Taking cover pays off as Thorpe Willoughby win Vale League opener (From York Press)

Taking cover pays off as Thorpe Willoughby win HPH York Vale Cricket League opener

11:24am Thursday 3rd May 2012 in York Vale League By Martin Jarred

THORPE Willoughby stole a march on the rest of the HPH York Vale Cricket League by sweeping to victory in the only weekend fixture to survive the rain.

Summer investment in pitch covers paid dividends as their division two game against relegated Barmby Moor went ahead at Field Lane.

Thorpe, last season’s division three champions, won the toss and made a sensational start, with Nadeem Shefta removing both Moor openers for ducks.

He finished with 4-20 while Jake Wild, bowling with pace and movement, grabbed 3-12 as Moor were dismissed for 72 in 26.1 overs, three runs short of a batting point. John Steele top-scored with 28 which included a six struck over cover.

Batting conditions improved after tea and the home side took full advantage as Nasir Shefta (38no) led Thorpe to a nine-wicket victory inside 25 overs, Shaun Duncan taking the only wicket to fall.

The poor weather didn’t prevent Burton Salmon from opening their new pavilion.

Their facilities were destroyed in an arson attack at the end of last season but the village club vowed to rise from the ashes.

A big fundraising effort, backed by grants from the Yorkshire Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and contributions from other Vale sides enabled the fire-hit club to buy the new pavilion.

The opening ceremony was performed by Selby MP Nigel Adams, a former Vale League representative player.

Before cutting the ribbon he said: “It used to be said the sound of leather on Brian Close heralded the start of the season – now it’s the sound of rain on the pavilion roof.”

He said he was amazed how resilient the club had been to get things together after the set-backs, which included the theft of a generator a couple of weeks ago, and congratulated everyone for their efforts.

Weather permitting, the new facilities will be used for the first time on Saturday when Salmon entertain Thorp Arch & Boston Spa in a division five game.

The amazing 77-year-old Geoff Deighton will be starting his 62nd season of cricket in the Vale League – and its predecessor the York Saturday League – with a new club.

The veteran, who had a long association with Askham Bryan, has joined Bishopthorpe after a short spell with Copmanthorpe.