Final Disappointment

A match of twists and turns finally went the way of a strong Old Albanian side in the HJL Summer League Final hosted at Broxbourne.

And it all began so well with OA's stumbling to 9 for 4 in the 4th over as their top order failed to get to grips with the two paced wicket, a well set field and the accuracy of Ben Chillingworth's (2 for 5 off 3) off spin and Adam Crowther's (1 for 13 off 3) seam bowling. OA's threw in a needless a run out and the Stortford side perhaps thought this would be all too easy.

But a talented middle order began to repair the situation. Built around a steady 23 by their Young No.3 the OA's had in No. 6 Chan (25) and No. 7 Wilkinson (25) players to capitalise on our change bowling. Their running was a little precarious at times and with more precision we might have forced another run out but they rode their luck.

From the 9th over onwards their scoring went at around 8 an over. On their retirement in the 15th over and only 93 on the board we were perhaps back in the game such is the challenge of retirements. However a blistering knock of 25 by No. 9 Hassan took their total to 137 and despite our side executing 2 more run outs the momentum was with the OA's side in finishing on 137.

In reply Joes B & H began confidently, running well and dispatching the bad ball. However a neat catch at square leg from a full bloodied shot did for Joe H (12) at 38 in the 7th over. The momentum in the run chase was maintained by Jake Morris. With both Joe B (29) and Jake (29) just about maxing out the number of runs they could make, each finishing with a 6, their retirement caused our run chase to stall. With no other significant contributions against strong bowling, wickets fell and we closed on 103 in the 16th over.

The match rules - retire at 25 and 3 overs max. per bowler promote more participation in the game and this match certainly delivered on this. Retirements test the strength in depth of the batting line up. And with a minimum of 7 bowlers to be found none can have an off day.

Availability was an issue in the run up to the game with our U13's playing their Final at the same time just over the hedge and with other absentees our strength in depth was tested.

Our aim was to get to one of the Finals so we can tick that box.

Thanks to all the support throughout the season and once again well played to the U14's, U13's and U12's who played for the U15's this year.