U11 Eagles recover well to secure 'vital' victory

The Eagles U11 (11-a-side) team bounced back following the disappointment of Tuesday's defeat in Broxbourne, to beat St Margaretsbury at home on Wednesday evening. Harry B won the toss and elected to put the visitors in to bat in humid and sultry conditions at Cricketfield Lane. Early on, the Eagles bowlers struggled to to gain control, as the visitors reached 64-2 after 12 overs and a 100+ score seemed likely. However Luca L picked up the vital wicket of the St Marg's opening batsman (bowled for 19) and the tide started to turn. Toby R then struck in the following over, assisted with an excellent diving catch at mid on by Luca and there were also wickets for Sam B (2), Frank P and a good run out from Harry D. The tie was well and truly turned in the Eagles favour when Tom F picked up 3 wickets in 4 balls - a quite devastating spell - to swiftly bring an end to the innings. The Eagles had been set a target of 84 to win.... and win they had to... to keep their 'quarter final hopes' alive.
The Eagles run chase was never going to be a formality and so it proved, with a mixture of needless run outs and batsmen simply not playing themselves 'in'. However Ethan H hit an outstanding 28 (retired) which included 5 x 4's to steady the ship, along with Frank P who scored a vital 15, leaving Krishan (17 not out) and Max F (2 not out) to guide The Eagles home to victory with just over 4 overs to spare.
3 league games to go. . . and this fantastic 'inaugural season' for the Eagles team continues, but we still have many areas we can and must improve.