1.30pm start this week)

Led by the vastly experience Kenny Malcolm Thongsbridge have enjoyed a similar start to us with winning 2 and losing 1 of their games so far, the latest being a 4 wicket win over the other central league side Green Moor. A mixture of youth and experience the Thongsbridge team contains many a name that will be familiar to Meltham fans such as Malcolm, Kirk, Sutton & Webster.
Another close game is expected as the home side hope to bounce back from last weeks Paddock Shield 100 run defeat. 

With Daz Hinchcliffe still injured, Big Matt Coolios apparent retirement (Marsden??) and Bebby on his Jollys, Ju Moo and Mrs Meltham will continue to deputise and there is also a 150th call up for the ever dependable Ernest Obeng to Melthams 1st XI. All this means Moulson senior retains his place as well as call ups for Richard Burgin and young fast bowler Ben Boothroyd to the 2nds.

Lets hope for better weather than forecast and that it warms up or we shall all be in the bar thawing out like the u15s manager/scorer/umpire had to do on Monday which may reduce performance (in some).

Where Are They Now? 

Thinking back over past tussles with Saturdays visitors one person comes to mind who had a great knock down at Miry Lane as the seconds knocked off 250 or so c1997 - Andy Wilson.

Born and brought up in Meltham, as all Americans know a small town just outside London, Andy was a member of the record breaking Wilson family - the only family where every member Mum, Dad, Son & Daughter have all won the Sykes Cup. A natural sportsman amongst other things Andy was part of the lost to Meltham generation of the 90s along with plays such as Foobs, Doddy, Danny Smith etc who due to the 1st teams dominance never really got a real first team chance. A quality left handed batsman and (very) occasional bowler Wilson junior scored plenty of runs and could have gone on in the game had football, women and rocket science not got the better of him.

Now happily married to an American Cheerleader and living somewhere in the USA (could be anywhere Houston I think but as all Britons know if its not New York or LA we don't know where it is) Andy is a big cheese in the oil business flying all over the world probably wearing a 10 gallon hat. You may spot him when he come over to little old England from time to time but somehow I doubt whether you will see him wear the famous Green Dragon ever again.


More Player Profiles added this week. If you don't want me to make yours up please forward me your details.





MATCH PROGRAMME 28/04/10 issue 1

Matchday Preview - Saturday 1st May

Meltham 2nd XI vs Thurstonland 2nd XI
Paddock Shield Round 1
Mean Lane 1pm Start

This Saturday sees the cup competitions kick off (1pm start) with Meltham 2nds hosting our friends Thurstonland from the Huddersfield Central League.

Traditionally a very strong club in the central league, Thurstonland boast a team full of experience who are fresh from an opening day victory against Horbury Bridge first team in section C. Ex first team players such as Steve Oldham (61) and Daniel Peace (25 & 4/42) to the fore in that game.
It is the third meeting of the clubs in recent years, previously Meltham beat Thurstonland in the 2nd round by 5 wickets in June 1997 and by 7 wickets in May 2002. See the excellent Thurstonland CC website by clicking here and look at the scorebooks from those games.

The home side should be confident going into the tie after 2 wins in 2, especially after a good victory at Hoylanswaine last week. However an injury to 1st team all rounder Darren Hinchcliffe means that the run machine of Jack "Ju Moo" Moulson will be on first XI duty. In addition Meltham will be missing the huge figure of Ervine Clarke meaning a call out of semi retirement and all day Saturday drinking for Moulson senior.

All things point to a close tie, especially with Thurstonlands Paddock Shield pedigree when they regularly knock out Drakes league sides. Lets hope for a good a game and more importantly good weather as I doubt any of us want to be playing on Sunday and Monday as will happen if the game is rain affected.

Where are they now?

After looking through Thurstonlands website and viewing the scorecard from 2002, where are they now this week is one of the stars of that day Jack Holroyd.

Jack started playing with Meltham as a child and progressed into the 2nd team aged around 14 when he scored over 40 on his debut at Golcar in 2001 and a promising career beckoned for the talented middle Holroyd brother. Jack went onto open the bowling with his quick swing bowling and cemented a place in the middle order with his solid left handed strokeplay despite struggling with shin splints amongst other injuries. Linford or Boycs as he became known went on to play a central role in Melthams League and Paddock shield winning sides during the 2000s.
 
Jack retired from cricket at the end of 2008 due to achieving all he could in the game and he wanted to concentrate on his work career. Now aged somewhere in the region of 23 he, like all the Holroyds, don't play cricket at all and prefer to decorate their houses and go out with their wives on Saturdays.

If you have any ideas of who you would like to see in where are they now please let me know.


PLAYER PROFILE

This weeks player profile is the 2nd team captain click here to view
 
 If you have any feedback on how we can make our new website better please do contact us and we would like to hear from you. 
Designed and created by Meltham Cricket Club
  Site Map