Harry's Hot Streak Leads Another Busy Fortnight for YCC
- SpicyBoy
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Four fixtures were scheduled across the past two weekends, producing two wins, one loss, one rain-abandoned match, and enough stories to keep the WhatsApp group entertained for several days.
There were standout individual performances, gritty team efforts, a rain interruption that arrived at the worst possible moment, and a reminder that cricket has a unique ability to produce something memorable every weekend.
Here's how the last two weekends unfolded for York Cricket Club.
Saturday, June 13 – East End CC vs YCC 2026
East End CC 209 all out; YCC 210/5 - YCC won by 5 wickets
YCC won the toss and chose to bowl first. East End posted a competitive 209, but the bowling effort was very much a team contribution.
Harry Shivs led the way with 3 wickets, while Stephen Williams delivered one of the most economical spells of the season, finishing with 2/24 from 8 overs. George Muthu and Andrew Anandappa both picked up 2 wickets, while Venkat Sivaprakash chipped in with one of his own.
Chasing 210 was never going to be straightforward, and YCC found themselves under pressure after losing a few early wickets. Fortunately, Harry wasn't finished for the day.
After starring with the ball, Harry produced a magnificent 84 runs, taking control of the chase and steadily turning the game in York's favour. He found excellent support from Rajit Kadirgamar, whose unbeaten 32 provided the perfect foil at the other end.
Their partnership settled the innings, calmed the dressing room, and slowly drained the belief out of the opposition. Venkat Sivaprakash remained unbeaten on 10 as YCC crossed the finish line with five wickets in hand.
A deserved victory and an equally deserved Man of the Match award for Harry.
Sunday, June 14 – Mahajana College OBA vs YCC 2026
Mahajana College OBA 17/1 (4.2 overs) - Match Abandoned Due to Rain
This one barely got started before the weather stepped in.
YCC won the toss and elected to bowl. Pradeep Rasiah Nadarajah struck with the second ball of the match, with Harry Shivs taking the catch to leave Mahajana at 0/1.
Pradeep finished with 1/7 from 2 overs, while Echi Fernando bowled a tidy spell from the other end.
Mahajana had reached just 17/1 before the rain arrived and refused to leave.
With only 18 runs required for victory, several YCC batsmen had already begun mentally calculating how quickly they could improve their season strike rates. Unfortunately, Mother Nature reviewed the situation, ignored all appeals, and abandoned the match.
Saturday, June 20 – Wesley College OBA vs YCC 2026
Wesley College OBA 269/8; YCC 228/9 - Wesley College OBA won by 41 runs
The following Saturday presented one of YCC's tougher assignments of the season.
Wesley College OBA posted a formidable 269/8, thanks largely to a huge century partnership in the middle overs. YCC's bowlers continued to compete hard throughout the innings, with Harry Shivs producing an outstanding spell of 3/21, while Echi Fernando and Rafi Mohamed claimed 2 wickets each. Thaya Thevathasan added another wicket to the tally.
The chase got off to a difficult start. At 51/4, YCC looked to be staring down the barrel.
Then came another Harry masterclass.
George Muthu launched the recovery with a valuable 34, sharing an 80-run partnership with Harry. The momentum continued through another important stand with Rajit Kadirgamar, who contributed a solid 30.
Harry eventually departed for a brilliant 80, including six towering sixes, giving YCC genuine hope of pulling off something special.
Despite the fightback, the target proved just beyond reach as YCC finished on 228/9.
The result went Wesley's way, but York left the field knowing they had fought until the very end.
Sunday, June 21 – YCC 2026 vs Rising Stars CC
YCC 161 all out; Rising Stars CC 136 all out - YCC won by 25 runs
Sunday's contest was a reminder that defending modest totals can sometimes be even more satisfying than chasing big ones.
YCC's innings was built on contributions throughout the order. Pratha Sawant led the scoring with 33, while Sri Krishnan added 18 at the top.
Once again, Harry Shivs made his presence felt, scoring 40 and helping YCC reach a defendable total of 161.
The bowlers then took over.
Stephen Williams produced one of the finest spells by a YCC bowler this season, finishing with a superb 4/19 from 8 overs. His spell dismantled the middle and lower order and ensured Rising Stars never gained any real momentum.
Karthik Nalubolu was equally effective with 3 wickets, while Lahiru Wijesinghe picked up 2 wickets. Shawn Rankothgedra struck early with a breakthrough, and Rafi Mohamed added another wicket to complete the effort.
Rising Stars were eventually dismissed for 136, giving YCC a well-earned 25-run victory and a positive finish to the weekend.
It was one of those wins that felt very much like a team effort, with contributions coming from all corners of the scorecard.
Pic courtesy: Rafi M
New Face, Immediate Commitment
A warm welcome is also in order for Avinil Paul, who recently joined the York Cricket Club family.
Like many new players before him, Avinil was quickly welcomed into the club, introduced to the group, and thrown straight into the action. Unfortunately, somewhere during his very first weekend around YCC, he also managed to pick up a couple of broken ribs and has been ruled out for the next few weeks.
We're not saying York Cricket Club makes players tougher... but most new members usually wait at least a few games before collecting battle scars.
On a serious note, everyone at YCC wishes Avinil a speedy recovery. Rest up, heal well, and come back stronger. The season is still young, and there will be plenty of opportunities waiting when you're ready to return.
Get well soon, Avinil. We're looking forward to seeing you back in YCC colours before long.
Captain's Corner: Building the Right Habits
While the scorecards tell one story, the captain's message after the weekend highlighted something equally important: the culture that continues to make York Cricket Club special.
The focus wasn't on runs scored or wickets taken, but on the small habits that help a club thrive throughout a long season. Commitment, preparation, supporting teammates, helping behind the scenes, and playing the game in the right spirit were all themes that stood out.
The message was also a timely reminder that cricket is demanding enough when you're fully fit. Looking after your body, preparing properly, and being honest about availability helps both the individual and the team over the course of a busy summer.
Most importantly, it was pleasing to see another weekend where the cricket remained competitive, enjoyable, and respectful. Wins and losses will come and go, but maintaining those standards is something every member of the club can be proud of.
Looking Ahead
The schedule remains busy.
Wednesday, June 24- Old Bais CC vs YCC 2026 (Away)
Saturday, June 27- YCC 2026 vs Old Bais CC (Home)
Sunday, June 28 - YCC 2026 vs Jaffna College OBA (Home)
Three matches in five days means plenty of cricket ahead. The squad will be looking to build on the recent wins, continue the positive momentum, and keep enjoying the game the way York Cricket Club always has.
We'll see everyone at the ground.
Go York! 🍁🏏
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