The OBWCC U11s got their season off to a winning start with a great game against our old rivals, and neighbours, Bristol CC.
OBWs put out a young side, with 3 year 4 debutants and 4 year 5s, against a strong Bristol CC side who looked very good in their fielding warm-up!
Bristol CC won the toss and elected to bowl, liking the look of the green surface which had been sweating a bit under the covers since the weekend’s rain.
Freddie and Jude got OBWs off to a steady start against some disciplined Bristol bowling, moving along to 22 from 4 overs before Freddie pressed the accelerator in the 5th over hitting two lovely boundaries through the leg side. OBWs moved to 37 before the loss of the first wicket, Jude (7) being run out by some more of that excellent fielding shown in the warm-up by Bristol!
Aggie came to join Freddie at the crease, Freddie continuing to press on before retiring in the 7th over on 25, an excellent knock. Ned (year 5) joined Aggie at the crease and Bristol rallied with some tight overs before claiming Aggie’s (1) wicket at the end of the 9th over, leaving OBWs on 57-2.
Ned was joined by our first year 4 debutant Ben, some careful batting and excellent running from both moved the score along nicely to 77 before Ned (10) fell, only a coupe of balls after taking a nasty blow to the hip from a ball which missed all the padding – a lovely souvenir no doubt.
Ben was joined by Alfie, but the partnership only lasted one ball as Ben (7) fell, bringing Efan (year 4) to the crease. Alfie played some lovely shots through the covers (on at least two occasions being congratulated and fist bumped by the bowler!), and both ran very well while under lots of pressure from more excellent Bristol fielding. Efan (1) fell in the last over trying to push the scoreboard along, bringing Quinn to the crease with a point to prove (he definitely thinks I should bat him higher!) Quinn had a look at his first ball, scrambling a single, before getting back on strike and hitting the final ball of the innings for 4 through midwicket, leaving OBWs on 113-5 from their 20 overs, Alfie finishing on an excellent 17* and Quinn 5* - a competitive score on a tough wicket, and certainly something to bowl at.
Bristol got off to a strong start in their reply, moving to 14 from two overs, despite some lovely bowling from Taber (year 4) and Max (year 5). Taber made the breakthrough in the third over, getting M Mather caught behind off a thick edge, excellently caught by Mr Motivator (Freddie) behind the sticks – Freddie showing he has the skills to back up his chat behind the stumps.
Following from Taber and Max came Rafe (year 5) and Quinn with a couple of steady first overs, before some excellent tight bowling from Rafe brought a great bit of fielding from Alfie, getting a run-out with a direct hit from cover with Bristol well up with the rate at 41-2 off 7. Quinn followed with a well-deserved wicket of his own, a catch to Jude at mid off.
On came the OBWs year 4 bowling duo which turned the screw, Efan going for 3 runs in his first over, and Ben following suit, before Efan got his first wicket, bowling M Murray with a full ball hitting the base of middle stump and only going for 1 run from his second over.
Ben clearly decided he was not to be outdone, changing his bowling action from his usual medium pace, to his off-spin he has been working on over the winter. Safe to say this worked, Ben taking 3 wickets in 5 balls, extracting prodigious turn for two clean bowled dismissals, and a well taken return catch. This really turned the match OBWs way, leaving Bristol with a tall task on 53-7 off 12 overs.
Ned and Jude came into the attack, Ned striking with his second ball of his over, and Jude his final, leaving Bristol struggling on 55-9. Aggie with a typically miserly maiden, and Alfie showcasing an over of leg-spin, brought Ned back into the attack for what turned out to be the final over, claiming the final wicket with Bristol finishing 49 runs short, 64 a.o.
A real highlight of the evening was the consistent encouragement shown by the OBWs players, especially Freddie behind the stumps – at one point an opposition player asking if someone could get him to quieten down. This being the first time I have met Freddie, I think it is safe to assume he will not, and I look forward to a long and chirpy season!
Player of the match has to go to Ben Buckingham on debut, a well made 7 with the bat, and 3-3 from his two overs flipping the game on its head, although an honourable mention for Freddie with 25* with the bat, and some very tidy glovework. A lovely game of cricket played in a good spirit – this will certainly leave a lasting memory, especially for this proud father/coach.
Here’s to many more.
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