Burgess Hill U12 were knocked out the Plate at the semi final stage losing by 73 runs in a tough evening at the Stanley Turner Ground.
The home team won the toss and elected to bat. The visitors were confident that they could repeat the victory earlier on in the season against Lewes when they batted second and chased down the total in the last over.
The visitors started well taking a wicket in the first over thanks to a run out by the captain Ryan Goss, bowled by Alfie Lees. A second wicket fell in the 10th over bowled by Ryan as the home team were on 56-2 at the half way stage. However the home team picked up the run rate and despite some sharp fielding by the visitors claiming 5 more run out wickets and a wicket for Owen Larder caught Ryan, the total of 132-8 looked a tough challenge. Fielding highlights included 2 run outs by Ryan, 2 runs outs by Ollie Bennett, 1 by Billy Reid and 1 by Tommy Barnes.
The visitors batting innings did not start well with opener Owen bowled out second ball. Freddie Cobham joined Alfie at the crease and saw his batting partner caught out. Freddie was them bowled by a rampant Lewes Priory bowling attack and Burgess Hill were 4-3. Ryan steadied the ship scoring 11 runs and Aidan Baker added a couple to the score. The biggest contribution came from Lewis Mcintyre who retired in the last game he played at this ground and this time scored 17 including 1 boundary. At the 10 over mark Burgess Hill were on 35-5 and were playing for pride. Billy Reid added 8 including a well hit boundary and final contributions of 2 for Ollie and 4 for Henry Cobham gave a final score of 59 all out.
The lads can and have played much better than they did in this match. Too many extras given away from wides and no balls and not respecting the straight balls when facing accurate bowling were our downfall tonight. Attention will now turn back to the league with 3 more games to play and plenty to look forward to!