It was a tough slog for Elstead away at Cobham today, with the late morning start offering little help to the tired football fans amongst the team (and coaches).

Captain Felix won an important toss and we sensibly chose to bowl, avoiding the worst of the increasing heat. Unfortunately, some obviously tired bowling and fielding led to way too many extras and runs in the field, with Cobham racing to a total of 162, while Elstead laboured in the field and lacked their usual energy and chat. Cobham also have some fine players, with 2 batters retiring upon reaching 30 runs on a quick outfield. Pick of the Elstead bowlers were Coen, with a superb 3 wickets for 7 runs, and tight 2-over spells from Danny (1-5) and Benji (0-2) but with 72 extras leaked, we gave ourselves a mountain to climb.

It was even hotter for Cobham when they went into the field and we got off to a good start in reply. Lochie and Coen opened and put on 30 for the first wicket, and kept us above the required run rate, until an excellent maiden in the 5th over. Coen then went on the first ball of the 6th over, offering a catch that was gratefully taken, and then followed an all to familiar collapse. There was some good bowling and fielding, but also some poor shot choices as we lost Danny, Gabe, Lochie, Charlie and Jack in quick succession. Suddenly, we were 51-6 and halfway through the 10th over.

Harry and Felix showed more composure and good shot selection, Harry carrying on his superb run of form with the bat and Felix striking an even better four than his one in the previous match. Cobham had strong bowlers, including some tricky spinners, but these two watched the ball and played it well, putting on a partnership of 44 before Felix was unlucky to edge onto his stumps for 11 at the start of the 16th over.

Cillian came to the crease, hit a couple of runs and then was equally unlucky to play on himself, we were now 97-8. The run rate was now looking unachievable and Benji went quickly trying to force runs. One wicket left and we we were only just over the hundred. Oli came out (having gallantly offered to bat down the order again) and showed a straight bat on his first ball to fend off what was probably Cobham's best bowler, who had been saved until then end. He and Harry batted and ran well, before Oli ran himself out calling for a risky second run, leaving Harry not out on 27 and Elstead's all out for 113 after 19.3 overs.

Cobham have won the league and have some quality players - including a wicket keeper that was as good as I've seen at this age group, standing up to the fastest of bowling without missing a ball and then switched at half time to bowl excellently and concede just 1 run (he also retired with 31 runs). Along with several other quality batters and bowlers they are friendly, but tough team to beat. While we didn't run them close enough today, we were incredibly unlucky to lose to them on the last ball when we played them previously. Given the somewhat sloppy start we made in the field and a few rash shot choices trying to chase a big total, there is no doubt we can beat these teams on our day. Credit to the boys for sticking with it and let's look forward to hopefully another victory for England on Wednesday, and Elstead in what may be our last match of the season on Friday.