Yorkshire Men v Essex Men
Rothesay County Championship
York Cricket Club, Clifton Park
Sunday 29 June – Wednesday 2 July | 11am start
Following the draw at home to Hampshire in the last round of the Rothesay County Championship, Essex Men head up north to face Yorkshire in round nine.
Although falling short of victory, the draw against Hampshire provided plenty of positives for the Eagles as they look to climb the Division One table.
In the first innings, Charlie Allison scored his second first-class century, making it back-to-back tons following his last one at the Oval against Surrey the previous month.
Debutant Mackenzie Jones claimed his first wicket for the Club, dismissing Liam Dawson, who was caught behind by Michael Pepper.
Needing to bat for over a day and a half to avoid defeat and secure a draw, Club Captain Tom Westley led from the front with a brilliantly anchored innings, scoring 130 not out from 322 balls, supported by Michael Pepper who celebrated his birthday with a superb century, ending on 140 from just 154 balls.
Honours were even as Essex claimed the draw and took 10 points from the match, ahead of the upcoming visit to York Cricket Club to face Yorkshire.
Hear Tom Westley’s thoughts after the conclusion of the draw against Hampshire.
Squad
Chris Silverwood has named a 13-player squad for the trip up north to face Yorkshire, which includes new Indian overseas signing Khaleel Ahmed and Academy graduate Charlie Bennett.
Sam Cook misses out due to being selected in the England Men’s Test squad for their second match of the India series at Edgbaston.
Jamie Porter also misses out after picking up a minor calf strain during training in the week. Porter is progressing well with his rehab.
The First Interview: Khaleel Ahmed
The Opposition
Yorkshire find themselves struggling in Division One this season following their promotion from Division Two last year.
Under the new leadership duo of former Essex head coach Anthony McGrath and captain Jonny Bairstow, the side based at Headingley find themselves in the bottom two with one win and two draws in the eight rounds that have been played.
Yorkshire’s previous result in the last round of the County Championship resulted in a draw against table toppers Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. Dan Moriarty led the wicket-takers with 4 wickets, and Finlay Bean top-scored with a mammoth 224 runs off 489 balls.
Yorkshire squad: tbc
Last Time We Met
Anthony McGrath and Mick Lewis’ first return to Chelmsford came close to ending in victory, but a disciplined and determined batting display ensured the match ended in a draw after a four-day showdown.
Matt Critchley and Michael Pepper knuckled down for a monumental fifth-wicket stand of 154 in 77 overs on the final day to steer Essex to the unlikeliest of Rothesay County Championship draws against Yorkshire at Chelmsford.
The pair came together in the depths of despair at 45-4 on the evening of day three and batted for four-and-a-half hours together, spanning 458 balls, and looking to have made it through two complete sessions on the final day. Pepper, though, fell to the last ball before tea on day four after a 229-ball 68 that included five fours and two sixes.
Critchley followed after the interval for 75 from 246 balls as Yorkshire scented their second win of the season with three wickets in 21 balls. However, last-wicket pair Simon Harmer and Jamie Porter saw out the final 38 minutes and 82 balls to prevent a second successive defeat.
George Hill dismissed both batmen to return career-best match figures of 9-82, supported by Jack White’s season’s best 4-43, but to no avail as Yorkshire toiled in vain for one more wicket.
Division One Table
How To Watch
If you are unable to attend any of the match days, the game will be available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone, through the YouTube livestream.
Daily highlights will be available after each day’s play via the Club website and social media. Live updates will also be provided through the Club’s various social platforms and channels.
Useful Information for York Cricket Club
Supporters are encouraged to bring their own seats for the Rothesay County Championship fixture vs Essex. One temporary stand will be in operation for this fixture.
Dogs are not permitted with the exception of guide dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf.
York CC is a cashless venue.
Catering units and bar facilities will be available around the ground.
Pass out slips can be obtained from both entry points. All customers are reminded that only a valid ticket together with the pass out slip allows re-admission.
Spectators will be allowed to bring into the stadium a maximum of 4 × 440ml containers of beer, lager or soft drinks or 1 × 70cl container of wine. For these games only, the containers may include cans. Please note glass is not permitted at any time.
York Park & Ride will be running with buses calling at the Clifton Park stops, located a short distance from the ground. Normal timetables and fares will apply. The Rawcliffe Bar P&R services will also be available. Other less frequent routes (operated by Reliance) serve all stops on Shipton Road. Buses 29, 30 and 31x which connect Easingwold, York and various villages will also be available.
Address: York Cricket Club, Clifton Park, Shipton Road, York, YO30 5RE.
Tickets
Yorkshire County Cricket Club have stated that tickets for the match at York Cricket Club must be bought in advance and can be purchased online here or by calling 0344 504 3099.
