U15s Come Up Just Short Despite Energetic Display
For the second week running, the U15s couldn’t quite field a full team, and included a number of U13s and even an U12 player. Nevertheless, they produced a fantastic display of togetherness, which came so close to forging a victory. Led by ‘captain marvel’ Boxy, together with his trusty vice Joe, their enthusiasm and energy rubbed off on all around them and gave St Peters a real fight and fright!
Batting first Boxy (23) led from the front, and played an uncharacteristic and mature anchor role, whilst he tried to find a partner to keep ticking the board over on a typically tricky track-side pitch. After Boxy perished pushing on, both Adam Hughes (15) and Toby Fisher (20) scored useful late runs to push us to 84 all out. This, the team were told at the break, was a defendable total on this pitch.
We restricted them as well in their chase, stifling them for 30-5 at the halfway point. Player of the year Adam Hughes (4-1-12-2) underlining why he won the award, and supported valiantly by Joe (4-1-10-0). Unfortunately there was some errant bowling by Ben at a critical time, and the game swung back away from us. James Hole (4-0-16-4) bowled a fantastic spell to keep the game alive though, and in the failing light James Rose (2-0-11-1) picked up another, before St Peters got home with 2 wickets and 2 overs to spare.
This game was remarkable for the support of our parents, and the way the boys supported each other. The captaincy was incredible, and clearly all the boys enjoyed their evening of cricket, despite the loss, as they all came off the field buzzing! Special mentions to the U13/U12s James Rose, Toby Lewis, Adam Drew and Ryan Goss (who kept wicket) for coming in at the last minute and contributing so well.
As a postscript, I have just received a lovely note from the opposition manager which centred around our team spirit, competitiveness, and togetherness. Nice to hear.