Yorkshire posted a five wicket victory on a glorious afternoon where several “youngsters” rose to the challenge.
Essex had started the day with a lead of 242 with seven second innings wickets remaining. 19 year old Ben Cliff had Benkenstein caught behind by 20 year old Harry Duke but our visitors were looking to up their scoring rate – Richards made a quick 14 and Rymell completed his half century from 84 balls before when on 70 he was caught by Gary Balance off Jack Shutt.
This saw Essex sub side from 234 for 4 to 258 all out – Jack Shutt finished with 3-32 and 19 year old Harry Sullivan 4-98 from 29 overs. This gave Essex a lead of 339 with a minimum of 76 overs remaining.
Around 40 minutes were left before lunch with Bean and Allinson opening the innings however both fell in that period; lunch taken with Yorkshire 40-2.
After lunch Ballance and Duke took their partnership to 149 before the former was caught at cover but not before following his first innings 61 with 103 made from 97 balls with 15 fours and 3 sixes. Duke was joined by 18 year old Yash Vagadia and they safely negotiated through to tea at 213-3 – a further 127 being required. Shortly before tea Duke had completed his second half century of the game from 84 balls having played the perfect foil for Ballance.
In the third over after tea Duke was caught at backward square for 56 followed shortly after by Noah Priestley; Yorkshire 227-5 still with 113 required. At this stage Vagadia was 32 not out, already a career best but he shared and unbroken partnership with Sullivan as the game was won with 6.5 overs remaining.
Vagadia finished 87 not out alongside Sullivan on 50 not out.
Yorkshire – 23 points
Essex – 8 points
Next action is a four day Championship game at Chesterfield starting 11.7.22 followed by another game at Weetwood against Leicestershire starting 18.7.22.
John Virr – 2nd XI Scorer
