U11A Hardball Cricket v Ranby (A)

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Match Report

Result: Lost: St Hugh’s 47 all out, Ranby 49-3

It was good to get our first hardball match under our belt against a strong Ranby side. We elected to bat first and it was immediately obvious that the wicket was very slow, so successful timing of our strokes would require complete concentration. Early on, opener Sam was unlucky to receive a low bouncing delivery which went under his bat and captain Rory S spooned one up to midwicket to get out cheaply. Their left arm spinner proved to be a tricky bowler and several batters succumbed to some clever deliveries. James (5) and Ellis (8) showed some controlled aggression, scoring our only boundaries of the innings, and Josh N, our other opener, stayed around for many overs with some sensible shot selection. Towards the end of the innings Alastair remained not out with a creditable four runs.

A small total of 47 was always going to be very difficult to defend. Their openers put together a good first partnership with quick singles and it looked as if it was going to be a short game until Rory S made the breakthrough with a caught and bowled. James and Rory P found their rhythm and bowled threateningly; both got their rewards with wickets in quick succession. Josh F then came on for an impressively accurate over, and though we could not prevent them reaching our rather meagre total, we certainly restricted the flow of runs and put up good resistance throughout their innings. 

A little more circumspection in our approach to batting will be needed in future games so that we can achieve defendable totals.