The U11s got back to winning ways with a comfortable and well paced victory over Normandy on Sunday.

Having won the toss and electing to bowl, Elstead took the first stint in the field before it got even hotter. Right from Danny’s opening over, the bowling was on the money and fielding was sharp. We made it hard to score runs, despite the pacy outfield, and took wickets regularly. One apiece for the opening pair of Danny and Gabe, then 2 for Jack who offered a change in pace and bowled a tight line and tricky length, with a further wicket each coming from Stan and Coen. There was also a smart run out of one of Normandy’s strongest players as Harry collected a throw from Coen and whipped the bails off cleanly. At 34-7 it looked like we would run through Normandy and be batting soon, but an excellent partnership saved them and they finished on 91-7. The Elstead bowling and fielding stayed on point, but we now had a total to chase.

Tom and Oli opened, and the coaches were delighted to see that the previous days’ training session on backing up and taking quick singles paid dividends. From the first ball we took singles aggressively- something we haven’t been doing well this season. The scoreboard moved along nicely and, despite temperatures now reaching about 1000 degrees, Tom and Oli kept cool heads to put on 34 runs for the first wicket. Oli went for 7, and then Tom for 16, shortly after Harry joined him at the crease. Danny was unlucky again as he top edged a high ball to the keeper for just 2, but Jack proved a solid foil for Harry as their partnership built against some excellent bowling. Harry played another classy innnings, adding 20 runs and starting to open up with 3 boundaries before being bowled for his first dismissal of the season (at least he has an average now!). Coen joined Jack and played some nice legside shots to get us closer to the finish line with 8 not out, but the glory went to Jack who finished the match with his first boundary and 9 runs in total. 94-4 with the win coming in 16 overs and everyone could head to the beach.

Normandy voted Danny best bowler and Harry best batter, but the whole team contributed in a really strong all round performance. Normandy are a good side, particularly with the ball, so this was no easy victory. They were also excellent hosts and the game was played in great spirit, so thank you to them.