u12s Sloggers on fire at Hertford

Despite missing a few regulars the Sloggers ventured to a cloudy Hertford for a bit of Friday evening fun. We were able to give opportunities to a few who have not had as much batting thus far this season and a few really took advantage. Inserted by the opposition we rotated the strike well and despite the loss of a couple of wickets, Conran(25*) and Will T(28*) combined in a great partnership. Both played a number of lusty blows before retiring not out. We then lost 3 quick wickets before Grace, Sam B and Thomas A first brought stability and then saw us through to the end of our 20 overs. Grace(13*) batted especially well with the pick of her shots being a flick off the pads for four. 135 for 6 was less than we looked on course for at the half way stage, but it was important that we batted through the 20 overs and set a demanding target.

In response Hertford were never given much of an opportunity. The bowling was spot on from ball one. Eddie F set the tone with a fine first over including a nick behind eagerly consumed by Kieran W-P behind the stumps. A few tight overs later and the dominoes began to fall. Thomas A, Harry B, Will H, Harry F and Grace all bowled full, straight and accurately. Hertford had no answer and the latter three all took a wicket a piece. Spin twins Sam B and Conran bowled well. Despite some late hitting from their number 7 who hit a very entertaining 21*, the victory target was never in site. To try to elongate the match, skipper Sam B asked our bowlers to bowl spin. This did not have the desired effect! Firstly Kieran took off his pads and took a wicket. Then Ed Fallan came on for his second over. Three singles from his fist three balls gave no indication of what was to come. First wicket was an attempted hit over the top which saw a surprisingly swift Sam B race round from mid-off to capture a wonderful catch. Then the next ball was a quick straight ball which hit the stumps via the batter's pads. Two in two.....could he make it three. In came the 11th Hertford batter. Fallan delivered another beauty straight at the stumps, the batter played, the batter missed and pandemonium followed! Hertford were all out for 59, Ed F got to take the match ball home and we got home from an away game in daylight! It was a very good performance from a number of kids who have had to wait patiently for their opportunity this year such is the strength in depth of our age group. As I said at the end, we batted well and with real purpose (but still need to respect a straight ball). We bowled especially well and did not let our standards drop even when it was clear the match was won. However I was most impressed with the energy and attitude in the field. The noise levels were great, the encouragement constant and it was wonderful to see how all the players celebrate each others' success as a team. I hope this Sloggers Spirit will see us through the highs and lows of cricket for many seasons to come!