Archived Match Report
Under 15 XI vs. Ross-on-Wye - 13 Jun - Under 15s - Not cowed!CFCC 126 for 2 v Ross CC 120 for 3
This match looked like it may never get off the ground after a pitch invasion by twenty or so heifers and the best attempts of the British weather along with our driveway being obstructed by piles of hardcore – but the U15 squad are made of sterner stuff and so it was that by 6.00PM we were out on the field of play and ready to take on Ross CC.
Ross won the toss and put us in to bat. Our opening pair of Harry Booth and captain Olly Parker ground down the opposition with some stubborn, and some might say, slow batting and after 6 overs we were already on 13 runs! Then to everyone’s relief – the pace increased and we were on our way – Harry played on to his own wicket on 33 runs and Olly retired on 50. Our number three, Arthur Harris had a strategy already planned for his innings – not concerned to protect his own batting average he was to give it his all for the Frome and strike out for runs and boundaries as quickly as possible. He didn’t disappoint scoring a swift 26 runs off just 12 balls. The innings closed with Jasper Gilbert and Tom Day steering us home safely. In summary, it was a solid, calm and assured performance with our opening three batsmen scoring 33, 50 and 26 respectively and we closed our innings on 126 with 8 wickets still remaining.
Ross started off their reply in a very similar fashion to us and then the runs started flowing despite some very accurate bowling from our bowlers. Then Tom Davies clean bowled Middlecote for 5 runs with his first delivery and perhaps we began to sense a change of fortune. To give Ross a chance we dropped 5 catches in the field in this game which is unusual and unlucky – I would bet on most catches being taken by this team but in this match their catching mojo was definitely gone – or was it?
It looked like Ross were going to grind their way to victory until by the final over they needed just 10 runs to secure the win. Olly tossed the ball to Tom Day for the second high-pressure final over in just two matches. Tom knew he could not afford to let them get a boundary and his bowling needed to be tight and disciplined. The supporters of both sides held their breath. It was Bat vs Ball. Springer, the Ross batsman, struck a powerful drive to the boundary off the second delivery only for it to be snatched from the air by Charlotte Bridges standing just a few feet away. The batsman couldn’t believe it – that sort of strike is not for catching but here he was heading back to the pavilion with the game suddenly turned around and Charlotte surrounded by cheers from both her team and the home supporters.
With a new batsman at the crease the odds were now firmly back in our favour, Tom bowled to perfection taking yet another wicket and giving away just 3 runs! So, Canon Frome notched their second win in two matches both times taking two wickets in the critical final over.
This team has strength of character – make no mistake.
Ross proved to be worthy and gracious opponents who played very well and can consider themselves unlucky not to have come away with something. Both teams were exemplars of the spirit of cricket and everyone had a good time; observers included. As Badge might say – cricket was the winner.
Team:
Harry Booth (w), Olly Parker (c), Arthur Harris, Tom Day, Jasper Gilbert, Tom Davies, Charlotte Bridges, Rylan Ashman, Sylvie Slinger, Joe Davies, Sam Booth
Thanks:
Thanks to Luke Cotterell for umpiring and coaching on the night, Ali Gilbert for team management and refreshment duties and Phillippa Slinger and Kay Harris for the wonderful cake and sandwiches.
A big thank you to Sally Booth as always for scoring and to Ronnie Parker for sitting with her to learn the process.
A final thanks to Bruce for dashing to the ground to round up the cows and to Andy Rogers for dashing down on the way back from work to prepare the wicket.
Next game: Monday 20th July – Home – Opposition: Wormelow
