Another wonderful weekend of cricket for the YG’s who hosted the Radley Ranger’s in a two day game.
Under slate grey Yorkshire skies that would have troubled the light meters of most umpires the Rangers opted to bat first. They batted well and with purpose compiling a competitive first innings total of 219-7 declared after 41 overs. Mungo Fawcett top scored with a quick fire 48 not out. Alex Bindloss and Will Middleton did the bulk of the work for the YG’s with good spells either side of the lunch break.
The YG’s got off to a bad start losing two wickets inside the first couple of overs. They recovered well with Jeremy Phillips (30 retired injured) digging in and Phil Holland (46) and Henry Crawford (49) playing more fluently at the other end. Soaking up the overs the YG’s finished day one on 136.
On conclusion of the days play the teams enjoyed a wonderful BBQ and evening socialising before the Radley Rangers went to their overnight accommodation for further socialising into the early hours of Sunday morning.
Day two the YG’s resumed their innings in an obvious attempt to wear the opposition down and close the first innings gap - declaring on 184-8.
It worked. Having largely dominated the first days play the Radley Rangers were blown away in their second innings by some fine bowling from Alex Bindloss who finished with 5-15 off 6 overs. At one stage they were 5-4. They were eventually bowled out for 86 with two wickets for Will Middleton and three for Mikey Naylor.
Needing 122 for victory the YG’s batted patiently to see off the opening bowlers before accelerating and reaching their target with 9 overs and nine wickets to spare. David O’Kelly finishing on 51 and Salman Syed 57.
A wonderful weekend of cricket played in excellent spirit. It is always a pleasure to welcome the Radley Rangers to the club. A huge thank-you to them in keeping the fixture alive and travelling North given the current situation. We look forward to their return next season.