Last League Match and the U13s WIN with only 10 players over the Pool winners Preston

The u13’s came together as a team like never before and showed Great Spirit and skill to record a fantastic win against the odds away to previously unbeaten Preston. This was indeed as excellent win as Preston has a very good team and has resoundingly beaten us in all previous meetings and so to do it with only 10 men and no umpire/coach is a real achievement.

After a long journey we won the toss and decided into bat. As we had already qualified for the quarter finals but couldn’t catch the league leaders no matter what the result we decided to reverse our batting order to give some batting experience to those who haven’t had much opportunity this season. We batted well against some very good bowling and managed to post a very credible total of 127, though we probably left a few runs out on the field due to hesitant running, which I am sure will improve with experience.

Preston is perhaps stronger at batting than bowling so a very good bowling and fielding performance was required. Credit must go to Amber who led the team very well especially with not having a coach and only 10 men in the field, though some of the team need to learn that fielding on the boundary does not mean 10+ metres in field, as this cost us numerous runs, as it turned 1’s into expensive 4’s.

Despite 1 or 2 expensive overs a great display of bowling and fielding led us to a fairly comfortable victory. I do not wish to mention anyone individually on the bowling or indeed batting front as this was a team effort.

Well done all and now for the quarter finals.

Special thanks to the all the parents for getting the team there and back which led to a late night for all but special mention to team manager Caroline who due to traffic and road closures got home close to midnight.

Article by Aidan Murphy