Match Report

U17s Saxton vs Spofforth

May 3rd 2010

Saxton 134 - 6 Spofforth 71 – 7.
Saxton win by 63 runs

The season for the under 17s started in usual fashion with dramas of regular players missing, an injured keeper, an opening bowler preferring to play volleyball, a new signing from the Pontefract league, and a freezing cold evening to play cricket. However, moments after the captain won the toss and elected to bat, Saxton’s fortunes changed, and they were never really in danger of losing the game.

The under 17’s started brightly, with openers Matt Ball and Ben Williams largely defending the Spofforth rapido paceman and instead concentrating on demolishing the other opening bowler, which led to 36 being on the board after just 5 overs! A top start. After Ben swished at a straight one, the £24million pound signing Jonny Clarke came to the crease and played a few nice shots and was unlucky to cut one onto his own stumps. Tiger Woods, promoted to number 4 in the batting line up, didn’t last long (that’s what she said), although he did play a beautiful straight drive, which was apparently the shot of the day. After Ball had retired making 51*, comedy moments followed from both Chris and Dan Todd as the fast bowler came back on in an attempt to rip through the Saxton tail – Chris playing a cut shot 4 seconds too late and Dan taking his eyes off a bouncer... batting sessions needed! Yet, Saxton fans, do not fear. Usain Baxter ran loads of cheeky singles with Pottsy, who was also showing off his extreme pace to the crowd (no sarcasm intended) This pairing took the total to 134 with the speed demon ending up on 21* after some nice pulls which were appreciated by the Saxton faithful.

The bowling was efficient with Alexander and Christopher opening up for Saxton, both bowled straight and fast, keep that going boys! They were followed by Dan Todd and Jonny, who imitated Mookie and Chris, bowling tight and with some pace. However, not all were positives - throughout this, the fielding was dodgy, misfields and dropped catches which better teams would have capitalised on, Wednesday nights are training nights – be there (this includes Jamie Baxter who despite a top effort full-length dive was unable to hold onto a rocket from the Spofforth opener) Jonny got a wicket thanks to a one-handed grab from Dan Todd... god knows who he has been taking catching lessons off... and Dom Williams, the man who fields constantly at third man, bowled well, taking 2 wickets. Meanwhile the umpire was clearly not amused by the Saxton banter - although I for one appreciated a vocal team, keep it up lads! Jamie Warne claimed his first of the season with one that spun half a mile and Ed Jefferson was unleashed at the end with some outswingers and inswingers that shocked everyone, surely not a candidate to open the bowling for next week?!

All in all, a decent performance, can’t really complain with the total and the bowling was top notch, well done again lads. Coach - you owe us all a pint! Tougher games now lie ahead with Bardsey and Carribean away, and we’ll have to be on top form.

Donald.

Scorecard