RCC U11A lose 1st MSL Div 1 game to a very strong Spencer side

Report kindly written by Andrew Yeadon

Richmond U11A Vs Spencer U11A
Result: Richmond 71 for 7 lost to Spencer 139 for 1
Date: Sunday May 7th 2017
Venue: Kings House Sports Ground

Our first Mid Surrey League match of the year finished in a disappointing loss to a very strong Spencer side, packed full of all their Borough and County U11 stars. Whilst we had a good side on paper, we were missing some of our most advanced players due to other commitments. Against most opposition this probably wouldn't be a problem. However, on this occasion we found ourselves somewhat outclassed by a very strong Spencer outfit.

Richmond lost the toss and Spencer elected to bat, with their opening pair getting off to a very strong start. If we are honest with ourselves, we lost our way a bit in all departments as Spencer wracked up the runs. Despite our best efforts, Spencer scored an intimidating 139 for 1 off 20 overs. In fairness, it could have been worse, but a refocusing of Richmond's efforts in the latter stages meant that the opposition did not manage to reach the 160/170 levels that looked eminently feasible when they were sitting on 95 without loss after 12 overs.

Whilst we were always up against it, our batting display was much better. Ollie and Ani put together a nice opening stand before Ollie was given out to a highly dubious decision - caught off a chest-high no-ball which the opposition's umpire chose not to call. This was hard to take when he had been going so well, but, to his credit, Ollie took it on the chin and trudged off the pitch in a dignified silence. A nice innings from Neil was another highlight, and although collectively we fell well short of the target as we finished on 71 for 7, it is doubtful that we will face a bowling attack as strong as Spencer again this season.

Two big lessons to learn:

1. Fielding requires commitment, concentration and urgency. Those fielders who are saving the single need to be close enough to stop the batsman hitting it straight at them and taking a run anyway. There were also a number of potential catching chances which we might have got a hand on if we had been on a higher state of alert. Wickets can shift the momentum of games; Catches win matches.

2. We need to bowl with consistency and accuracy. On the day, our aim was not quite as true as it normally is, which meant that extras were the biggest contributor to Spencer's score. It was a pity that we weren't able to retire "extras" at 30!