Brixworth U11 Vs Nether Heyford

Firstly and most importantly a big thank you to Oliver Rose and Ethan Kelly for volunteering to play for Nether Heyford who only had 6 players. Without Oliver and Ethan there would not have been a game played which turned out to be a very exciting game.

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As with all matches teams start on 200 and lose 5 runs for wicket lost.

Brixworth lost the toss and bowled first

Nether Heyford - 314 for 5 (net 289)

The first 3 pairs of Nether Heyford all scored runs, this included Ethan Kelly and Oliver Rose who scored 16 runs during their partnership. During these partnerships Brixworth took 4 wickets with Jasper Cooper finishing his bowling spell well with 2 wickets for 16 runs helped by another excellent catch behind the wicket by Kenny Knowles, Oliver Savage with a wicket for 6 runs and George Patten with a wicket. The last pair of Nether Heyford though scored 42 runs off 4 overs losing just the 1 wicket with Jaden Malcolm the bowler taking a smart return catch.

This was a very daunting total and the largest number of runs we have conceded this season. Before going out to bat I told the boys not to look at it as such a large total but as 4 smaller totals per partnership and they could win.

The first pair of Callum Vladi and Jasper Cooper faced some accurate bowling by the 2 best Nether Heyford bowlers who took 3 wickets during the partnership. Next partnership saw Jaden Malcolm (scored 6) with Ryan Vladi (9 including 2 boundaries) take Brixworth back into the positive with an excellent partnership of 34. The third pair of Kenny Knowles and Oliver Savage picked up where the 2nd pair left off scoring 31 runs with just 1 wicket lost, Kenny with 9 and Oliver 2. This meant that the final pair of George Patten and Robert Vizor required net 33 runs to win. George struck 4 boundaries (20 not out) and Robert with another boundary in his 6 not out meant that they had scored 35 off the first 3 overs and Brixworth now led by 3 runs with an over to go. With great awareness of the situation George was on strike and knew that as long as a wicket was not lost Brixworth would win. A solid defence and good calling to avoid running frustrated the bowler and with the 5th ball he gave away 4 byes meaning victory was assured. The final partnership was  40 runs with no wickets.

Brixworth 322-5 (net 297). Brixworth won by 8 runs.

Positives

- A fantastic never say die attitude as they could very easily have given up.

- Better running between the wickets although the boys must distinguish between a quick single and when there is no run as they were fortunate on 2 or 3 occasions.

Areas to work on

- Calling when in a batting partnership, YES, NO and WAIT. Every ball there should be a call with the Non striker backing up every ball also.

****Mums/Dads/Grand Parents/ etc , please remember shouts of run from the sidelines can be confusing.***

- Bowling, more work required as too many wides and no balls (21 in total giving 42 runs to the opposition)

- Bowling a good length and line

- Fielding, everyone must remember to walk into their fielding position EVERY ball, and always to back up at either the bowlers or keepers end.

- When fielding be aware that if a run has been completed by the opposition there is no need to throw strongly as this can only result in overthrows.

Final thanks to Devon Malcolm, Dave Kirton and Henry Timm for helping with the setup of the wicket, warm ups and throw downs.