Long Ditton – 267 for 7
Hampton Wick – 266 for 5
An impressive victory against a good Hampton Wick U9 side that had a great deal of match experience.
Batting first, LD established a brisk run rate, with excellent hitting and sharp running between the wickets, albeit at the cost of a few run-outs. With scoring contributions all down the order, a total of 267 was achieved.
Taking the field, LD put the pressure on HW with accurate bowling, sharp fielding and good organisation. It was great to see them talking and encouraging their team-mates.
Wickets fell regularly and the match remained winnable throughout, thanks in large part to Barney’s work behind the stumps keeping the extra count down. But going in to the final over HW needed just four runs to win.
Ben sent down the first five balls at the cost of just two runs, with the LD fielders showing great reactions to anything coming off the bat.
That left HW needing 2 runs to win from the final ball – up stepped cool-headed Ben to close the show with another dot ball.
Well done to LD – all contributed and the game was played in great spirit by both sides.
Man of the match: Barney, for conceding just 1 bye in the entire innings – almost unheard of in Colts cricket.
Champagne Moment: Sam holding a superb catch off a high and hard HW hard slog early on to set the positive tone for LD in the field
Other coach’s commendations:
· Alex: powerful hitting kept the run-rate ticking and the oppo on the back foot
· Ethan: fearsome bowling that the oppo did not enjoy – 11 dot balls in two overs
· William: tight field-setting kept HW’s scoring in check, and had the batsmen under pressure bowling consistent length
· Reuben – solid at the crease and served up some key dot balls against the stronger HW batsmen
· Natalie – scored her runs playing proper cricket shots, and a wicket to boot
· Ben – that match-winning final over
· Louis – runs, a wicket, and super-sharp fielding and backing up
· Joe – the breakthrough wicket in the first HW over, taking the wind out of their openers’ sails
· Oscar – no extras conceded (that’s how Colts’ cricket games are won) and a wic