On a bright day on the Yorkshire Coast, Yapham’s Sunday team upset the odds with a ten-wicket victory against mighty Scarborough at North Marine Road.

After winning the toss, captain Andy decided to field first. Pat Wahl and Mike Hodgkinson were quick out of the blocks with some accurate bowling, and Mike got a deserved breakthrough thanks to a catch from Alfie Allen. Pat Wahl then claimed a plum LBW, before a great run-out saw Jon Coote whip off the bails.

At 39-3 it was looking promising, but Scarborough’s opener and captain took advantage of a very short boundary that was hard to defend. With the score at 100-3, Maisie clean-bowled him for 68. The promising spinner could have had more as she bamboozled the Boro batters.

Spin twin Deri Reed-Thomas bowled a great 10-over spell, taking 3-37. During this time, Alfie Allen also claimed an important wicket. The Scarborough lower order did well to eke out 186 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

It is fair to say there was great fielding from the villagers—Dan Clark, Alfie Allen, James Hodgkinson, and Andy, to name but a few. However, nobody got near Gareth Wahl. He was truly outstanding in the field with heroic dives, saves, chases, and a catch from a shot travelling at serious speed off Deri’s bowling.

In reply, Jon Coote and Mark Fairey set about the task with great skill. There was a scare in the first over when Jon was almost caught, but after that, the openers played brilliantly. They scored at an impressive rate and saw off a talented young leg-spinner.
Jon finished unbeaten on 94, with Mark not out on 74, as the sun began setting on the famous old ground. Player of the match was difficult to decide with so many strong contenders. However, for his never-give-up attitude, his amazing catch, and the sheer number of runs he saved, the award goes to Gareth Wahl.

The win cements Yapham's place at the top of Vale League Division Two. Next up are third-placed Hemingbrough.