Reports of terminal decline decidedly premature

IN his report of the opening day's play between Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire at North Marine Road last July, the Guardian journalist David Hopps wrote: "This was one of those days when cricket at Scarborough seemed in terminal decline.

"It was not the size of the crowd, which was healthy enough to provide a slow handclap at a decent volume whenever a sullen, drizzly day forced the players from the field.

"It is the sheer lack of pride: the rubbish strewn outside the back entrance, the blocked drain that gushed soapy water across the concourse behind the pavilion, the squalor of fag ends and assorted rubbish, the toilets that did not flush last year and predictably did not flush this.

"Scarborough has it easy," Hopps went on. "Everybody rocks up happily, quoting for the umpteenth time JM Kilburn's famous phrase about it being 'county cricket on holiday'.

"It is a wonderful, natural amphitheatre where the sound of bat on ball competes with the squawk of gulls.

"But in a year where summer holidays in England are meant to make a comeback – a trend encapsulated in that awful phrase 'staycation' – North Marine Road's shortcomings remind us why this might be shortlived."

Hopps's sentiments were not without foundation.

There were, indeed, bits of rubbish strewn outside the back entrance and some of the toilets did not flush properly – most notably the one at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the press box, which may or may not have been significant.

But the words "terminal decline" were a little harsh and created the impression of a dying arena.

The comments hurt the Scarborough staff, who work tirelessly to stage two County Championship and two one-day games each year and who take great pride in hosting Yorkshire matches.

And yet Scarborough chairman Bill Mustoe and his dedicated team were honest enough to recognise there was sufficient truth in Hopps's words to make a concerted attempt to put things right.

Helped by a NatWest Cricket Force initiative in March, when local volunteers pitched in to give the ground a lick of paint and a general tidy-up, Scarborough received a welcome facelift to mollify the most demanding observer.

The improvements drew favourable comments from players and spectators alike during Yorkshire's visit to North Marine Road last week, where Andrew Gale's men maintained their stunning start to the season with victories over Northamptonshire and Essex.

Reflecting on Hopps's remarks, Mustoe said: "I thought some of the criticism was over the top.

"At the same time, we faced up to the fact there was an element of truth in it and have tried to do something about it.

"We've made various improvements to the pavilion and seating and the ground is definitely looking much better than it did last season.

"The press box has been refurbished and we might even get an air con unit in there later in the summer, which should please the journalists!"

Mustoe said the local community had rallied in support.

Volunteers gave freely of their time and labour to polish the jewel in Yorkshire's crown.

"During the NatWest Cricket Force scheme, we had 350 people on the ground all wanting to help," he added.

"Local suppliers donated materials and gave us discounts, and it was a big community effort.

"We're the largest fixed-seating arena outside of the Test match grounds and, as such, we have a huge maintenance job on our hands.

"But we had some lovely comments from spectators last week who said things like, 'My word, what a difference!' and people seem to like what we've done."

Despite enhancing North Marine Road's reputation as one of the country's finest out-grounds, Mustoe admitted there was more to do. "One of the things we've got to do now is decide on the future of the West Stand," he said.

"Do we try and develop it in some way or other, knowing that would cost a lot of money?

"Then there's the railings in front of the enclosures. They're Victorian, and, although they're okay, they need a huge amount of looking after and maintenance.

"But, as we saw here last week, Scarborough remains one hell of a venue to play and watch cricket.

"It's got a great atmosphere and people enjoy coming here as much as they've ever done.

"It's well-documented we're close to signing a new 10-year staging agreement with Yorkshire and that's been agreed in principle.

"I think the future of cricket at North Marine Road is very healthy."

Last week showcased plenty that was good about Yorkshire cricket in general and Scarborough in particular.

Despite the fact the games were played on the east coast in early May, a lovely time was had by all.

"It was a terrific week – one of the best I can remember here," added Mustoe.

"Sunday was a bitterly cold day for the one-day game against Northamptonshire but we had sunshine for the Championship match and good crowds of just under 2,000 each day.

"On top of that, Yorkshire played extremely well and I think they're showing all the signs of developing into a great unit.

"They're working for each other, there's a great team spirit and I'm absolutely delighted for Andrew Gale and the players."

Scarborough now has just over three months to prepare for its annual festival.

Yorkshire play Middlesex in the Clydesdale Bank 40 League at North Marine Road on August 22 and take on Hampshire in the Championship over the following four days.

"We're looking forward with great anticipation to the festival and, given more good crowds and favourable weather, it should be another big success," said Mustoe.

"And if Yorkshire are still top of the Championship by then, that would be fantastic."

Mustoe and his staff deserve a pat on the back for taking criticism on the chin and responding positively.

They also possess a keen sense of humour.

The press box toilet, refurbished and kitted out with photographs of old Scarborough festivals, now has a new sign on the door.

From now on, journalists answer the call of nature at '"The Hopps Inn'.