Beaconsfield U11B v Farnham Common Div 3

Firstly many thanks to both sides for managing to rearrange this fixture so quickly after last week’s match was postponed due to rain. We fielded a number of debutants again, Jack and Tom Boxley as well as Monty Evans getting their first opportunities.

In sweltering heat (it was hot enough just umpiring!) Laurie, our captain for the day, won the toss and decided to bat. Laurie and Jack were 1st pair in and set off well for the first 2 overs, picking up singles and the odd four. The 3rd over saw us lose a couple of wickets (one to an excellent one handed catch by Farnham) but they steadied themselves and we finished the first 4 overs at 204. Next in were Jasper and Rohan, and I must say I thought it was Jasper’s finest batting display of the year, scoring well on both sides to finish with 16 runs. Rohan contributed well and the score moved on to 231. Oscar and Mohit were in next and proved to be our only pair to not get out at all, and both scored well with a few fours. The score was moving on to a very respectable 251 after 12 overs. Tom and Ben were 4th pair in and chanced their arms maybe once too often with quick singles as Farnham Common’s (FC) fielding improved and we lost wickets to a couple of run outs. By the time the last pair of Monty and Freddie came in we had been pegged back to 244. Monty played some very elegant back foot cover drives and sweeps on his debut and with Freddie looking comfortable at the other end the pair finished off with a total of 257 for 8. A very respectable score.

With plenty of water (and biscuits!) taken on at the interval BCC took to the field. Mohit and Jasper opened the bowling and were extremely unlucky between the pair of them not to take a wicket. They kept the scoring to a minimum though as FC moved to 207 after 4 overs. Oscar and Rohan replaced them and with both of them taking a wicket managed to keep the score flat at 207 after 8 overs. Jack and Freddie then came on to bowl. Big congratulations to Jack for taking his first wicket, and also to his brother Tom, who I asked to keep wicket despite him never having done this before. He not only applied himself very well but Freddie managed to get an edge which Tom snaffled just off the floor – great stuff! With the score now back on 205 after 12 we were in control with some strong bowling coming in the last 8 overs. Monty, Ben and Laurie bowled well, with monty taking a wicket, Laurie taking 3 (!) and Ben bowling 2 maidens. FC ended on 183 for 10.

Well done to everyone who played, really great team spirit and sportsmanship with FC. Many thanks to Michele for scoring and providing refreshments and finally to Andy who stepped in as umpire when I had to nip off before the finish!