By Steve Ward
Day 1
An absorbing first days play at Sheffield Collegiate CC saw a strong Yorkshire 2nd XI side build up a 125 run lead over a SACA XI.
After winning the toss, Yorkshire skipper Ben Cliff asked the visitors to bat, and they were soon in trouble thanks to some skillful bowling from the Yorkshire quicks. Only Kaif Ramzan, 26, batted with any purpose, as the visitors were skittled for 112. Pick of the bowlers were Matt Milnes, 3 for 28, Matt Firbank 2 for 16, and Ben Cliff 2 for 23.
In reply, the Yorkshire batters treated the spectators to some wonderful batting, with Will Bennison scoring 34, before a 159 partnership between Yash Vagadia, 122, and Noah Kelly 59 not out, saw the home side reach 238 for 2, a lead of 126.
The weather looks like holding fair tomorrow, a good day is in prospect.
Day 2
The young Yorkshire 2nd XI started the day on 238 for 2, and the crowd were treated to some wonderful stroke play from Noah Kelly, 116, Owen Smith 70 and Jawad Ahktar, 53 not out, in reaching a formidable 497 for 5 declared.
The SACA 2nd innings started slowly, thanks to some excellent pace bowling, from Ben Cliff, Matt Milnes and Jay Singh. The day ended with the visitors reaching 156 for 4, a deficit of 229.
Only Daniyaal Khan, 36 and Vivan Hassan , 30 not out batted with any conviction, Matt Firbank finished on 2 for 12.
The Yorkshire 2nd XI will be looking to get the remaining 6 wickets fairly quickly to wrap up a convincing win.
Day 3
A resounding win for the Yorkshire 2nd XI over SACA was finalised just before lunch on Day 3 at Sheffield Collegiate CC.
Resuming on 156 for 4, the SACA side were soon in deep trouble when Matt Milnes took 2 wickets in the first over of the day.
A fine rearguard action by Rishabh Upadhyay, 56 and Adam Patel, 47, delayed the inevitable as the bowlers quietly got on with their work. Matt Milnes finished with 3 for 17, Matthew Firbank 2 for 12, and skipper Ben Cliff 2 for 40
The innings ended on 264, meaning Yorkshire were victors by an innings and 121 runs.
It has proved to be a good work out for the Yorkshire team – it was good to see 2nd team cricket back at Sheffield Collegiate.
