Headley u11s vs Elstead u11s, League match Thursday 21st June 2012

A downpour greeted the players as they readied themselves for this match on the longest day of the year. Put into bat first, Elsteads openers Rafa and Will started promisingly enough until Will was caught by Jack for 1 run in the second over with the score on 10. Sam followed 3 runs later for 1 run bowled by Reece. A brief intermission followed as the teams came off due to rain, for Rafa to return with Elliot. Rafa retired shortly after from his first innings on a creditable 9, but would return later to add to it. Elliot and Archie struck up a decent partnership, with Elliot eventually retiring on a first innings total of 11. Archie also retired having made just 1, joined by an unlucky Luke who was bowled by Harrison first ball. By the halfway point we were on 47 for 4, with a decent total in a slow field looking a distinct possibility. Peter was run out for 1 run, whilst Harry swung the bat for a respectable 10 runs before being bowled by Keenan, scoring 2 boundaries on his way. Jack, an under 9 making his debut was then run out for 1 in the same over, slipping on the greasy pitch.This bought on another under 9s debutant, Ollie, only 7 years old, who faced 17 balls, scoring 6 runs before retiring unbeaten. Robbie also retired on 1 run which bought Rafa and Elloit back to the crease for a final knock. Rafa played some glorious shots in reaching an unbeaten 26, which included 6 4's on a soaking wet outfield, ably supported by Elliot who did not add to his final tally of 11. A fine effort saw them take the final innings score to 108 for 7 off 20 overs. Headley however had gifted Elstead 49 extras.

Elstead took to the pitch full of energy despite the soggy conditions, and in particular a handful of our players hungry to make an impact following early dismissals in the batting. Will bowled accurately, pinning the openers down, and in the 4th over with Sam bowling, he engineered the breakthrough, Elliot taking a superb catch at shoulder height as Headleys batsman Charlie drove through mid-wicket. With the other opening batsman Jack retiring on a first innings total of 11, Ryan came to the wicket. although steady, he carried his bat without scoring. Meanwhile, at the other end James came in and was caught spectacularly off Rafas bowling by Sam, diving forwards, scooping up a catch low at mid wicket, his knuckles barely off the ground. 2 wickets down after 5 overs with 20 runs on the board, 3 adrift of the par score - game on!
Brad steadied the innings, but only added 3 runs for his trouble, and then Keenan, sensing a run was on off Archie's bowling was run out following a clean pick up and direct hit throw back to the stumps by the effervescent Luke.
By now the score was 35 for 3 off 10 overs, Elstead 12 ahead on the par score. Another rain break interrupted play and it was looking increasingly unlikely the game would be finished. But a lull in the conditions brought Reece and Keenan on who both saw out their 4 overs, but only adding 2 runs off the bat in the process following some great bowling by Archie ( a maiden) ,Ollie and Peter ( also a maiden). Joe and Aiden came to the crease in the 15th over. Joe faced Ollies bowling only to find himself clean bowled second ball, Ollie on his way to an incredible wicket maiden. Aiden meanwhile made a steady 4 before being bowled by Harry. By the 15th over the score had slowed up to 46 for 4. Jack the Headley opener returned to carry on with his knock which was to take him to 12 not out. Ryan, his returning partner hit a glorious 4 as Luke came in to bowl again, Elsteads Jack, not to be outdone by Ollie clung onto a great catch to dismiss Ryan for 5 runs. The Headley innings ground to a halt on 71 for 7 off 20 overs in the late evening gloom. In reaching their victory Elstead used all 11 players to bowl in a good natured match played in appalling conditions. Elstead let the visitors have 43 extras in the process, but special plaudits go to a superb fielding performance by all and a stunning performance by debutants Ollie and Jack. The teams enthusiasm for the game in such dire conditions made it a privilege to watch.

Elstead 108 for 7 off 20 overs
Headley 71 for 7 off 20 overs
Elstead win