Spin to be the key for York Cricket Club success in North Yorkshire duel at Harrogate (From York Press)

Spin to be the key for York Cricket Club success in North Yorkshire duel at Harrogate

11:11am Friday 19th June 2009

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A BATTLE of spin is expected at St George’s Road tomorrow when York Cricket Club travel to improving Harrogate.

The outcome of the Oxbridge Yorkshire ECB County Premier League clash is likely to turn on the twirlers, according to York all-rounder and secretary Nick Kay.

York’s spin attack will be spearheaded by off-spinner Alex Renton and left-armer Ashley Hulme, as top wicket-taker Daniel Woods is unavailable.

Kay said: “The pitch is one of the best in the league. It’s a quick wicket and a good outfield, and I think it will suit our batsmen and spinners.

“Alex took 60 wickets for us last year, Daniel is a county recognised spinner and Ashley has taken two five-wicket hauls for us already this season.

“Harrogate have got a couple of good spinners this season, but Alex, Daniel and Ashley are three of the best spinners in the league. There is no doubt about that.”

Harrogate have won only two of their ten games, but returning captain John Proud scored 46 to lead the side to victory at Rotherham last weekend.

Said Kay: “Harrogate struggled early on, but as the pitches have got flatter and drier they have got some results.

“We don’t know a lot about them apart from their captain, John Proud, who is back at the club after a spell in the Central Yorkshire League.

“He’s a highly-regarded club cricketer, who played for Harrogate in their championship-winning days.”

York are again without all-rounder Duncan Snell as well as Woods, with both playing their final fixture for the Leeds Bradford University Centre of Cricket Excellence side.

Hulme will move up to open the innings, with second team vice-captain Mike Mortimer coming into the side to bat at number six, while youngster Jake Murphy will take the new ball.

Said Kay: “Jake bowled really well in his spell against Sheffield United. I dropped a catch off him at slip, so he was close to getting his first wicket for the first team.

“He bowled good lines and lengths and was unlucky not to pick up a couple of wickets.”

Australian opener Dan Wilson will be looking to maintain the form which has put him top of the Yorkshire League averages.

His 752-run total is 252 better than all his rivals, and he is averaging 83.56 from ten games which have seen him plunder three centuries and three half-centuries.

Meanwhile, York and Rotherham will make their second and final attempt to play their Yorkshire League Knockout Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

The South Yorkshire side host the tie – halted at the halfway stage a fortnight ago – and must reach a conclusion. That could mean a bowl out, with three bowlers from each side bowling three balls at a set of stumps.

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