Remembering Graham Hinchliffe

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:29:50 +0000

The League were saddened to hear of the passing of Graham Hinchliffe of Golcar CC who have provided the following tribute.

Graham had a long standing contribution to cricket in Huddersfield, having played for Thurstonland and later becoming a league umpire.

He was a regular at Holmfirth Cricket Club alongside his best mate, Bruce Jakeman.

Relationships were built with the Jones family, stalwarts of Delph & Dobcross Cricket Club - and Peter Gledhill, who helped indulge his enjoyment of rugby league and Huddersfield Giants, treating him to games in the directors' box.

As his nephew Will moved to Golcar in 2009, he would split his time between Delph & Golcar.

As well as being a member of Yorkshire CCC, he enjoyed many hours watching Eddie Wilson (current Honley captain) playing for the Yorkshire 2nd XI and Academy teams, and more recently has been doing the same thing with Archie Howson, Eddie's nephew, who is playing for Yorkshire's underage teams.

He was lucky enough to make a number of overseas trips, particularly to South Africa & Australia, catching up with family and those who he had come across in his travels across the Huddersfield sporting landscape.

Golcar Cricket Club have lost a great friend, and we are sure that that also applies to many others across the league, above and beyond those mentioned above.

On Saturday 18th April at Golcar CC, a minute's silence was held in tributeAndrew Crawshaw chats with Steve Whitwam and Jacob Mulhall about the latest player transfers and all the pre season news

