Under 13s off to a winning start for 2018

An excellent fielding display defended a strong batting performance

The under 13s are off to a winning start in 2018 with this great team effort played in an excellent spirit, on what was a chilly day at Stratfield Brake. Bletchingdon won the toss and put Kidlington in to bat. Toby Earp was unlucky to be bowled out early, but thereafter Joshua Behal and Neil Talmaki controlled the batting. They both played patiently to begin with, but accelerated after a couple of overs with Josh retiring on 32 and Neil run out for 23. Playing just 16 overs today, there were not many balls left to face but Max Earp, Jacob Evans and Marko Babic did a fine job seeing out the final overs. There were some nice shots showing that there will be runs to come from these players over the summer. Kidlington posted a competitive total of 83.

What followed was a fine bowling and fielding performance. Josh and Toby did a great job of rotating the bowlers, acting as co-captains for today's friendly. Aaryan Jagnani and Max Earp were both energetic behind the stumps, doing half the overs each. Sam Fransham and Matthew Wyatt opened the bowling with a great display, with Bletchingdon 11-1 off four overs, Sam bowling the opener Pick. Max Earp had a purple patch in the field, running out McCaughna with a direct hit from the outfield before taking a catch off his brother Toby's bowling in successive balls. Toby took a a second wicket shortly afterwards, bowling Goodfellow (6) and Neil Talmaki followed this up by bowling Davis (0). We had 8 bowlers in total and all played their part - with only 8 bowling extras (wides and no-balls) for the whole game. Some really tight, accurate bowling - well done all - with the best economy figures going to Marcus Hewitt. This was matched by some great fielding - notably Marko Babic and Jacob Evans with some fine throws in to the stumps.

Bletchingdon's stand out player in their total of 56 was Ben Gwillym, retiring not out on 30. The KCC captains Toby and Josh nominated Ben as their player of the match, with Matthew Wyatt's threatening bowling earning the same honour from Bletchingdon.

Well done all, a great start to the season, played competitively in a really respectful spirit. Many thanks to Michael Behal for umpiring and Rob Wyatt for scoring. Let's hope for some warmer weather next time!