Under 13s go down at Cropredy

This was a game dominated by two batsmen and one bowler, the match being decided by the team that took the most wickets.

Kidlington won the toss and elected to bat, missing one team member so fielding 10 players. Things were looking good to start with, openers Joshua Behal and Neil Talmaki taking the total to a steady 13-0 by the fifth over. Looking to push for quick runs, Neil unfortunately got run out for 6 in the sixth over. KCC were looking for some cool heads to bat alongside Josh, but a combination of some excellent Cropredy bowling and perhaps a little overhitting resulted in a spectacular batting collapse. Josh batted on very well for a final 33 not out, retiring then coming back. He ran out of batting partners, with the remaining batting contributing three runs. Kidlington found themselves up against some excellent spin bowling - the ball taking lots of turn on a damp pitch - Joe Coggins being the pick of the bowling with fantastic figures of 3-1-3-3. KCC were all out for 55 in the 16th over.

A team talk at half time lead KCC to the conclusion that the way to win this game was to field tight and take wickets. The boys did exactly that, and did themselves proud in the field. Sam Fransham and Matthew Wyatt opened the bowling, taking out both the openers by the fourth over. However Sam Coggins steadied the Cropredy ship, batting magnificently for a final 31 retired. The remainder of the Cropredy batting was less productive, kept at bay with some excellent bowling from Josh Behal, Neil Talmaki, Max Earp, Marcus Hewitt and Jacob Evans. It looked like it would be all over early doors with Cropredy reaching 49 in the 12th over, but some really tight bowling and fielding meant that it took the opposition another 5 overs to get the 7 runs they required.

All in all, a disappointing batting collapse but a really determined performance in the field that with a few extra runs could have seen the match go Kidlington's way. It was an interesting tactical situation to be in, and one to learn from for future games!

Congratulations to Joe Coggins who was nominated Cropredy's player of the match for his excellent spell of spin bowling, and to Josh Behal who was nominated Kidlington's player of the match for his 33 not out. Many thanks to parents for bringing everyone along and giving support. Special thanks to Michael Behal for umpiring and Mo Talmaki for scoring.

Next under 13s 11-a-side is Thursday 10 May, at home, against Banbury. Paul Hewitt will be covering this fixture as team manager, as Mark is away.