Raj’s Fifty Shades of Play & Harry’s Leather Sacrifice

SpicyBoy
Jun 19, 2025
4 min read

A weekend of big hits, close calls, and chocolate cake!

Saturday, June 14 – GTA Mitron CC vs YCC 2025

Result: Lost by 4 wickets

Scorecard here: https://cricclubs.com/YorkCricketClubYCC/viewScorecard.do?matchId=976&clubId=1001384

Winning the toss and electing to bat, YCC began solidly with Sri and Rafi putting together a 44-run opening stand, according to Sri himself. But both openers fell in quick succession, halting the early momentum. Pratha and Sathish steadied things with a composed middle partnership — Pratha, in particular, was in fluent form, carving two sixes and multiple boundaries during his 29 off 25.

Harry added a stylish 23 with his usual mix of aggression and finesse. But after reaching 121/4, YCC’s innings nosedived. The final six wickets fell for just 22 runs, ending the innings at 143. The silver lining? 42 wides from Mitron’s bowlers. That’s nearly seven free overs — generous, but not enough.

On the bowling front, Echi showed fire with 2/27, and Thaya’s lines remained tight with 1/20. But GTA Mitron’s Nainesh Shah made the difference, crafting a composed 61 to lead the chase. The scoreline stayed close — but YCC never quite found their groove.

Sunday, June 15 – YCC 2025 vs Ramblers CC

Result: Won by 6 wickets

Scorecard here: https://cricclubs.com/YorkCricketClubYCC/viewScorecard.do?matchId=977&clubId=1001384

Ramblers CC came out swinging and posted a solid 203 all out in 40 overs — no easy total to chase, and YCC had to bring their A-game. Fortunately, the day belonged to two things: bat-swinging brilliance and cool-headed resolve.

With the ball, Echi, Lahiru, and Shawn kept things tight despite the aggression. The highlight? Shawn’s lightning double-strike, a searing spell that knocked over the stumps and sucked the wind out of Ramblers’ late charge.

Then came the chase.

Harry was unhinged. Not only did he smoke three balls into the next province, but his 94-run blitz was the heartbeat of the innings. Meanwhile, Raj, composed and defiant, anchored from the other end. After a 20-year wait, he raised his bat for a richly deserved fifty, steering YCC through tight spots.

The winning moment wasn’t just about runs. It was about statement — YCC didn’t just chase the score. They chased it down with flair.

Highlights from Shawn’s Dugout Diaries (with gratitude!)

We’d like to give a massive shoutout to Shawn Rankothgedra for capturing the spirit of the game in his notes — exactly the kind of fun, honest, community-driven contributions we love to see from our players. This is how you make club cricket richer, together.

The Return of Raj!

20 years. That’s how long it’s been since Raj last crossed 50. On Sunday, he stood firm, elegant, and soaked in every cheer. There are centuries scored with less soul than this half-ton.

Harry Goes Ballistic

This season, Harry’s become a one-man action reel — and not just for the reasons he’d prefer. First, let’s talk about Sunday: yet another game, yet another ball sent into orbit off his bowling. At this point, it’s a tradition. If there’s a batter out there looking to clear the ropes, chances are they’re circling Harry’s name on the lineup.

But then came the chase — and Harry did what Harry does: launched three balls into deep space with the bat, each exit velocity higher than the last. We’re talking no return address, no customs checks, straight to the stratosphere.

So yes, he gets hit, but he hits back harder. He’s cricket’s version of karma — immediate, explosive, and highly entertaining.

Harry, you might be single-handedly funding leather manufacturers this season — but keep swinging. We’re loving every second of it.

Mini Mascot Magic

Harry’s young one was present throughout — call it a coincidence, but his innings had “lucky charm” written all over it.

Lahiru’s Silent Kill

No flash, no fuss. Just relentless lines and length. The kind of spell where the batter looks at the sky, not the scoreboard.

Echi’s One-Handed Wonder

Taking a return catch that leaves your hand swollen is brave. Following it up with a top-notch bowling spell? That’s just Echi being Echi. He plucked a screaming return catch out of thin air — the kind that usually comes with a warning label — and walked away with a swollen hand and a grin. The best part? He bowled even better after that. We’re not saying the swelling was a performance enhancer… but we’re definitely keeping an eye on that ice pack.

Feroz Makes a Cameo

The team was at 85% battery until Feroz showed up. After that: game faces on, jokes flying, and bowling speeds up 10 km/h. Coincidence? Never..

Ranjit’s Cakewalk

If you didn’t play but still showed up, it was likely for the chocolate-coconut cake Ranjit’s wife brought. Verdict? “Elite.” Texture, flavour, balance — a patisserie-level performance. The tea break is now a battleground. It might be time to introduce a Dessert MVP.

New Fans Incoming

A few spectators stayed for the entire game and were so impressed with the camaraderie and cricket that they expressed interest in joining York. That’s how clubs grow — organically, and with good vibes.

Jay’s Optical Illusion

Jay saw a guy on the boundary turned away and — convinced the man was relieving himself — filed a protest with the opposition captain. Turns out, he was just checking WhatsApp. Apologies were made. Laughs were not contained. Welcome to Sunday cricket.

Welcome, Jerome!

Jerome made his York debut on Sunday. A solid start, and we look forward to seeing him don the green and red many more times.