u12s leave West Essex challenge with heads held high

In the first of two West Essex friendlies for the u12s we arrived at Cricketfield lane to gray skies and a rare rain shower. Having lost the toss we bowled first on a straw coloured wicket with a straw coloured outfield.

Arthur and Ed W bowled with great control for the first four overs conceding just 13 runs and, thanks to a “worldie” of a catch from skipper Toby at cover, Arthur made an early breakthrough. Despite one loose over the pressure was maintained by first change bowlers Thomas A and Harry F. 58 runs off the first 10 was a good effort from our boys on a lovely batting wicket with a lightening fast outfield. However then the floodgates opened…West almost doubled their score in the next 5 overs and powered their way through with three of their top four retiring after reaching 50. Some reward came for the boys late on with wickets for Ed W, Thomas A and Tom F to add to Arthur’s earlier victim. It would have been the first time some of these boys had played a 30 over innings, 8 of the opposition 11 were u13s and the boys really stuck to their task and kept spirits high. 244 was a big total to chase and we need to learn the rights lines and lengths to bowl to batsmen capable of dominating bowling…..but it was a good effort.

In reply Charlie W batted with real determination and technique seeing off their very talented opening bowlers. Unfortunately Toby was out first ball to a great inswinger and after some initial resistance from Krish, it was left to Lewis to take the responsibility of driving the innings forward. In partnership with Eddie F and then Harry F he did exactly that. With a mix of powerful hitting and mature defence he scored a really excellent 50 to retire not out.
It was clear early on that the target was never in scope, but we batted out the 30 overs and learnt a huge amount from the day. A great effort and looking forward to the next opportunity at the end of August.
Thanks to Simon and Martin for “mucking in” with drinks breaks, food and a bit of umpiring.
As I said to the boys at the end, the opposition showed where they need to be in 12 months time to be district level cricketers. It will be a challenge but they have it in them.