Harehills ❤️ Love

Exciting news for cricket enthusiasts in Harehills! A brand new cricket net facility has opened in Harehills Park, providing a state-of-the-art training ground for players of all ages and abilities.

This ECB-approved, enclosed system features a single lane with natural-color carpet bordered in green, complete with training lines to help players perfect their batting and bowling techniques. The facility boasts an ECB-approved non-turf pitch system and HD Protection Tunnel netting, ensuring a safe and high-quality practice environment.

Developed by cricket pitch experts Total Play Ltd, the new nets are built to exacting standards, providing a valuable resource for the community.

Here’s what Harehills Councillor Salma Arif (and Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles and Culture) had to say about the new facilities and what it means for the area:

This exciting development highlights the continued passion for cricket in Harehills, a passion that has deep roots in our community’s history. And today, we celebrate a true Harehills cricketing legend who emerged from these very streets: Barrie Leadbeater.

Born and raised in Harehills, Leadbeater’s journey began on the local pitches, where he honed his skills and developed a love for the game. He went on to represent Yorkshire County Cricket Club with distinction, showcasing his talent as a right-hand batsman and a useful right-arm medium-pace bowler.  

Playing Career:

• Man of the Match in the 1969 Gillette Cup Final: This was arguably the peak of his playing career. He scored 76 runs despite playing with a broken finger! He wasn’t even supposed to play, but stepped in when Geoffrey Boycott was injured. This win was Yorkshire’s first Gillette Cup victory
• Solid County Cricketer: Leadbeater was a reliable middle-order batsman for Yorkshire from 1966 to 1979. Though he preferred opening, he adapted to the team’s needs. He had a decent first-class average of 25.34, with one century and 27 fifties
• Long and Respected Umpiring Career: Leadbeater umpired first-class matches from 1982 to 2005, officiating in 147 first-class and 106 List A games
• International Umpire: He even stood in 5 One Day Internationals between 1983 and 2000

After hanging up his bat, Leadbeater transitioned seamlessly into umpiring, becoming a familiar face on the first-class circuit. He officiated in numerous matches, including One Day Internationals and even served as the third umpire in two Test matches. His keen eye and fair judgment earned him respect from players and colleagues alike.  

Leadbeater’s contributions to cricket extend beyond his playing and umpiring days. He has served as president of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club Players’ Association, demonstrating his continued commitment to the sport and its community.

His story is a testament to the passion for cricket that thrives in Harehills. It’s a reminder that our community has nurtured talented individuals who have made their mark on the national and international stage.

And while Barrie Leadbeater’s legacy lives on, the future of cricket in Harehills is bright. The new cricket net facility in Harehills Park, along with the well-used artificial pitch at Banstead Park, ensures that opportunities to play and enjoy this beloved sport remain abundant.

Just last year, the Junior Sports Hub (JSH) girls’ Wicketz cricket team emerged as runners-up in the indoor girls’ cricket tournament in Dewsbury, demonstrating the talent and dedication of young cricketers in Harehills. The JSH also hosted a thrilling street cricket competition in August and continues to provide cricket activities throughout the year.

With dedicated facilities, passionate individuals, and a thriving community spirit, cricket in Harehills is poised for continued success in the years to come.