A terrific game of cricket at Ampleforth College with a win for the boys in the last over of play.

The YG’s batted first and had quite a rollercoaster of an innings. Two down inside 20 minutes then a recovery to 90 for 3 with W Shaw making a very good 49. A middle order collapse saw the YG’s collapse to 103 for 7. However Bevan Fawcett (77) led a recovery with the help of Phil Holland (29) and got the team to a very respectful 195 for 9

In reply the boys always looked in control of the chase as the YG’s gifted a few runs in the field and always felt to be a bowler light. However with tight bowling by Pankaj Saini and Phil Holland during the late stages of the game, a very nervy finish ensued and with a couple of run outs the boys slipped from 149-1 to 186 for 6.

With the last over of play in the day the boys still needed 5 to win. They got over the line with two balls to spare.

Paul White commented that it was ‘an excellent and most entertaining game”

Can the YG’s get back to winning ways in their next fixture?

The YG’s lost to St Peters School in the week in a keenly fought match. Batting first St Peters bowled tightly and restricted the Yg’s to 155 all out. Bevan Fawcett constructed a well made fifty and Angus Shaw provided the innings with much need momentum late on with a quick fire 24.

In response St Peters reached their target with a few overs to spare to inflict the clubs first defeat of the season.

Travelling to Ampleforth on the bank holiday Sunday the YG’s came second against a strong OACC at Ampleforth. 
Batting first, YGs never really built on a strong start. Harry Glatman scored a Vince-like 45 but no one else kicked on. 174-8 looked short of par and so it proved. The OACC openers got away quickly and despite one wicket either side of tea, OACC got the runs comfortably.

The YG’s will hope to be back to winning ways when they take on the Borderers at Cliffe Hall on Sunday 2nd June.

For the second season in a row the YG’s dug deep to salvage a draw with the prospect of a heavy defeat on the cards.

The Hawks with several players still missing at midday opted to bat first. Conditions were never easy with the odd ball misbehaving. The YG’s bowled well. AJ. Clarke 1-15 off ten overs was exceptional, as was Pankaj Saini 5-43 off 12.5 overs. Richard Exley also bowled well with 1-30 off 9 . Charlie Parker was the pick of their batsmen with a classy 61 in a total of 164-9 dec.

In response the YG’s got off to a terrible start and in the 15 minutes before tea were reduced to 6-3. Things did not improve much after refreshments and at 34-7 with 19 overs left in the days play the writing was on the wall. What followed was a superb rear guard action. Firstly with a mature knock by Daniel Toone (16), then A j Clarke 29 and some masterly defensive play by Matt Tolson 6 not out and Neil Dale 1 not out we held on to be 86-9 at close of play.

As always an enjoyable days cricket with the Hawks and we look forward to putting them on the back foot next time. So we were second best today but a draw is a draw and we move on to St Peter’s in the week undefeated for the season.

Our Chairman David O’Kelly reminds us once again of his batting credentials batting patiently throughout the innings against Pocklington School to finish on 72 not out. In the mid week afternoon fixture, The YG’s lost regular wickets but Bevan Fawcett scored a sparkling 44 off 34 balls to help push the side to a decect 176-6 after 40 overs.

In reply Pocklington got off to steady start with a 37 run opening partnership. All the YG bowlers were economical though especially M Johnson with 6-1 off 6 overs. In a need to press on Chris Stride exploited the situation perfectly with a fine 5-18 off 6 overs and Pocklington were bowled out for just 96 off 29 overs.

A fine 88 run win and a great all round team performance.

Well done to Geoff Barker on his Match Managing. Unfortunately he broke a finger whilst keeping wicket so his season has been put on hold for now.

Can the YG’s continue this good start to the season? This Sunday we host the Hawks - always a stern test for the club

YG's continue their good start to the season

The club has made a great start to the season having now won all three matches. Following a convincing win against The Woodhouse Grange Academy, the YG’s have gone on to beat both Leeds University on Friday 3rd May and York Wanderers on the Sunday.

Against Leeds Uni the YG’s batted first declaring on 177 for 6. Notable contributions from R Hucker (34), B Fawcett (45) and R Exley (50 not out). In reply Leeds were bowled out for 100. Angus Shaw the pick of the attack with 4-29, and well supported by R Hucker opening the attack with 3-21.

Sunday’s match against the York Wanderers was a short lived affair. Opting to bat first the Wanderers were bowled out for just 45 in 31 overs. A.J Clarke and T. Ingham both taking three wickets a piece. J Rowett and G Barker knocked the runs off in just 8 overs.

Sunday sees the arrival of Sheffield University Staff. Can we keep our 100 per cent start Orwell the wheels fall off?

The YG’s had the perfect start to this years fixtures with a convincing win over The Woodhouse Grange Academy at Escrick on Sunday.

Batting first our Chairman David O’Kelly (33) and Geoff Barker (24) made a steady start putting on 67 for the first wicket. This was backed up by a fine knock by Pankaj Saini (49) in the middle order. The YG’s declaring on 174 for 6.

In response The Woodhouse Grange Academy innings never got going and they were bundled out for 66 in under 26 overs. Geoff Barker took 3 for 11 and Pankaj Saini capped a fine all round performance with 6-21.

Chairman’s Report

Our Chairman, David O’Kelly has now completed his annual report for the club. He has provided a succinct and insightful account of the year and is well worth reading. The excert below is food for thought for all our club members.

“We have a good playing membership; a lovely ground; and generous committed people making it all happen.  But you only have to look a little closer to see an alternative picture – reducing fixture list, no Treasurer, no Fixture Secretary, increasing catering costs – and you can see that work needs to be done and volunteers need to be found to assure our status as the pre-eminent gentlemen’s cricket club in the County”

Once again we are indebted to him for his immense contribution to the club. Please do take time to read it by clicking here.

155th Annual General Meeting

We have once again received the kind permission of the Headmistress of Queen Margaret’s School to use the school for our Annual General Meeting and pre-season dinner, so please come along if you can. It is a tremendous boost to the club to have a good turnout at the start of the season.

We are accordingly, inviting you to the AGM to be held at Queen Margaret’s School,

Escrick at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday 9th April 2019

Dinner will follow at 8:00 p.m. at a cost of £15. We kindly request confirmation of attendance to Angus Shaw by Tuesday 2ndApril.  Full details here