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U11: MAYBE, JUST MAYBE……

Oxted & Limpsfield U11 71 for 10 (21.3 overs)

Sutton Win By 71 runs

Sutton’s final league game of the seaso n saw them cement their second place in the league with another convincing win. After the disappointment of a rare defeat last week they bounced back in typical fashion as the strength of the squad and rapid development of some of the less heralded players came to the fore. It was of course a case of what might have been this season, but it’s best not to dwell on that and concentrate our thoughts on what was truly a fantastic season, but one in which Reigate were deserved champions after 2 years of seeing Sutton keeping our noses in front to be champs. This game confirmed that the flow of talent at Sutton shows no sign of abating, at this age group at least.

Sutton were put into bat on what proved to be a decent and true pitch. However, openers Harry and Jack were soon back in the shed with only 9 on the board. Enter the more inexperienced pair of Ayrton and Ethan both batting higher up the order than usual after showing good application and technique of late. Their relative lack of experience never betrayed them as they rescued Sutton’s innings with a stand of 78 before Ayrton retired (reluctantly – he had no idea he had reached 31 and thought his manager was just being mean!) after a 46 ball innings that was a masterpiece of considered defence and forceful hitting. Ethan too watched the ball carefully and played some lovely off side shots in his 25; he showed how he could build an innings and accelerate by putting pressure on the field when the time came. Smart stuff from both lads who refused to be distracted even when Lola escaped onto the Cheam Road causing consternation in the home ranks which are always at their best with their mascot in attendance. Sam Griffin helped add some useful runs before Matthew and Josh blasted 50 off the last 5 overs helped by a wonderful cameo from Tom Sweeney who faced his first ever balls in club cricket and finished on a polished 1 not out!! The batting was so good that we never quite managed to squeeze Sam Mannion in for his first conventional innings of the season despite the clamour from the crowd (all bar one - Sam himself of course; the “do you fancy a bat today” conversation with Sam has proved to be the shortest chat of all this season!).

After the beak Sutton’s bowlers and fielders showed O&L no mercy as we turned in one of our best fielding performances of the season, with 4 run outs and 2 catches to prove it. Lekan and Jack were at their prowling best with a catch and a run out each, Lekan’s direct hit on one stump from point being the highlight. Rehan was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 9 from 3 overs and showing how taking a bit of pace off and then grunting like a Russian tennis player in delivery stride can bring dividends. Harry and some new bowler called Fenwick (not recognisable to most without a helmet) also picked up wickets as did “cameo man” Sweens with his first ever bowl in club cricket and adding a wicket (the winning one) to his first runs. Priceless - bowled 3 balls and batted for 3 balls and is already an all-rounder! However the cricketer who impressed most in the field was Sam Griffin who had his best ever game for Sutton according to most. His fielding at point/square leg was faultless including one brilliant run out, and bowling 2 good overs taking 1 for 7. Good lad.

So O&L were dismissed for 71, exactly half our score and another comfortable victory accrued. O&L actually put up a much better display in the field than in our earlier game but our bowling and fielding were back to their best and they had no answer unfortunately. They were, yet again, worthy and polite opponents who played in good spirit as the game should be. In truth I have to say that was the case throughout the season with the U11s, as we met and played against teams that were always well behaved and respectful. Our own team is no exception to that rule, and are very very good into the bargain. That’s a combination that makes them a joy to be associated with and for my money they remain the best in this league without doubt. Despite the travails of selecting a side when up against a late running football season and representative cricket call ups, it has been a wonderful experience dealing with these boys in our first season of conventional cricket and all the intrigue that brings. I am especially proud to see the less heralded boys come to the fore as the season drew to a close – they may well be the bedrock of this team in years to come and should be nurtured accordingly. Start heralding them too. It’s the team that matters.

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