Tuesday 12th July saw the first under 17s county game under the new three day format to be played at the Leeds University Ground, Weetwood, between Yorkshire and Derbyshire. In previous seasons this competition was played over only two days. Whatever the reason for the change, which could perhaps be to increase the amount of spin bowling, the boundaries were pushed out to their farthest extent.
The match did indeed provide plenty of spin bowling and plenty of runs too and was a good showcase for the young talent available to both counties. Derbyshire batted first and struggled during the pre-lunch period on Tuesday. They lost their first four wickets for 53 runs and showed a lack of positive batting with only some seventy runs on the board when lunch came after two and a quarter hours batting.
Fortunately the mood changed after the interval and much more positive approach by Edward Barlow (no relation to the famous South African) and Archie Gleadall saw the
scoreboard ticking over at a faster rate. The pair put on a partnership of 250 with Barlow the faster scorer of the two reaching a splendid century before he was caught behind for 110. Gleadall went on to make 67 but the remaining batsman collapsed very quickly and Derbyshire slumped from 205-4 to 232 all out.
The best bowler by far was Abdi Ahmed who reaped the benefits of bowling fast and straight to finish with splendid figures of 5-17. Spinner Alec Drury, from Driffield, was the most economical with a tidy analysis of 11-6-25-1.
Yorkshire's innings got off to a bad start when Bilal Anjum was caught and bowled for 3 but fellow opener James Pick and Richard Brown stayed together until the close of day 1. Brown is an interesting character, being born in York, but a schoolboy at Repton in Derbyshire. He had previously played for Derbyshire's age group sides but has now decided to throw in his lot with his native county.
Richard Brown batting at Weetwood
This looks like a good signing as he proceeded merrily on his way on day two to reach 96 not out at lunch and completed his century shortly afterwards before giving a dolly catch on the leg side much to his own annoyance for 124. Like so many young players these days he displayed his displeasure on his way back to the pavilion and failed to acknowledge the applause of the spectators. This is something the coaches should surely correct.
Lunchtime score on day two
The later stages of day two were interrupted by rain showers but Yorkshire were well in the lead with wickets in hand when day three started in much better conditions. The runs kept coming with 36 from skipper Birkhead, 41 from Nathan Snookes, 18 from Alec Drury before number eight Sam Fox prolonged the entertainment with an innings of 67 which included eleven fours. Yorkshire finally declared on 423-9 which gave them a lead of 191.
Action about to resume at Weetwood
The home sides hopes of bowling Derby out cheaply to claim an innings victory after having them 44-2 were thwarted by yet another century maker in Ben Chapman-Lilley who made 102 and Gleadall who made runs again with 73. This pair put on 148 and when the first innings century maker Barlow came in at number six he saw them safely
to a draw with 35 not out. So Derby were able to finish on 258-5 with the sun still shining on an excellent weather day for once.
The teams got five points each for a draw with Yorkshire getting four batting points and four bowling points and Derby just two batting points and three bowling points.
Lots of plus points for both teams and Yorkshire will be looking for a victory when they face Cheshire away at Oxton next week.
No comments:
Post a Comment