A good game of cricket vs Sheff Uni Staff at Escrick Park. YGs won the toss and batted first, and managed to reach lunch with 108 on the board for the loss of just two wickets. A quick flurry of runs and wickets post-lunch saw the YGs to 169-8 and a declaration. The Uni Staff reached tea without loss, but after the break Seth Barrett and Madawa Warnapura managed to make inroads. The YGs continued to push for victory, but ultimately ran out of time with 3 wickets still to claim and their opponents 60 short of the target. Many thanks to Paul White for organising so much of the day as always, it was greatly enjoyed by all involved.
Surj and his family kindly hosted both the meal and quiz at the third annual Jeremy Phillips quiz and curry night. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening with a marvellous spread with a fun and entertaining quiz. Phil Holland’s all conquering team from the previous events was finally beaten by the Chair and Pres’s famous five.
This was followed by the Get Set Weekend where a lot of chores were completed - cleaning, sweeping, polishing, windows, painting, covers, sight screens, ground care - which will hopefully enhance your experience at Escrick this summer.
Our thanks go to the volunteers who attended, Paul White, Neil Dale, Jason and Iliana Dale, Jordan Richardson, Richard Fletcher, David Daniels, Geoff Wellsteed, Heather Gilbert, Phil Holland and Nigel Bartram.
Finally a couple of fixture updates:
A new fixture against Bootham School on Wednesday 7th May at Bootham.
And unfortunately the Indian touring team have cancelled their UK tour due to unforeseen circumstances.
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
