On a lovely June evening and perfect conditions, BSCC U14s won the toss and decided to bat. Luckily, Saffron W were missing all their county players, including the Essex U13s captain Jonny and ex England head coach Silverwood's lad, Xander!
Dan (10) and Oli (69), started steady enough with 50 runs after 8 overs, before Dan was triggered by the Takeley umpire. Oli then accelerated, hitting 7 boundaries, including 2 sixes, before a mix up with Alex (15 n.o.) resulted in his run out. Next walked in James Franz who blasted 57 quick runs in the final 6 overs, including 2 big sixes in the large Saffron ground. Anyway, BSCC ended with a well above par 173/2.
As expected Saffron Walden started the innings with their best batters, who took it steady enough against James F (4o-13r-1w) and Harrison T (3o-18r). But, James was too QUICK and smashed the opener's middle stump! Sam S (30-8r) and Dan (2o-11r-2w), kept things tight with Dan bowling full and straight to entice the remaining two strongest batters, both caught at Long on and Long off.
Saffron Walden's wheels had come off by the 10th over. With only the youngsters now in bat, Sam S decided to give everyone a bowl. Only Oli picked up another wicket in the final over, with James F catching an absolute bullet! Saffron Walden crumbled with 103/4 off their 20 overs.
Although, it was a comfortable win for BSCC U14s, outplaying Saffron Walden in all departments, one thing we need to work on is RESPECT and DIGNITY for the apposition in all circumstances. There was just too much laughter, banter and time wasting for my liking and it wouldn't be nice if a stronger opposition did that to us. Just something to bare in mind for the future.
BTW, I'm working on an end of season friendly against Saffron Walden, hopefully with both teams at full strength!