Horton House U13s were the visitors to Compton Park on a sunny evening to take on the confident Cooks. Unavailable Alex Bushell was replaced by Nicky Hindson on his club debut as skipper Alfie won the toss and invited Horton to bat.
The fielding was generally good again and the bowling was much improved on the previous week’s showing where 4.2 extra overs were bowled. Only 7 wides and 2 no balls were bowled, but 8 byes were a lot to concede which proved costly at the end.
After a steady start, Horton lost 3 quick wickets and were 33-3 at one stage, but the 4th wicket pair batted very well until they both retired not out. The Cooks bowlers then did well to restrict the final total to 117-5 from 20 overs. The five wickets were shared between Keelan [1-6] Jake [2-17], James [1-7] and Nicky [1-17].
Opening pair of Sam Tipler and Alfie Wreford were under strict instructions to get the team to around 25 runs from the first 5 overs and were 29-0 at that stage when Sam was given out from a clear no ball. His batting was probably better than last week’s undefeated 31no, especially his excellent calling and backing up from the non-striker’s end. Alfie played a captain’s innings and mixed aggressive shots with considered defence until he was undone on the third bounce from the Horton skipper.
James Bushell came in and kept the scoreboard ticking over and at the halfway point the Cooks were well in the game but had lost several wickets cheaply. Unfortunately, the lads were unable to keep the momentum up and the run rate grew higher so that the task grew virtually impossible.
Youngsters Liam and Aidan came in for the last two overs and put on a partnership of 16, but the lads finished 10 runs short. They should both be proud as they are the two youngest in the team and will be moving up the batting order after this performance!
Overall and on reflection it was a good performance in patches, but a bit more consistency will see us beating the better sides as we clearly have the potential to do so. It would also be good to see all of the team supporting the lower order batsmen when they are out rather than finding other things to do!
Thanks to Charlie for umpiring and Ben for scoring and spectators for their support, including the Barmy Army [Ryan and Jack].
See you all at home next Monday for the local next match v Heyford.