This is the first, of hopefully, regular updates throughout the season in an attempt to keep everyone informed about the results, progress and forthcoming fixtures.
As this is a first attempt any comments or feedback would be appreciated, either through the normal channels or, if the comments are good, direct to myself.
The first part of the season has seen us complete our One-Day Trophy fixtures and play five of our eight scheduled Second XI Championship fixtures.
Despite the damp weather we completed all our six Trophy group games winning four and losing two, finishing top of the North Group. This brought us a home semi final against Kent at Scarborough that, unfortunately, ended in a six-wicket defeat. Circumstances dictated that in those seven games we used 24 players.
In those games two centuries were made – Will Fraine 121 and Harry Brook 144 (Fraine made a total of 343 runs at an average of 49) whilst there were seven other scores of 50 plus. On the bowling front there were six occasions of taking three wickets or more in an innings. Jordan Thompson taking 12 wickets at 15.92 and Josh Poysden 10 at 26.90.
The Championship games have been rain affected with the two games at Harrogate ending in draws due to time lost to the weather. We were well beaten at Kibworth by Leicestershire but won well at Kidderminster to beat Worcestershire. The Derbyshire game at York was also affected by the rain but both sides forfeited an innings and we were successful in chasing 380 to win on the final day.
Again, injuries have played their part along with players going out on loan and in the five games we have used 23 players. Fraine has scored 420 runs at 84 and Jordan Thompson 221 at 55.25, he also has eight wickets at 18.38 but the leading wicket-taker is Jared Warner with 10 at 5.6.
Our final three Championship games are at Liverpool v Lancashire (10-12.7.19), home to Warwickshire at Stamford Bridge (16-18.7.19) and at Desborough against Northants (30.7-1.8.19).
Our T20 campaign begins at Weetwood against Worcestershire on Monday 8th July (11.30 start) and then against Warwickshire at the same venue the following Monday.
We hope to see some of you during this next period and, as previously mentioned, any feedback or thoughts for future updates would be welcome.
Enjoy your cricket!
John Virr, 2nd XI Scorer
