1st XI v Birkdale Lost

1st XI Cricket versus Birkdale
JET Cup – 2nd Round
Friday 1st May 2009

S. Anselm’s 56-8 (20 overs) lost to Birkdale 59-3 (15.1 overs) by 7 wickets
On a cold damp evening the 1stXI travelled to Birkdale’s Castle Dyke Ground for a 2nd Round JET Cup match. The match was played on an excellent artificial pitch. Birkdale won the toss and asked S. Anselm’s to bat. Max H hit a couple of pleasing shots before being dismissed in the second over for 5, James B was once again looking solid. Tom B continued his run of poor form and was dismissed for nought. S. Anselm’s were once again showing little technique to counter the good Birkdale bowlers. James B and James C mounted a mini recovery and took the score to 38 before James C was one of three wickets to fall in an over plunging S. Anselm’s into deep trouble, James B for 15 and Oliver N a nought on debut being the other victims. Charles B and Rufus L also departed for ducks and Jordan W scored only 3. Charlie T and John B tried to add some respectability to the score at the end of the innings scampering some much needed singles and a score of only 56-8 was posted off the allotted 20 overs.
When bowling S. Anselm’s had the perfect start with James B picking up two quick wickets and well supported by Tom B who also picked up one wicket, Birkdale were 10-3 and there a glimmer of hope for S. Anselm’s. However, two Birkdale batsman really applied themselves against good S. Anselm’s bowling, Max H and John B supported the opening bowlers well. There were two opportunities to run out the batsman but these were narrowly missed and the game slipped away with Birkdale reaching their target without further loss to record a 7 wicket victory.
S. Anselm’s once again bowled and fielded very well, but the batting is a major cause for concern and apart from James B nobody is able to apply themselves to score runs at this level. A lot of practice is required with the coach to improve techniques in search of that all important first victory.