A different format for the U11’s last night as we played a friendly against Pyrford under proper cricket rules (with a bit of flexibility on number of wickets but limited to 20 overs, just to test the Play-scorer App).

Pyrford won the toss and elected to field, with support from 2 Elstead players on a rotation basis. Batting order, determined by a lucky dip out of a hat, saw George (1) and Lennon (12) open the batting with them rightly starting slowly and then progressively looking more aggressive. The harsh reality of cricket was soon felt as George had to leave after 7 balls to see Jake (3) come in. By this stage Lennon had started to play some nice cover drives and Jake followed suit. Jake’s time was also short lived after 6 balls and Chrissie (14) took over. From here the flow of wickets seemed to open up on the other side while Chrissie held up her end playing some lovely shots to build her innings. Fin (8) increased the run rate scoring at an 88.88% strike rate after getting off the mark with a glorious glance off the pads to backward square for 4. Rufus (1) was ready for a big innings but was brilliantly caught in mid-wicket, a shot that had 4 written all over it, if it was not for the fielder.

Archie (1) continued the exuberant chase for runs, as others before him, which resulted in him playing the big shot before the ball arrived, and the bails fell. As Bella (2) joined
Chrissie, the run rate slowed a bit as did the fall of wickets. In unfamiliar sights at U11 level, Bella came unstuck after 13 balls by one that stayed straight but hit her pads directly in front, leaving no choice for the umpire. Jack’s innings was short lived due to a slow ball and the excitement of giving the ball some treatment. So, with just over 3 overs remaining and 2 wickets standing, questions were asked if Elstead would see out 20 overs. The run rate picked up when Nathan (17 not out) arrived but Chrissie, unfortunately, lost her wicket shortly afterwards and in walked Danny (11 not out) at an unfamiliar number 11 with 2 overs to go. With instructions of making the most of the final two overs, Nathan and Danny began to run 2s and 3s with a few 4s between them to elevate the Elstead innings to 96/9. Yes, we saw out the 20 overs and all got to bat.

Having lost to Pyrford in the league, Elstead were keen to defend their total. Archie, as captain, performed a brilliant job in setting his field and instructing bowlers when they were up next. A few looseners for Rufus (0/6) in his first over tested Danny (keeper first 10 overs) and Fin at back stop. Jack (1/4 in his only over as he took the gloves for the second 10 overs) started with a loosener as well but soon got his rhythm to pick up his wicket. Nathan (2/1, with a maiden wicket) bowled straight beating the bat a number of times. George (2/9) was a star in the field both on the boundary and close in and he picked up a brilliant caught and bowled. Archie (0/12) ate his Weetabix in the morning because he bowled with a pace I have not seen from him before. Jake (2/12) continues to baffle the batters and picked up yet another 2 wickets. Bella (0/10) continues to improve with a style that will keep batters guessing, while Fin (1/6) kept a clean sheet of extras for the first time this season. Lennon (1/14) and Danny (1/1 in only one over) both added to an excellent night with the ball and in the field.

However, the night belonged to Chrissie, with a solid knock with the bat and then an outstanding turn with the ball claiming the first hattrick of the season (and the prior season). In fact, it would have been 4 in 4, if it was not for the silly umpire who called a no ball on the 4th delivery. Final figures for Chrissie were 4/3 in 2 overs!!

Final result was a win for Elstead by 16 runs.