RCC U11As lose narrowly to Stoke D'Abernon in MSL Div 1 game

Sometimes you can lose a match but come away feeling quite good about the way you played. This was one of those occasions. Batting first, we achieved a sub-par score of 84 for 5 off our allotted 20 overs. Whilst all the batsmen applied themselves well, we had a tough time scoring runs at the required rate as we were contained by a decent Stoke D'Abernon bowling and fielding display. Ani anchored the innings with another excellent knock of 30 not out before being mandatorily retired. In the latter overs, Charlotte and Oscar came in and added some much needed late innings impetus with a flurry of well-struck fours.

Whilst we had a strong bowling attack, we all knew 84 was going to be a difficult score to defend. However, in the opinion of the coaches on the day, what followed was almost certainly the best and most spirited fielding display of the season so far. All the bowlers found a good line and length, whilst some sharp fielding made scoring difficult for the Stoke D'Abernon batsmen. Leading from the front, Arjun was the pick of the bowlers, turning in some excellent figures of 2 wickets for 8 runs off 4 overs. Sam C and Chris also chipped in with some very tidy bowling, and 3 more important wickets between them. Panic set in for the batting side, and after a couple of sharp run-outs, Stoke D'Abernon were 67 for 8 off 14. Sadly, with victory seemingly within our grasp, it was snatched away as the late order Stoke D'Abernon batsmen rallied to do just enough to sneak across the line in the penultimate over.

Man of the match: Ani, for an excellent knock, and a brilliant direct hit run-out.