On a fine day, Yorkshire Gentlemen's captain Geoff Barker, had no hesitation in batting first on winning the toss.
Straight away the opening partnership of David O'Kelly and James Van Der Merwe was tucking into the bowling attack of Hull Old Grammarians. O'Kelly and Van Der Merwe put on 132 in around 90 minutes before O'Kelly was first out for 35. Van Der Merwe soon followed for 96 being run out by a direct hit pushing hard for a tight second run.
At lunch the Yorkshire Gentlemen were on 176 for 2 with Chris Klays and Joe Horner maintaining the momentum from the opening partnership. This continued after lunch, the third wicket partnership yielding 68 before Klays was out for a well made 44. Phil Holland added further useful runs with Horner before Barker declared on the run out of Holland with the score on 247 for 4. Horner had played a controlled innings of 43 not out.
Alfie Oliver ran in hard from the school end and dismissed both Hull Old Grammarians' openers cheaply. At tea the opposition batting were struggling at 26 for 5 and a very early finish looked likely. The Old Grammarians had other ideas however, and after tea, Dave Barrick looked to attack the Yorkshire Gentlemen's bowling at every opportunity. He shared a 75 run partnership for the 7th wicket with Harne who provided valuable support.
Leg-spinner Wayne Goldstein bowled a steady 11 overs spell from the school end either side of tea, but was unable to break through. Barker introduced Holland from the pavilion end and he immediately had Harne LBW for 22 and followed this up by bowling Brett for a duck. Barker then gave Van Der Merwe a go with his off spin and he soon induced a mis hit from Barrick who was caught by Goven for an excellent 73. Barker replaced Goldstein with Oliver at the school end and Oliver quickly finished things off by bowling the opposition number 11, Stocks for a duck.
The Grammarians batted 10 overs into the last hour and finished on 136 – so although the Gentlemen won by a significant margin, the visitors did well to take the game deep.
Match report by Geoff Barker
Congratulations to Geoff and his team on a good win. The Grammarians have proved to be a tough match for us in recent seasons.