SCC Colts News!

Sutton U12 v Wandgas U12

Sutton U12 v Wandgas U12 (Sutton win by 44 runs)

Sutton 141 for 7 off 20

Wandgas 97 for 7 off 20

Gas Snuffed Out

Sutton U12s maintained their winning start to the season with a 44 run victory over a game Wandgas side that posted the biggest score against Sutton this season albeit in a losing cause. Although Sutton eventually prevailed, the match was not without enough incident and scares to make it a real contest, with several players taking the opportunity to flex their wings for the first time this season. So, a good result but it was the depth of the performance that mattered and Wandgas played a full part in making that happen by taking plenty of Sutton wickets.

Batting first, Sutton managed to get into proper 20/20 mode for the first time this season and looked to be heading for a 160+ score with 90 off the first 11 overs. Lekan was brutal at pinch hitter; under orders to stay in for at least 8 overs and accumulate “about 40” with HNS, he decided not to waste any more effort than necessary and achieved it in half the time before departing to put his feet up after a display of hitting crisper than a walk on a frosty Christmas morning. However, before we knew it we were 3 down for 49 as Harry lost sight of a “loopy yorker” and Fenners was well caught in the deep. However, momentum was maintained by the two Js, Hopper and Blake who added 60-odd together and maintained the scoring rate at 7 an over as they both retired, lathered like thoroughbreds in the unsaddling enclosure after excellent 30s apiece. They were so confident in the lower order they de-padded and went on an early hunt for cakes leaving Patrick, Ethan, Ayrton and Amar to sacrifice their wickets in a glorious final quest for the 150. It was not to be, but they all showed that they knew quick runs for the team were more important than personal goals, and Wandgas to their credit remained focused in the field and got better as the match wore on, even as the score climbed.

The traditional Holmwood cake bonanza was royally enjoyed by both home and away during the break. Supply, for once, exceeded demand despite the best efforts of the Sutton boys, with the piece-de-resistance being the many-tiered, multi-filling jam, sponge and cream extravaganza created by the captain’s mother who finally got the hint that IT IS THE CAPTAIN’S MOTHER’S JOB TO MAKE CAKES and created a wonderful centre-piece for the occasion. It is said that Princess Eugenie has ordered a replica to wear as a hat for Harry’s wedding – there can be no greater accolade than that. I had 2 bits.

We eventually took to the field with bellies full and minds revived. HNS decided to go all “World Cup” and opened with spin. Blakey made it turn and jump, often too much to allow the batsmen to get near it and he was unlucky to end potless, whilst Ayrton came back well from an ordinary first over to pick up an innings best 2 for 10. As Wandgas fell behind the required rate the captain was able to vary his attack and everyone did him proud, bowling good tight spells backed up by some energetic if a little over-verbal fielding. Amar was in good form – like a spinning top that never stops he bowled 2 good overs and continued his settling-in period. Jack overcame the handicap of bowling “into the sun” (!) to take a wicket with a sharp caught and bowled, and Sam M bagged his usual wicket too; in addition HNS, Sam G and Leks all bowled tidy spells. The introduction of spin as the innings drew to a close provided some much needed entertainment as the ball continued to turn sideways and tempers got a little frayed. Ethan picked up another wicket at the death as the batsman shouldered arms to one that turned 18 inches from outside off to leave the umpire no option but to raise the slow finger of doom. Patrick bagged another with a leg-break that caught the edge and was well taken at slip by HNS, who was enjoying himself so much that he forgot to catch an exact replica next ball.

So the match ended in a fairly comfortable 44 run win, but a win that nevertheless provided a good match and some food for thought in terms of batting order, bowling combinations, how to get air into your sponge, quantum physics and the meaning of life in general. It also showed how there is no love lost in cricket as heartless Sutton umpires managed to give a son and a nephew run-out without a moment of hesitation. It’s a cruel game sometimes, but at least it was one from each side.

Click here to return to the SCC: Colts News page