A Close Run Thing - Again

On a fine evening the U15s played their second league game in 2 days at sunny St Margaretsbury.

After the nail biting win defending 106, the U15s found themselves in the field with St. M’s electing to bat first. With 1 short boundary and a quick outfield the home side were 22 after 2 overs. But a wicket maiden from Max and then 2 wickets in Liam’s first over pegged the home team back. The tight bowling continued as St. M’s went about repairing their innings and after 10 overs the total was 52. Entering the attack Archie ‘I’ve not bowled for 3 years’ Pyle then took 2 wickets in 2 balls in his first over. The home team batted sensibly for their remaining overs with Arthur taking 2 further wickets in the 18th over. St M’s finished on 109 for 7 with all our bowlers going well.

Wickets for Max 1 for 6, Liam 2 for 11, Archie 2 for 10 and Arthur 2 for 13 with 9 of the team getting into the action.

And so to the run chase and so to another gripe about running between the wicket. Although there was more positive running we managed to conjure 3 run outs through over ambition or not appreciating our running partner’s speed. Remember the opposition could have some fine fielders too.

The innings got off to a fine start with Murray (40 retired) and Benji (16) finding the boundary regularly until run out number 1 at 41. The second run out brought Max to the wicket who helped Murray take the score to 81 in the 11th over. With the retirement of Murray for an excellent 40 and a couple of wickets, the St M’s team sensed they had an opportunity to win and brought back their quick opening bowlers. However Sam (11) and Arthur (3) batted with calmness and determination to see them off and set up Archie to finish the game and ‘finish’ his bat - seeing us home at the end of the 19th over - so winning by 4 wickets.

The team are very supportive of each other, and all contributed to another close but deserved win.

Winning close games is a good habit.

See you at training and the running drills!