SOMETHING has been bothering the looking back column all summer as, on our bike rides, we have watched a small but intriguing development of new houses grow on the edge of Great Smeaton, between Darlington and Northallerton.
From the get-go – or perhaps that should read ‘from the coin toss’ – the plots have had cricketing names: the first in was The Wicket and it is now being joined at the crease by properties called The Covers, The Boundary, The Fielding and The Ashes. Howzat? Well, outside The Wicket is a giant representation of a wicket.
It’s such a shame that the developer didn’t go the whole hog and name his houses The Silly Mid On, The Wrong ‘Un or The Googly.
The Wicket, in Great Smeaton - but what is the history of cricket in the village?
Anyway, on the 2017 planning application, the development site – behind East House which fronts onto the A167 – is described as “land south of the cricket ground, Hornby Road, Great Smeaton”.
So Great Smeaton must once have had its own cricket club. Can anyone tell us its story? Please email chris.lloyd@nne.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here