You wait two seasons for a victory, then they keep coming like London buses. The developing players in the U13s squad demonstrate what is possible with a little hard work (and a lot of fielding practice).
This friendly match-up was designed to give the developing players on both sides match experience – and both sides gave good account. Highlight of the evening was Scarlett Blaney’s hat-trick on debut…. and I’m not sure that Scarlett has stopped smiling yet.
To the delight of everyone, both Thriplow and Reed fielded mix-sex teams, showing just how popular the ladies game is becoming.
Thriplow won the toss and opted to Bat.
With bowling being shared equally among every player (except Wicket Keeper, Daniel Vincent), everyone had a job to do. The bowling was kept fairly tight … and the fielding even tighter. With only 8 boundaries conceded and Thriplow restricted to running singles, the opposition were restricted to 104 runs for 6 wickets.
Pick of the bowlers was debutant Scarlett Blaney (2-0-3-7), ably supported by (among others) Gethin Hill (2-0-1-8), Matthew Barons (2-0-0-6), Effie Bone (2-0-0-10) and Charlie Ward (2-0-0-10)
The inexperienced batting line-up, was supported by Daniel Vincent at #1 and the dependable duo of Callum Ricketts at #10 and Oscar Lamb at #11 to bring them home.
After strict instruction to score singles and keep off strike – Daniel declared his first 2 boundaries were “accidents”, but quickly settled down with his young cousin, Tash McNamara, to build an opening partnership of 55 in 8 overs. Daniel retired on 24, and Tash after achieving 20.
The plan was to allow everyone maximum opportunities to bat… and all time at the crease – however brief – is valuable experience. Whilst the inexperienced middle order went relatively cheaply… well run byes and wides kept the scoreboard ticking over.
The excitement mounted as the overs continued and Reed were at 82 for 6 at the start of the 18th over when the finishing partnership of Callum Ricketts and Oscar Lamb came to play.
Requiring 23 runs off 18 balls – Callum calmly declared to his umpiring father that “He knew what he was doing” , when the spectators were enthusiastically calling for more running!
Callum and Oscar held their nerve, and with 8 runs required off the final over, clear calling and concise running between the wickets and a swift 4 from Callum off the penultimate ball of the innings brought the game to a close.
Reed’s development continues on an upwards trend and enthusiasm for the sport is at all all-time high. 4 league games remain, and it is anticipated that every member of the squad will play a part.
Match report submitted by Lee Vincent.
