Headingley turf up for grabs

Walking out at Headingley Carnegie may be a distant dream for Yorkshire fans, but the club are offering the next best thing.

Supporters will soon be able to step out on to the hallowed turf every day after Yorkshire announced they will donate half their outfield when it is replaced at the end of the season.

Yorkshire are relaying the pitch in September to install improved drainage and irrigation systems, and are keen to give the old outfield to a local school or club.

That means young and old alike will have the opportunity to strut their stuff on some of the most famous cricketing grass in the country, which has seen Ian Botham’s 1981 Ashes heroics, Geoffrey Boycott’s 100th first-class hundred and Don Bradman’s 334 against England.

Yorkshire would like to donate the outfield to a club in need of assistance, although the club must be willing to transport the pitch themselves after it is dug up on September 10.

Any clubs interested in getting their hands on a unique piece of Yorkshire history should contact Hayley Wood by August 8 via email or by writing to Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Leeds LS6 3BU.