Scores:

OPs: 279-8 declared

(Ollie Rook 125, Tom Binns 85), (Tom R 4-65, James S 2-14)

Pocklington 1st XI: 205-8 (Tom R 77, Ben M 24, James S 21)

Match drawn.

A sun-drenched Sunday provided the perfect backdrop for another high-scoring encounter on a superb batting surface at Pocklington. The Old Pocklingtonians (OPs) continued their tradition of entertaining cricket, led by a commanding century from Ollie Rook (10-24), who picked up where he left off last season. His 125 was a blend of power and placement, aided by some generous fielding from the hosts.

Supporting him was captain Tom Binns (07-18), who crafted a fluent 85, anchoring the innings with maturity and intent. With the scoreboard ticking over rapidly, the OPs declared at 279 for 8, setting the school side a challenging target with three hours left in the day.

In response, Pocklington’s top order showed resilience. Ben M and Tom R provided a solid start, with Tom impressing with a well-constructed 77. However, the OP bowlers kept chipping away, and wickets fell at regular intervals, keeping the game finely balanced.

As the final hour approached, the match hung in the balance. With the possibility of a dramatic finish looming, Charlie E and Joe G held firm for the school, navigating the closing overs with composure to secure a hard-fought draw.

Charlie Lambert (01-08), OP President, commented: “It was another excellent game played in great spirit, and good to see our younger OPs and recent leavers taking part.”

Thank you to umpires David Byas (School) and Charlie Lambert (OPs), and scorer, Ben Byas (08-15) for coordinating the match, and to the students and OPs for playing.

The date for next year’s OP cricket fixture against the school is on Sunday 21 June 2026, 11.00am. We hope to see you there!

OP Team:

Tom Binns (07-18), James Harrison (11-18), Rob Boddy (08-19), Jonty Goddard (11-19), Harry Matthews (15-20), Harry Jones (14-21), Joshua Matthews (16-21), Harry Snelling (16-23), Harry Falkingham (13-24), Fin Furby (22-24), Ollie Rook (10-24).