Wedding Bells

Love very much in the air at the Yorkshire Gentlemen’s Cricket Club as the cricket season draws to a close.

Congratulations to our Vice Chariman Dewi Winkle on his marriage to Dawn Bowness on the 9th September at Leeming House Hotel in the beautiful surroundings of The Lake District. Ullswater provided the breathtaking back drop on their special day, and the rain held in the clouds long enough for the atmospheric photo opportunity.

After the wedding they did what most newly weds do these days and celebrated with an open water swim! Best lady Ellen Hannah and best man Michael Wright joined them for their refreshing neoprene clad dip.

The YG’S wedding bells don’t stop to the west of the Pennines as Angus Shaw (Members Sec) is marrying Zoe White this Saturday (1st October) at Masham Church.

Fellow YG Harry Glatman (Hon. Sec) who is best man said “their wedding will be followed by a reception at West Tanfield Cricket Club - the true apple of Angus’s eye.”

Only best men are allowed to say that - we all know its our club!

Our best wishes to Zoe, Angus, family and friends on their big day.

Can you help YG member Jack Rowett with his dissertation?

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well. Just wanting to ask a favour if that is ok please?

I am currently doing a master's degree in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University. I am in the process of doing my dissertation and I am looking at consumer purchasing habits for the sports team they follow. I am collecting data using surveys. If you wouldn't mind sparing 5 minutes to complete this survey I would really appreciate it.

Thank you very much and if you have any questions please get in touch.

Jack Rowett

Good luck Jack with the dissertation. Hope it goes well and that some members can help by completing the survey. Any question to Jack please contact us below and we will forward on to him.

Six-A-Side Competition

Just a reminder to club member the Six-A-Side competition is this Sunday 24th July from 10:30 am. Please come along to support those playing in what will be the last ever Six-A-Side before we move to a new format next year. A BBQ will be running from lunchtime onwards and the weather is set fair. Hope you can make it.

Match v Chaldon CC - Tuesday 19th July Cancelled.

Owing to the ongoing heatwave a number of opposition players quite understandably were reluctant to play today in such conditions. Even a shortened game with an earlier start would have meant playing in temperatures of over 35. As a result it was decided the best course of action was to cancel the fixture. Many apologies to the payers - some of whom would have taken a day off work to play and to any spectators thinking of coming to the ground.

The temperatures ease dramatically tomorrow so please note the match with the Halifax Nomads in on as is the Six-A-Side this weekend.

Join us for the Last ever YG's Six a Side Competition.

Yes that’s right - Sunday 24th July (10.30 am onwards) will see the last ever six-a-side competition to be held at Escrick before we move to a new format in 2023.

The draw was recently made with six matches confirmed to take place during the course of the day. No fancy T20 style names as yet but the team captains are as follows:-

Team A - Phil, B - Jason, C- Charlie, D - Angus

It is always a really good fun day out and if we get some of this fabulous summer sun then we are in for a treat. It would be wonderful to see members, family, and friends for the day or part of. We will be having a BBQ (a selection of meat and vegetarian options available) on the go from lunchtime through and some fun fundraising activities.

The bar will be open all day, so please come along, show your support for the club and hopefully have a great day out.

BBQ from 1pm

*To help us it would be good if you could respond here to let us know likely numbers for attendance and if you are keen to eat from the BBQ. Click here to Message the Club

100 Club lottery Draw

The draw for the 100 club lottery was made Mike Apparicio at the ground on Friday 8th July. Congratulations to the following members who take home a monthly prize of £30-00.

January (48) J Gundill

February (45) H Glatman

March (77) R O'Kelly

April (35) R Elmhurst

May (85) D Reid

June (63) T Malloch

The July-December draws will be made at the annual Sportsman dinner on the 10th November, with the December winner going home with the bonanza £250-00 prize. If you are not already part of the Lottery you can join for just £10-00 a year. Please contact us here if you would like to be part of it. Click here to Message the Club

Recent Match Reports / Results

A selection of match reports from some recently played games starting with last Sunday’s game against Pocklington.

YGs v Pocklington Pixies – Sunday 10th July 2022 - Match Won

With virtually the whole of the UK basking in blue skies and searing heat, a very decent looking YG XI were lined up against a team of Pixies with an aggregate age somewhere close to the combined age of our intended opening batters, at least until Sir Geoffrey Barker was delayed by some A64 traffic chaos and Ollie Pimlott joined DO’K at the top of the innings.

