Odiham U9's vs Wield U9's, Saturday 11th May
Our third game of the season and the weather is no warmer yet (our second game had to be abandoned due to rain so we are hoping to reschedule). However, Wield however, are HOT – Odiham 230-7 and Wield 287-5! Another win, this time by 57 runs has started the season well. This time we had 4 new players, three completely new to the game and what a contribution they made. We have a proven squad of 12 which is really excellent. Sam as captain won the toss and put us in the field, softening up the opposition with a bit of quick and ruthless bowling. In the fourth over of the day a run out from Charlie set the tone, direct hit from midwicket and the last ball of Millie’s over saw her send the batsman on his way clean bowled. Charlie followed up his run out bowling one off his last over and we were cruising.Sam and Edward stepped up to their creases and restricted the opposition to only 15 runs from their four overs and then Wilf and Bruce arrived. The last four overs went for –15, Bruce bowling one and Wilf whistling the ball through 3 sets of stumps and finishing with figures of 0-3!
Drinks and biscuits replenished the team and in they strolled to bat. Mille and Gilbert made a fine start scoring 6 and 16 respectively but each losing a wicket a piece restricted their score to 12. Bruce and Wilfred set their jaws and strode to the crease steadying any nerves with 4 and 14 each, Wilf at one point pulling a flat six past the square leg umpire’s head. The score moved level with the Odiham result and four batsmen yet to come. A captain’s innings was required and Sam stepped up to the job blasting five fours for a total of 20 while Edward supported with a another 4 for a total of 7. Charlie and Joseph, our final two came to the crease and the game was sealed with a solid finish of 5 and 1. Excellent play all round and the sun even came out at the end, giving us a little warmth to send us on the way. Thanks again to Colin for scoring, an admirable job in the conditions. Next week we’re at home to Eversley, so see you there!
Man of the match is Wilf with a score of 14 not out (including his first six of the season) and then an outstanding 3-0 bowling figures.
Rupert Cazalet