Dutch courage as Ajax Cricket Club triumph at Raby Castle

Raby Castle Cricket Club welcomed visitors from the Netherlands on Sunday when they hosted Ajax Cricket Club of Leiden at what many regard as one of the most picturesque grounds in the region.

Ajax have toured England annually for more than 20 years, although their fixtures have traditionally been based down south. This year, however, they opted for a North East stay.

Ajax approached Raby chairman Glenn Solan to arrange a fixture after hearing glowing reports about the setting at the club’s historic ground.

After winning the toss, Raby invited their visitors to bat first and Ajax responded with a solid 206-7 from their allotted 35 overs. Joseph Bird was the standout performer with the ball for the home side, claiming five wickets.

Raby made a promising start to their reply as Chris Bird struck 47 and Matthew Turnbull added 20. However, regular wickets stalled the innings and the hosts eventually closed on 130-9, leaving Ajax comfortable winners.

Despite the result, the occasion proved a memorable one.

The Ajax players were said to be “blown away” by the surroundings and presented Raby with a commemorative clog to mark the visit.

Man-of-the-match Joseph Bird received an Ajax club cap, while umpire James Dykes was presented with an Ajax club tie.

The two teams continued celebrations at the Black Horse in Ingleton, where Raby were invited to the Netherlands for a return fixture.

And with the impeccably dressed Dutch tourists making an impression on and off the field, Glenn joked that Raby may now have to invest in some blazers of their own.