Having lost to the same side just four days prior to the Roses showdown, Lancaster completed an eighty-two run victory to secure the club’s first win in the fixture for six years.
Presented with a changeable weather forecast, Lancaster Captain Henry Wilde, won the toss and opted to bat first on a pitch that looked conducive to an excellent cricketing contest. His openers vindicated his decision and the visitors got off to a solid start; reaching 111 without the loss of a wicket. Wicket-keeper batsman Matt Stevenson (68) bringing up his half century with some lovely free-flowing strokes before drinks.
However, as is often the case, the drinks break brought about a wicket, when opener Sandy Richards was adjudged LBW for 38. The dismissal triggered a collapse in the middle order and saw Lancaster reduced from 125-1 to 137-6.
Captain Wilde came to the crease needing to steady the ship. A partnership of 42 with fresher, Sid Ravishankar (24) restored Lancaster’s control in the match and set the platform for Sam Steeple (21 not out) to strike some lusty blows to push the total past 200. Lancaster closed their innings on 224 for 9 with York spinner Lakhani picking up four wickets.
Requiring 225 to win from 40 overs, the York openers set about their task with purpose. However, the Lancaster opening bowlers restricted the early scoring by bowling with good control. The pressure soon began to take its toll and Lancaster picked up four wickets in quick succession, including the prized wicket of Bell, falling for 16 to left-arm spinner Adam Boardman.
York refused to hand the game over to Lancaster with Milnes (51) and Turp (50) digging in to give York a glimmer of hope. A couple of huge sixes brought the crowd back into the game who continued to get behind the home side. However, the hopes faded when Tristan Lundqvist (3-30) picked up the wickets of both Milnes and Turp to put Lancaster on the verge of victory.
Rahul Gupta (4-22) cleaned up the York tail to seal a famous Roses victory, gaining revenge for Wednesday’s disappointing defeat. Hopefully, this result will provide the spark for the club to kick on and have another successful league season.
