Geoff Barker, the Yorkshire Gentlemen's captain, had selected quite a strong and and balanced team with depth in the batting and good quality and variety in the bowling department.
Geoff was pleased to be reminded by Andrew Kirby, the Hull Old Grammarians captain, that it is the convention that the Yorkshire Gentlemen bat first in this fixture – although a formal toss is done with the umpires present.
On winning the toss, Andrew duly decided to field.
On a dry pitch with variable bounce, Stuart Clark and Chris Gilman worked hard to put on 26 in the first 10 overs before Chris was out LBW for 12. Angus Webb, who has scored prolifically for the Yorkshire Gentlemen this summer, supported Stuart Clark in a second wicket partnership of 35 before being bowled by a ball that kept low. Will Green worked hard to support Clark, who was caught in the last over before the lunch interval for a very well made 47. The Yorkshire Gentlemen were well placed on 83 for 3.
After lunch run scoring was difficult with only Charlie Mallik, 17, and Will Jenkins, 12, getting to double figures. The Hull Old Grammarians' bowlers shared the wickets, with J Windom taking 4 for 24 from his 12 overs. Geoff Barker, judging that this was a difficult pitch on which to bat, declared the Yorkshire Gentlemen's innings on 137 for 9 with a lot of time left in the game.
The short pre-tea session was filled with drama as Will Jenkins bowling with good pace from the school end and Jordan Richardson, bowling good line and length from the pavilion end - assisted by some reckless shots from the Hull Old Grammarian batters - reduced the visitors to 6 for 4.
Barker kept Jenkins and Richardson going after tea and Jenkins picked up 2 more quick wickets to leave the Hull Old Grammarians in a seemingly hopeless position on 17 for 6. Flower played some powerful shots in making 33 and Andrew Kirby assisted with 17 to take the score to 62. Charlie Mallik effected a brilliant run out from cover to dismiss Andrew Kirby and picked up 3 wickets with his leg spin. One of these was from a well judged catch by Will Jenkins on the deep mid wicket boundary.
The visitors were all out for 90 in only 22.2 overs with most of the final hour unused in the game.
Although the game was low scoring on a variable pitch, the opposition commented that they had enjoyed their visit to Escrick Park and were already looking forward to the fixture in 2025.
Geoffrey Barker
26/08/2024