Sunday 27th August 2023
The Yorkshire Gentlemen's captain, Geoff Barker, had recruited a strong and balanced X1 for this game and he was anxious for the game to go ahead on a day when showers were forecast.
The Hull Old Grammarians captain, Andrew Kirby, won the toss and Geoff was delighted that he decided to field.
Unfortunately, the Yorkshire Gentlemen's innings got off to a disastrous start when Harry Wilkinson was bowled first ball by a full toss. Thereafter however, James Van Der Merwe and Richard Exley shared an excellent partnership and remained in complete control for the rest of the morning session. At lunch the score was 138 for 1.
On the resumption, both batters played some excellent attacking shots before Van Der Merwe was dismissed for 94. Exley hit some big sixes before he was out for 71. Stuart Clark and Mike Gear shared a short partnership before a shower arrived at 3pm with the Yorkshire Gentlemen's score on 207 for 3.
An early tea was taken during which Geoff declared the innings.
When the Yorkshire Gentlemen took the field, Geoff set an attacking field. Will Jenkins and Jordan Richardson bowled a useful opening spell which made run scoring difficult for the visiting batters. Jenkins got the only wicket to fall, encouraging a loose drive to backward point where Muhammad Ahmadzai – making his Yorkshire Gentlemen's debut – took an excellent diving catch.
After 12 overs, with the Hull Old Grammarians score on 21 for 1, another shower caused play to be halted. Unfortunately, the rain set in and play was abandoned fr the day. This was disappointing because both teams felt they had an opportunity to win the match.
The Hull Old Grammarians enjoyed the cricket that was played and the hospitality provided by the Yorkshire Gentlemen. They are hoping for a fine day for the fixture in 2024.
Geoff Barker