So the YGs got off to solid start reaching 53 before Ollie was triggered LBW for a tidy 28. Ed Noble and Will Anderson both fell for 6 runs, before the belated Barker was suitably prepared mentally and physically to join David in the sauna on the square. Just like Joe Root, Geoff was off the mark first ball and contributed 23 in a 4th wicket partnership of 75. The score was 165-4 off 40 overs. Richard Lindsay joined an increasingly withering DO’K and started to turn 1’s into 2’s, with the occasional 3 which David was clearly delighted with. Both batters found the boundaries freely and cantered along to a declaration at 244-4 off 49.5 overs as Richard finished with 32* and David stroked and bludgeoned his way to another 100*. 

Richard congratulates David on his first century of the season.

 The young Pixie team applied themselves tremendously in ridiculously hot conditions and thoroughly deserved their rest in the shade of the pavilion. As did both umpires, who were invited to take an extended tea to cool down and take on some liquids.

 Mike Furze and Phil Holland took the new ball, partly as the late arriving Phil also needed to leave early. He did his best to get the Pixies off to a good start with their openers tucking into some juicy full tosses and long hops, with some decent deliveries thrown in. But after being unable to break through the tidy openers, Mike and Phil stepped aside to allow a two pronged Anderson attack to try their luck. A maiden from Tom with plenty of gas was followed by a wicket from the skipper in his first over. The other opener and the no.3 were also back in the shade after the YG captain’s 3rd & 5th overs. Phil departed at tea, replaced by a 4th Anderson as Giles grabbed some spare whites to take to the field.

 97-3 became 97-4 in the 20th over when Rich Lindsay replaced Tom Anderson, due to the youthfulness of the batters at the crease and Tom’s threat to turn from express pace to leg spin (nobody needs to see that). Will Anderson bowled some decent stuff with venom for 6 overs but without success and made way for Ed Noble to display his mystery spin (nobody knows what’s coming next) but he picked up two wickets in his 4 overs. Rich toiled away in the heat for 13 overs and maintained pressure in getting 2 for 46. 

 Despite loosing wickets fairly regularly, with a couple of decent partnerships from their young players, the Pixies were closing in on the 245 target. 60 or so runs were required from the last 10 with 3 wickets remaining. The skipper brought back Mike Furze to replace Richard Lindsay and reintroduced himself at the other end, taking the 9th wicket with the score at 217 with Furzey taking his 2nd to wrap things up via a sharp catch behind the wicket by Neil Dale, his 2nd victim of the innings, outfield catches started with a great take at 1st slip by David and 3 catches in the deep for Tom. So the YGs walked off the Escrick inferno with a slight spring in their step energised by a 12 run victory in the 51st over and cold beers waiting at the bar.

Match report by Jonny Anderson


YGs v Harrow Wanderers – Friday 8th July 2022 - Match Drawn

On a blissful summers day the YG’s batted first and accumulated a decent total of 222 for 5 off 41 overs. A steady start was made by James Van De Merwe (17) and Geoff Barker (26) putting on 35 for the first wicket. However it was the middle order pairing who gave the innings real impetus with Richard Pope (52) and Dhilin Gavin (67 not out) both scoring impressive half centuries. Next top score was extras with a more than handy 35.

In reply the Wanderers struggled to gain any momentum to their innings with good bowling especially from Ryan Lockwood 2-14 off 7 overs and James Van De Merwe 4-20 off 11 overs pegging them back. James Rossington picked up two key middle order wickets in an entertaining three over spell that yielded 28 runs. They were reduced to 104-9 off 27 overs but their last wicket pairing held out valiantly for the last 7 overs. The match was drawn with the Wanderers finishing on 120-9.

YGs v Penguins – Sunday 3rd July 2022 - Match Lost

Pengiuns 235-7 dec off 43 overs.

YG’s 107 -all out

We were well beaten by a strong Pengiuns side who posted a decent total, then proceeded to dismantle our batting line up. Phil Holland was the most successful bowler with 3-34 off 6 overs as they looked to accelerate towards a declaration.

In reply the YG’s had no answer for their bowling attack with Phil Holland (44) the only player to make a significant contribution.

YGs v Langdales Lovelies – Wednesday 29th June 2022 - Honourable Draw

YG’s 233 - 4 Dec off 42 overs

Langdales XI 208-8

Throughly enjoyable and keenly contested match with superb batting by Olly Pimlott (108) and Tom Malloch (74) setting the game up with a 166 opening partnership. Congratulations to Ollie on reaching three figures. Always a big achievement. In response the Lovelies got off to a blistering start and were in danger of sweeping us aside. They were on 156 without loss when with an eye on giving their team a game both openers were sportingly retired. This probably changed the course of the game as YG’s then proceeded to take regular wickets as the Lovelies went in pursuit of victory. Chandraban did the damage with an excellent spell of 6-56 off 13 overs. The Langdale’s finished with 208-8.

