Yorkshire cricketing legend Geoffrey Boycott doubtless had some trenchant opinions on England’s failure to capitalise on a winning position in Sunday’s Champions Trophy final against India. But instead of sharing them with BBC radio listeners, he was supporting the Leeds communal six-a-side cricket tournament, held in the grounds of Harewood House stately home.
The tournament raised funds for the Donisthorpe home and a children’s cancer charity and Boycott said: “One never knows when one will fall on hard times and need the help that charities offer. I was a sportsman all my life, fit as a butcher’s dog. I never smoked and never drank — and then out of the blue I was diagnosed with cancer on the left side of my tongue, a cancer usually associated with smoking and heavy drinking. Cancer does not discriminate, so I fully understand the importance of fundraising for this worthwhile cause.”
Following his appearance at the cricket, Boycott was due to tee off at the Jewish Moor Allerton Golf Club, which he has recently joined. His only complaint was that the club did not serve bacon sandwiches. The suggestion from tournament co-organiser Richard Levin that “you might get one at the Sinai [Reform] Synagogue” was greeted by a chorus of disapproval from the Sinai players.
The competition was won by a team from Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue and individual awards went to Alex Orbaum and Adam Kaminsky.