Good things come to those that wait” as the Guinness advert solemnly reminds us. But, bleeding nora, after this excruciating and not a little annoying loss to Radlett, I am sensing that the U12’s have been waiting far too long for reward for their most excellent endeavours.
The team took to the field first with James M stepping up for his first stint of captaincy. Ben opened the bowling where he left off last week, and scooped a wicked on the second ball thanks to a sharp catch at square by Austin. Further reward for excellent line and length was delivered courtesy of a fine diving catch behind the wickets by Arthur, and Harry S at the other end also chipped in with a couple. The fielding was lively with excellent team spirit and support across the square. By the tenth over Radlett were on the rack with 6 wickets down and a lower score than Bonnie Tyler. James B bowled excellent controlled line and length and Austin partnered with some fearsome pace. However, the Radlett lower order dug in well and slowly turned things around in the second half of the innings as they finished with 63 for 9.
Jack and Harry M opened against an impressive Radlett bowling attack. But they kept their heads down and steered through the first few overs, including a cracking square cut from Jack. However, our openers fell in quick succession bringing Arthur and Austin to the crease. Arthur looked comfortable and played some marvellous controlled drives to keep the score board ticking over. However, trouble brewed as Arthur was out lbw and a few quick wickets fell. The run rate was creeping up, still within reach, but the bowling remained swift and relentless. Without a doubt the best we have faced so far this season. Austin continued with his controlled display until his battle was cut short by a run out. The last two overs arrived with us needing 16 to win and just Harry S and Ben left standing. I think most of us had given up the ghost at this point, but not Harry S. He nudged singles, ran like a whippet, hit a great four and brought us to within touch of victory needing 3 off the last ball. Sadly a scrambled single brought the curtains down on a valiant effort from the boys against a very good Radlett side. For the record we ended up 61 for 9 – lost by 2 runs.
So – a few mentions. Well done to Matthew R for his first game, excellent and focused fielding. Ben’s bowling continues to flourish with three excellent wickets. Top captaincy from James M – enthusiastic, vigilant and supportive throughout. James B – three wickets and his best bowling so far this season, steady pace, swing, moving it off the seam. A sort of smaller and bubblier version of Jimmy Anderson really. And to Harry S – excellent bowling that will knock his Dad out of the second XI within a couple of years, and top score with 9 not out bringing us so close to victory in that agonising run chase.
In conclusion, and to return to my theme of the opening paragraph, in the last two games we have given two of the “big” clubs a real run for their money. Not outclassed in any department and with a bit of lady luck we might have returned maximum points in each. Well done to all the team. Was very proud of your performance on Sunday.