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The Huddersfield Premier Cricket League is proud to announce PEARSON FINANCIAL WELLBEING as our new Main League Sponsor. HPCL and wealth management experts PEARSON FW already enjoy a successful working relationship having partnered last season through sponsorship of the Sykes Cup and T20 competitions This initial three year deal strengthens that relationship further with PEARSON now becoming the League’s main sponsor in a higher-profile long-term partnership placing their name and brand closely alongside HPCL Through their long standing association with Scholes CC the highly respected Pearson family are both trusted and familiar faces within Huddersfield cricketing circles. League Chairman Trevor Atkinson expressed his pleasure and enthusiasm about the new partnership: “I am delighted that Eden and Pearson Financial Wellbeing have chosen to elevate their support for HPCL by becoming our principal sponsor. Securing PFW as our new main sponsor is a huge boost for the League, and I hope this partnership provides Pearson with the opportunity to connect with the thousands of players, volunteers, and supporters associated with our 40 cricket clubs across Huddersfield. Based in Denby Dale, and bringing over 40 years industry experience, PEARSON FINANCIAL WELLBEING provides a comprehensive range of tailored financial solutions for a wide range of individuals, businesses, and corporate executives seeking to build, grow, protect, and preserve their wealth. For further information please contact either HPCL Media Secretary Paula Huddleston (07745 877797)  <a href="mailto:paula. PFW Director and Chartered Financial Planner Eden Pearson (07817 436034)  <a href="mailto:eden. Visit PFW website <a href="http://www. </article> <article> <h1>CCHC Pod #79 Rule Changes, ECB Compliance and Registering Overseas Players</h1> Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:46:00 +0000 Listen to the first CHCC podcast of 2026! Andrew Crawshaw and Mark Binns discuss the recent Rule Changes for 2026 Season, ECB Compliance and the impact on Linthwaite CC as well as how to Register Overseas Players successfully     </article> <article> <h1>NEW LEAGUE SPONSOR NORTH LIGHT PHYSIO</h1> Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000 <div style="margin-left: -9px; margin-bottom: 11px; font-size: 19px; text-align: center;">North Light Physio to sponsor the Premiership Division of the Huddersfield Premier Cricket League</div> Huddersfield Premier Cricket League is delighted to announce a renewed partnership with North Light Physiotherapy Associates. Chris Liversidge and Scot McAllister collectively offer a wealth of experience as Specialist Physiotherapists in cricket-related injuries. NLP can support players dealing with the non-traumatic—yet equally limiting—effects of pain and injury by managing workload-related conditions, particularly in seam bowlers impacted by demanding “double-header” weekends, helping them address both the physical and psychological challenges associated with recovery and performance. Their combined years in elite cricket have given them a deep understanding of the physical demands of the professional game and the specific needs of high-performance cricketers. They also provide dedicated support to overseas players, who often require additional medical guidance while in the UK. For female players The Sporting Pelvis Service through the <a href="https://www. HPCL encourages all clubs and players to take advantage of the wide range of services and expertise that NLP offers. For further info and to access online bookings please visit the North Light Physiotherapy Associates <a href="https://www.       </article> <article> <h1>UMPIRES DEVELOPMENT COURSE 21/28 February</h1> Mon, 16 Feb 2026 12:31:07 +0000 This course is designed as a follow on to the ECB Umpires Course, attendees will elevate their knowledge to a level where they can operate as a club umpire, or as a panel umpire in in the lower divisions of cricket leagues. Umpire Development Course Almondbury Wesleyans CC Saturday 21 February & Saturday 28 February (2 day course) for more info <a href="https://www. </article> <article> <h1>Umpire & Scorer Training Courses – 2026</h1> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:04:00 +0000 Umpires Courses are now available to book on the YCF website and some will be held at Almondbury Wesleyan CC, Kaye Lane, Huddersfield, HD5 8XT YCF ACO Umpire Refresher Sessions These FREE refresher sessions are designed for experienced/qualified umpires who are already active in umpiring. If you miss one of the weeks at a particular venue, you can attend the same week at another venue and get the same content. Umpire Refresher Almondbury Wesleyans CC Saturday 14 March 2026 OR Saturday 21 March 2026 To book a place <a href="https://www.   