After a dry day, the heavens opened at 5pm for 15 minutes just in time to raise doubt over the U13s match against the Bourne last night. After reluctant views from The Bourne, we agreed to go ahead with the match. Nathan won the toss and decided to bowl (with unanimous approval from the team), much to the Bourne’s delight as they wanted to bat.
Although delighted to be batting, their opening pair did not seem to favour the pitch much. Rufus (1/6 off 2 overs) took full advantage of this and, as he has done a few times in recent matches, struck with his second ball. Caol took the second over and opened with a loosener that the Bourne picked off for 4. Caol composed himself and found his line and length to pick up his first wicket at the end of the over. In Caol’s second over, it was becoming apparent that the batters were letting the conditions dictate their movement to the ball and Caol exposed this picking up a further 3 wickets to finish with 4/12 in 2 overs. With 5 down at the start of the 5th and 18 runs on the board, it was clear the scoring was not to be free flowing, despite the keeper taking the ball at waist height. A change in bowler to left arm Will did not help matters for the opposition, while Archie’s first over, with only a single wide conceded, piled on the pressure. Will collected the 6th wicket with the first ball of his second over to finish with 1/7 in 2 overs and Archie was so unlucky not to pick up any, finishing with 0/1 in his 2. The Bourne saw a familiar face as Danny (1/10 off 2) stepped up to bowl, which may have relaxed them a little as they trickled runs to the score board. After Nathan’s first over, they were looking to get after Danny and, on the 4th delivery, they smashed the ball directly to point where Jack stood, having handed over the keeping responsibilities to George. 7 down and Nathan (1/0 off 2 overs) back, as the supporters questioned why Jack was now at slip. The answer, Nathan’s maiden first over missed the outside of the bat on every ball as it swung both ways. Although the edge was not found, the batter left a full ball thought to be going down leg, only to swing back in and take his bails. As the team has developed over the years, we are so blessed to have more bowlers to turn to and up stepped Jake (1/1 in one over) picking up the mainstay No. 4 of their batting line up. Eight bowlers used, lets use a ninth and up steps Lennon, full toss, mistimed and a perfect catch for Caol. 13.1 overs into the match and Elstead had a target of 40, but as they say, runs on the board are worth more.

Prior to the match, I set the batting order. Or, it could be said, the batting order has begun to set itself and I question it each week when you have cricketers like Archie, Eddie and Lennon making up the last three. So, at the break, I asked if the team wanted to mix up the order and they refused, saying “let’s win this”. In came Nathan and Jack and immediately, with a positive approach, they got off the mark. It was tricky to bat but, unlike the first innings, the batters moved their feet and got into position. Nathan (3) was first to go in the 3rd over to a good delivery. Jack (3) was next an over later as he looked to hit out and found the fielder. Danny and Will settled things down for a couple overs until Will (1) also went to a good ball in the 7th to the same opener who got Nathan. It proved to be an expensive over for Elstead as Danny (7) also departed, caught and bowled. Once again, two new batters at the crease and still we faced their opening bowler in the eight. At this stage, Elstead were 23/4 and things were tight. Would we collapse or would we pull through? With the change of bowler, Rufus (9) and George (6) started to find momentum as I counted down each ball, and each run, to the target. Rufus smashed one to backward of square for 2, or did that go all the way…. Then smashed one over mid-on for four, oh no also only 2. Finally, he smashed one down to long on with no doubt of a boundary. As we started the 11th, we required 3. A wide led to a four and the game was done. A well-deserved win at the end of a season where so many close matches haven’t gone our way.

Once again, thanks to all for the help in setting up, packing up, scoring and doing the refreshments.