By John Virr – 2nd XI Scorer
In this picturesque setting watched by another large crowd Yorkshire played fellow North group qualifiers Derbyshire in the first semi final. Winning the toss Derbyshire asked Yorkshire to bat first.
Will Luxton, who along with Ben Cliff had received their 2nd X1 caps prior to the start of play, was first to go being bowled by Potts for 5. Finlay Bean added 40 with skipper Will Fraine in 28 deliveries before the latter was stumped for 20. Bean had made 38 from 31 balls (2×4;2×6) when he was bowled leaving us 82-3 in the 12th over.
Yash Vagadia was run out for 4 but no further wickets fell as Harry Duke and Noah Kelly added 55 unbroken to leave Yorkshire with a total of 160.Kelly 32 not out from 22 and Duke 50 not out from 35.
The total looked competitive but perhaps short of what could be looked upon as a winning score.
Dominic Leech had Thomson caught at short extra cover by Fraine in the first over but this brought century maker from the recent 1st X1 County championship game, Louis du Plooy to the crease to join Harry Came and they added 52 from only 29 deliveries before the latter was caught behind by Duke off the bowling of Ben Cliff – he made 41 from only 17 balls.
Anuj Dal rotated the strike as Du Plooy reached his 50 from 36 balls (5 fours and 2 sixes) and he had advanced to 72 when he fell to an excellently judged catch by Yash Vagadia to give Harvey Round his first victim.
Cliff bowled Wood for nought but Derbyshire reached their target, winning by 6 wickets with 4.1 overs to spare.
Red ball Cricket returns next week as we play Northamptonshire at Weetwood commencing Monday 19th June.
