Hat-trick of North Yorkshire cricket glory for RGS

IT was back-to-back success for RGS cricketers this week as students celebrated another outstanding cup triumph.

Ripon Grammar School’s Under-13 boys have continued a remarkable period of success for RGS cricket by retaining the North Yorkshire Schools Cricket Cup, completing another memorable chapter just days after the school’s historic Under-14 girls and boys double title victory.

The Year 8 team were crowned North Yorkshire champions for the second successive year after an impressive 69-run victory over St Aidan’s in Wednesday’s final. Having lifted the trophy last summer as Year 7 pupils, the squad returned as defending champions and once again demonstrated their quality with a superb all-round display.

Their route to the final saw them overcome Richmond, St John Fisher and Harrogate Grammar, before producing their best performance of the competition when it mattered most.

After being asked to bat first, Ripon Grammar posted a formidable 196 for five from their 20 overs. Thomas Giles set the tone with a brilliant unbeaten 51 from just 35 deliveries, including eight boundaries, before retiring not out. Albert Anderson continued the momentum with an excellent 48 from 30 balls, hitting nine fours, while Jack Drummond added a quickfire 34 from 21 deliveries to help establish a commanding total.

With a substantial score on the board, Ripon’s bowlers and fielders produced a disciplined display to keep St Aidan’s under pressure throughout their innings. The hosts were restricted to 127 for six from their 20 overs, securing a convincing 69-run victory and another North Yorkshire Schools title.

Drummond, Seb Robinson, Anderson, Punav Pogul and Henry Cawood each claimed a wicket, while wicketkeeper Noah Kitson-Burgess impressed behind the stumps with two smart stumpings. Arthur Kirkhope also delivered an excellent final over, conceding just one run to close out a dominant performance.

The victory marks another outstanding achievement for Ripon Grammar School cricket and means the Under-13 squad have now won the North Yorkshire title in consecutive seasons.

Coming hot on the heels of the Under-14 girls and boys both being crowned North Yorkshire Schools champions, the latest success highlights the strength, depth and continued growth of cricket at Ripon Grammar School.

Congratulations to the entire Under-13 squad on another fantastic campaign and another memorable achievement representing RGS.