U10 NECSC Zone B v Reigate Priory [Sutton win by 71 runs]
Reigate Priory 220 for 10
Sutton 291 for 1
Scorched!
Old pals and rivals Reigate Priory travelled up the A217 to Cheam Road for what some had billed as the pivotal game in U10 zone B this year. Although too early to call it a league decider (there are still difficult games to come) the manner in which the boys approached the game and their focus belied their lack of years and suggested that they knew it was a big game. Totally by chance the game had been granted "Cheam Road status" with a lovely true track, an outfield smoother than Michael Holding's run-up, and a beautiful sunny morning bringing out a bumper crowd. The boys lived up to top billing.
Asked to bat first Reigate's batsmen were never allowed to get into their stride by aggressive Sutton bowling backed by our tightest fielding display of the season. Only 17 runs were conceded in wides and no-balls; not up to last season's standard but still much improved on this, and 10 wickets fell restricting RP to 220 with their last pair adding 15 of those. Typhoon Kennett blew in for his first U10 game of the season and picked up 3 for 14 from 4 overs; the Sutton leggies Blake and Jordan picked up 2 wickets apiece, the latter just failing on a hat-trick ball to give this piece the "Hat-trick-Pat-rick" headline he dreams of. The fielding was disciplined throughout the innings which given the pace of the outfield was the most pleasing aspect of all. Hopper was again like a cat in the covers with one good run out and several fine stops, added to a second run out by Jordan (more Bambi than cat) and a stumping from Matthew Fenwick. Everyone contributed to a top notch fielding display that kept a good batting side under pressure throughout.
The batting display that followed was also by far a season's best. In losing only one wicket and reaching 291 against a good bowling attack boasting several district and county standard bowlers, Sutton totally dominated. The two young bucks, Buzz Ratna and Jamie "Bigger Bat" Smith, top scored with 23 and 13 respectively, the former in particular looking impressive with some beautifully timed clips of his legs for 4 that even brought his dad out from his nervous hiding place behind the scoreboard to applaud. However, it was the team work in each pair that was most impressive, as batsmen supported their free scoring partners intelligently as all pairs compiled double figure returns. Jack, Matthew, Patrick, Ethan and Lekan all enjoyed less of the strike than their partners but batted wisely in support of them. Holding up an end is an art form in itself as it requires such discipline especially when chasing a modest total, but they did it and did it well. Great stuff, and good experience to boot.
A 71 run victory was a fantastic result against an excellent team who were just a little overwhelmed on the day. Although it lacked the thrills of last years League final, this was still an excellent match between 2 sides that get on well and produce good cricket every time.
Reigate will be out for revenge in our Cup match on 1st June and we will have to be at our best again to prevail. But all in all the season has begun very well. For a variety of reasons we have not had a settled side and have already selected 18 different players for our games this season. Given that we have lost only 9 wickets in 4 pairs games (and only 2 in the last 2!) while taking 30 opposition scalps, speaks volumes for our strength in depth. We will continue to call upon that depth as the season builds and as long as the players (and parents) remain patient, it promises much.
Bob Jordan