Anyone wishing the follow the Umpires Pathway must attend the Umpires Training Course before registering for the Umpires Development Course. ECB Umpires Training Course This course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge, and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket. Whether you plan to support Junior Softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course will cover the following topics: - Understanding the role of the umpire - Gain a basic understanding of umpiring the game - Answering appeals and the common methods of dismissal - How to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the game - Judging whether or not it is safe to play The course is split into classroom and practical learning, so we recommend learners to come dressed appropriately. Learners will be asked to complete some e-learning prior to attending the course, which will take no more than 90 minutes to complete in total. Post course, learners will have the confidence and competence to go and umpire at appropriate levels within recreational cricket. Current ECB Umpires Courses available: ECB Umpire Course Clifton Alliance CC, Clifton Park Ave, Shipton Rd, York, YO30 5RF Sunday 1st February, 2026 10am to 4:30pm For more information and to book a place, please <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www. Female Only ECB Umpiring Course Pocklington CC, Burnby Ln, Pocklington, York, YO42 2QB Saturday 7th February 2026 10am to 4:30pm For more information and to book a place, please <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.   Umpires Development course (UDC) This course is designed as a follow on to the ECB Umpires Course, attendees will elevate their knowledge to a level where they can operate as a club umpire, or as a panel umpire in in the lower divisions of cricket leagues. Umpire Development Course Almondbury Wesleyans CC Saturday 21 February & Saturday 28 February (2 day course) for more info <a href="https://www.   Module B This module is suitable for any person aspiring to become a panel umpire. Umpire Education Module B Almondbury Wesleyans CC Saturday 7 March 2026, for more info <a href="https://www. Umpire Education Module B Castleford CC Sunday 1 March 2026, for more info <a href="https://www. All course details are on the<a href="http://www.   <h4>Scorer Courses</h4> Scorer training details will be published later in the year, but the following courses are planned for winter 2025/26: - Club Scorer to Level 1 Accreditation - Electronic Scoring (Laptop) - Duckworth Lewis Stern - Linear Scoring For further information on scorer training, contact Sarah Pollard, County Scoring Officer: <a href="mailto:sarahpollard1619@gmail. <h4> </h4> </article> <article> <h1>Heavy Woollen Cup and Crowther Cup Draws 2026</h1> Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:34:00 +0000 The draw for the first round of the Heavy Woollen Cup and the Crowther Cup (2XI's) has been made. Both Cups to be played on Sunday 10th May     <h2>Heavy Woollen Cup Round 1  </h2> Barkisland   v   Yeadon  Barnsley Woolley Miners   v    Moorlands Bilton   v    New Castleford    v    Woodhouse Grange Golcar    v    Skelmanthorpe  Horsforth Hall Park    v     Ackworth Kirkburton    v    Hoylandswaine Methley    v    Woodlands Rastrick    v     Almondbury Wesleyan Shelley    v    Ossett Shepley    v    Hanging Heaton Steeton    v    Cawthorne Townville    v    Honley Wakefield Thornes    v    Pudsey Congs York    v    Scholes <h2> </h2> <h2>Crowther Cup - Round 1</h2> Methley  v    Bye Hoylandswaine    v    Bye Woodlands v    Bye Barnsley Woolley Miners  v    Bye Kirkburton  v    Bye Yeadon  v    Bye New Farnley    v    Bye Shepley  v    Bye Honley    v    Bye Cawthorne    v    Bye Wakefield Thornes    v   Bye     Rastrick  v    Bye Townville   v   Skelmanthorpe Scholes   v   Birstall Pudsey Congs    v    Ossett Hanging Heaton  v    Bye   Ties to be played on Sunday 10 May, however there will be flexibility provided dates are agreed with the officials and both clubs. Visit   <a href="https://heavywoollencc. </article> <article> <h1>MARK ROBERTS GROUNDSMAN OF THE YEAR</h1> Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Mark Roberts described winning the Tom Walker Trophy for Groundsman of the Year in the Huddersfield Premier League as “a reward for 19 years of hard work”. The Armitage Bridge stalwart received the award at the league’s annual dinner and prize presentation at Greenhead Masonic Hall. Roberts, who currently looks after three grounds and helps out at two others, said: “It is just a matter of experience and knowing what to do and when to do it. His association with Armitage Bridge dates back more than 50 years, having first been involved with the club as an 