RCC U11A take the spoils in close match at Ashtead

On a (mostly) sunny Sunday morning we welcomed Ashtead u11 to Udney Park for both teams' opening fixture in the Mid Surrey League Division 1 - respective games the previous week having been washed out.

Richmond batted first, getting off to a solid start led by Huw, who looked in great form, and at 47-1 off 8 overs the team looked set for a 110-120 total. However Ashtead maintained a very disciplined length and line, and fielded excellently, saving at least 15-20 runs over the course of the innings. The pressure they exerted began to tell, Huw's departure for an excellent 29 being part of a clatter of wickets in mid-innings. Reduced to 64-6 off 14 overs we looked to be struggling to post a competitive total, but Sandy and Matt started to re-build, steadily at first but then with good running between the wickets and acceleration towards the end their partnership of 35 took us to 99 at the 20 over mark, Sandy being bowled off the last ball for a well made 22 and Matt undefeated on 9.

With Ashtead needing just 5 an over and batting conditions being pretty favourable, it was going to take a strong bowling and fielding performance for us to win - and that's what we got. Ellie and Sandy got amongst the wickets early, putting the pressure back on to Ashtead and at 28-5 after 7 Richmond were on top. Ashtead stayed at it though, scoring consistently down the order and a couple of decent partnerships kept them in touch with the rate. Lachlan and Matt bowled tight spells at critical times, and with 18 needed off the last 2 overs with 3 wickets remaining, we were in for an exciting finish. The 19th over proved decisive, Ben taking a wicket and Ellie then running out another with a magnificent direct hit. We were then able to wrap it up in the last over, with a one hand caught and bowled, Ashtead all out for 90, and a Richmond win! Richmond win! by 9 runs with 4 balls left.

First of all we should thank Ashtead for a great game played in the right spirit. Their fielding was outstanding and their bowling very consistent (just 5 runs from wides compared to our 17). They were disciplined in the field, maintained their fielding positions well and definitely gave us some food for thought. We look forward to playing them again later in the season.

Then we should congratulate all of the Richmond boys and girls - Huw, Dan, Arthur, Ben, Seb, Lachlan, Sandy (C), Matt, George (WK), Benedict and Ellie. There are some coaching points that we must take on board, but overall we showed character to come through a couple of critical points where the game was in the balance. The three individual performances to pick out would be Huw's 29 (and a wicket, having handed the gloves to the very capable George!), Sandy with 22 and 3-8 and player of the match Ellie's 3-15 and a crucial run out.

In conclusion well done the team, adding to the B team's win against Malden and making it a very successful day for the squad - roll on the next game!

Thanks to Feargus for the write up.