U10s v Purley (July 01, 2009)
[Sutton win by 73 runs]
Sutton 293 for 2; Purley 220 for 10.
Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'?
Temperatures and scores soared into the 90s as the U10s enjoyed the privilege of a run out at Cheam Road in their latest zone B match against Purley. Daft hats and factor 40 were much in evidence as Purley sought revenge for a Sutton victory at their place earlier in the month. They would return home disappointed, as Sutton turned in another efficient performance to remain top of their division with 3 games to go. Not a quite a thriller but a good win nevertheless.
Sutton batted first on a flat looking but dangerous pitch. Runs were accumulated steadily by all pairs and, helped by losing only 2 wickets, we were able to reach a commanding 293. In 7 completed league games we have now lost only 12 wickets in scoring 471 runs off the bat - a team "average" of almost 40 and a phenomenal effort. At the same time we have taken 52 wickets in those games at a cost of 6 runs each (runs scored off the bat). Stats do sometimes tell the whole story.
Five Sutton batsmen reached double figures not out; Freddie Boys and Smack-it-Jack Hopper each with 10, Matthew 12, Harry N-S 14 and Patrick 16. Matthew chose the hottest day of the year to leave the deckchair at home and run all of his for a change. After a further 20 overs behind the stumps he had lost 2 stone.. All the batsmen played sensibly and worked the Purley fielders hard, turning singles into 2s and regularly reaching the full adult boundary with firm hits across the fast outfield and one that came back off the wall of the pavilion. Ayrton and Sam showed the benefit of batting sensibly and picking up runs from extras in adding a good 17. Sai and Ethan also showed great patience in supporting free scoring partners while facing only a handful of balls each. Freddie and Rehan kept their concentration and added good runs despite a couple if early set backs. Good lads.
After re-fuelling, the Sutton fielders and bowlers turned in a typically ruthless performance through the heat haze. The fielding was a mixed bag; the good - a season high 4 run outs capitalised on some crazy Purley running, the bad - a number of silly misfields. True it was hot, but we don't blame it on the sunshine at Sutton. The best bowling return was provided by Rehan who bounced back from a torrid time with the bat to take 3 for 7, just missing out on a hat-trick, and applying a tactical master stroke by bowling around the wicket to the Purley version of Dilshan who almost walked off the square exposing his stumps in delivery stride in his anxiety to hit it legside. Rehan's version of the Moonwalk as he struggled to work out his run up was another highlight. Given our high score it was always going to be a struggle for Purley to beat it, but all Sutton bowlers bowled disciplined spells, giving away a seasons low 8 runs in wides and no-balls with Harry, Patrick and Ayrton also picking up a wicket each. Jack excelled yet again in the field with 2 run outs and a catch, and showing a cool head as always. All the boys would do well to watch him and see how he concentrates on every ball and attacks it when it comes his way. He's worth 25 runs a game in the field alone at the moment. You've got to be there to catch it and he seems to be in the right place every time. Matthew picked up a stumping and good catch behind in really uncomfortable conditions, but his biggest contribution for me was when he "called a batsman back" telling the umpire that he had accidentally knocked off the bails with his glove rather than the batsman being bowled as the umpire had given. That's proper cricket and contrasted with the misguided behaviour of the Purley bowler who threw down Jack's stumps when backing up. Remember the spirit of the game. What goes around comes around.
So clearly we've got a good thing going here and we're almost there in terms of the regular league season but far from invincible. However, another part of me thinks we'll be working day and night to tighten up our game ready for the final assault on the zone B league in our final 3 games. Don't stop till you get enough.
Rockin Robin Click here to return to the SCC: Colts News page
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