EAST RIDING CRICKET SOCIETY

What a night! We went out with more than a bang thanks to Mr Marks. Vic opened with his proudest record – that no first-class bowler in the 1980s conceded more runs than him – and rather set the tone for what followed.  With more than a nod to his location, he commented that Joe Root is probably the best batsman he's ever seen but that watching in Pakistan suggests that Harry Brook isn't far behind. No stranger to matters cultural as well as sporting, Vic ensured that Michelangelo and Harold Pinter both featured during the evening – perhaps a first for our society! Vic made his England ODI debut in 1980, playing two matches vs the Windies under captain Ian Botham. As 12th man at Headingley , Vic spent time usefully in the nets bowling Boycott back into form. Sir Geoffrey, however, did not return the favour! Vic played at Lords in the second game – perhaps Botham’s finest d isplay of captain cy as England won a tight game . Man-of-the-match Boycott was run out for 70...

Another 'in conversation' evening introduced us to James Carr – director of cricket of the Northern Diamonds and of the wider women's game in Yorkshire and the North-East.  This relaxed format was a perfect way to get to know James, a relatively new name to many but a coach fizzing with energy, enthusiasm and ideas. James first got interested in cricket through watching on Channel 4 and playing Kwik and street cricket while at primary school in Lancashire.  He played more formal, red-ball cricket at high school and joined a local club in 2001. While studying PE at college, he naturally veered towards coaching and over the next ten years completed his qualifications while working full-time in retail and project management. He was constantly looking for a role in cricket and his first opportunity came in New Zealand – as Cricket Development Officer for Southland, next stop Antarctica! There he found an area the size of Yorkshire but with a population of only 100,0...