After last weeks rain affected draw against Tad Magnets, Saxton's under 17’s took to the field against Oulton in their second league game of the year. Pretty much a full strength side, Saxton were confident, especially after stern words of warning from coaches Ian and Dave. Losing the toss, Saxton were asked to field and would be forced to bat in the fading light later on.
Cheeky Monkey and Peiter-fan opened up the bowling with both bowling a tight first over. In the second over Oultons opener dollied a catch straight to the pinch hitter at mid-wicket, a good start. Peiter-fan clearly wound up from Saturdays performance seemed simply intent on hurting the batsman, and bowled some short stuff, but with good pace and carry. Another wicket fell the next over with a smart catch from the ginger wonder at gully off cheeky again. In strode Oulton's captain looking very confident indeed. Peiter-fan bowled 3 overs and was ordered to save one for the death, despite taking a wicket with a good catch by Brown at point, he was then replaced by Atkinson.
Again a bowler intent on hurting the batsman, first ball, striking the Oulton number 5 straight in the gangoolies. However the batsman was not phased, striking the next one for six dead straight over the bowler. Hare replaced the cheeky monkey but failed to prove his 2nd team worth despite picking up a wicket in his 3rd over. Pinch Hitter (a.k.a Fletcher) came on and bowled a tight last 3 overs, restricting the batsman to a creditable 13 from his 3 overs. Mook also bowled a good 4 overs but was unlucky in not taking a wicket. The outfielders should take note from keeper Baxter who was superb behind the stumps, whereas the fielders could have easily restricted them to a score in just double figures.
After a quick change over out strode King Louie and Pinch Hitter to open up. The partnership didn’t last long as Harry was clean bowled 2nd ball, (the ball apparently moved a mile). DUCK! Ginger Wonder joined the fray hoping to emulate his performances thus far for the 2nds. For the second time in just 3 days though a mix up sent him back to the pavilion for just 2 run out. Peiter-fan was next, again not lasting long as he skied a top edge for an easy take for the keeper, gone for 6. Saxton wobbling at 28-3. Wragg on the back of a superb 89 at the weekend came out looking thirsty for more runs. The score had reached 40-3 after 10 overs, Saxton requiring 77 from just 60 balls! Wraggy looked fluent with a number of awesome pull strokes (just like tea boy, the only stroke in his arsenal!) Hare eventually fell for a useful 20, a good solid start to the innings.
55-4 and Cheeky Monkey came to the crease with 9 overs remaining. Needing to up the run rate, it was clear he had been talking to Lenno too much, striking a six with his first ball. Wragg and Coe upped the run rate well with some good running, accompanied by a flurry of boundaries. Wraggs innings however drew to a close when he attempted one pull too many and was bowled for a useful 36. Baxter came to the crease and continued his good glove work nicking a short one behind. The run rate required now 20 off 5 overs. Brown came in and played a solid maiden first up, Coe departed at the end of the next over, another mix up, leading to a run out for 18. Not much batting to come and Mooky's golf strokes were in eager demand. Some good running but no boundaries meant 5 needed from 6 balls. First ball, Brown cut weakly and a dolly was dropped at point, a single gained. 5 balls 4 needed, Mook getting his eye in with 2 play and misses! Arrgh! 4 from 3! CRUNCH! Mook nailed a 3 iron straight through mid wicket, but only thanks to a misfield, the ball trickled to the boundary and the game was won!
Game over a good team performance, and a well deserved victory, bring on Tad again!
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