U9 overcome Hoddesdon by 19 runs

U9s produced their best bowling performance of the season to come out on top in an entertaining encounter against Hoddesdon.

Batting first, Olly and Ibrahim both found the boundary before a devastating spell of 12 deliveries saw 3 wickets fall for just 4 runs. Henry and Josh also found the boundary as the Hoddesdon bowlers just began to lose their line a little.

The introduction of some spin late on in the innings caused some bemusement amongst the U9 batters as the soft ball zipped off the green plateau wicket. Hugo eventually worked it out, crashing 2 boundaries in the penultimate over to top score for U9 with 13 not out and see the innings close on 264/6.

In reply, the confident Hoddesdon openers scored freely against some good U9 bowling to accelerate to 228/0. Olly stepped up in the 8th over to take the first 2 wickets. First Bradley took a lunging catch at midwicket and then the very next ball Olly was provided with a caught and bowled. Hugo also took a caught and bowled before both Austin and Freddie managed to get one through the gate. Unfortunately for Freddie, he also managed to get his though the stumps without budging the bails! Bad luck Freddie!

The final Hoddesdon pair walked to the crease needing a not impossible 31 runs to win. But U9 did not let the pressure get to them as Olly, Hugo, Henry and Josh each took a wicket to extinguish any hopes Hoddesdon had of winning the game.

Both teams bowled incredibly well during this game but the consistency and concentration of the U9 throughout the innings saw them come out on top. From their 20 overs of 5 they bowled just 15 extras which is impressive for this age group and a marker for the remaining games this season.