- semi-final v Essex beckens!
Yorkshire 50+ concluded their Group 1 fixtures with a 100% win record (6 wins and 1 by default when opponents Derbyshire could not raise a team) , thereby gaining a home draw against Bedfordshire in the quarter-finals which they won by 4 wickets. The next step for the side is a home semi-final against Essex at Elland CC on Sunday 27th August with a 1:00pm start.
The season began with the team welcoming three new players to the 50+ ranks :- Nick Gaywood (Sheffield Collegiate CC), Haider Jahingir (Barnsley and Wooley CC) and Dave Burden (Treeton CC). This addition to the clubs spin attack – Jahangir, Burden, Butt and Booth allows the team a great advantage in the bowling department which few other counties have been able to match to date. Nick Gaywood is a more than adequate replacement wicket keeper for Richard Sykes who has been forced into retirement with “bad knees”.
The season started well with an away victory over Northumberland at Beckworth CC with the home team batting first and reaching 182/7 in their 50 overs. Yorkshire easily reached with 186 for 3 off 36 overs with Kevin Bradley continuing where he left off last season with 121 not out including 18 4’s.
Next up was Cumbria at Acomb CC , who posted 142 all out in their allotted 50 overs, wickets being shared between spinners Jahangir (2/24), and Doyle (2/40) giving firm support to captain Steve Wales (2/21) and Rob Keywood (2/27). In reply Bradley (73 not out- 6x4s and 2x6s) led the way well supported by Gaywood his fellow opener with 37.
Against Cheshire at Chester the home side scored 176 in 50 overs thanks in large part to captain Phil Catterall (80) and Michael Cook with 27. Last minute Yorkshire stand in Gary Boulton (2/21), Jahangir (2/24), and Wales (2/36) took the bowling honours before Butt (63) and Watkin (52) proved the mainstay of Yorkshire's reply in what proved to be a tight finish. Boulton again made his mark easing the captains worries by hitting 15 not out from 4 scoring shots to get Yorkshire over the line at 179/8 . Cheshire's Bill Goldstein was their stand out bowler with 4/16 off 8 overs.
After Derbyshires’ “no show” Yorkshire took on Durham at Harrogate CC and won by 6 wickets. A steady start by skipper Birbeck (24) and Smith (32) was faltered by the spinners again who put a stranglehold on Durham's middle order to restrict the strong Durham side to 142/9. Jahangir (3/21) Butt (2/20)and Burden (1/34)all off 9 overs each turned the match Yorkshires’ way before a highly competent response from batsmen Gaywood (37), Butt (22), Frank (32) and Watkin (26not out) sealed the victory. This was easily the best victory of the season to date on a tricky wicket which Yorkshire used to their advantage.
Against Lancashire in the “Roses” battle at Todmorden CC (pictured) Yorkshire again played extremely well in an excellent team performance running out winners by 7 wickets . Lancashire were restricted to 115 all out in the last over of the allotted 50. Once again Jahangir (3/17), Butt (3/3), Burden (2/22) and Booth (1/22) took the bowling honours, before Butt (52) proved the mainstay in the win which came in 31 overs.
In the final Group game at home (Elland CC)against Nottinghamshire – a game rearranged after the original fixture was cancelled due to bad weather in May - Yorkshire had a relatively easy win by 74 runs. Batting first Yorkshire suffered the loss of three early wickets but were then able to accelerate through Jahangir (70), Frank (46) and Watkin (34) to post a total of 199/8. In reply Notts were unable to master the spinners: Butt (5/39), Jahangir (3/17) and Burden (1/30) and conclude their innings well short at 125 all out.
A tough semi-final fixture now beckons for the Yorkshire side looking to secure a slot in the finals!