YOUNG cricketers have driven home their reputation with an emphatic win over one of the region’s best teams, making them North Yorkshire champions for the third year running.
Year 10 cricketers from Richmond School and Sixth Form College beat St Peter’s School, York, in spectacular fashion bowling them all out for just 78 runs to win by eight wickets.
The same team took the prestigious North Yorkshire Cricket Cup when they were in Year 9 and Year 8 and are now in line to compete for the overall Yorkshire title.
Cricket at Richmond School and Sixth Form College is flourishing thanks to brand new facilities and a successful partnership with the town’s club.
The North Yorkshire win over St Peter’s was the latest highpoint in what promises to be the best season ever.
Richmond defeated Eaglescliffe in the first cup round thanks to 70 not out by captain Sam Winter and a batting collapse by the opposition that saw them bowled out for just 29.
They went on to defeat comfortably Sacred Heart’s, Redcar, by 63 runs and Harrogate Grammar by 90.
The team comprises Cameron Spence, Jonathan Carlton, Jack Smith, Harvey Websdale, Sam Winter, Tom Spensley, Jonny Carr, Gary Walker, Tom Dowson, James Kelly, Mark Walker and Tyler Spence.
They will now play Prince Henry School, Otley, in the final later this year for the Yorkshire title.
PE teacher and coach Jonathan Kellett said: “The team has such depth; in fact, we have club players who can’t make it on to the school team.
“They just keep coming and can bat all the way through the order. The boys are powerful hitters and aggressive bowlers with a winning mentality that sees them up their game when they play the best teams.”
Sam added: “They are a great team to captain as we all get on so well, love our cricket and always play to win.”
The sport is thriving thanks to the Richmond Cricket Foundation, set up to develop links between the school and the club.
A new ten wicket facility, complete with all-weather area, has brought cricket back to the school fields for the first time in many years and boosted opportunities across the town.
Mr Kellett said: “The partnership is seeing cricket go from strength to strength and the benefits to the school are clear – we have teams from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 still in the latter stages of the Yorkshire Cup.
“There is so much more cricket being played in the town and this could be the best season we have ever had.”
