Annual YOG vs. First XI Cricket Match

On 8 February the annual cricket match between the Yarra Old Grammarians (YOG) team and the current First XI team was played at Yarra’s prestigious Patterson Oval. 

In the weeks leading up to the match everybody was extremely eager to find out who we would play and the level of competition and skill that our opposition would bring. So, when we arrived at the ground, and saw the relaxed warm up being held by our opposition, we grew increasingly eager to play our best cricket and hopefully come out of the game with a big win. 

Throughout the day, we learnt that our opposition had gone on a cricket tour to England thirty years ago and that the match was acting as a reunion for that touring team. They made it clear to us, both through stories but mainly through rusty skills, that most of them had not played cricket since their tour to England. Nonetheless, the game was played in a competitive manner and in high spirits.

We were sent in to bat first and with the first two balls being bowled off the pitch we did not know what to expect. Soon after the YOGs blew out their cobwebs and began to bowl some challenging deliveries. Despite these challenges, we managed to make 4-178 with a brilliant 69 runs from Jarred Holding, supported by Gus Robinson who made 34.

Happy with the score on the board we were very keen to try and take some wickets and win the match. The YOGs did not make it easy for us and were batting very well until Tanay Bhatkhande came on to bowl, taking some wickets and disrupting the flow of the innings. From there, we were successful in keeping their score down and in the end they put on a well-fought and entertaining 100. Tanay was the pick of the bowlers with a few important wickets that changed the game.

The highlight of the day, apart from the win, was hearing the stories and reflections of the YOG players over a delicious afternoon tea. It was clear to see the camaraderie and mateship that still existed between all team members, despite not having played together in thirty years. Their banter and friendship after such a long time displayed the lifelong bond that they they formed through playing cricket for Yarra together. The team look forward to playing against the YOGs again next year.

Alex Sheedy
Year 12, 2024