11-year-old player in 1974. “I’ve got four and a bit grounds to look after,” he explained. Roberts added that his professional background has helped him manage the workload. “My background is in lawn care and I’m self-employed, so I haven’t overburdened myself,” he said. Reflecting on the 2025 season, Roberts said challenging weather conditions made pitch preparation difficult. “In general the weather was problematic with the dryness,” he said. Despite that, Armitage Bridge successfully hosted the league’s T20 finals day at short notice. “We had six days’ notice because the weather delayed the semi-finals by a week,” Roberts revealed. “I’d already spent seven hours prepping on the Monday before we even knew whether we were hosting it. The effort paid off, with Roberts describing it as one of the best pitches of the season. “It had bounce and carry, which is quite unusual for Armitage Bridge as it’s normally low and slow because it’s down by the river,” he said. As part of the award, Armitage Bridge received a £500 cheque to spend with sponsors Battersby Sports Ground Supplies. Content provided by William Marshall of Yorkshire Evening Post </article> <article> <h1>Remembering Mel Briggs</h1> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:03:00 +0000 The Leage are sad to hear that Mel Briggs, a much‑loved and long‑serving member of Shepley Cricket Club, sadly passed away on 24 December. Shepley Cricket Club is deeply saddened to share the news of Mel’s passing.  Mel was a highly respected Club Secretary and a central figure in the club’s major fundraiser throughout the 1990s: the annual 'Gentleman’s Sporting Evening' at the Huddersfield Masonic on Greenhead Road.  When his beloved wife Sue suffered a serious stroke, Mel stepped away from committee duties to care for her full‑time.  In more recent times, Mel found great joy in attending Friday junior practice nights.  One of our favourite photographs shows Mel in the old clubhouse — and unusually, on the wrong side of the bar.  Mel will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by everyone who knew him. </article> <article> <h1>METRO BANK CHAMPION OF GIRLS CRICKET</h1> Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:36:00 +0000 The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation CRICKET COLLECTIVE AWARDS recently took place at  Headingley Cricket Ground, an annual celebration of the outstanding individuals, clubs, and organisations who power recreational cricket across the country. HPCL are delighted to celebrate Steph Bown of Almondbury Wesleyan Cricket Club, the winner of the Metro Bank Champion of Girls’ Cricket Award. Steph has been a true inspiration over the past three years, putting her heart and energy into developing women’s and girls’ cricket at Almondbury Wesleyan CC. Always willing to support others, Steph also helps guide new clubs looking to introduce girls’ cricket, sharing her knowledge and experience to ensure sessions are friendly, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. Congratulations, Steph! If you would like any further information about W&G Cricket in Huddersfield please visit our W&G Resources page on the HPCL Website for more details </article> <article> <h1>2026 Rules Revision Results</h1> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:23:00 +0000 The December AGM revealed the results of the draft of rule change proposals put forward by Clubs and Executives and are as follows: CLUB PROPOSALS <h2 data-end="910" data-start="864">Item 1 — Mandatory One-Day Wide Lines</h2> Result: ❌ Rejected For: 21 | Against: 17 | % In Favour: 55. <h2 data-end="1054" data-start="1000">Item 2 — Practice Allowed Without Restriction</h2> Result: ✅ Carried For: 36 | Against: 2 | % In Favour: 94. <h2 data-end="1193" data-start="1142">Item 3 — Increased Sanctions for Slow Play</h2> Result: ✅ Carried For: 29 | Against: 9 | % In Favour: 76. <h2 data-end="1341" data-start="1281">Item 4 — Umpire Expenses (Compensation for No Teas)</h2> Result: ❌ Rejected For: 12 | Against: 26 | % In Favour: 31. <h2 data-end="1492" data-start="1431">Item 5 — Promotion into Championship from Conference</h2> Result: ❌ Rejected For: 23 | Against: 15 | % In Favour: 60. <h2 data-end="1634" data-start="1582">Item 6 — Coloured Clothing in the Sykes Cup</h2> This is under currently under review  EXECUTIVE PROPOSALS <h2 data-end="1829" data-start="1753">Item 7 — Reduction of Overs / Umpires’ Responsibility Clarification</h2> Result: ✅ Carried For: 29 | Against: 9 | % In Favour: 76. <h2 data-end="1984" data-start="1917">Item 8 — Increase in Waiver Time for Reduced-Overs Matches</h2> Result: ✅ Carried For: 34 | Against: 4 | % In Favour: 89. <h2 data-end="2142" data-start="2072">Item 9 — Addition of Conference 2nd XIs to the Oddfellows Cup</h2> Result: ❌ Rejected For: 24 | Against: 14 | % In Favour: 63. <h2 data-end="2295" data-start="2232">Item 10 — Non-Application of Sanctions Retrospectively</h2> Result: ✅ Carried For: 27 | Against: 11 | % In Favour: 71.     </article> <article> <h1>2026 T20 TROPHY AND SHIELD COMPETITIONS</h1> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 The T20 Trophy will be played on Sunday 24th May and the T20 Shield on Thursday 4th June 2026    T20 Trophy consists of 12 premiership teams in 4 groups of 3.   Group 1           Mirfield Parish Cavaliers will host Rastrick and Skelmanthorpe Group 2          Honley will host Shepley and Hoylandswaine Group 3          Golcar will host Kirkburton and Almondbury Wes Group 4          Moorlands will host Scholes and Armitage Bridge   T20 Shield has 27 teams competing as follows: Holmfirth v Flockton Denby Dale v Broad Oak Clayton West v Almondbury Birkby Rose Hill v Emley Clarence Kirkheaton v Thurstonland Mirfield v Lascelles Hall Holmbridge v Edgerton & Dalton Denby v Meltham Upperthong v Denby Grange Hall Bower v Cumberworth United Cartworth Moor v Delph & Dobcross   The following 5 teams have a bye : Barkisland, Thongsbridge, Slaithwaite, Shelley and Liinthwaite   </article> <article> <h1>2026 CUP DRAWS</h1> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 17:03:00 +0000 The draw for the Cups took place during the HPCL AGM on 3rd December 2025 and are as follows: SYKES CUP - Sunday 3rd May 2026 Shepley v Honley Mirfield Parish Cavaliers v Golcar Rastrick v Armitage Bridge Kirkburton v Hoylandswaine Slaithwaite v Barkisland Skelmanthorpe v Thongsbridge Shelley v Scholes Moorlands v Almondbury Wes   ODDFELLOWS  Sunday 3rd May 2026 Denby Grange v Denby Holmfirth v Broad Oak Edgerton & Dalton v Flockton Cartworth Moor v Thurstonland Denby Dale v Almondbury Clayton West v Holmbridge Birkby Rose Hill v Mirfield Upperthong v Emley Clarence Byes for Linthwaite, Delph & Dobcross, Hall Bower, Cumberworth United, Meltham, Marsden, Kirkheaton, Lascelles Hall   PADDOCK SHIELD - Sunday 3rd May 2026 Linthwaite v Moorlands Almondbury Wes v Kirkburton Thongsbridge v Mirfield Parish Cavs Golcar v Skelmanthorpe Hoylandswaine v Scholes Honley v Armitage Bridge Barkisland v Slaithwaite Delph & Dobcross v Holmfirth   EARNSHAW CUP - Sunday 3rd May 2026 Mirfield v Upperthong Marsden v Kirkheaton Thurstonland v Cumberworth United Meltham v Holmbridge Almondbury v Denby Dale Denby v Clayton West Emley Clarence v Cartworth Moor Flockton v Denby Grange   Byes for Shepley , Edgerton & Dalton, Shelley, Broad Oak, Rastrick, Hall Bower, Birkby Rose Hill , Lascelles Hall ALL GAMES WILL BE PLAYED ON SUNDAY 3RD MAY 2026 Reserve date is Sunday 10th May 2026       </article> <article> <h1>JOHN EDGE AWARDED THE FR STALLARD CUP</h1> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:11:00 +0000 John Edge, age 76, received the FR Stallard Cup for distinguished service at the Huddersfield Premier League’s annual dinner at Greenhead Masonic Hall — the proudest moment of his long cricketing career. Despite being diagnosed with bone marrow cancer in March, he celebrated his 50th year of involvement with the club. A former PE and maths teacher at Fartown High School and later a Royal Mail employee, Edge also tended the Rastrick ground for more than 20 years before Matthew Lambert took over. Congratulations John Content provided by William Marshall of Yorkshire Evening Post </article> <article> <h1>HPCL Presentation Evening 2025</h1> Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:26:00 +0000 Thank you to all who attended the awards night on Friday, it was great to see so many winners collecting their trophies in person. Below you will find links to the full list of Winners and photos from the event: <a href="https://1drv. <a href="https://huddersfieldcricketleague-static.     </article> <article> <h1>CHCC Pod #78 2026 Rules Revision Proposals Preview</h1> Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:55:00 +0000 Rules Proposals Explained This one’s a public information episode! Andrew and Jamie run through all ten rules-revision proposals submitted by clubs and the league executive for the 2026 season — breaking each one down into clear, simple chunks. Voting is open until 19 November, so if you’re involved with a club, now’s the time to listen in and chat with your committee before the deadline. