U15 A v Bedford

Saturday 27th April
Result: Felsted lost by 7 wickets
Felsted 215/2 (30 overs) (H. Hoare 61 not out, A. Jackson 111)
Bedford 217/3 (28.5 overs) (G. Hitchcock 2/45)

Felsted arrived at Bedford, having driven through some heavy downpours, with threatening skies overhead. However, the game started on time, with the pitch having been covered, and Felsted were asked to bat. Again, Henry Hoare and George Hitchcock got off to a positive start, before Hitchcock fell for 19. This brought Alex Jackson to the crease, who announced his arrival with a cover driven four first ball, and a flick through midwicket for four to his third delivery.  He went on to play a quite outstanding innings of 111, made in just 67 deliveries, and featuring 7 sixes, adding 174 with Hoare, who expanded his own game to make 61, again batting through the innings.  Bedford were ragged, and a half time total of 215 left Felsted in a very strong position.

An early wicket for captain Henry Hoare, and a second for George Hitchcock seemed to strengthen Felsted’s hand, but Bedford kept up the scoring rate, and despite the best efforts of the bowlers, Felsted could not dismiss opener Kalyan.  Brodie and Gilham, the two left arm spinners tried to get some control, but Bedford kept the run rate within reach, and with Kalyan going on to make 127 in 93 deliveries, they won with 7 balls to spare. He had offered two chances that were not taken, and it is still hard to believe how this game slipped away, but he struck the ball beautifully, and Felsted never enjoyed a sustained period of control in the field.

Player of the match: Alex Jackson