Comfortable victory for RCC U11A v Hampton Wick Royals

Hampton Wick Royal were the visitors to ODP on Tuesday in the Middlesex League. Richmond, keen to bounce back following defeat in the league the previous week against Wycombe House, lost the toss and fielded first.

HWR started fluently with both openers looking dangerous. Tight bowling resulted in their departure, leaving them 14-2 in the 5th over. HWR then put together a couple of decent partnerships, taking them to 44-2 in the 13th over, but consistent, accurate bowling backed up by good fielding meant they were always struggling to keep up a rate and when they tried to accelerate towards the end wickets fell at regular intervals, with the final score after 20 overs bring 69-7.

While we gave away too many wides (27 runs) we hit the stumps 5 times, conceded just 2 boundaries and all 10 outfield players bowled 2 overs each with very similar analyses, wickets being shared around for Will, James N, Dan, Alex, Eddie and Sandy (inc a double wicket maiden). With good catches taken by Seb and Dan, plus the usual quality shown by Huw with the gloves, it all added up to a strong, Richmond, fielding performance.

At the break with a confidence boosting performance in the field and just 70 to win the team huddle was all about making sure they finished off the job. Huw & Eddie duly got us off to a perfect start, racing to 27 inside 6 overs, and then Huw and James N (before both retired not out) supported by Jack, Will and Vansh at the end ensured we cantered up, at 70-2 winning by 8 wickets in the 14th over. Huw top scored with 22 and James scored 13.

Huw was player of the match for his batting, keeping and team commitment (up and back from Cornwall for the day which means he streaks ahead in the Captain Scott greatest-distance-travelled-to-get-to-a-game Award). 3 straight wins in cup and league!