Match Report: YG's vs Cheshire Gents

YGs v Cheshire Gents, Tuesday 24 June 2025

A strong opposition and a number of rain breaks made life difficult for the YGs against Goldy’s Cheshire team. Batting first the YGs put 250-3d on the board from 47 overs thanks to 113 from James VDM, Sam Duckworth 65* and, in form, James Rossington 28*. Violent CG hitting from three Overseas players, most notably Robin Smith from Durban (who arrived in his club supplied sponsored car) scoring a lightning 90, along with Mehta 64 and Nel 43* which secured the visitors a victory in the very last over of the last hour, but in must be confessed their target was achieved in a mere 29.2 overs for the loss of only four wickets. James VDM did his best to contain their belligerent approach, but even his four wickets cost 81 runs from 11 overs. Despite the outcome, and the unwelcome rain, it was a jolly day enjoyed by both sides. It goes without saying that Heather provided another excellent lunch while Paul ensured all port glasses were brim full.

Match Report: YG's vs Scarborough College

YGs v Scarborough College on Wednesday, 18 June 2025

On another hot day the YGs hosted Scarborough College. Unfortunately for the second time in three days we failed to put a decent total on the scoreboard against schoolboy opposition. Batting first in a 35 over per side match we could only make an all-out total of 137. David O’Kelly contributed a polished half century and James Rossington a belligerent 46. A highlight was Rosso having to run three 3s within eight balls! The School won the match with seven overs in hand having lost only three wickets. Scarborough College are exceptionally strong this year. The side they sent to Escrick was a 3rdXI as they also had same day fixtures against the Yorkshire Academy and Bradford Grammar School.

Match Report: YG's vs Sedbergh School

SEDBERGH SCHOOL v YGs at Sedbergh on Monday, 16 June 2025

If there is a better, more stunningly scenic, venue to play YG cricket than Ampleforth College then it must, surely, be Sedbergh School? One of the Sedbergh schoolmasters revealed this was the first fixture between the two clubs since 1928! (but other evidence suggests it was 1953?). No matter it was a long time ago! On such an auspicious occasion, in ideal cricketing conditions it was regrettable we did not cover ourselves in glory. Batting first, we could only manage a very modest total of 136 all out and that, in part, thanks to a last wicket stand of 28 between skipper, Angus Shaw 21* and James Rossington 8. Earlier Stu Clark contributed a valuable 32. The School made light work of overtaking the target for the loss of only two wickets. One of the openers batted quite beautifully and contributed 88*. On the credit side we fought hard and the all-day fixture did not conclude until 5.30pm when the School provided after match drinks. During a sumptuous lunch both Treasurer, Richard Fletcher, and President Richard Head spoke and a splendid framed picture of the Escrick ground was presented to the home captain to celebrate the School’s quincentennial year. Despite the result it was a very enjoyable day.

July 2025 Update

Meeting of members held at the Pavilion, Escrick Park, Wednesday 2nd July 2025 to update the position regarding the impending closure of Queen Margaret’s School.

A meeting was called by the Chairman, John Skinner, to provide an update to the membership following various questions which had arisen, regarding the news that Queen Margaret’s School would close on 5th July; and also to discuss immediate issues which might affect the club.

The Chairman had expressed our sadness and appreciation to the Head and Chair of Governors, requesting this was passed on to everyone involved with the school. Various members present had been in touch with the relevant sources in attempts to clarify matters – the school itself, the administrators and the estate / Forbes-Adam family. In summary, it was confirmed that very little will change for the club, which has now been confirmed in email form by the Escrick Estate, with whom we have a 40 year lease. For information, Escrick Hall (aka Queen Margaret’s school) own the freehold of the house and grounds behind, and up to the road dividing the cricket ground from the school. The roads are still owned by the estate which allows access both to the school and our cricket pavilion and ground. The Hon.Treasurer, Richard Fletcher, is in touch with the estate, school and administrators on an ongoing basis, as necessary. For the sake of good order we are intending to update any gentlemen’s agreements and other documentation, which the Escrick estate are more than happy to confirm. A number of relatively minor issues raised, including access to utilities, are under discussion with the administrators and will be further addressed at the next committee meeting.