FINALLY, in a fraught end to the season caused by fixture rearrangements (an ever-present danger at this level) I have completed all 41 Northern League grounds in the same season, and what a beautiful ground to end it all, Esh Winning’s Waterhouses, AKA the 'WindowsPlusRoofs Arena’. (It should also say ‘and old bus stands’ given the structures down one side of the pitch.) Yes, the scenic Deerness valley is the location for this late re-arrangement, and one advantage of its late season position is that the sun sets that little bit later, allowing a longer view of the surrounding hills and trees. And on the far bank, by the all-seater ‘stands’ that are a couple of sheds with the front removed, there is the sound of the lesser-spotted Thames Estuary groundhopper, as 3 surprisingly young blokes chat about their latest exploits, and staying in the nearby Durham City. Well done those lads.
Without another game on tonite, it’s perhaps also inevitable that I bump into my old History teacher again, for probably the 5th time this season. Standing with his mates, second half, by the bus shelters, conversation turned to completing all the grounds in one season. To their knowledge, November was the earliest it’s been done. These old timers mainly stick to the County Durham grounds, but to be fair to the Northern League, they’re the best ones…Esh, Tow Law, Crook, West Auckland…even Brandon at a push (well, I like Brandon).
Down what looks like a farm track, Waterhouses has a large field for a car park, ample enough for the crowds they get. Another late season bonus is I don’t have to worry about the car getting stuck in the mud. A walk round the ground to the main entrance, and into the ground under a propped cover attached to the clubhouse. A quirky main stand is adjacent to the left, a roof pointing upwards towards the sky, no use if the winds blowing this way. To the right, a small wooden cover and couple of steps of terracing, while the fence carries round behind the goal. Wooden barriers prevent you leaning against the fence (is it that unsturdy?) while a pitch roller lies beyond signs warning against bad language. Try telling the players.
The match itself is a procession, after early resistance from Esh. Carlisle are on their way to a late season run to the Championship, winning game after game in hand on long time leaders Heaton Stannington. I have to admit, by the end, I’d lost track of the score. It finished 4, it could have been twice as many. Well done Carlisle on mission completed and good luck next season in division 1. For Esh, fingers crossed their second off bottom spot doesn’t result in demotion. Waterhouses would be a sorry loss to the Northern League. **
** In the end, Esh were saved by the resignation of Ryhope CW from the Northern League (in the same season they’d won the Durham Challenge Cup; a unique double).
The Damage:
£5 ent
£1 tea
£0.50 Blue Riband
= £6.50
The Tunes:
The Voltarol Years (Half Man Half Biscuit)
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