Late flurries deny Beverley victory as teenage substitute seals Woodhouse Grange win
Beverley’s first XI suffered an unexpected defeat at Woodhouse Grange after failing to build on a promising spell from their bowlers, leaving visiting supporters to reflect on what might have been. The hosts recovered from 48-5 in their chase to reach 126-6, chasing down Beverley’s total of 122 which had been compiled in the 24th over.
Early on it appeared the contest was heading in Beverley’s direction. Seamers Toby Findlay (6-29) and Tom Neal (3-51) struck with regularity, reducing the visitors to 45-8. That collapse suggested a modest target might yet prove defendable, but a late flurry in Beverley’s lower order took their score to 122 before they were all out.
Woodhouse Grange’s reply followed a similar pattern of instability. They tumbled to 48-5, prompting memories of the visitors’ earlier collapse, but a composed innings from teenager Stan Newman proved decisive. Newman, who has spent much of the season in Woodhouse’s third XI, had recently been drafted into the premier side and produced an unbeaten 57 to guide his team home.
"He came into the side when Grange were on the brink and saw them over the line with an unbeaten 57,"
The result will be welcome for Woodhouse Grange and especially for their young players. Newman’s promotion and match-winning contribution underline the value of depth in the club’s ranks and the opportunities for academy and lower-XI players to influence first-team outcomes.
- Beverley: all out 122 (24 overs)
- Woodhouse Grange: 126-6 (chase)
- Key bowlers: Findlay 6-29, Neal 3-51
Beyond the headline fixture there was plenty of action for local cricket followers. In the seconds, Rob Gainer starred with both bat and ball for Woodhouse Grange, scoring 70 in a total of 176 and then returning figures of 5-23 to bowl Welton out for 126, a 50-run victory for Grange’s second XI.
At third-team level, Woodhouse set 204 for Easingwold before teenage spinner Alex Collins took 4-43 as Grange completed a 46-run win. The fourth XI, however, suffered heartbreak as they posted 228-4 only to be overhauled by Bishopthorpe who reached 229-6 in the last over.
Elsewhere in the region, Londesborough Park recorded a five-wicket victory after bowling Sessay out for 209, with James Hanley contributing an unbeaten 71 to steer the chase. Stamford Bridge were dismissed for 117 by league leaders Clifton Alliance, who sealed an eight-wicket victory.
Local football and rugby notes
On the football front, Pocklington Town FC rallied from behind to win 2-1 at Haxby Town in their York League Division 1 opener, goals coming from Carl Brewer and substitute Matt Quigley. Pocklington are next at home against Cliffe FC.
In rugby union, Pocklington RUFC’s start to the league campaign has been delayed as the RFU has postponed the opening until 26 September because of hard ground conditions. The club’s Walking Rugby side, however, continued to find success, lifting the inaugural Harrogate Tournament. A pre-season hit-out at Goole was noted but the postponement means further friendly and preparation matches will be needed before league fixtures commence. This Saturday a Pocklington XV is scheduled to play Beverley opposition in a charity touch game.
The mixed weekend underlines the closeness of competition across local sport and the fine margins that can determine results: a lower-order surge for Beverley altered the outcome of the afternoon’s cricket, while a young substitute’s calm innings decided a tightly contested chase for Woodhouse Grange. For Beverley, there will be lessons to draw as the season progresses and opportunities to recover in coming fixtures.
| Match | Score / Result |
|---|---|
| Beverley v Woodhouse Grange (1sts) | Beverley all out 122; Woodhouse Grange 126-6 (win) |
| Woodhouse Grange (2nds) v Welton | Grange 176; Welton 126 (Grange won by 50) |
| Woodhouse Grange (3rds) v Easingwold | Grange 204; Easingwold chased short (Grange won by 46) |
