York eye victory trio at 'Gate's expense

by Peter Vine

Cock-a-hoop after their brilliant Bank Holiday double, York aim for the triple over a Harrogate side who have not reproduced the form that won them the Yorkshire League title last summer.

It will be the first taste of two-day cricket for the Clifton Park side, who welcome back their left-handed all-rounder Marcus Wood after being on Pocklington's Rugby Union tour to France last weekend.

Wood takes the place of Paul Daniels, who elects not to play cricket on the Sabbath on religious grounds.

Julian Ramsey, who scored 93 no at Abbeydale Park in the league last Saturday, is involved with accountancy exams and is not available this week so Shaun Gorman retains his place.

Twenty-year-old all-rounder Paul Skilbeck damaged a shoulder last weekend and, although he may not bowl, retains his place as a batsman.

Defending champions, Harrogate could be without middle order bat Victor Craven because of an ankle injury and wicket keeper James Pipe, who scored 172no against the Academy two weeks ago, is required to stand by in case Worcestershire need him on Sunday.

The prospects of either Harrogate and York putting bat to ball on the field of play in the Abbot Ale Cup begin to look less and less possible because either they or their prospective opponents are involved in too many other league and cup commitments.

This weekend's two-day game at Harrogate has taken one Sunday out of York's available days while Harrogate are having intense difficulties sorting themselves out to play the winners of Sunday's Abbot Ale clash between Acomb and Castleford at Savile Park.

Harrogate still have to find time for their Champion of Champions cup tie at Undercliffe and their Yorkshire League KO Cup game at home to Castleford.

York's home Abbot Ale third round cup tie against Huddersfield Section B side Shepley should be played at Clifton Park next Tuesday (6.30pm), for an 18-over (or more) clash.

But Shepley admit that, because of the work commitments of many of their players, their chances of raising a side look less and less likely.

If Shepley fail to appear then York will probably receive a walkover. If the match is ruined by rain then the toss of a coin will determine who will go into the next round.

Scarborough suffered a disappointment with the news that Yorkshire's Craig White will not be available for their trip to Barnsley tomorrow.

Skipper Nick Tubbs was hoping White would be able to help Scarborough rise above the lowly joint eighth place they presently hold in the league.

But the all-rounder is in the Yorkshire side currently playing Oxford University..

Robin Weston returns to the Scarborough line-up after playing for Derbyshire Colts on Bank Holiday Monday.

Graham Wilson, recovered from a heel injury, retains his place at wicket keeper, although Boro will be without their bowler Rob Harrison and opener Mark Cowell.

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