BSCC U15 WIN HERTS SEMI FINAL!

Our U15s beat Berkhamsted by 23 runs in the Summer League T20 Semi Final last night at Hockerill CC.

BSCC skipper Ben Warren won the toss and elected to bat. We started off decently with Ben Foster and Ollie Mitchell hitting early boundaries, before Fozzie was caught at mid on for 10 trying to up the run rate. Henry Hawkins then came in and continued his outstanding form hitting boundaries all around the ground before retiring (27* from just 13) with a big 6 over mid wicket. Ollie Mitchell followed Henry by retiring (25*) having hit a huge 6 out of the ground. Ben Warren and Austin Osborne then put on an excellent partnership with both lads retiring with 25* each, with Austin hitting a huge straight 6 of his own. We continued to be aggressive throughout and lost a few wickets towards the end of the innings, finishing 174-5 in our 20 overs. It was a very good score in a semi final, however it was a good pitch with small boundaries so the game was far from over.

Berko came out with a lot of intent with their opener hitting some incredible shots including a huge 6 and check drive one bounce 4 over the bowlers head, as he retired (27*) in just 11 balls. Austin Osborne clean bowled their other opener second ball, before their captain came in and continued the serious ball striking, hitting boundaries galore as he also retired (28*) in just 14 balls. We finally managed to slow the run rate down a bit whilst Berko built a slower but steady partnership. At 10 overs, they were exactly halfway at 87-1 with the game in the balance.
Both Berko middle order batters retired (25* each) at about a run a ball, thanks to our accurate bowling and improved fielding. We continued to bowl with good discipline and fielded well during the final 10 overs, taking regular wickets as Berko tried to keep up with the rate as the night got darker and darker.
There were wickets for Harry Pigram, Ollie Foot, Bertie Warnes and Ben Foster as we tied up the win in virtually pitch black settings. There were two excellent catches from Austin and Paddy A-L in the deep which were even more impressive in the fading light.
That was highlighted when the ball flew straight towards Paddy at cow corner and he screamed out “I can’t see the ball” before catching it right in front of his face!
Berko finished 151-5, 23 runs short.

It was a fantastic performance from the lads and a great win!
We are now in the final against West Herts, which is being hosted at BSCC this Sunday, 12pm start on the main pitch, it would be great to see as many people watching and supporting as possible!