YGs v Scarborough College – Wednesday 22nd June 2022 - Match Lost

Pengiuns 235-7 dec off 43 overs.

YG’s 107 -all out

The 22nd of June turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year so far at Escrick where YG’s entertained Scarborough College. After winning the toss SC decided to bat.
With excellent bowling from W Middleton and R Exley SC got off to a steady start but wickets were not forthcoming so changes were made by captain Neil Dale and further excellent spells from James Rossington(5 overs 1-13) and Mike Chatham(8 overs 1-52) saw the first wickets go down at 68 and 104.
Further spells from W Middleton(11 overs 2-38) and R Exley(10 overs 2-53) eventually saw SC finish on 215/7 in their 40 overs with G Fraser top scoring on 51.
Batting proved a little more difficult for YGs against the fast bowling of W Jadon (7 overs 1-13) and R Brathwaite(12 overs 0-12) but after this steady start and fall of early wickets C Chafer(41), G Landy(34) and M Chatham(40no) saw YGS make a brave effort to reach the total but falling short on 180-6. This was despite a late cameo from R Pope(13 off 5 balls).
Overall an enjoyable close fought contest.With SC having 3 Barbadians, 3 Australians and 2 South Africans in their line up it was indeed an international team.

Match report by Neil Dale

Remaining Fixtures - changes

Unfortunately we have lost a couple of fixtures as a number of opposition teams have been struggling to raise a team this season and have had to cancel their fixture with us. It appears to be a widespread problem for many clubs across the land. Our fixture secretary is hoping to re-arrange one of fixtures and he has already secured a new fixture with the 40 club who will be playing us on Friday the 9th September - 2pm start. The Fixtures have been updated on our App but we strongly recommend downloading the latest fixtures card especially if you are thinking of coming to spectate or play.

YG's win against York Uni and All Stars Cricket starts.

Well done to Dewi and his YG’s team with Wednesday’s win against York University. Dewi’s match report is hot off the press.

YG’s v York University - Wednesday 8th June

With potential rain forecast and clouds looming it was an absolute bonus to get a full days cricket in warm sunshine in what was a most enjoyable game. The university tend to bring a mixed bag of ability but to their credit always battle hard and show good sportsmanship which was appreciated by all. Having won the toss MM Dewi Winkle elected to bat on what turned out to be a good wicket, bounce and pace rewarding bowlers through the day, thanks as always to Barty for the ground preparation.

After a tricky start in which the openers went cheaply, Ozzie Jake Stubbs came to the crease and hurried the score along, he reached 88, a fine and timely knock. It was great to have Chris Gilman back at Escrick and in the runs (22) and knocks of 18 (Cameron King) and 33 (Angus Shaw) with all the tail end chipping in. The declaration being taken at 3.30pm with YGs 218 for 9. It would seem that the 5 bottles of port at lunch took the nerves of any awaiting YGs batsmen.

N Weston with 3 for 48 was the pick of the University bowlers who continued to make it difficult for batsman to settle using the hard track which allowed for some back foot action.

With 45 mins before tea YGs bowled with gusto, James Rossington and Alex Bindloss reducing the opposition to 45 for 3. After tea the steady fall of wickets continued with Jake Stubbs (1 for 18)and Richard Exley (2 for 30) both being rewarded for some fine bowling. Dewi even got in on the action with a fine piece of fielding to run out the University opener Knowles with just a wicket to aim at. Despite a late flurry from the tail it was Alex Bindloss supported with off spin from Angus Shaw who took the final 2 wickets to end the day with 4 for 18 off 10.5, a fine bowling display once again. The university fell well short at 107 all out but a fun day was had by all. 

Dewi Winkle

YG’s All Stars Cricket - First Session Friday 10th June 6.30-7.30pm - At Escrick

The YG’s are delighted to be participating in the ECB’s ALL Stars programme for the 2022 season

Phil Holland with the help of Gerhand Landy have done an amazing job of getting the programme up and running. The first session this Friday (10th June) will see 31 youngsters take to the field no doubt with many parents coming to watch and stay for the duration . Phil and Gerhard have further qualified help to run the evenings and the bar will be open.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the club to introduce itself to local boys and girls and their parents. We have a superb setting at Escrick and have an ideal platform to strengthen the social aspect of the club whilst hopefully nurturing some YG’s talent of the future. Your support in person as a YG member during these Friday evenings would be hugely valuable in helping us to promote The Yorkshire Gentlemen’s Cricket Club and the values we hold as a traditional, yet progressive club with a rich and proud history.

What’s is All Stars Cricket?

