U13s register their first win in the league

This was the under 13s first game against Bletchingdon since a pre-season friendly back in April, which seems like a very long time ago. Through some tough games against Cropredy and Banbury the team have learnt a lot and matured this season, and this performance really showed it.

Kidlington won the toss and put Bletchingdon in to bat on a very hot afternoon. After a couple of boundaries due to some loose fielding, Sam Fransham removed both opening batsmen ending with figures of 3-0-14-2. Neil Talmaki bowled at the other end, bowling well but without reward. Wickets then fell in quick succession: Will caught at close range by Elijah off Aaryan Jagnani, Alfie bowled by Josh and Harry bowled by Marcus Hewitt. This brought Luke and Charlie together who put together an excellent 11 over partnership for 56 runs. They were finally parted by Aaryan who removed them both, with an LBW and a catch from Neil. Aaryan ended with excellent figures of 3-0-8-3, and Bletchingdon ended 84-7 off 20 overs. Kidlington did a great job with the ball, staying very focused in the field on a hot day and with excellent bowling contributions from seven bowlers including a great spell by Jacob Evans. Thomas Lord, in his first 11-a-side as wicketkeeper, did a brilliant job in hot conditions and looked very solid.

Kidlington's openers Joshua Behal and Elijah Clarke looked to get on with scoring early on in the innings. Despite some persistent efforts by Bletchingdon's bowlers - notably from Bletchingdon's Ben (3-1-13-0) - KCC's batting was too strong this time. Josh retired on 32 hitting six boundaries. Neil then joined Elijah at the crease and they both pushed along, Elijah retiring on 32 with a six to finish. Marko Babic then came to the crease for a partnership with Neil, Neil hitting the winning runs with a four in the 13th over. The teams played on till the 16th over, Neil finishing on 27 not out after hitting a six, and Marko partnering him on 1 not out. Kidlington finished on 101-0 off 16 overs.

A really strong performance from our bowlers and batters, with a deserved first league win of the season. Kidlington's player of the match was Josh Behal (32*); Bletchingdon's Luke (21) was their player of the match. Many thanks to Michael Behal for umpiring and Mo Talmaki and Sunil Jagnani for scoring.

Next game is against Bletchingdon at home on Wednesday 4 July, our last league game of the season - though I will be hoping to arrange some friendlies to make the most of the summer.