Yorkshire Cricket is regarded as one of the greatest clubs in the world, and as one of the proudest in existence. Established over 150 years ago, the history, tradition and passion of its Members are the main reasons for this. The pride of the Club’s supporters has always been evident.
To celebrate the Club’s fantastic supporters, we bring you a feature looking at memories of some of the White Rose Members. This week we hear from Charles
from Spain.
When did you first become a member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club?
“I joined Club Yorkshire in 2014. I reluctantly left Yorkshire in 1954 at the age of four when my father’s job moved south, and apart from occasional visits have been in exile ever since. Membership wasn’t really an option until I’d retired and found Club Yorkshire a good way to support my beloved team, even though I rarely have the opportunity to visit Headingley. Since 2015 I have been living in Spain and listen to the radio commentary but I continue my membership with an annual visit to Scarborough to watch the cricket (and stay with my mother and sister – they know why I really visit).”
What are your first memories of Yorkshire County Cricket Club?
“My father was a keen cricketer so of course I was brought up with YCCC from birth. I am told that at the age of three I used to walk around with a bat under my arm and introduce myself as ‘Charles David Willie Watson Kitching’. For myself I can certainly remember back to the days of Jonny Wardle, Vic Wilson and co.”
What is your fondest memory of Yorkshire cricket?
“The sheer joy/relief of our 2014 Championship, the best day of the year. (It was also the year I was married, and the wife was very understanding when I explained that our day came second as I’d been waiting for the Championship for a lot longer than I’d been waiting for her).”
What is your favourite ground and why?
“Scarborough. A bit run down it may be, but the atmosphere cannot be beaten at any sporting venue. Plus the pork pies there are simply the best.”
Who is your favourite current player and why?
“Difficult, probably Bairstow, for his skill, courage and determination. Losing his father so early was hard, and his treatment by England has been very, very shabby.”
Yorkshire supporters are known for being very passionate about their county and cricket team, would you put yourself in that bracket?
“Oh yes, just ask the wife!!”
What are you most looking forward to during the 2019 season?
“Our continuing rebuilding with improved performances, and correspondingly less frustration, anger and relegation worry on my part (and relief for the wife).”
Which young player in the current squad do you think will breakthrough next year and why?
“Josh Shaw had good reviews towards the end of 2018. He seems to be a younger Patto which can only be a good thing, and with the shake-up of our pace attack he should get plenty of opportunity to stake his claim.”
How do you see the 2019 season going for Yorkshire CCC?
“We need a good start and decent weather. We will continue our rebuilding and with an absence of last year’s general misfortunes with player availability, we should be close to challenging on all fronts and waiting for Surrey (and perhaps Notts) to slip up.”
What is it about the experience at Emerald Headingley and Scarborough that makes it a good place to visit for you and your family?
“Yorkshire crowds are the most knowledgeable and welcoming in the world, and also therefore the most demanding. The atmosphere whenever and wherever Yorkshire play is second to none, but especially at home. And of course, Scarborough’s Pork Pies.”
Want to take part in the next edition of ‘Members Mondays’? Get in touch with us at [email protected].
