The last couple of weeks have seen the YG’s involved in some good games cricket, although not always in a winning cause. Plenty of good performances to note though including a second century of the season for James Van der Merwe. Match reports below with a selection of images.
YG’s vs St Peter’s School - 4th May 2022
The YG’s, as is the custom, elected to bat first. Will Shaw got us off to a strong start with an aggressive 45 and was ably supported by Cameron King and Charlie Elliott with 45 and 37. Brother Angus Shaw then added some late impetus to the innings with a knock of 42 off 23 balls with 4 sixes to give us respectable score of 218 for 9.
In response St Peter’s openers then rather took our bowling attack apart. Young Bennison in particular played a classy knock of real quality, that was not only stylish but aggressive. They reached their target without losing a wicket off just 25 overs. A Wood 59 not out and W. Bennison 142 to his name. Well played school. It is always a pleasure to visit St Peter’s, and we look forward extracting revenge on our return next season.
YGCC vs Sheffield University Staff – 8 May 2022 – MM Phil Holland
After a slightly later scheduled start, YGCC elected to bat, in the tradition we are accustomed to, “You know what I mean…” against a 10-man Sheffield University Staff side. The opening bowlers restricted our opening batsman David O’Kelly and Jason Dale. The first boundary came in the 13th over and after losing David and Jason, YGCC were only on 52 off 29 overs. After a momentary discussion with Geoffrey Barker 41 not-out and Salman Syed 89 not-out, they were encouraged to up the run rate which they did in spectacular fashion, taking YGCC to 197/2 at the declaration.
YGCC in high spirits took to the field after lunch hoping for wickets to fall early. Unfortunately, this was not the case and the opening batsman for Sheffield were in destructive mode, scoring 62 after 11 overs. C Pandya (36) went first and K Wan (63) who controlled the innings for some time thereafter came down the track to Salman Syed with his bails flying past Neil Dale, our veteran wicketkeeper. Thank God for that and YGCC went on to draw the game with Sheffield University ending their day on 169/6. Bowling performances by Salman Syed 2-12 off 5 overs, young Scott Coates 2-22 off 6 overs and welcome to Francis Pereira, our new spin bowler, 1-27 off 9 overs. Once again, thanks to Paul White and our catering staff for all their hard work on the day.
Match Report by Phil Holland
Pocklington School v Yorkshire Gentlemen - Wednesday 11th May 2022
Yorkshire Gentlemen romp to vistory in rain-reduced game.
After a rain delay, this game was reduced to 32 overs per side. The Pocklington School captain elected to bat on winning the toss and Holland and Jackson looked to attack at every opportunity in a partnership of 52 for the second wicket.
The introduction of father and son leg-spinners Jonny and Henry Sumner stemmed the flow of runs and Jonny got the vital breakthrough when he trapped Holland LBW. Jonny was the pick of the YG bowlers ending with 4 for 33 from his 8 overs. Henry Sumner bowled tidily to take 2 for 42 and left arm spinner, Rob Dover picked up 2 late wickets to end the Pocklington School innings. Nevertheless, several of the school lower order batsmen had chipped in, contributing to a competitive total of 183 all out.
Jamed Van der Merwe looked in good touch from the outset of the Yorkhsire Gentlemen's reply and he was soon joined at the wicket by James Rossington. Rossington drove powerfully down the ground from the start of his innings so the school bowlers were under pressure at both ends.
James VDM went up through the gears and moved rapidly to another magnificent century. He ended on 123 not out from 78 balls with 5 sixes and 17 fours. James Rossington made an excellent 51 not out in support as the Yorkshire Gentlemen reached their target in the 24th over.
Match Report from Geoff Barker
YG’s v Emeriti XI - Sunday15th May 2022
Another away game as we visited Ampleforth College to play the Emeriti XI. The YG’s batted first and posted a very good score of 255 for 6 with notable performances from Ollie Pimlott (49) ,James Van der Merwe 59, and a top knock by Salman Syed (85). In a well balanced game the Emeriti XI managed to surpass our score thanks to a superb 100 from C. Baird ably supported with 65 from S Phillips.
On a good batting track and fast outfield, our bowling unit was not able to stem the flow of runs. J Stubbs 2-56 and C Shaffer 2-34 were the the main wickets takers for the YG’s as the Emeriti won by 5 wickets in the last hour of play.
Angus Fraser confirmed as our Guest Speaker for the Annual Sportsman Dinner
After a two year absence we are looking forward to the return of our annual Sportsman Dinner on the 11th November at The Parsonage Country House Hotel, Escrick. Our President Richard Head is delighted to announce the return of Angus Fraser as our guest speaker. Angus spoke at our dinner a few years ago and was extremely well received and we look forward to welcoming him back. Its the first time we’ve had a returning guest speaker and we are sure he will prove to be a big hit with our members - No pressure Angus !!! Please make a note in your dairy for our big social event of the year.
The YG’s return to Escrick this Sunday - 22nd May to play The Hawks. Good luck to match managers Jason Dale and his opposition number Jason Scott. It is always an enjoyable fixture, so do pop down to our ground if you have an opportunity to do so.