U10 NECSC Zone B v Banstead [Sutton win by 113 runs]
Sutton 350 for 1; Banstead 237 for 8.
As Good As It Gets?
Lost for words is probably not an expression you associate too readily with these reports (whilst insane ramblings probably is). However, the quality and application demonstrated by the boys in this performance did leave some speechless. Unfortunately for you, not for long! Its all too easy to get carried away, and worse still complacent, as the level of performance climbs and the victories accrue. We must guard against that of course. But by the same token if it's true that form is temporary and class permanent, we have to be pleased that given we have plenty of the latter we are hitting the former at just the right time.
This game confirmed again that we have a good group of players. We have maybe known that for a while now; but it also highlighted that they now believe in themselves and each other, are confident without being arrogant, play the game in good spirit respecting each other, opponents, umpires, and parents equally. From small things like tucking in our shirts, to not questioning decisions, to having parents that support and never criticise, to the business end of scoring bags of runs and taking lots of wickets, it's all part of what makes a team. It's not just the winning, its the whole package that should make us so proud, and it's what we will need when the going gets a bit tougher. It will inevitably.
Oh yes, there was a game of course. Another dominant batting display from Sutton put this result beyond doubt early on. Up against a team boasting 4 or 5 County and district level players who were 3rd in the league and coming off a 100+ run victory the previous week, we were primed for a stern test. Wrong. Sutton dominated from the start putting Banstead to the slaughter, scoring a massive 350 for the loss of only one wicket.
All 5 pairs contributed excellent totals, with Kennett & Hopper (34) at the start and Fenwick and Blake (40) at the rear, providing perfect bookends to the innings. Jack passed 100 runs for the season, closely followed by Deckchair Fenwick with 25no, leaving him on 108 for the season without losing his wicket! Patrick played his most aggressive innings thus far with 20no, and Jamie (17no), Owen (12no), Josh (11no) and Rehan (10no) all hit double figure scores, with smallest man Rehan hitting the biggest shot of the season with a towering 6 over deep backward square that almost took out his manager who shamelessly was not watching.
Having overheard the opposition getting excited about us loading all of our "best" players in the early pairs, I think it soon dawned on them that there were actually 5 excellent pairs who gave them no respite throughout the innings. Sorry, no weak links here.
It would have been easy to relax and coast in the field given our mammoth total. No way. We chose this opportunity to turn in one of our best fielding displays of the season as we restricted Banstead to 237. Highlights included; 3 run-outs by Gus Leonard who prowled the area behind the stumps like a panther and pounced on any uncertain running by the oppo batsmen; a customarily fearless display from birthday boy Matthew behind the stumps with couple of stumpings and twice as many bruises; Lekan's bowling as he picked up 2 for 6 with a smooth spell that was accurate and hostile in equal measure - he's looking the real-deal with the ball now. Owen, Rehan and Patrick also picked up a wicket each but it was the way the whole side remained focused, tight and athletic in the field that was by far the most pleasing aspect of the day - even when we started rushing to finish the game as dark rain clouds gathered to threaten the win toward the end. Seventeen run-outs gained in 10 games this season, whilst our batsmen have been run out 5 times speaks volumes for our skills in the field.
So that's it; this week's sermon is at the start so there will be no more ramblings here. Two games to go and still unbeaten in the league. This is now a team in every sense of the word and one that 20 players have been part of so far this season. The 10 that were not here this time are just as big a part of any success we might have. Be proud of them all. Be very proud.
Bob
