'Gate ready to face arch rivals York
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Written by yorkguides.co.uk
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THE eyes of the cricket world may be on the rivalry between England and Australia this weekend- but ahead of their win-or-bust clash at arch-rivals York, Harrogate skipper John Inglis said the rivalry is just as intense.
The clash between the Yorkshire League giants on Monday will go a long way to deciding the fate of the Championship and Inglis admits the fixture is a winner-takes-all encounter.
"This weekend will decide the league and this is what we all play cricket for," he said.
"We knew once the fixture came out at the start of the season that it could be the decider and although we'd like to be where York are, that's how it has proved."
The two sides have been the dominant forces in Yorkshire cricket over recent years and Inglis feels the match-up of North Yorkshire's finest is always something special.
"A few lads know each other on each side and there is a bit of niggle between the sides besides the fact it is a local derby," he said.
"No-one likes to lose the games between us and although it's all-square this year, this game is the most important,".
Despite 'Gate staying hot on the heels of York following a 61-run victory over Castleford last week, York remain in the box seat to claim the Yorkshire League crown.
But Inglis says his side have the staying power to pounce on any York slip-up.
"We are still hopeful of someone doing us a favour and it would be outstanding if York lost on Saturday and we won and we go into Monday's match with all to play for," he said.
"We have players who have experienced a title run-in and I'm sure they would show this kind of character again."
Despite being underdogs to lift the title, Inglis takes the psychological high ground when he cheekily says that York may play for a share of the spoils on Monday.
"I think York will try and make it a good batting track," he said.
"They know we need eight points against them and have to bowl them out, so they could get their tactics wrong and try and shut up shop tomorrow."
But with the hosting of perennial strugglers Rotherham Town tomorrow before the do-or-die encounter, Inglis has called on his side to go into Monday's game at the peak of their powers.
"We should beat Rotherham," he said.
"With them having nothing to play for and us having everything to play for, then as long as we are mentally prepared then we should come out on top."
On Saturday, 'Gate kept the heat on York with a 61-run victory over Castleford in a low-scoring affair last week.
Inglis was delighted with the result.
He said:"Castleford are a good team but the win shows how we are playing at the moment." |
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