U15 A v Whitgift (St George’s, Weybridge)

Thursday 4th July
Result: Lost by 48 runs
Whitgift 160 for 7 (20 overs) [A. Cox 3/35, E. Potter 2/44]
Felsted 112/8 (20 overs) [H. Hoare 40]

This game was effectively a last 16 contest in the national under 15 20/20 competition, and the draw had not favoured us, as we were playing against the strongest (on paper) of the four sides at the South East finals. When ball four disappeared into the trees over midwicket for six, things did not look good, but Ashleigh Cox produced a peach to dismiss the batsman next ball, well taken behind the stumps by Will Buttleman. Whitgift went hard at all the bowlers, though, and the second wicket developed into the key stand. On the whole the fielding held up well, and with Cox and Potter bowling well at the end, the total was limited to 160 – gettable, but only just.
George Hitchcock started brightly, and after he fell, Ashleigh Cox and Henry Hoare took the score to 46-1 in just over six overs.  If these two could bat together for the majority of the innings, we would be in business, despite a well balanced attack.  Sadly, this was not to be, and it took Charlie Latham, Ned Potter and John Brodie swinging at the end to take us past the hundred.  Despite defeat, the boys could be proud of much of their effort, especially remembering that six of the under 15 squad were busy on manoeuvres with the CCF.

Player of the match: Henry Hoare

U15 A v Warden Park (St George’s, Weybridge)

Thursday 4th July 
Result: Won by 41 runs
Felsted 148/4 (20 overs) [H. Hoare 57, C. Latham 39*]
Warden Park 107/5 (20 overs) [E. Potter 2/12]

Warden Park had reached this finals day by beating Dulwich and Brighton College among others, so boasted some pedigree, but they had lost their first game to Merchant Taylor’s, and lost one of their best players, who had been sent home after an incident in that game.  Enjoying more bright sunshine, we rotated the batting order, and saw John Brodie open up with 13, and Max Boyce make an enterprising 19.  Henry Hoare again held things together, making yet another half century, while Charlie Latham showed real promise in a rapid 39 not out.  Tom Hitchcock batted ahead of his brother, and struck a good boundary in his 6 not out.
Warden Park needed their top order to fire, but Cox and Potter were again on song, and by half way, the game was effectively over. There were some stunning catches, with John Brodie holding a great catch, but Henry Hoare topping the lot with a one handed take diving backwards. In all, nine bowlers were used, and the season finished with a fine win. It has been a pleasure to work with this group of boys, who have shown enthusiasm, competitiveness, and talent at many stages of the season. Last 16 in the country in the Lord’s Taverners, and last 16 in the country in the 20/20 competition are fine achievements.

Player of the match: Charlie Latham