Back on track for the U13As!

In what has been a difficult few weeks for the U13 age group, with abandoned Games, losses in the league against Tew, and out of the cup to Cropredy, what could we do against Chipping Norton in what was a must win game if we stand any chance in the League with only 9 players and a U11 player too.

Well Manager Moss took total responsibility for our form so far, and took the team back to the U11 basic’s from last 3 years which made us so successful, with our top 4 all missing and playing with 10 men this was not going to be easy.

But we have a depth of talent in the U13 age group which when used as a team we are unbeatable, Daniel McErlain stepped up as Captain, Manager Moss had pre-assigned the batting order which McErlain tweaked a bit, and went to the old way of bowling with every player bowling 2 overs.

McErlain lost the toss and we were put into bat, which is not what we would have chosen to do on a nice looking artificial wicket, Kimber (9) got us off to a flying start with Oliver (1) then the solid batting of Sternberg (21) partnering with Stervid (31 Retired not out) hit the ball all over the place with some very sensible batting and some glorious big shots which could grace any team, once Sternberg got out, Captain McErlain stepped up with 24 (not out) with some big shots and excellent running, with Pratt (4) Kalyan (0) and Merriman (2 Not out) helping us to get to a very respectable score of 106 for 5, our highest ever score in the past 3 years, but was this going to be enough without our normal strike bowling?

Well if you have faith in your squad they should deliver, and sure enough they did with an excellent fielding display, Kalyan 4-0-10-3, Oliver 2-0-9-0, Merriman 2-0-11-1, Kimber 2-0-12-0, Hewitt 4-0-7-2, Stervid 2-0-9-0, McErlain 2-0-20-0, Pratt 2-0-11-1, the star bowling of Kalyan and Hewitt means they have to be automatic selection for the next game, although we can do with some catching practice by a couple!, Husband (31 not out) batted very well but when Kimber took a great catch, and Pratt bowled Compton-Always for (29) , they could only manage 94 for 7 in reply,

It was a close match but such an enjoyable evening and well done to all tonight’s players and support from all the parents.

MOM : - Felipe Stervid – Great with the Bat, excellent in the field and a true team player.