Saxton U13s win at Church Fenton
After going out of the cup on Thursday night to Bardsey, Saxton were given the opportunity to bounce back immediately against Church Fenton. In what can only be described as the Wetherby League equivalent of the "Old Firm" game there was bound to be fierce rivalry between two teams who know each other well from their footballing exploits. Saxton were not helped by only being able to field ten juniors.
As usual Josh Hesleden lost the toss - he is so unlucky that the team is thinking of sending in a substitute captain to toss up. Easier still we should just ask the opposing captain whether he would like to bat or bowl.
The Church Fenton skipper had no hesitation in batting on a good looking track that would make life difficult for the bowlers - so difficult that Saxton would give away 27 runs to wides and no balls.
In his first game for Saxton new recruit Jake "Ben" Buckle found the pitch and the Church Fenton batters to his liking however, turning in impressive figures of 1 for 11. At the other end Josh Hesleden ended up with 2 for 7 - although one of his deliveries did threaten to hit a passing aeroplane from the nearby RAF station.
At this stage Church Fenton tightened their grip on the match as Wilkinson and Willman put on an impressive stand - both retiring on 30 each.
The bowling remained economical except for wides and no balls. Have I mentioned them already?
Despite the pressure from the Church Fenton batters, overall this was a much better performance in the field, with outstanding work from Jake Barber (some good stops on the boundary edge), Oliver Heaton (a run out), and Josh Hesleden (catch).
Saxton needed to make 104 to win and opened with Heaton and Otter. Josh Otter was out caught at mid wicket while Oliver Heaton top scored, retiring on 30 and batting sensibly throughout.
Charlie Wilson played some good looking cover drives keeping the momentum of the innings going before Adam Hardman ended his innings with a dive that would have graced Tadcaster Baths rather than Church Fenton cricket field.
Ken Atkinson obviously had a previous appointment as he came in and helped finish the game off with a quickfire 22 including 3 fours. At the other end Jake Buckle also hit 3 fours all pulled around the corner to finish with 15 not out.
The outstanding feature of the Saxton batting performance was the running between the wickets. There was lots of calling and the batters constantly put pressure on the fielding side with the result that extra runs were gained by overthrows.
Saxton are now sitting second in the division and when asked about the prospects for the season Dave Buck said " Its a marathon and not a sprint - we will take every game as it comes"
Very helpful Dave!!
An Old Coach
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