YP Schools Challenge: Defiant Harris unable to deny Richmond win

Holmfirth got off to a calamitous start when their opening pair, Zak Sleney and captain Dan Parr, were both dismissed for ducks.

Both were bowled by Richmond’s Johnny Carr as part of his three-wicket haul and Holmfirth’s Bailey Bedford was then run out for five.

Holmfirth wicketkeeper Tom Clegg and Joe Smith then somewhat steadied the ship as they both made 13 but there was nothing lucky about their scores.

Isaac Eustance and Josh Rushton were then sent packing for nought and one respectively before the one shining light of the Holmfirth innings from Ella Harris. She made a defiant 28 but the damage had been done despite Henry Oakley and Shaun Dawson adding a late eight and 17 respectively, either side of Will Reeves becoming the fourth Holmfirth player dismissed for a duck.

Indeed, the 14 extras assembled were Holmfirth’s third highest run contributor as part of a total of 99 as Johnny Carlton finished with a three-wicket haul.

Richmond were then ruthless in their run chase with Winter flexing the willow for an unbeaten 34 that helped his side ease past the winning line.

However, it was the half-century made by wicket-keeper Dowson that really lit up the semi-final with Dowson eventually caught by Rushton from the bowling of Parr for 51.

But his contribution had long since laid the foundation for victory and with Gary Walker adding an unbeaten four, Richmond eased their way to a winning 103-1 with the help of 14 extras.