The Pocklingtonian 2018/19 | Page 81

SPORT// CRICKET U14 XI In a season hampered by poor weather the under 14s have only completed three fixtures. The first game vs Ampleforth and was cancelled without a ball being bowled. In the second game vs Local rivals Hymers Pocklington posted 120-1 in their 20 overs, with Toby Williamson on 50 and Ollie Rook 49 being the mainstay of the Pocklington innings. Sadly the game was abandoned with only 1 over of the second innings possible. A scratchy run chase against South Hunsley set up another meeting with Hymers and the East Yorkshire Regional cup was up for grabs. U15 XI The U15 cricket team have endured the wettest early summer weather for many years. Only three regular school matches have been started and only one of those has been played to a finish; sadly, that resulted in a heavy cup defeat at the hands of an exceptionally strong team from Trent College. During the term, there hasn’t been much DAVID GRAY SHIELD A young Pocklington side travelled to Edinburgh with hopes of defending the David Gray Shield. Named for the ex-Pockington and Stewart Melville School Headmaster, this annual tournament features Pocklington, Hymers, Strathallen and hosts Stewart Melville. After a poor summer in terms of weather the prospect of 2 x 50 over games in successive days followed by a Pocklington batted first with Toby Williamson again the mainstay with 47. Regular wickets from Henry Hobson and Flynn Sangwin pegged Hymers back and they fell 33 short of Pocklington’s total. GSAL proved too strong for Pocklington though and regular wickets restricted Pocklington to 57 all out. This was thanks to some good lower order resistance from Henry Hobson, Henry Rodmell & Ollie Bell. Pocklington showed spirit in defending this total taking three GSAL wickets. bowling in return Pocklington managed to knock them off. Further wins versus Hymers and Ashville saw Pocklington finished third behind Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School (QEGS) and The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL). Next up was the 6 a-side tournament held at Pocklington. First up were a Bradford Grammar School side who had only lost twice all year. A very strong bowling display saw BGS limited to just 27 and despite their strong Player of the Season: Toby Williamson At the time of writing further fixtures Vs St peters York and the remaining rounds of the English schools cricket association were to be played. A strong season overall this team has potential to develop into a strong all round side. Most Improved Player: Will Tucker-Lowe time to fill the highlights reel with but the stand out individual performances have been Harry Jackson’s century, off just 53 balls against Hymers and Harry Lee’s excellent, fighting 65, on a difficult wicket at home against GSAL. produced by Henry Green, Harry Jackson, Jonny Raper, Adam Reid, Billy Spruyt, Jack Whitehead and Henry Woodruff. These resulted in us claiming the trophy by dint of a superior run-rate to GSAL, who were the runners-up. The team performance to treasure was an outstanding victory in the GSAL 6-a-side tournament. This is the first time that we have managed to win this tournament, despite having been able to contest it with some very strong sides in the past. Excellent individual performances during the day were Team selected from: Tom Burton, Henry Green, Will Grewer, Harry Holland, Harry Jackson, Harry Lee, John Raper, Adam Reid, Billy Spruyt, Tom Williamson, Jack Woodhead, Henry Woodruff. 20/20 on the final day, the squad new they would be challenged. bowled out. Regular wickets saw the Pocklington chase curtailed, however useful lower order runs from Goddard & Hasdell brought some respectability to the scorecard. Day 1 saw Pocklington play a mixed Strathallan team. The opposition struggling to field a squad had some strong former players mixed in with some younger players gaining experience of senior cricket. Bowling first Pocklington started poorly allowing Strathallan early runs, however wickets saw Strathallan pegged back to 132-6 at lunch. Some loose bowling and powerful hitting saw Strathallan dominate after lunch eventually reaching 221 before being Day 2 and Stewart Melville, who lost to Hymers awaited Pocklington. A better bowling & fielding performance saw Pocklington reduce Stewart Melville to 149-10. The chase was anchored by Jack Woodhead’s 57 however Pocklington failed to build a large partnership and fell 12 runs short of the target in a close game. THE POCKLINGTONIAN 79