Wheathampstead U9's played and very nearly won their first ever league game against Old Owens on Monday night and boy was it close. A mere 7 runs separated two evenly matched sides at the close of play.
Wheathampstead opened the batting and set the tone with Captain Ryan striking some mighty blows and some lovely driving from William and neither of them losing their wicket. Finn and Ethan kept things going with some excellent shots and with the loss of just one wicket. Daniel and Oscar played themselves in well, some good quick running adding to our score and again the loss of just one wicket. Our final pair of Harry and Louis closed out the innings in style with again some powerful hitting and excellent running bringing the team's score to a very creditable 250 runs including the loss of only two wickets.
The team took the field with a sense of optimism. William and Ryan bowled well and accurately limiting the extra's and the runs to a handful. There was growing excitement with Finn and Ethan bowling, especially when Finn got that precious wicket, only for it to be called not out by a myopic umpire (sorry me). All was forgiven in the next pairing with Daniel getting the side's first wicket and Oscar keeping the runs to a minimum.
The game seemed to be slipping away though as Old Owens edged passed Wheathampstead's total as the game entering the final few overs...but was to be a final twist. Harry bowled an excellent spell and was awarded with a wicket by forcing the batsman to play on. Louis then followed up with some excellent straight bowling giving away no extra's and when the Old Owens pairing went for a risky second run Louis fired at the stumps for an excellent run out. Old Owens were leading by a single run at this stage. One more wicket and maybe just maybe.....ah but not quite - a boundary and a couple of singles made the game safe for the visitors, but they were pushed all the way by a spirited Wheathampstead Team.
Final score - Wheathampstead 250 - Old Owens 257.
Many thanks to all the supporters, some of whom were oddly distracted during the game by the arrival of former England rugby international and Dancing on Ice champion Kyran Bracken.