Running every Friday from 10th June-29th July - 18:30-19:30 at Queen Margaret’s School, Escrick

All Stars Cricket is an ECB initiative that provides a fantastic first experience for all children aged 5-8 years old where they’re guaranteed 8 weeks of jam-packed fun, activity and skills development. The programme is designed to introduce children to the sport, teaching them new skills, helping them make new friends and have a great time doing so.

Every child that registers will receive a backpack full of goodies. Your child’s pack will include:

  • Backpack

  • Cricket bat

  • Cricket ball

  • Personalised t-shirt with your child’s name

Good Luck to Phil and Gerhard and if you can make it down for a least one of the evenings it would really be appreciated.

Talking of proud history Malcolm Watson and Geoff Wellsteed have been delving into the history books and archives.

Malcolm Watson on news of James Van de Merwe’s double hundred against Leeds University

Following James Van de Merwe's 200*, I have looked at the archive material I collected for writing the first part of the White Rose Gentlemen book. 

As far as I can tell James's score is the 4th double hundred in the Club's history following Captain HT Cliff 218* in a YGCC total of 424 for 6 dec versus the Peristics in 1906. Colonel HS Kaye scored 204 in a YGCC total of 324 for 8 dec against the Household Brigade in 1908 at Burton Court, Chelsea on a  YGCC Southern Tour and Ed Nichol 200* in 2001 at Escrick. James joins an illustrious band!

Malcolm Watson

Claude Leatham - plaque and history

For a number of years there has been a rather unremarkable rectangular piece of badly discoloured metal, measuring 10 inches by 9 inches, lurking around the bar area. You could readily be forgiven for not noticing it. It was virtually black but if you did see it and looked closely you might have noticed that it was engraved simply -

YGCC

PRESENTED BY

CLAUDE LEATHAM ESQ

1907

No one seemed to know its derivation or background. I was intrigued by it every time I saw it and Paul White, knowing my interest in cricket memorabilia and the social history of the game, readily agreed I could take it away and endeavour to clean it, and hopefully, research its origin. The name ‘Leatham’ was known to me as it appears in White Rose Gentlemen (The History of the Yorkshire Gentlemen’s Cricket Club 1863-2013) albeit that was a reference to GAB Leatham. However, Claude Leatham (the brother of GAB) does appear as a player in Club scrapbooks covering the latter half of the 1800s. Those beautiful leatherbound books, which contain literally hundreds of newspaper cuttings, show he played his last match for the Club in 1896.

I had a suspicion the plaque was brass and cleaning the badly tarnished surface started to reveal a dull gold colour. Proprietary cleaners like Brasso and Duraglit made little impact, however, a mix of distilled white vinegar and salt sea certainly did. The juice of a lemon was even more effective. So after approximately twenty hours cleaning a much more acceptable colour and surface has been achieved. The plaque is now mounted in the clubhouse.

Also held in the Club Archive is the original YGCC minute book from 1863 to 1911 and within the notes of an AGM held in 1907 is the answer to the origin of the plaque. The minutes of that meeting which took place on Wednesday, 24 April 1907 at 16 Coney Street, York includes an entry which records that ‘the Hon Sec stated that Mr Claude Leatham has presented a clock to the Club, which has been placed in the pavilion “in grateful memory of 30 years membership of the YGCC”. It was resolved that a letter of thanks be written to Mr Leatham for his handsome present’.

Presumably the plaque was placed alongside the clock? We can only speculate what happened to the actual clock.   

Geoff Wellsteed, May 2022

 

The completed restoration

Claude Leatham was one of seven sons of William Henry Leatham and his wife Priscilla. His father not only owned a family banking business he was also a Member of Parliament and a Deputy Lieutenant of the County. Leatham’s Bank was eventually subsumed into Barclays. The family lived at Hemsworth Hall, Pontefract. Claude (b 1856) was a lawyer, and with his wife and family, eventually settled at The Red House, Wentbridge, near Pontefract. His obituary in Wisden says he captained Yorkshire Colts in 1876, was a keen follower of the Badsworth Hunt and an enthusiastic golfer. He died in 1913. One of his brothers, Gerald (GAB), played first-class cricket for Yorkshire, and another, Edmund, married into the eminent Cunard family

New Kit added to our official Club Clothing website

To compliment our excellent range of cricket equipment we have added a coloured short sleeved playing shirt and match day trousers - whilst we wear traditional whites on match days these navy blue designs with gold logo pieces can be worn for practice, or if its your look down at the pub. They may be adopted for six a side or future t-20 style competitions !!!! Please take a look and update your cricket wardrobe with our official kit suppliers NXT sports.

Click above to start shopping.

News of Six-a-Side competition and First Draw of Club Lottery coming soon. In the meantime do check out some of the pictures taken during the course of the season so far.