Village cricket at its best
by Alan Rowley, 2nd June 2003

An early start was necessary on Saturday for my weekend cricket fix. This week a visit to the far north of the county was planned. So, armed with timetables and cans of drinks, I headed for Hayfield.

Hayfield is a lovely village located at the foot of Kinder Scout. They have a very attractive cricket ground located in the centre of the village, next to the Royal Hotel. The river Sett flows along the boundary and the whole setting is very picturesque.

The club play in the Cheshire and Derbyshire League, a strictly amateur League, which is made up of village sides from the North of Derbyshire and over the border into Cheshire. On Saturday, they were playing local neighbours New Mills in a game that has always generated intense rivalry.

After a train journey up to New Mills, on the Hope Valley line, a three mile walk along the Sett Valley Trail led me to the village. I arrived at the ground just in time for the start of play, so after a quick trip into the Royal for a well deserved pint, I was on the ground which has hosted cricket since 1859.

The picturesque Hayfield ground

Hayward are a well organised little club, boasting a first and second eleven, as well as a recently formed womens team. They have several events planned throughout the season, including the annual Duck Race on the river and a celebrities match.

The cricket was played in a tremendous spirit throughout and was watched by a crowd of around 150 who were viewing the game on the ground and from the gardens of the adjacent terraced houses. This was indeed village cricket at its best.

Now that's where I'd like to live

I only had time to take in the first innings in which Hayfield scored 217 for the loss of nine wickets from their 40 overs. The standard was surprisingly high and the sight of opposition players applauding each other's performances was refreshing.

When the players headed off for tea, I made my way to the bus station for a trip back to New Mills and the train back home. After a nightmare five and a half hours journey caused by engineering work and delays, I arrived back home shortly before midnight.

A great day out and one that I would recommend to anyone who wants to watch village cricket in a perfect setting. Next time, I will book a room in the hotel and take in the whole game.

For more news from Hayfield, visit their website here.