After a week's break the YG's returned to Escrick Park to face The Hawks.
YG’s in action against The Hawks - in the late summer sunshine
With rainfall over night and cloudy skies Gents captain Jason Dale won the toss and inserted the visitors. He was rewarded for this decision thanks to some fine bowling from Will Middleton (2-18), Alex Bindloss (2-32) and Jordan Richardson (2-30); at one stage reducing The Hawks to 33-4.
Opening batsman J. Priestlery set about repairing the damage. He had his fair share of fortune on the way, being put down 3 times; originally when he was 15. He punished the YGs for their errors and went on to make 51.
It was a particularly poor fielding performance by the home team who in total dropped 7 catches. Despite this they were able to keep taking wickets, the 7th wicket falling in the 27th over with the score on 124. This began a partnership between D. Rock and W. Topham who dealt almost purely in boundaries for the remainder of the innings. D. Rock with an array of scintilating shots scoring 62 with 6 sixes and three 4s. This crucial 8th wicket partnership of 65 helped the Hawks post a very respectable total of 197-8 off the 40 overs.
The sun came out later into the afternoon but it didn't shine on the YG's opening batsmen both falling LBW to opposition captain Charlie Parker (2- 27).
Watch out for the wasp Will
This brought James Van Der Merwe to the crease fresh off the back of his century in the previous game and he continued where he left off. Joined by Salman Syed (27) they set about creating a platform and took the score to 111 before C. Marsden took a double wicket maiden once again changing the state of the game against the Gents.
However unlike previous chases in the season by the Gents Phil Holland (31) and James VDM kept the momentum going. They ran very well between the wickets with the odd boundary keeping the rate just under 5 for majority of the innings.
James Van Der Merwe during his match winning innings
It was a beautifully timed chase. The Gents claimed victory with 10 balls to spare and 5 wickets in hand. James Van Der Merwe (116*) bringing up his second successive unbeaten century of the season and claiming the man of the match award in the process. He now has over 250 runs at the ground without being dismissed.
A lovely comment from Paul White: ‘ During my time as scorer, l do not recollect a batsman achieving back to back, undefeated centuries; very well done to James Van Der Merve.’
A memorable win for the Gents who have never won this fixture against the Hawks previously.
Report by: Alex Bindloss