U19s very impressive in big win over Upminster!

In the first Ravi Bopara U19 group game on 28th May, our U19s put on an outstanding display to win by a huge 52 runs.

Having won the toss and batted, Liam Mays (17) set the tone with an effortless straight drive for 6 off their best bowler. That was then bettered by Will Cutlan-Smyth (45) who hit their Essex leg spinner for 6 boundaries in one over! After the early destruction, Tom Howes (76*) and skipper Benjy Furrer (54) continued the onslaught, hitting 4s and 6s all over Cricketfield Lane. Howesy and Benjy put on 87 in just over 6 overs together! Benjy fell for a rapid 54 off 25 balls, before Henry Hawkins (27 off 10) came in and began with a reverse sweep for 4 and pull shot for 6! Howesy finished the innings off the innings in style with a big 6 as he finished with an outstanding 76* off just 48 balls.

In response, Upminster got off to a flyer, scoring 26 off the first over with their opener striking the ball very cleanly. Austin Osborne took an early wicket however their two Essex batters adding nearly 100 together until Liam Mays made the breakthrough thanks to great grab from Henry Hawkins. Liam proceeded to bowl beautifully taking 5-10 including the vital wicket of their opener, who had an incredible 71 off just 31 balls. There was late wickets for Harry Pigram and James Frans as Upminster ended up 182-9 off their 20 overs.

Overall, the batting was some of the best ball striking I’ve seen in a junior game, and that was without our biggest hitter Murray Davidson! The bowling and fielding unit did well against a very strong top 4, with Liam the key taking an outstanding 5-fer.

The next U19 game is against Billericay on Sunday 2nd July quickly followed by Harold Wood on 6th July. Hopefully the lads can continue their excellent start!