SCC Colts News!
U10s beat Tadworth.
(June 18, 2009)
U10 NECSC Zone B v Tadworth [Sutton win by 40 runs]
Tadworth 237 for 9
Sutton 277 for 3
Salt & Vinegar On Those Sir??
Tadworth, in the chasing pack of four in our zone, seemed capable of providing a stern test and at the very least some cricket after the previous weekend's deluge had ruined the game against Banstead. A lovely ground, a warm summers morning, a bar that opened after the game just for us, and a simply stunning umpire's outfit set the scene for a eagerly anticipated contest.
Our skipper lost his 100% record with the toss but still managed to return with Sutton's preferred option of fielding first. Our bowlers proved to be unusually wayward, although it was difficult to see from square leg if all of the 12 wides signalled by the Tadworth umpire were actually that wide. The sartorially resplendent Sutton umpire on the other hand signalled wide on only 2 occasions, worried as he was that someone might shout "TWO LARGE COD N' CHIPS MATE!" should he draw any attention to himself by signalling the scorers. However, despite conceding a massive 42 in sundries there were only 43 runs scored off the bat which was good effort on a small outfield. Sutton's catching was excellent with Hopper excelling in particular - bagging 2 in the covers and seeming to have enough time to clean his shades, sort out his hair and replace his cap before taking the second. Staunch. Matthew had a busy but good day behind the stumps, taking a good catch, throwing for a smart run-out 20/20 style, and putting his body on the line throughout.
Despite the wayward bowling Sutton bagged 9 wickets with Lekan "Whispering Death" Ogunlana taking his first U10 scalps with 2 for 11 including a fine return catch that even had Lekan moving a bit sharpish (well its all relative eh?) and Patrick picking up 2 for 8. In support Steady Freddie Boys, the Sams and Ethan all picked up a wicket each to peg Tadworth back to 23, another one of those teasing totals requiring discipline and good technique to overcome. We like those.
Needing little advice from Mr Supafish, all 5 pairs set about reaching and overcoming the Tadworth total with great aplomb. Sutton steadily accumulated runs without recourse to risky shots and to be frank there was little tension on the sidelines as these boys have become a solid unit that the crowd could just sense would prevail despite a tight bowling performance by the home side.
Rehan and Freddie gave us their customary solid start adding 15 with Rehan reaching double figures with 10. That laid a base for Lekan and Sam G followed by Sam M and Ayrton to add a combined 16 and leaving us at 231 after 12 overs - bang on target. Ethan and Patrick added a bit of impetus adding a solid 25 at pair 4 with Ethan playing his best innings of the season thus far with 11no. That left the coast clear for The Deckchair and his prodigy Hopper to play fluently for 16no (3 x fours) and 17 (4 x fours) respectively, Jack forlornly calling for Snicko evidence when "Doc" Ratna raised the slow finger of doom in response to an appeal for caught behind. He was possibly just reaching for his stethoscope but the wicket stood nevertheless. The final pair added 21 to leave us comfortable at 277 for a 40 run victory and adding a big 84 runs off the bat in the process. Smooth.
The victory was rounded off brilliantly by the Tadworth umpire Stuart opening the bar just for us and several lingering parents enjoying 30 minutes basking in the glory, cold lager and lovely sunshine. It was another fine victory that keeps us top, but in truth we were let off the hook a little given the number of wides and no-balls we conceded. We could have been severely punished for that in another game. Whilst our catching was good, our ground fielding was barely average with several run-outs going begging as fielders forgot to keep their eye on the ball when collecting it on the run in their anxiety to see which end to throw to. Something to work on.
And finally, as has been said before, cricket is a strange game in that batsmen in particular play as individuals but very much in a team context. Remember it's the runs you accumulate for the team that matter and it's also what makes this team so successful. So, when assessing your performance, look at those partnership numbers in brackets along the bottom as well as your own score. That's what counts - don't be disappointed and complain "I only got 4.." or whatever. If every pair contributes a net 10-15 runs that constitutes a winning score every time at this level, and if 10 of those come in wides, that's OK and means you have done a good job. Here endeth the lesson.
Battered sausage anyone??
Bob
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