THE enthusiasm and dedication shown by members of High Farndale Cricket Club in restoring village cricket to this far-flung outpost is to be greatly applauded.

Without any cricket in 2001 because of the threat of foot-and-mouth, the future for the club appeared bleak. But, against the odds, they are back, their return confirmed by a home encounter with Spout House in the Feversham League.

Brian Leckenby's allegiance to cricket in general is well known, but despite other higher profile commitments, he always tries to make himself available to play for High Farndale.

On this occasion his presence was vital, as his knock of 52 out of a High Farndale total of 93-7 bears ample testimony. The next highest score was nine from R Atkinson.

For Spout House, young James Allison bowled well to take 3-10, supported by Harley Karanidas with 2-18.

Although they could only muster nine players, Spout House made a determined effort to win the match, led by Robin Garbutt with 41. But only Karanidas could offer Garbutt worthwhile support with a defiant 14 as Spout House were eventually dismissed for 84, James Blacklock and Leckenby each taking two wickets.

The two teams met again in the Lady Feversham cup, this time at Spout House, where R Aconley's 29 not out virtually ensured a pretty useful total for High Farndale, who proceeded to amass 81-8.

Once again it was the bowling of James Allison, with 4-28, who kept Spout House in the hunt. M Farrar took 2-8.

The home side then found James Blacklock too much of a handful and they crashed to 46 all out, Blacklock recording excellent figures of 5-10.

Back in the Feversham League, a very young Harome side made the trip to Spout House and struggled to 49-6, with only P Marwood (19) reaching double figures as James Allison returned 3-11.

The difficulties experienced by many sides in turning out a full complement of 11 players for evening cricket was highlighted by Spout House, who only had eight available for this encounter.

Even so, they overhauled the Harome total for the loss of only three wickets, Farrer making 18 not out and Obank undefeated on 15