Match reports.
Yorkshire U11A vs Lancashire U11, held at Rainford CC on Tuesday 26th June 2018.
Yorkshire 174-4 (T Fraine 54*, M Abbass 50) beat Lancashire 173-5 by 6 wickets to retain the Tony Hemmingway Trophy.
Yorkshire U11s traveled to Rainford CC to play Lancashire for the Tony Hemmingway Trophy.
Skipper Owen Smith lost the toss and Lancashire had no hesitation in batting, given the good pitch and soaring temperatures. Yorkshire’s opening bowlers found the conditions difficult, but showed great character and skill, at times mixing their lengths up along with the occasional slower ball. At 70 without loss, it looked as though Yorkshire would be chasing a big total, but the introduction of spin pegged Lancashire back. Ed Burch took two quick wickets - the first a superb stumping from Joe Thompson. Will Cross supported Ed brilliantly as, over by over, Yorkshire's spinners pegged the run-rate back, leaving Lancashire at 100 for 2 at the halfway stage. Yorkshire’s bowling and fielding in the last 20 overs was impressive, restricting Lancashire to just 73 runs. Lewis Howard, Seth Pickering, Charlie Taylor and Bobby McFarlane hardly bowled a bad ball in that period, as Lancashire finished on 173 for 5.
In reply, opening pair, Abbass and Burch, got Yorkshire off to a steady start, before Burch departed to a outstanding caught and bowled. With the sun shining down on the wicket all day, it was becoming increasingly receptive to spin, with both Abbass and Philipson having to bat on a pitch and in conditions that were completely alien to them, whilst giving them a valuable learning curve. As Yorkshire fell behind the run-rate, Jack Diffey was promoted up the order to go out and attack. Jacks first two delivery’s flew to the boundary and the momentum of the match turned with 16 runs coming off the next 5 balls. Abbass continued to occupy the crease with a well constructed 50, along with Tom Fraine who made a calm 54 not out with some elegant cover drives. Owen Smith saw Yorkshire over the line with 22 not out off just 6 balls, as Yorkshire chased down the total with 9 overs to spare. A game that the scorecard doesn't show how hard Yorkshire were pushed and the character they had to show during this performance.
Full scorecard available HERE.
Yorkshire U11A vs Nottinghamshire, held at Penistone CC on Sunday 1st July 2018.
Yorkshire 107 for 2 (M Abbass 39, T Fraine 26) beat Nottinghamshire 105 all out by 8 wickets.
Yorkshire U11s hosted Nottinghamshire at the picturesque Penistone CC.
For the second game running in high temperatures, Yorkshire lost the toss and were asked to bowl first. Bobby Mcfarlane struck early for Yorkshire with one that nipped back, clean bowling the Nottinghamshire opener, Smith, for 11. Jack Diffey then found some swing and extra pace, taking 2 for 8 in a 5 over spell, as Nottinghamshire found themselves 44 for 3. Spinners, Will Cross (2-16) and Lewis Howard (1-9), bowled superbly in tandem; both completing 8 over spells. Nottinghamshire found it difficult to score runs as Yorkshire’s bowling and impressive fielding constantly frustrated them. Yorkshire’s catching was equally impressive as Mcfarlane and Fraine took two catches as Owen Smith took a superb diving catch over his shoulder and keeper, Joe Thompson, continued to impress the opposition coaches with two more stumpings. Seth Pickering (1-9) continued his excellent introduction to County Age Group cricket and Abbass picked up the final two Nottinghamshire wickets with (2-5).
With the bat, openers, Burch and Abbass, again got off to a good start, before a mix up saw Burch run out as Yorkshire reached 35-1. Fraine and Abbass then put on 66, before another run out saw Fraine depart for a well made 26, leaving Yorkshire needing just 4 to win. Smith again hit the winning runs as Yorkshire reached 107 for 2 off just 28 overs.
Full scorecard available HERE.