Thongsbridge U/11 Cricket Team v Holmbridge (Away) Sunday 8 July 2007

After 3 consecutive defeats, including 2 very narrow defeats, Thongsbridge U/11’s returned to winning ways at the expense of Holmbridge.

Thankfully Holmbridge’s ground had lost all the standing water of a week previous and the weather was warm and sunny.

Holmbridge won the toss and elected to bat first. Jack Downing and Kirsty Woodhead became the latest players to make their debut for the team. Fine early bowling from Alex James, Jasper Donlon, Andrew Cuthill and Tommy Woodhead ensured that the first 4 overs were all maidens. On a small ground with a very short boundary to one side accurate bowling and keen fielding was required, Thongsbride again did not disappoint in these 2 key areas.

Andrew Cuthill kept up his fine season with the bowl by taking 2 wickets in 2 bowls, the first being a smart catch in the covers by Jack Downing and the second being a Yorker that cleaned up the hapless Holmbridge batsmen. Jack Wilson held a very good caught and bowled whilst Alex James as usual weighed in with a wicket. Tight bowling and keen fielding by all the team ensured that Holmbridge finished on a respectable 247- 4 (215). Again mention must be made of wicket keeper Heather Crossley who again conceded no byes – well done.

Tommy and Jasper opened the Thongsbridge innings and despite Tommy being bowled early on they scored useful runs and ran well between the wickets. Alex James added impetus to the innings by scoring 11 not out, well supported by Kirsty who was 1 not out. The key part of the game was to come when Andrew Cuthill and Heather Crossley batted together. Although Heather was out she supported Andrew well who scored a very impressive 24 not out which included 4 x 4’s and 1 x 6, 18 coming in one very productive over. 24 is currently the highest individual score by a Thongsbridge player this season. Jack Wilson and Jack Downing batted very sensibly to steer the team home to an eventual comfortable victory. Thongsbridge finished ion 255-2 (2390, victory by 24 runs.

Overall a good performance building on the hard work done the previous week and time in the nets. Although Holmbridge remain winless they were very competitive and provided good opposition.

Andy Coldrick