Strong performance from youth in 3rds defeat

Kcc 3rds were at Stanton Harcourt this weekend, another tough game as we had only 3 senior players available. However, our youth players did a great job in a tough situation. The home team chose to bat and Kidlington were well on top within a couple of overs with Aman Kalyan and Oscar Hewitt building good pressure and creating chances. Aman was really unlucky not to pick up a couple of wickets but it was certainly going Oscar's way at the other end as took 3 wickets to reduce the opposition to 6/3 off 4 overs. Kcc continued to put pressure on the batsmen but as the settled they began to build a solid partnership. A change of bowling led to a flow of runs which seemed unstoppable. Home batsman R. Lewis struck a ridiculous number of boundaries as he raced to 218 in 22 overs. Kcc had no answer and The home team sportingly declared at 281/3.
After a very good tea Kcc set about chasing down the total. After an early wicket Harry Brock and Sam Kimber entertained with a solid partnership of 69 runs, Harry scoring 42 and Sam 33. Both played with confidence and the running was excellent. Josh Swadling continued the positive batting with some powerful hitting in a good knock of 26 and the tail gave a bit of resistance as Kcc salvaged some pride in reaching 157.
A tough game for our youngsters on a hot day but they showed great character. Excellent captaincy from Jake Souch as he declared with himself on 52n.o. and his partner on 218, great sportsmanship as our young team toiled in the sun.