1st XI Cricket v Oakham School

Saturday 21st June 2009

S. Anselm’s 150 all out (26.3 overs) beat Oakham U13A 111 all out (25.5 overs) by 39 runs
After losing the toss S. Anselm’s were asked to bat and made a steady start with George M and James B adding 26 runs in 5 overs before James was well caught one handed by the wicketkeeper. This brought Tom B to the wicket and he batted with authority and with good running between the wicket he and George took the total 70 before Tom played a poor shot and was bowled for 23, George lost his wicket in the same manner shortly afterwards for 26 leaving us 76-3. Max H and James C repaired the damage taking the total to 101 before James departed for 11 , Max was out in the next over for 15 and S. Anselm’s were struggling at 104-5 and with two further wickets falling quickly William St for 0 and Will Sp for 4 the side were in trouble at 110-7. It was left to Ollie N to play some big shots for a competitive total to be posted and hid did so magnificently hitting three big sixes. He received good support from Charlie T and Rufus L but he was left stranded on 23 not out and the side had not even batted their full quota of 30 overs. The final total of 150 was a little disappointing.
A good bowling and fielding display was required if a victory was going to be achieved. In the 5 overs bowled before tea there was a very lacklustre performance and the team had to really focus in the remaining overs. James B bowled a good spell and made the all important breakthrough and he was well supported by Max H who removed the opener. Oakham then began to get on top but the introduction of William St and Ben D changed the match with six wickets falling in the space of five overs both bowlers taking three wickets each, there were some very good catches and excellent fielding in general. Tom B cam back and took the final two wickets and in the end a comfortable victory achieved.
The boys should have scored a larger total with better shot selection and must fully focus from the start of the innings when bowling. All in all an excellent result and performance.