Cricket News

Both Albert and William Goldthorpe were noted local league cricketers, Albert with Hunslet and William with Shadwell United.

A correspondent has seen a medal presented by the Barkston Ash Cricket League to William in 1909 for services to local league cricket.

Albert Goldthorpe played cricket with the Hunslet Club for many years where he was known as a useful change bowler and a natural hitter. Albert captained the side to four Hepworth Cup Final victories and three Leeds League titles between 1904 and 1913. Albert was also a member of the side that won the League in 1895.

This Hunslet Club which played at Parkside and was a founder member of the Leeds League, should not be confused with the now better known Hunslet Nelson Club which was formed in 1906.

Local League Cricket was very popular in these early years with attendance's of 5000 not unusual for the big games. No time or overs limit was placed on the sides and it was possible for a team to bat all day.

Hepworth Cup Final Details

1904 Hunslet beat Leeds by 38 runs. In this game held at Armley Hunslet batted first and made 104 and then they bowled out the Leeds side for 66.

1906 Around 1500 spectators witnessed the semi-final and saw Hunslet beat Armley by one wicket. In the final played at Armley Leeds were again beaten this time by 80 runs. Hunslet made 183 and the Leeds team made 103.

1912 Hunslet scored 222 in the Semi-Final to defeat North Leeds by 105 runs. They almost matched that score in the Final, which was held at Holbeck, again they batted first this time making 221 before bowling out there opponents Kirkstall Educational for 137 and winning the game by 84 runs.

1913 Holbeck was again the venue with the other finalist being Leeds who batted first and made 133. But Hunslet bettered that score to win by three Wickets.

1914 Hunslet lost this low scoring game against Allerton Bywater by 18 runs. Chasing the modest total of 101 they could only muster 83.

After the 1914 season Leeds League cricket was suspended because of the outbreak of war so bringing Albert's Cricket career to an end.


Australian Tour

The Australian Cricket touring side played their first ever game in Leeds at the Woodhouse Hill ground in 1878. The opposition was a Hunslet & District side of 18 players. The match was drawn.

Shadwell Cricket Club Hunslet Cricket Club Certificate