Dave Hardman

Oakworth Cricket Club - Player Profile

Dave Hardman Oakworth CC 1981 to 1986 & 1989 to 1990

David Hardman first played cricket at Knowle Park C.C. and drew attention of many a pundit during the 1960s. He went on to a distinguished semi-pro cricketing career at Keighley C.C. in the Bradford League. In 1981 David made his Oakworth debut on 1^st May v Foulridge and he returned 3 for 50. Together with Jeff Moor he formed one half of perhaps the most destructive bowling pairing Oakworth has ever produced. Jeff’s prodigious swing was countered by David’s unerring accuracy and together they shared all 10 wickets on no less than 10 occasions.

The batsmen of Embsay have good reason to remember David since his best return of 8 for 19 was at their losing expense in 1983. 3 years on a second Hardman 8-timer (8 for 21) was enough to evict Long Lee from the Charity Cup. David’s short Oakworth First XI career brought him 241 league wickets at only 13.66 apiece. His bowling economy rate of 44 is the best recorded for Oaks post-war. He came up with twenty-five 5-wicket hauls in his 8 seasons with Oaks, 19 in the League, 4 in the Keighley Cup and 2 in the Wynn Cup. With his bat he was less prominent but would be a founder member of any Oaks Red-inker club as he remained unbowed in 23 of his 48 innings, which brought him 211 runs. His best knock with the bat was 20 at Cononley in 1983.

David Hardman’s crowning glory was on 19^th August 1984 when he led from the front with a match-winning 6 for 53 to wrest the Keighley Charity Cup from Oxenhope. It was only the 2^nd time Oakworth had gained the prized silverware. That same year under David’s leadership Oaks finished level on points with Thornton-in-Craven, who won the Championship courtesy of their 15 wins to Oaks 14. The near miss was Oakworth’s best Craven & District League season at the time.

All-in-all David’s Captaincy brought 47 league victories in 88 fixtures in which he lead the First Team. The last match he played for Oakworth First XI was in 1990.

A couple of seasons playing and mentoring the Second XI in 1989 and 1990 brought yet more achievements for David Hardman. His 8 for 9 v Sutton IIs is Oaks 2^nd XI best Craven & District League bowling performance. His 8 for 13 v Upper Wharfedale IIs is also 2^nd on that particular list.

Keighley Cup Winners Medal 1984