U13’s BEAT SAFFRON WALDEN IN LAST BALL THRILLER

A glorious Sunday morning at Cricketfield Lane, saw the Under 13’s entertain Saffron Walden in a ‘classic’ encounter that will live long in the memory.

Our good friends from across the Essex border were put in to bat by captain Toby Ricketts and the visitors started extremely well, with an opening partnership of 47.

Ethan Hill bowled with genuine pace, but it was the spin of Sam Braund who picked up the key wicket of Harry Silverwood (caught and bowled) … but the runs still continued to flow.

With Walden sitting pretty at 102-2 after 15 overs (25 overs per side), it was Frank Partridge who was the bowler who started to stem the flow. Frank bowled with pace, bounce and precision to concede just 6 runs from his 2 overs - including one maiden. A truly brilliant spell. The economical pair of Daniel Pickup and Austen Greenhill also conceded just 11 runs from their 2 overs - also excellent bowling indeed.

Walden ultimately amassed a very competitive score of 166-3 from their 25 overs, but it really could have been considerably more. Toby Ricketts, who is constantly learning as captain, led the team in the field with energy and ever growing knowledge.

Our batting game plan was to create a platform for our “big hitters” … 'and boy’ did the team deliver.

Sam McGinn (16 NO ret’d) and Krish Fernando (14 NO ret’d) set the platform, but it was Luca Livermore that changed the momentum of the whole innings, with a remarkably quick fire 23. Ed Warren’s rapid 11 runs, left us still needing 68 runs from 8 overs. A tough ask?

Enter Lewis Greenhill and Olly Sturrock. What “a show” they delivered.

Olly (22 not out) and Lewis (25 not out) guided the team home in exhilarating style, with a display of elegant power hitting at its absolute finest.

They took turns to do their thing.
Olly hit 3 quick boundaries - one of which was a glorious cover drive - but he left it to his partner Lewis to seal victory.

Lewis had already launched three powerful 4’s himself, but with 4 needed off the final ball & with the classy Silverwood bowling it, the pressure really was truly on.

Lewis perfectly timed a 'huge' lofted one bounce on-drive in to the fence. What a shot to finish.

The boys celebrated victory magnanimously and it was hand shakes all round at the end.

Both teams have agreed to move forward with a bi-annual home/away fixture for an ‘Ashes style’ Herts & Essex Cup.
Bring on the return match and what a great day that exemplified the 'spirit of cricket'.