The Twelfth Man 2020

Jonathan Doidge last year succeeded Dave Callaghan as the BBC Radio Leeds ‘voice of Yorkshire cricket’. Dave, whom we still all miss, was a stalwart supporter of the Wombwell and the wider cricket society movement, and we hope that Jonathan is going to become just as vital a cog in the Wombwell machine. He is a journalist and broadcaster who heralds from a staunch Yorkshire cricket family. Long before microphones and sports writing, Jonathan represented the Bradford Junior League in the Joe Lumb competition alongside the likes of Simon Kellett and David Leatherdale. A stress fracture of his hip after one too many long spells as a pace bowler curtailed aspirations of progressing to professional cricket, although his brother Mat- thew managed Second XI action for Yorkshire and a first-class appearance against the Indians in 1990. Jonathan is a multi- sport broadcaster with a passion for horse racing, but he lives and breathes Yorkshire cricket. He Is still settling into a revered seat that many cricket fans thought would be filled by ‘Cally’ in his inimitable style for years to come. The death of Dave Callaghan shook the cricketing community and the West Yorkshire station rotated his replacement during 2018. Jonathan then took on his new role very wisely by just being himself. He seems to be someone who is chuffed to have landed his dream job and that enthusiasm is infectious, wheth- er on air or on line. An undoubted bonus is that with his back- ground of muddy whites in Yorkshire’s leagues the grassroots game will get its moment in the limelight whenever the chance arises. In the question and answer session we covered all aspects of Yorkshire cricket both at county and club level. Subjects cov- ered extensively included Jonathan’s own background, the new 100-ball competition, his favourite commentators and the present YCCC’s prospects for 2020, including a discussion on the outstanding youngsters. This concluded an excellent evening. Jonathan Doidge (R) with Andy Jones JONATHAN DOIDGE 24 October 2019 Andy Dawson (L) with Chris Barron It was a night when perhaps no-one should have been out. The rainstorms that next day would devastate South Yorkshire with floods were lashing down as we arrived and had not abated when we left. Several members had notified their roads were closed so it was no surprise that only eleven were present at Ardsley Oaks to hear from Andy Dawson, Commercial Director at Yorkshire CCC. Andy explained the role of Commercial Director and highlighted some of the recent successes in his field that was helping to turn round Yorkshire’s financial situation, thus supporting the continuance of the county club. After time in similar roles at the likes of Derby County and Hull City he was given his opportunity at Yorkshire by Colin Graves in 2012. During that time commer- cial income has gone from £6.8 million per year to £8.9 million in 2018 and was expected to reach £17 million in 2019 on the back of the new stand and the joint venture with Leeds Rugby. Membership has increased from 4,500 to 9,000 as a result of the alternative to full membership in Club Yorkshire and spon- sorship income rose from £345,000 to £1.4 million. But it wasn’t all about money and Andy went onto say he had married a Yorkshire lass and was deeply involved in Yorkshire cricket. He talked honestly about the season just past, recalling that Yorkshire had still been in with a shout at the beginning of September, but acknowledged that the performances against Somerset and Kent ‘had left a sour taste’ right at the end. The record of sixth in the Royal London and T20 Blast were once again disappointing. Despite the low turn-out members were engaged right to the end with a wide range of questions. Considering that Andy had to get home to Brough in East Yorkshire we were very grateful for his commitment for visiting us on an appalling night. ANDY DAWSON 7 November 2019 34 35