UNDER 12'S WIN AT HARPENDEN TO REACH FINALS DAY

Under 12A Eagles chased down 108 to win with 7 balls to spare yesterday evening, to reach the Herts Junior Finals Day. In temperatures of over 30 degrees, the Eagles lost the toss and the hosts Harpenden elected to bat. Despite a 'bone dry' and very uneven outfield, all 11 boys fielded quite brilliantly, led from the front by wicket keeper Charlie Waugh who conceded only 2 byes in 20 overs. Our bowling attack was extremely tight throughout the Harpenden innings and the 3 stand out Eagles bowlers were:-
Sam McGinn 3 - 0 - 14 - 2
Luca Livermore 3 - 0 - 14 - 2
Lewis Greenhill 2 - 0 - 14 -2
Bizarrely all 3 had identical figures of 2 wickets for 14 runs. There was also very tight bowling indeed from:
Tom Foden 3 - 0 - 9 - 0
Arthur Howes 2 - 0 - 4 - 0 (who did not bowl a 3rd over due to injury)

Chasing 108 for victory, our approach was to "see off" the oppositions stronger bowlers. . . and therefore keep plenty of batting "in the hutch" for the latter stages. Despite the early loss of our openers, Tom Foden and Austen Greenhill executed this game plan just perfectly. Tom scored 15 key runs and Austen gave us some 'breathing space', just when we looked at our most vulnerable.

We unfortunately lost 3 quick wickets to slip to 42-5 after 11 overs and Harpenden were suddenly the clear favourites. However Sam McGinn and Charlie Waugh clearly had other ideas. Needing to score at a rate of 7 an over, they put on a partnership of 62 in 8 overs, with both of them retiring on 25, walking off to standing ovations. Both Sam and Charlie timed their innings to perfection. They took very few risks and played some classy shots, most notably a straight drive from Sam M down the ground past the bowler for 4. These were 2 extremely impressive knocks in the most tense of circumstances. Victory was ultimately achieved with 7 balls to spare.

Harpenden had by far the strongest bowling attack that we have faced all season, which makes this win even more impressive. Congratulations to all of the boys for reaching County finals day, which takes place at Letchworth on Sunday. Spirits were very high indeed, as we made the long journey back to Bishops Stortford. Now the preparations begin in earnest for the weekend. One last push. Thanks for your support.