The YG's returned to winning ways against Little Valley in emphatic fashion on a day filled with rain delays. The toss was won by YG's player Neil Dale in the absence of match manager Phil Holland and he chose to bat.
James Van Der Merwe (left) - 133 not out and Jason Dale 60 not out (right)
It was a slow start for the Gents and it didn't take long for the fall of the first wicket, Rich Exley falling for a duck in the 4th over. This however was to be the only scalp the Little Valley were able to take. Jason Dale (60*) and James Van Der Merwe (133*) set about rebuilding the innings steadily increasing the run rate throughout. They passed the 100 partnership in the 26th over and with only 14 overs left Van Der Merwe really put his foot down after being promised a free coffee from Paul if he were to score a century! His last 65 runs came from only 26 deliveries in an innings that featured 13 4s and 4 6s.
In a bid to remove the set batsmen both opening bowlers were bowled out by the 31st over and in the last 10 overs of the innings the visitors started to capitulate including dropping 4 catches. The Gents racking up the highest score (223), Highest Partnership (221) and highest individual score (133) of the 2020 season. Rain brought the innings to a close with 2 overs still to be bowled, an early tea taken in the process.
There was a quick change over but only the one over was bowled before the rain came down again, this time more heavily than any point in the day previously.
With many YG's already changed and thinking about their dinners at home, the rain eased and the umpires and captains managed to devise a new target of 118 from 20 overs. The Gents took to the field for a second time, some light drizzle still in the air. The Little Valley played with strong intent but with a wet outfield and some tight bowling from all 6 bowlers used were never able to get ahead of the rate. Opening bowler Alfie Oliver who was raring to go after being padded up for the entirety for the Gents innings took 2-13, his second wicket coming thanks to an excellent catch taken at mid on by Mikey Naylor.
Rich Exley was able to redeem himself as he came on for a 3 over spell that also bore 2 wickets and stunted the visitors innings. A lone hand of 32 by Will Soden took the Little Valley to 78-5 giving the YG's a comfortable 40 run victory.
Report by : Alex Bindloss