The Gents took on Sheffield University Staff in the final game of the infamous 2020 season. It was a bitterly cold day with a strong wind blowing towards the pavilion, the YG's flag clear to be seen throughout.
The toss was won by the home team who chose to bat, a common occurrence this season. A similar occurrence was the Gents slow start, they had moved to just 42 when drinks were taken at the halfway mark. When Gents opener Will Shaw was dismissed he boldly claimed 'we could defend 80 on this pitch'.
Rich Exley and Jason Dale batting at the time set about proving him wrong. Exley brought up his half century first followed shortly by Dale which brought up the 100 partnership in the process. At this stage the rate of scoring had greatly increased thanks to an array of lusty blows. They matched each other shot for shot and with 2 overs of the innings remaining both were within touching distance of centuries. Exley fell for 94 off 86 balls, a brilliant innings that brought real impetus to the Gents innings.
Dale was able to convert with a mighty six clearing the sight screen, claiming his maiden ton in the process. An innings of two halfs, a run rate of 2 for the first 20 overs and 9 for the final 20.
SUS set about chasing the 220 needed to win but tight bowling gave very few opportunities to score quickly they could never quite get ahead of the rate. They finished on 138-6 a run rate of under 4 giving the Gents a 81 run win.
A great end to a successful season especially considering at one point earlier in the year it looked like there may have been no cricket played at all.
Report by: Alex Bindloss
Plenty of people to thank for their tremendous efforts on and off the pitch in this exceptional year. In spite of a truncated season, the club has taken many positives from it.
Former President Malcolm Watson:
“What a successful, truncated season we have had at Escrick this summer. I was fortunate to be able to attend about 5 of the games and witness some fine performances by the YGs with both bat and ball and the emergence of some good younger cricketers leavened by some excellent senior performances. Well done to all concerned including Bill for arranging the fixtures at short notice, the match managers for getting the sides together and leading from the front, Alex Bindloss's on-line match reports and as always Paul's immaculate scoring and club house management.
Well done to all concerned.”