U15 A v Oundle

Saturday 8th June 2013
Result: Felsted lost by 13 runs
Oundle 173/9 (30 overs) [H. Hoare 3/19, G. Hitchcock 3/37]
Felsted 160 all out (26.3 overs) [G. Hitchcock 76, H. Hoare 28] 

A trip to Oundle is normal a tough proposition for any side, but we were confident of victory when we arrived, despite Ashleigh Cox being in the 1st XI today.  Fielding first, there was a sense that we were just going through the motions, and ended up spurning at least 10 clear chances, but still reduced Oundle to 145 for 9, before a brave last wicket stand, including a crucial 22 runs off the last over of the innings, pushed them up to 173.  On a good pitch, and small ground, this was no more than par, though, and there was every reason to be confident.  Henry Hoare had been the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 more wickets, while the highlight of the fielding effort was a fine run out by Max Boyce.

After tea, George Hitchcock set about their task with great purpose.  After 10 overs, we were 68 for no wicket, and Oundle looked lost.  Then, after 20 overs we were 111 for 7.  What happened?!  Unfortunately, our worst ten overs of batting of the year saw us throw away a winning position, while Hitch looked on from the non-strikers end, not quite sure what to make of it.  Josh Wisbey got stuck in, and the score crept up, including a 5 run penalty for hitting the helmet, but he fell for 10, to the disease of wanting to smash it across the line.  Then entered Archie Halls, who played a gem of an innings, with Hitch continuing well, and we were suddenly 158 for 8, with four overs left to get just 16 runs, and Hitch on strike.  Sadly, having played beautifully for his 76, he fell leg before, and finally Halls was bowled by a good ball, to leave us all out 13 short.  A game we should have won by a distance!