A glorious sunny evening greeted the U12s on Friday at Lower Cambourne. The home side won the toss and elected to bowl first. From the beginning it was obvious that Fen Ditton had a very different and a much improved team than in the first game. Our plan to restrict their best player by using our strongest bowlers in the first four overs was successful. Unfortunately the second and third pairs did score runs and hit some impressive boundaries. As a team our fielding during this game was much improved and with the final pair we did managed to stop the flow of runs. The final score of 276 was going to be a tough total to beat as they had some good all round players who could obviously bowl as well as bat.
As a team we batted really well tonight and hit some excellent shots during the innings. Our scoring was steady and we surpassed their total with overs to spare. At this point we just needed to bat sensibly and not give away silly wickets and protect our well deserved lead. It is worth noting that Fen Ditton only had 7 players for this game so their better bowlers also had an extra over each.
At the start of the final over we were 5 runs ahead and facing by far their fastest and most accurate bowler. With a combination of skill and a little luck we managed to avoid conceding the dreaded -5 and managed to win. The game at the end could have been won by either team and in many ways I would have not been that unhappy if Fen Ditton had pinched it in that last over. In my opinion the better team won but it was great to see such a close game being played. A special thank you to parents and friends who gave the team such fantastic support throughout the game.

Individual feedback
Dino
The pressure was on tonight as Dino had several family and friends watching him. His bowling was accurate tonight and I appreciate he was disappointed not to be allowed to have a third over. As a team we allow the best bowlers on the day to have a third over. You were close tonight but Parth and Ibby just edged you out. His batting with Parth in the first pair was impressive with a very cheeky reverse sweep for four which added to his total. I’m sure all your supporters tonight were very happy with your contribution. You did not let them down!
Parth
It is very easy to forget that Parth is only 11yrs old (or 10?) His all-round skills with bat and ball are above his years. A very impressive game once again tonight! Parth tonight edged Charlie out by one run to claim leading scorer with 17 runs. With a little more luck you could have also got more wickets as your bowling was fast and accurate.
Charlie
Again a safe pair of hands behind the stumps tonight with a good batting performance to go alongside the keeping. The pick of the runs tonight was a lovely cover drive up the slope for four runs. Try not to get too down if you miss a catch as most of the time you at least stop it from going behind. You must forget the slight errors quickly as the next ball is always coming down straight away
Ibby
As mentioned already in previous reports in many ways our most consistent bowler this season. Not the fastest tonight but very accurate and bowled a line and length that was at times hard to defend and hit off. Batting has improved this season and tonight you showed that when needed you could defend at total. Excellent in those last few overs with Sam under loads of pressure!
Sam
Well done tonight and I was very proud that you held your nerve in that last over and the last ball to get us the win. Again it’s easy to forget that you are only in Year 6 and playing with and against older boys. Bowling again was top draw!
Hamza
When you get the ball exactly right it’s very hard for the opposition to hit you for runs. As mentioned before keep practicing the art of spin bowling as you can only get better and better with time. Batting again is improving but you must pinch a few yards when at the bowling end to get those single runs.
Zach
I was so impressed with your attitude tonight when you were told that you needed to bowl two overs. You never gave up and tried very hard to be accurate and not give away extras. Even though you were not keeping tonight your skills were evident when fielding. A dive to save a certain four mid-way through the innings was a real highlight! I have not watched you bat much this season but like so many I can see real improvements in this area
Max
I was very impressed that you decided mid-way through an over to bowl around the wicket. Instantly the change resulted in a ball which the batmen found a lot harder to deal with. This change shows a good cricketing brain for your age. A good partnership with Charlie when batting was also a highlight. You did not face as many balls as your partner for this game but you helped the score tick over with again fast running between the wickets.

It was a great game tonight and I hope you can all agree that the result in many ways was not that important! Focus in the field was much better and it was also very pleasing to see you all supporting the last pair at the end of the game. We win and lose as a team!!
Next game is away to Coton girls this Friday
Mark