In mid holiday season and conditions warm but breezy, a strong Richmond U11 outfit took to the field in the county final against Finchley U11. This season has been all about team spirit and depth of squad for the U11’s. With 60 boys and girls taking to the field every week we have been very lucky to be able to call on the squad to step up when illness, injury and absence occurred. Today was no exception.
Winning the toss, Richmond elected to field first against a top heavy Finchley batting line up – having played against this team the week before in a Lords 8 aside invitation match, we knew that if we could bowl accurately and hold our catches, we would stand every chance of prevailing. During the innings two of the Finchley batsmen stood firm and scored well earned 50’s, but we managed to keep the run rate under control through some excellent bowling backed up terrifically in the field. Our ability to concentrate in this longer 35 over format of the game was key. Finchley were unable to build partnerships that would take the game away from us. We held some magnificent catches, had two very well worked run outs through our quick thinking, and had their key player smartly stumped by our keeper. Finchley saw through the overs and posted 165 for 9. A good but reachable target at just under 5 runs per over.
Energy restored after a nice tea provided by our hosts at Teddington, we knew that if we could play with discipline, dispatch the loose deliveries, run hard and see out the full overs, we would be in with a shout. It was one of those days where no-one dominated with the bat but everyone contributed. Some added control by holding up an end, others counter attacked with some terrific pinch hitting and again all backed up by sensible but determined running between the wickets. Richmond were comfortably ahead of the run rate with a 1/3 of the overs remaining. Our batsmen were in control. Then we lost a succession of wickets after a drinks break that meant that by the final over we needed 4 runs with our last pair at the crease! You could feel the tension as the boys cheered home their team mates on the field and parents and coaching team alike fidgeted nervously on the boundary. With a ball to spare our final pair coolly nudged a very well judged single to see us home. The trophy was ours. The boys and the crowd went wild!
With the England v Pakistan test match running in parallel, both games highlighted that cricket is a team sport. No individual stood out, and yet 11 team members all played their part in what was a fantastic achievement.
Well done to Finchley on proving worthy finalists; well done Teddington for being fabulous hosts; and the last word goes to our magnificent Richmond U11 on achieving the ultimate in team performances. Champions 2016!