Shadwell U17s v Saxton U17s

20th July 2009

Shadwell 137-4 beat Saxton 110-8

It is fair to say an under strength Saxton side took to the field against top of the table Shadwell, who had to win to have a chance of claiming the title. Saxton won the toss and chose to bowl on a soft green track.
Coe and Styan opened up and everyone then bowled in pairs so everyone getting a go with the ball. It was all to little affect as Shadwell batted well losing just 4 wickets and one opener making a very well made 50.  The wickets were spread around with Jefferson, Heseltine, and Mook taking the few scalps. An imperious looking target for Saxton to chase then, and with only 3 of the usual top 6 present it seemed that someone would have to step up and prove their worth.

Ball and Fletch opened up with a good first 6 overs, Saxton 30-0. Ball then perished for a good 22, quickly followed by the in-form Fletcher for just 6. Brown promoted to the number 3 spot then found himself at the crease with Coe, another good 6 overs kept the score ticking before Coe was adjudged LBW by the Umps for 9. Baxter next in again not lasting long making just 2, Matthews at 6 soon followed him back to the pavilion and Saxton were all of a sudden five down. Under 15 Styan then joined the ever present Stuart (the rock) Brown. The two then embarked on a good partnership worth surely over 50. Brown sent pull shot after pull shot to the boundary with Styan playing a more technical role hitting the bad ball away with an often lovely looking drive. It came to the last two overs, Saxton now seemingly out of the game and Brown setting his sights on personal goals.

The crowd made very clear to the pair just how close Brown was to notching his first ever 50, but it was just one step too far for the young maestro. He was run out in the final over for 45, so close yet so far, never the less he had made the score look a lot more respectable for Saxton. The game wasn’t over yet though, Mook had plans to entertain yet further attempting to switch hit his first ball and missing. He was then castled with 1 ball remaining in the innings, Jeffo strode out but could only bunt the ball straight to cover and be caught out off the last delivery. Styan still remained however for a well made 17 n.o.

So the season closes for the junior side, and it would have to be said it has been a rather positive year. Three wins three losses and 2 draws, which to be honest probably cost the side dearly, but in the end it was all a case of what could have been. For many it was the final junior game of their lives! However I think I speak for all for all those in saying thanks to the coaches and the club. We have all improved over the years and thanks for your help; you donate a lot of your spare time to the junior section and we are all very grateful, I’m sure the junior section will continue to get better over the years, which can only be a positive sign for the club in the future. Hopefully next years Under 17’s will be more successful than us!