HAYFIELD CRICKET CLUB

- www.hayfieldcricketclub.com - 

The Spirit of Hayfield - The Privileged Cricketer

Hayfield Cricket Club is the focal point of Hayfield Village, surrounded by the beautiful hills of Kinder Scout and Lantern Pike. There is probably no finer place to hold a cricket match on a warm summer's afternoon than at Hayfield.

The cricketer takes time out from his busy life on this quiet summer's evening, the eve of the big match. Maybe he strolls with his son onto the cricket ground, and reflects how privileged they are to play in such a beautiful place.  

Thoughtfully, he admires the preparation that has taken place to prepare this manicured ground, by those dedicated ground staff week in, week out. His eyes catch the evening sun reflecting off the white-painted walls; painted by those old-timers, the Last of the Summer Wine Crew, who gave up their precious time to make sure the ground would be ready for the start of the season.

The privileged cricketer stands proud, his arm around the shoulders of his son. Tomorrow, match day, they will walk with pride, father and son, to represent this famous club. He will watch anxiously, as his son strides to the popping-crease to face his first ball. He prays that his son will survive that first ball. Yet in his heart he knows the whole cricket club is behind  him, he will be all right!

He will reflect with humility the countless hours of coaching, both he and his son, have received over the years. Of course he will be all right, this is Hayfield Cricket Club. Junior coaching is the heartbeat of the Club. These stars of tomorrow turn up every coaching night in their dozens; fifty, sixty, even seventy young people at a time, boys and girls alike. Proud to want to follow in their Father's footsteps. Proud to want to be a part of this Club. Eager to join the ranks of yesteryear, who have brought fame and victory to this Club. Eager to be coached by legends of yesteryear, whose only reward is to see young people enjoy the game that is cricket.

How easy is it to forget the hours of dedicated service, put in by countless backroom staff and Committee members, who for almost 150 years of the club's history have quietly got on with the job. Raised money to buy the ground; raised money to build our beautiful pavilion; raised money to provide the equipment to keep the ground in this immaculate condition. Yes, the privileged cricketer has a deep sense of wanting to contribute, to join with fellow Club members to continue this Mission. The privileged cricketer is a member of the Team, a Team that pulls together, even when the chips are down.

Hayfield Cricket Club is more than just a local club. It sits at the heart of the village. It attracts visitors and spectators who marvel at it's setting, its enthusiasm for life, it's support for village life, in this ever-increasing chaotic lifestyle we live in. Who wouldn't be proud to play for Hayfield?

As the Sun sets down behind Hayfield Church's clock tower, the privileged cricketer walks hand-in-hand with his young son across the ground, as they make their way home.

Tomorrow will be special. Tomorrow they will play for Hayfield.

Michael N Blake BA (Hons), BSc, BA

Hayfield Cricket Club Webmaster