After a three match unbeaten campaign so far, our fourth fixture was a 25 over home match versus Ranby. We lost the toss again and were put into bat. I am so proud of the way the boys have responded to constructive criticism of their efforts at running between the wickets and, indeed, our commitment in the field. Going into this game I was quietly optimistic, despite losing Elliot W to 1st XI promotion and both Matthew N and Issac S to a Chess tournament (as this goes to press, I am informed Isaac won and Matthew has also qualified for a further competition – well done from your team mates!!). We welcomed Paddy C and Kevin H (wicket keeper) to the fold.
The opening pair were superb!!!! Theo H and Paddy C looked confident and decisive and frustrated the Ranby field by seizing a run at almost every opportunity. The running between the wickets (a key area for improvement) was, indeed, magnificent and when Paddy C was run out for 19 (including 3 x 4’s), the team had scored 32 runs and the tempo (approx 7 runs an over) had been set. Theo fell later for 17 (caught) and I am so pleased with his improved form and offensive spirit.
Other key batting performances were from Lewis H at number three who scored an outstanding 41 (including 5 x 4’s), Alex W our captain at five who scored 39* (including 4 x 4’s) and Kevin at seven who scored 22* (including 2 x 4’s).
After 25 overs we had scored 161 runs; testimony to positivity at the crease and dynamism between the wickets.
Ranby did not have much batting firepower and with Elliot T in fine form and getting an early wicket in his first over, I sensed this was an opportunity to allow all to have a bowl (unfortunately, the last wicket had fallen before Theo H had a chance, but 9 bowlers delivering with accuracy was still a very impressive effort).
Best Bowling:
Elliot T - 5 runs for 1 off three overs; clearly this left arm bowler consistently releasing accurate and quick deliveries is our ‘in form’ attack option.
Alex W – 6 runs for 1 off three overs.
Lewis H – 6 runs for 3 wickets off three overs; a great day for this young man!
Charlie S – 6 runs for 2 wickets off one over.
Andrew C – 8 runs for 2 wickets off two overs; he would have been on a hat trick ball if Charlie S had not closed proceedings early.
The boys were encouraging and offensive in the field; the contrast between this fielding performance and previous efforts was clear for all to see. I am so pleased that this group of boys have grown into a competitive and spirited side with real depth and obvious desire to do their best for their team mates.
Ranby were all out for 68 making this 4 out of 4.
RRGS
Posted on
Sun, May 22, 2011
by MAC