Tributes as event cut short
Two-day Yorkshire defeat disappoints spectators at most popular fixture on county circuit
Outgoing Scarborough Cricket Club chairman Bill Mustoe was bowled over by tributes at the 131st festival.
Outgoing Scarborough Cricket Club chairman Bill Mustoe was bowled over by tributes at the 131st festival at North Marine Road.
Mr Mustoe, whose links with the club started as a coach in 1971, said it was “a pleasure” to have been chairman for over 15 years.
“It has been a great privilege and a huge pleasure to have been involved. It’s a wonderful place and has support from all round the country.”
He praised Tesco for helping to transform the fortunes of the club, and also Boyes stores. “Boyes have supported over three centuries,” he said.
Mr Mustoe, of Newby, who played for the club and Harrogate, and chaired the Yorkshire senior league, added: “We have relaid the outfield and made the wicket better and that’s thanks to groundsman John Dodds.”
Geoff Cope, who played for Yorkshire from 1966 to 1980, paid tribute to Mr Mustoe and wife Liz at the festival dinner.
Speaking after the premature end of the festival with Yorkshire’s collapse at the hands of Essex in the first two-day defeat since 2003, Mr Cope said: “We appreciate the festival, we appreciate the cricket and we appreciate Scarborough. The ground has improved and I thank Bill for the years he has given.”
He also thanked secretary Colin Adamson for his many years of service. Mr Adamson told The Scarborough News: “It was unfortunate not to have the usual festival days but we thank all the spectators and we look forward to seeing them all again next year.”
The club is estimated to have lost up to £30,000 with the premature end to the play, although Tuesday would have been a wash-out regardless.
Ken Merchant, who travelled from Essex, said he will be back for his 36th festival visit next year: “There is something magical about Scarborough. The festival dates go in the diary at the start of the year. It’s the quality of the people and the supporters. What the club does within its financial limitations is first-class.”