MARTIN Burgess insists cricket clubs need to be part of their community and reminded players that the primary reason for playing the sport is enjoyment.

Giving a speech to the Timothy Taylor’s Craven League annual dinner, held this year at Keighley Golf Club, league chairman Burgess said, in what was in part an explanation as to the very recent demise of his own club, Haworth Road Meths: “Sport, apart from kicking a football around, is no longer high on youngsters’ agenda.

“Even many of the players would rather be out with their mates than socialising after the game.

“The reduction in people prepared to give up a Saturday afternoon seems to be an increasing malaise that Covid-19 didn’t help.

“Sports clubs have always been dependent on the few to provide the infrastructure a cricket club needs, but now there are fewer and fewer people and often those left are getting older.”

Referring to a game this season which saw him umpire Meths at their home ground of Baildon Bottom, Burgess recalled: “I watched my son put the ‘sight sheet’ up on his own and then place the boundary markers.

“The rest of the team turned up ready to play but with no conception of what was needed to put that game on.

“That is why Haworth Road folded and why some of our clubs are struggling.

“The contrast is clear and where that link with the local community exists, with a recognition that a club is more than the players on the field, clubs are on a much firmer footing.

“But why should people play for Craven League clubs? I hope it is because they enjoy the game.

“Although teams play to win, they should do so with enjoyment and with the camaraderie that team sport brings.

“I have to say that this year’s (league) champions and Wynn Cup winners Gargrave have done just that.

“It has been a pleasure to umpire their games and enjoy the atmosphere they have created.

“There were the odd aberrations, but they played the game as it should be played.

“It is not life and death but weekend leisure time away from the pressures of every day.”

He added regarding Meths: “They did not fall victim to a lack of quality players, as they came fifth in Division One in 2024, having a chance of winning the league up to the last half a dozen games.

Shahid Saleem was a key figure with bat and ball for Haworth Road Meths in 2024, as they enjoyed a strong season in Division One of the Craven League.Shahid Saleem was a key figure with bat and ball for Haworth Road Meths in 2024, as they enjoyed a strong season in Division One of the Craven League. (Image: Andy Garbutt.)

“Their end was more the result of the change that has taken place in cricket over time.”

He concluded: “The survival of cricket depends on people taking part, and clubs and teams have a responsibility to make Saturday an enjoyable experience to help that process.

“Yes, play to win, but have fun and treat each other with respect.

“Cricket is a great game and shouldn’t become a warzone or slanging match.”