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms. <iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-testid="embed-iframe" frameborder="0" height="352" loading="lazy" src="https://open. </article> <article> <h1>Jones and Kelly Honoured with Lady Sykes Candlesticks Awards</h1> Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:14:00 +0000 Two of the Huddersfield Cricket League’s most prestigious individual awards, the Lady Sykes Candlesticks, have been awarded to Tim Jones of Shelley and Simon Kelly of Honley for their exceptional contributions to their clubs and the game. Nominated by their respective clubs, both players have shown long-standing dedication both on and off the field. Tim Jones’s remarkable cricket journey spans an extraordinary 47 years in the Huddersfield Cricket League, during which he has played over 1,000 league and cup matches, scored more than 10,000 runs, and claimed over 1,100 victims behind the stumps across league, Heavy Woollen and Sykes Cup competitions — including around 950 league victims alone. Tim began his career at Shepley CC in 1978, scoring 50 on debut for the 2nd XI and featuring in the 1979 and 1981 Paddock Shield finals. In 1986, Tim joined Holmfirth CC, helping secure immediate promotion to the First Division. Moving to Shelley CC in 1999, Tim played a major role in the club’s transition from the Central League to the District League. In 2010, Tim joined Denby CC, where he assisted both on the field and on the committee, helping the club into the District League and to a 3rd Division title around 2013. He returned to Shelley CC in 2017, helping stabilise the club off the field and contributing to their 2nd Division title that same year. Across his distinguished career, Tim has: <ul> <li style="font-size: 17px;">Won the Premiership twice and finished runner-up once</li> <li style="font-size: 17px;">Won the Championship four times and the Conference once</li> <li style="font-size: 17px;">Won or achieved promotion in eight of the nine divisions</li> <li style="font-size: 17px;">Played in two Paddock Shield finals, two Sykes Cup semi-finals, one Crowther Cup final (winner), and the Champions of Champions final</li> </ul> Now proudly representing the Yorkshire Over-60s, Tim Jones stands as one of the Huddersfield League’s most enduring and dedicated cricketers — a true servant to the game on and off the field, and a thoroughly deserving winner of the Lady Sykes Candlestick Award.   Simon Kelly joined Honley in 2002 from Thongsbridge as a talented 20-year-old opening batsman. During his time at Honley, Simon has been a central figure in the club’s most successful era, helping secure six league titles under the captaincy of Rob “Archie” Moore. Off the field, Simon has been just as committed.   Congratulations to both players who will be presented with their awards at the 2025 Awards & Prize Presentation Evening on Friday 28th November, where they have been invited as guests of the League’s President. </article> <article> <h1>Thongsbridge CC Awarded the FE Greenwood Trophy</h1> Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:37:00 +0000 Thongsbridge CC have been awarded the FE Greenwood Trophy for producing a ground of high standard with improvements to playing area and amenitites  The club last won this trophy in 2019, the same year the new clubhouse was completed. Cricket can be a long game, and the surrounding environment plays an important role in shaping the enjoyment of both players and supporters. Congratulations to all those that worked tirelessly on and off the ground, improving the facilities and behind the scenes, your dedication and efforts have been recognised The trophy will be presented at the Awards Evening on 28th November at Greenhead Masonic Hall </article> <article> <h1>Awards – Recognising Excellence On and Off the Field</h1> Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:42:00 +0000 David Boulton Sporting Team of the Year: Cumberworth United 1XI Cumberworth United 1XI have been honoured with the David Boulton Sporting Team of the Year Award, recognising their fair play and exemplary conduct on the field. This accolade is based on detailed analysis of umpires’ reports and input from league committee members — a true reflection of the team’s outstanding sportsmanship throughout the season.   Tom Walker Trophy for Groundsman of the Year: Mark Roberts (Armitage Bridge) Congratulations to Mark Roberts of Armitage Bridge, winner of the Tom Walker Trophy. Mark has significantly improved the playing surface and outfields at Armitage Bridge whilst also working on other grounds across the Huddersfield League. A well deserved recognition of his outstanding commitment and hard work!   Tim Sugden Administration Award: Hall Bower Cricket Club Hall Bower Cricket Club has been honoured with the Tim Sugden Administration Award, recognising outstanding excellence in club administration. A thoroughly deserved accolade for Ian Hampshaw and everyone at Hall Bower Cricket Club, whose professionalism and commitment continue to set the standard.   Congratulations to all our award winners for their dedication, professionalism, and contribution to the continued success of cricket across the Huddersfield League! </article> </main></body></html>