Derby Grammar 145-9 dec. (35 overs) S.Anselm’s 135-6 (23 overs) Theo H 39, Edward S 23, Matthew N 22, Alex W 22
A superbly timed run chase, led by Matthew N and Theodore H, opening the innings with the aplomb and confidence of experienced cricketers, narrowly failed to give S.Anselm’s victory in our third match of term. For David Cameron and the Conservatives on Thursday, read Edward S and our U11’s today ...! A hard fought campaign, victory within sight (and with a better result than might have been anticipated two weeks ago), but just failing to reach the finishing line ... in all honesty, 146 runs to win at almost 7 an over was always going to be a very big ask.With a somewhat light-weight bowling line up this year, we’ll have to insert rather than bat first a little too often for my liking and with two of our best four bowlers unavailable (Ollie R still off games, Isaac S playing chess plus Harvey W absent) we looked like we’d be struggling in the field especially after a good opening burst from Elliot T and Alex W gave us only one wicket – an excellent caught and bowled. Bertie W however made an immediate impact. He and Nicholas P spent half an hour with myself and our very successful U11 off spinner from last year Jack H (23 wickets at 4.00 in 2009 in matches) after lunch on Monday on top field discussing flight, loop, length and line and Bertie got it very right today. He was played well too by some good Derby Grammar batsmen. Edward S mixed in some good balls with less accurate ones, but Theo H and Jonah G bowled very accurate spells to contain Derby Grammar. Wickets started to fall too as we rotated our bowlers well. The fielding, whilst having its moments, was, though, below par. A couple of chances were spilled and we had a number of run out opportunities that were not taken. The cold weather didn’t help, but we need to improve here. Some good work did, however, reduce Derby Grammar to 127-9. Unfortunately the last pair added 18 before tea against some wayward bowling: it was to prove decisive.We’ve only successfully chased 146 or more twice in 16 years (I suppose we either bat first or, if batting second, we don’t allow the opposition to get so many in the first place!). Matthew N and Theodore H gave us the best possible start however. I couldn’t have asked for any more. A secure opening, then more risks were taken. Matthew was particularly strong off the back foot and I found myself applauding one square cover drive off the back foot for four to a ball slightly short on off stump. The champagne moment of the match! Matthew N unfortunately knocked off a bail when pulling a short delivery and Nicholas P pushed across the line to depart lbw. We had just 10 or 11 overs to score 87 more runs to win ... some task! Edward S however was soon up to the challenge with some favourite off side fours and with Theo H putting away anything wayward (there were some oustanding pull / hook shots) we were still in the hunt. Edward S departed to a very good ball, but Alex W continued our ascent to the summit. You defended very well a couple of good balls – on the one hand we were desperate for runs, on the other the shots looked so secure I felt delighted another batsman had arrived! You really looked the part.The task proved just beyond us. Urged on by over eager parents on the boundary edge, both Alex W and Theodore H were run out and Elliot T couldn’t find the middle of his bat. Challenges lie ahead. All being well, our three absentees will be available for selection on Wednesday ... difficult selection decisions await, but all-in-all, I’m well satisfied! JMHF
Posted on
Sat, May 8, 2010
by MAC