Didcot get revenge in the under 13s super 8s

Kidlington were looking for two wins out of two against Didcot, but it wasn't to be this time. Kidlington won the toss and decided to bat first. All of our pairs had a great performance with the bat - everyone got some runs: Neil Talmaki (11) and Daniel Hunt (1), Daniel showing some really solid batting against some good bowling; Tom Rochford (6) and Aaryan Jagnani (6), Tom getting his first ever boundary; Gabriel Tipper (1) and Sam Fransham (17), Gabriel with some very solid back foot play; and Lewis Bray (1) and William Keates (4), Lewis finding his niche with some defensive play and Will with another cracking boundary to follow the one he hit against Banbury. This much improved batting display appeared to be largely due to Daniel's stroke of genius, offering a flapjack to the batsman who could hit the most runs. Neil fancied his chances after hitting two boundaries for his 11, but Sam found his feet for his first decent innings of the season, hitting four boundaries in a total of 17. Sam doesn't even like flapjacks!! Kidlington got 77-6, a net score of 247. Pick of the bowlers were Jack Kerley (2-0-2-0) and Rafty (2-0-11-2).

In reply Kidlington applied themselves in the field and gave a good bowling display, but unfortunately there were a few too many extras this time. Gabriel Tipper did an excellent job behind the stumps, as did Tom Rochford who kept for the second half of the innings. A few of our bowlers had a difficult time with getting the right line, but I was proud that they all kept their heads up and showed a great improvement for their second over. Pick of the bowlers was Daniel Hunt, getting a wicket maiden with final figures of 2-1-6-1. Neil (2-0-11-1) and Tom (2-0-16-1) contributed the other wickets, Tom taking a brilliant caught and bowled over his head. Sam (2-0-6-0) bowled some beautiful outswingers that were unrewarded. Didcot's Daya was outstanding with the bat, hitting four boundaries for an excellent total of 23. Didcot posted 102-3, a net score of 287.

The players of the match were Didcot's Rowan for his batting and wicketkeeping, and Kidlington's Neil Talmaki for his batting and bowling.

A shame not to add to our tally of wins, but I was really pleased to see the improvement in everyone's game - our players should be proud. Many thanks to Mo Talmaki for scoring and parents for the support and transport. There's no Super 8s game next week - the next fixture is Thursday 5th July at Abingdon Vale.