OS&S 229–2 (Net 219)
Rayleigh 276–1 (Net 271)
Rayleigh won by 52 runs
Team: Conor (captain), Alex B, Max, Josh, Craig, Harry, Adam and Alex D
Conor won the toss and elected to bowl. In this rapid format of the game (6 overs a side), Rayleigh wanted to know what they would be chasing – especially on a green wicket (well it was the outfield!!). Missing 4 regular first teamers, the question would be….could the replacements step up to the plate? The answer was an emphatic yes.
Max opened with a very good first over and the tone was set. Harry came next and probably bowled the best over of the match – full of well pitched up deliveries, yet strangely taking a wicket (caught Max) with the worst ball. Alex, then Adam, bowled equally well without any luck but keeping the runs down. OS&S were taking chances and in Josh’s over this caused them to try and pinch a quick single which resulted in a run out. Conor bowled out the innings and suffered a perfectly executed Dilshan, which rather ruined the figures. However, keeping them down to just 219 net with such short boundaries (10-15 yards in places) was a magnificent effort.
In reply, Max and Josh opened up with a mixture of boundaries and singles – so well did they do that they already had overhauled the opposition’s total score at the end of their 2 overs. What followed was one of the finest innings ever seen in this format as Alex B scored a brilliant 49 not out – yes you didn’t misread it 49 not out! Poor old Craig stood and watched for most of the 2 overs but also contributed himself and didn’t lose his wicket – as he has done all season. Conor and Alex D finished the innings off, marred only by a close run out, but the damage had been well and truly done.
Thanks to Nathan for keeping the boys focussed and the stats up to date. Thanks to the mums and dads for their support and to club members Alex and Ben James, the Verrinders x 3 and the ‘Law’ man. Although this was a superb team effort, and contained the brilliance of Alex B, special mention goes to the 2 under 9s – Adam and Alex D – who played so well and didn’t look out of place at all.