Thongsbridge U11’s continue league form with win over Scholes

With the amount of weather around last Wednesday, only the optimistic cricketer would have thought a full forty overs would be able to be played. And, as it proved to be, such optimism was well placed, because with sixty minutes before play due to start, the clouds sitting above Scholes parted for some much-welcomed evening sun. The deluge over the previous 48 hours however, saw the game be played on an artificial wicket, offering a true bounce which would soon play into Thongsbridge’s hands.

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl, whilst on the face of it seeming like the riskier option given the likelihood of having to bat in the fading light, Thongsbridge set to work very quickly with some consistent line and length bowling. After a wonderful batting display from the hosts, Thongsbridge found the stumps at the start of the sixth over, with Finnan’s good length bowling seeing him pick up two wickets in as many balls, sadly the hattrick was not meant to be…

Teddy found himself in the wickets’ column with only his second ball, and again with his fourth delivery, both times picking out the top-of-off with splendid precision, finishing with 4-9 on his first appearance for Thongsbridge.

The energy levels in the field were notably high, with all players attacking the ball and working together as a team, with a two remarkably close run out opportunities. Considering it was his first time behind the stumps, William’s glovework ensures the pressure was constantly on the Scholes batsmen. Jacob showed great energy in the field, diving across the damp outfield and stopping the ball from crossing the rope on the deep point boundary, the cheers and applause were well deserved for his heroics. Not wanting to go without a wicket to his name, Jacob quickly found some swing, shaping the ball away from the right-hander and picking up a wicket with the first ball of each of his two overs.

With 12 wickets noted up, Thongsbridge had managed to restrict Scholes to 222. Would finishing on a double nelson prove as unlucky for Scholes as certain superstitions suggest…

Scholes 222/12

Opening for Thongsbridge, Solomon and Bryn stoically defended their wickets, against some exceptionally fine, quick opening bowlers. With Bryn’s well timed, forward defence blocking the new ball from reaching the stumps, Thongsbridge’s openers were able to grind out 17 well fought runs, setting the required tempo for the attritional batting required for the rest of the innings.

The first two pairs stuck to the game plan and played each ball on its merits staying within the ‘V’, not looking to score quickly, but backing themselves to score runs in a measured way, and only dropping one wicket. With the scores level in the ninth over, Thongsbridge stated to play more expansively, with Finnan and then Mason both dispatching the odd loose delivery up the hill for a boundary.

As match ups go, the final few overs provided a spectacle for both sets of supporters to enjoy. Noah and Jacob faced some exceptionally quick bowling, each managing to play some wonderful on drives, scoring runs in the process. Watching the ball like a hawk, Jacob also went to his go-to shot, playing the ball late, on his back foot, cutting the ball square.

A fine batting performance from all, saw Thongsbridge bring the match to a close on 297/3. Slow and steady scoring, with very few loose shots helped the Under 11’s secure a 97 run win.

Thongsbridge 297/3

For his acrobatics in the field, along with his 2-10, Finnan was awarded a very well-deserved Player of the Match. During the post-match debrief, the boys were reminded how, even when playing the toughest of opponents, hard work and enthusiasm can still help you win matches; and that is exactly what Thongsbridge showed throughout both innings. High energy in the field, stopping the singles, the taking of 12 wickets, bowling with discipline and control, and alertness in the field all played vital parts in the victory. Another success for the Under 11s; a chance to have fun, develop as cricketers whilst being mindful to savour and enjoy the good days…