Saxton U/17s v Bardsey U/17s

13th July 2009

Bardsey 129-3 beat Saxton 118-8

Winning the toss Saxton bowled on a green wicket supplied by the Bardsey grounds man. Coe opened up with the promoted Akko, neither found movement with the ball and Bardsey had a comfortable first 9 over’s losing just one wicket. The Bardsey opening pair both batted well with one going on to make an aggressive but well made 50. The number 3 also provided stable support with a good 30 odd.

It was not the team’s best day in the field with a number of byes, wides and no balls. Some poor fielding by many of the team meant Bardsey capitalised and were able to run up an imperious looking target of 129, the highest amount Saxton had conceded this year. There was one bright spot a magnificent piece of fielding from the Ginger Wonder shying at just one stump and hitting for a direct run out. Classic piece of fielding, obviously not learnt however from his time with the 1st team.

So Saxton despite requiring a target of 130 were still confident and the batting looked strong, with only Pietersen absent due to ashes commitments. Hare and Harry played a good first over but then disaster struck, Hare dollied one to mid wicket 2nd over, soon followed by GW three balls later due to a very sharp catch in the gully. Coe promoted to 4 in the absence of Pietersen then enjoyed a good partnership with Fletcher, with both scoring at a good rate. The score reading 59-2 following 8 over’s. The partnership was broke when Fletch skied to the keeper for a solid 23.

Wragg next, and he continued exactly where Fletch left off. The scores kept ticking and Saxton made it to 82 with 8 and a half over’s left. Coe then departed for 36, quickly followed by both Baxter and Matthews. Mook joined Wragg, and a lot now looked to be resting on Wraggys shovel stroke. The pair pushed the score up to the 100 mark with 30 needed from 24 balls. Mook was then bowled and Brown entered. 2 overs left 18 from 12, needing to push runs Wragg was run out despite a good looking dive for a cracking 35 which had kept Saxton in the game.

Jeffo joined Brown and the pair pushed the score up to the 120 mark at the innings close. A good run chase but it all ended in disappointment, Saxton now unable to claim the league title with just one game remaining.
Never the less a good well fought match, which optimised the efforts of the team throughout the season. A solid looking side, which bodes well for the club over the coming years.