‘Gate experienced a disappointing Bank Holiday Weekend, losing by eight wickets to Yorkshire Academy on Saturday and then by 21 runs at Appleby Frodingham two days later.

In between, Sunday’s National Knockout hosting of Easingwold was rained off and has now been rescheduled for this Sunday (home, 1pm).

‘Gate are still seeking their first victory but Rawlings was highly encouraged by centuries at the weekend for both Adam Patel and Shaaiq Choudhry.

However, opening bowlers Jonathan Taylor and skipper David Stiff failed to cut much ice and Rawlings is adamant the seamers must raise their game.

“We’re looking for an improvement in the seam bowling department,” said Rawlings.

“Basically that’s the main part.

“I’m concerned about the seam bowling but I think basically we have a well balanced team.

“Once we get going I’m sure we’ll be fine and it’s still early days.

“There are four or five new members of the team and they’ve got to settle down and work as a team.”

Rawlings now expects a tough tie at York tomorrow where ‘Gate will come face to face with former batsman Simon Mason.

“York will be a hard game and they are a good side,” said Rawlings.

“I know there have been one or two comings and goings and I know Simon Mason will obviously be there and he’ll be, as ever, a major opponent.

“He’s someone we’ll have to get rid of fairly early but other than that I don’t know precisely what team they will have.

“We’ll definitely have to tighten up the seam bowling.”

Harrogate lost the toss on Saturday but posted 204-9 thanks to Adam Patel’s 111 off 137 balls and Nick Lindley’s patient 24.

However, the opening attack of Stiff and Taylor was somewhat wayward and the YCA’s opening partnership took full advantage and knocked 60 off the first ten overs.

The score reached 144 before the first wicket fell by which time the YCA were in total control, eventually winning by eight wickets with Roebuck scoring 109 and Root 54.

Two days later ‘Gate won the toss and asked Appleby Frodingham to bat but again ‘Gate’s bowling was hardly hostile and Appleby raced to 55 off 12 overs before a Taylor run out took the first wicket.

‘Gate actually forced four run outs but while Matt Ingham (1-34), Simon Seager (1-54) and Choudhry (1-43) all took wickets, 14 wides and seven no balls proved a killer as Appleby posted 247-7.

In reply Harrogate lost Stuart Clark and Stiff with only six on the board but then followed a partnership of 137 between Choudhry and Lindley.

Lindley contributed a well crafted 40 before being bowled and Choudhry completed an excellent 103 before being caught in the deep.

Ross Sedgely added 25 off 32 balls before he too holed out but ‘Gate ended just 21 short at 226 all out, meaning the extras and wayward bowling was ultimately costly.