'A sight not often seen these days': YEP photographer captures cricket match in Harehills backstreet

YEP photographer Tony Johnson's shot captures a street cricket match in Harehills in full swing

Tony stumbled on the game by chance on Wednesday evening as he walked back to his car, which was parked opposite the back street off Hovingham Avenue.

A group of men were protecting his car from stray balls and Tony spotted the opportunity for the shot.

Tony, who has been with the YEP for 20 years, said: “I didn’t pay much attention and just wandered over, then I saw they were playing cricket and knew I wanted the shot.

“They lapped it up, they said they’re out playing whenever they can - kids and adults together.

"They were great lads to have a chat with, I loved spending a few minutes in their company.”

Later that evening, Tony posted the picture on Twitter with the caption: "A sight not often seen these days, cricket played on the streets, taken in Harehills."

The post has now reached more than half a million impressions, with Gaby Logan and Greg James sharing the picture.

Praise has poured in for Tony's shot on social media.

One user said: "This is what cricket is all about. Sadly nowadays you don’t see this very often, growing up in Sheepscar we would have cricket matches in the street and everyone that lived in the street would take part."

Another added: "This is how legends are shaped and made, back alley cricket."

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