U11s v Northampton Saints Sunday 2nd August 2015
For the second match running, the junior Cooks were to face a team packed with representative standard cricketers, as the team travelled to Birchfield Road to take on the Saints U11s. Last season the Cooks should have won the game, but rumours were rife that this year’s Saints crop were very talented, which was proved correct.
With the holiday season in full swing, the team were missing three regulars which meant a call up and debut for the ultra-keen Prasil Chauhan, the third 8-year old to represent the U11s this season.
If there were extra points for winning the toss, we would be top as skipper Jake called correctly again and Saints were invited to bat on the poor looking artificial wicket. It is a shame that all of the top clubs use artificial wickets for junior matches, especially as they are poor once they get into disrepair.
The Saints opening pair were very impressive playing very correctly and very aggressively, putting on 37 for 1 from their four overs. This carried through the whole innings, as they raced to 137-4 a net score of 117.
If the Saint’s batting was good, their bowling was excellent, only bowling two wides in their sixteen overs and accounting for twelve Cogenhoe wickets, as we struggled to 25 (net minus-35) and a defeat by 152 runs.
I was also impressed with how their players supported and offered help to Prasil when he was batting. Not only were they a very good side, they were a really good group of kids as well, and the hospitality from the Saints was good as well.
Similar to the Overstone game, although we were heavily beaten, it felt like the players all did themselves proud, with some fantastic efforts from each of them. The highlights being:-
Prasil Chauhan – On his debut, he was so excited and he acquitted himself very well. His bowling was very good for the first time over 20 yards, with 2 overs for 15 runs and his batting was brave as he scored a magnificent 4 that was cheered by spectators from both sides!
Aidan Garratt – Aidan bowled well again with 2 overs for 15 runs and his backing up in the field has improved immensely over the last month.
Jake Morrissey – As skipper he encouraged the team throughout and set the example in the field, chasing everything and taking a good catch at cover.
Liam Morrissey – Took a sharp caught and bowled and was the only undefeated Cogenhoe batsman, scoring 7no, including a well-timed 4.
Anya Neal – Anya kept wicket for the first time and was brilliant, only allowing one bye. Having put the gloves on for the first time at practice the previous Friday, it was very impressive.
Spencer Smith – Good fielding in the deep from Spencer as always, plus it was encouraging to see him try some variation in his bowling with some nicely flighted slower balls.
George Thompson – Busy in the field, George’s bowling was again good, going for only 6 an over in the large score posted by the Saints.
Oliver Woolley – Took 2-17 in two overs and had a run out, so an impressive day in the field for Oliver.
Once again, thanks to Sid for scoring and Allan for umpiring. That was the last match of the league season as we are unable to field a side due to holiday commitments next week, and our last fixture of the season is on Friday 28th August at home to old rivals Wollaston.
P:\F3G_Universal\Word Docs\Personal Misc\Match Reports 2015\Overstone CC 19 Jul 15.docx