I moved to Yorkshire six years ago and retired last December. My wife was kind enough to provide me with a season ticket for all the limited overs games for Yorkshire CCC.

In the 50s and 60s I can well remember listening to the radio and the phrase, "Trueman comes in from the Kirkstall Road end."

I was keen to partake of the Headingley experience.

Tony Harney's comments were straight to the core. The season ticket will not be renewed.

The problem is that cricket now appears to be the backdrop as against the main attraction and centre of attention.

The main concern, especially for the majority of those in the West Stand, appears to be constant trips to the bars to obtain beer, chips and hamburgers.

Chants

Another section of the crowd, for some reason which escapes me, dresses up in the silly costumes and throws beach balls about.

There was the constant noise of football-style chants and Mexican waves. Added to that were blasts of music to remind the crowd a six had been scored or a catch made etc. How batsman and fielders can concentrate is beyond me.

As a Welshman and a rugby fanatic I also had a season ticket for Leeds Tykes (or should I say Leeds Carnegie) for last season. Again that is not being renewed for very much the same reasons as above – loud music at regular intervals, cheer leaders and again the collection of beer and snacks while the game was in progress, not to mention the cost of the ticket for 80 minutes entertainment.

No doubt I will be accused by some as being a grumpy old man, but they are my feelings.

One further comment. I attended a Leeds United game and can anyone explain to me why all in the stand around me stood for the whole of the game (as I was required to do to see the game) when they had a perfectly good seat to sit in – which they had paid for.

Joys

Do football fans not realise if all sat down all would get a good view of the game. In addition there is the constant chanting.

What action have I taken? Quite simply I have become a member of a local rugby club where, for a modest membership fee, I have discovered the joys of 'grass roots' sport – excellent rugby, good company and a clubhouse which gives comfort and beer (after the game) at reasonable prices.

Add to that the ground and clubhouse is but a few minutes drive from where I live.

What joy to watch a game without blasts of music and all the pains that seem to go with the professional game!

Graham May,
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