Last over Defeat for the Under 12s

Sunday 1st July 2018
West Surrey Youth Cricket League – Under 12 Academy League
Stoke D’Abernon 175 for 4 (30 overs)
Guildford 176 for 4 (29.4 overs)
Guildford U12s won by 6 wickets

Fair to say we have not had much luck in the 30 over Academy League. That run continued on a scorcher of a day at Parkside on Sunday, writes Kevin Morgan.

Stoke won the toss and elected to bat. Guildford had an impressive bowling unit, all pretty rapid and accurate, giving little in the way of scoring opportunities or extras.

Arren S & Aaarav G opened for us, the latter digging in well as he lost partners first Arren falling for 1, then Jared H & James M both arriving, hitting a four then falling for 6 runs a piece. All three wickets were bowled. That brought Charlie B to the crease who was to remain for a well earned not out, scoring an unbeaten and hard fought 44, partnering firstly with Aarav who fell for 12 runs; then Luke P who blasted an entertaining 31 all over the ground including six fours; Ella C an almost as rapid 19; then an unbeaten 10 from Jack T.

This was Stoke’s highest score in the Academy League so far and at last something to defend. Things looked as sunny as the weather when opening bowlers Jack opened with 5 dots in his first over followed by a first wicket in the second over from Max B’s bowling. Guildford’s batter going for a run that wasn’t there, great collect & throw from Ella to wicketkeeper Jared who had the luxury with both batters stood contemplating the situation from the bowler’s end.

Guildford started to score however and on a fast outfield anything hit-able got despatched. A confident shout from Jared, convinced he had taken a catch from a nick off Charlie’s bowling but turned down by the umpire. Square-leg umpire, (the author of this report), too far away to hear anything. How different things could be as that batter went on to score 50.

Stoke’s bowlers toiled as the temperature rose, frequent drinks breaks required as Guildford continued to plunder runs. Stoke missed the odd rare catching opportunity and a few misfields contributed. It took till the 21st over for the next breakthrough, James getting a hand to a straight drive from his own delivery then on to the stumps, the unlucky non-striker batter out of his crease and out for 39 runs.

With five overs left Guildford needed just 19 runs. Stoke tried to pin the scoring down further but Guildford had time. Arren bowled a dangerous batter in the 26th over with Guildford needing 14 after a carless mis-field went for four, the hours in the sun taking their toll.

Jared them took a catch from Aarav’s bowling in the 28th over as the visitors started to toil themselves and singles started to dry up. At the start of the 29th Guildford needed just four but Stoke were still thinking of winning, three dot deliveries from Charlie were making things interesting, until the fourth was pulled sweetly right between James & Jack in the field and raced for four.

The spectators were denied a grandstand finish, Stoke were left to rue what could have been.

Though not the desired result another good game, and we take the positives from this League, the longer format proving itself useful for player development.