Wield U9's vs Cove U9's, Sun 29th May
Wield, 280-2 beat Cove, 232-6
The second game in our double header weekend was against the usually strong Cove but Wield was up for the challenge having beaten Odiham yesterday and knowing what was coming at tea! While a little cold under the trees the Wield gale was blowing healthily down the ground and some of us were glad to have on the extra layers. No rain and the game was underway promptly at 10am. Captain Olly politely lost the toss and Cove decided to chase so our first pair came to the crease in eager anticipation. Amelia (another newbie for Wield) and Summer immediately went into the attack and after the first four overs the score was 223-0. Josh and Tom took up the challenge and moved the score swiftly along. Josh played his usual game of 4s while Tom’s beautiful stroke-play also brought a 4 and at half time we were on 248-1. Thomas and Harry came in and up against some tight bowling they kept things ticking over with importantly no wickets lost and the score steadied at 265-1. Olly and Charlie the final pair arrived and both hit 4s and ran quickly between the stumps. The score at the end was a healthy 280-2, definitely defendable in the conditions.
And so to Tea. The magnificent Wield Tea Ladies surpassed themselves with two cakes, brownies, chocolate rice-crispie things and biscuits as well as tea and coffee. Elles, Lesley and Carol did a terrific job and all was very much appreciated. A proper tea giving us the chance to discuss the game so far and what could be coming, just what was needed on a rather cold but dry day.
Our bowling session started with Amelia and Summer and both were in the wickets quickly – Amelia a beautiful bowled and Summer a catch, Cove were stuttering on 200-2. Josh and Tom quickly followed and both too took wickets, Josh a quick run out and Tom bowled one on his last ball – 200-4. Harry and Thomas took up the challenge and Harry took his first wicket. Unfortunately though bowling accurately let the batsmen hit the ball and the score crept up to 219-5! The final pair were ready however, Charlie and Olly looking to clean things up, but Cove were not ready to roll over just yet. Their best bowler was also a good batsman and he piled in hitting a 6 and a 4 and scoring 12 by the end. Olly took a consolation wicket on his final ball and they finished on 232-6, a comprehensive win for Wield.
Like yesterday we were pleased to see the strokes and runs scored, there’s some good running between the wickets and eight 4s were hit. In the field there were some balls missed but the bowling more than made up for it, very restrictive for the batting side and getting the wickets is vital, the penalty runs really take their toll.
Overall, a brilliant performance by both Wield teams on the weekend and it’s particularly good to see the new players coming through and showing the depth of the squad. Thank you once again to the Tea Ladies, a fine tradition maintained and hopefully another club educated in the finer points of cricket tea necessities...2016 is going to be a really exciting season!
Rupert Cazalet