Saxton versus Leeds Caribbean’s

25th May
Leeds.Carib 97 a.o, Saxton 98-1   Saxton win by 9 wickets

Sitting 2nd in the table, with one win and one draw, Saxton were still hopeful of a successful season. An under strength side, with only ten players, Saxton expected a tough game against the current league champions.

Sent out to bowl, with at first just 8 men, Captain Coe and under 15 starlet Andrew Styan opened up. Some good running by the opening pair saw Caribbean sitting comfy at 58-3 after 10 overs, Styan taking 2 and Coe the one. Hare and Mook then upped the run rate for the home side by bowling a succession of wides! Brown came on and bowled a solid 4 overs dismissing the best batsman LBW for 27. Styan was constantly in the thick of it taking 3 catches, one an absolute storming one handed catch at mid wicket. Mook bowled a good tight line in the last couple of overs, with 5 wickets falling in the last 3 overs, 3 for Mook (who was on a hat-trick, unknown to himself) one for Coe and a final pairing run out in the last over.

So with the Windies making just 97, Saxton were all smiles. Baxter again kept well allowing just 2 byes past. However despite an improvement in the field 18 wides were bowled! Net practice needed it would seem!

A new opening pair of Brown and Hare was experimented in reply. It was proved not to work, as Brown departed for a meagre 2 in the 3rd over. A lot was thought to be resting on the shoulders on the Ginger Wonder, with no Peitersen and Pinch Hitter, and Wragg who was injured but still playing. He didn’t disappoint with an awesome show of power and elegance. He retired having made 52, with an awesome strike rate, it is estimated he only faced around 30 deliveries. This brought in keeper Baxter, Saxton requiring around 15 from 6 overs. Saxton eased to Victory with 4 overs to spare, Baxter with an unbeaten 10 and Hare the anchor role a solid 19 n.o.
So Saxton could be top of the league had results gone their way.

Coaching points:

• Bowl less wides
• Field eleven players.
• Bring a rag out to dry a wet ball.