Game 4 against Lincolnshire at Hartsholme

On 13 July we drove to Hartsholme Cricket Club at Hartsholme not far from Lincoln to play Lincolnshire over 60s.

One of the members of the club provided some of the history of the club. The cricket ground was part of land belonging to the property known as Hartsholme Hall. In 1909 the property was purchased by Lord Liverpool. In 1912 Lord Liverpool became Governor and later Governor General of New Zealand and did not return until 1920. Back home he established a cricket club for his workers which dates from 1921. He was able to watch the game from his home. This club evolved into the present Hartsholme Cricket Club.

The size of the estate was extended to more than 2,000 acres during the ownership of Lord Liverpool. The property was sold in 1939 and during World War II was used for military training. The buildings became derelict and were demolished in  1951. In 1974 the land was declared a County Park.

During the afternoon I went for a walk in part of the park behind the cricket club.

One of the paths ran beside a small river which flows into lakes further in the park.

It was raining during the walk but the thick canopy overhead kept me dry although you could hear the rain.

Back to the cricket. There was drizzle which interrupted the game from time to time but the full game was played. Victoria batted first and scored 4 for 180. Gary Semple made 42 while Dick Stumbles made 40 and David Green made 36. Two of our players were injured during the day. This total was obviously not enough and Lincolnshire passed the score within 32 overs.

The Lincolnshire players and members of the Hartsholme Cricket Club made the Victorians feel most welcome and it was a game played in good spirit.