Thongsbridge U/11 Cricket Team v Upperthong (Home) Sunday 15 July 2007

Following a heavy defeat to Upperthong in the cup earlier in the season this league meeting gave the Thongsbridge team an opportunity to see how far they had progressed against one of the top sides in the league. Once again heavy rain had left the outfield wet but the wicket looked in remarkably good condition. Upperthong won the toss and elected to field first.

Thongsbridge welcomed back Gabriel Cullaigh, Andrew Atkinson and John Hodgson into the team, which looked quite strong on paper.

Alex James and Jasper Donlon opened the innings and despite losing an early wicket the pair batted very well, running well between the wickets and both players played exquisite on drives for a boundary apiece. Gabriel and Andrew Atkinson continued to pick-up the runs with some excellent singles and by turning 1’s into 2’s. Both batsmen were however undone by some fine bowling from Edward Clowes who took 2-4 off 3 overs. Tommy Woodhead and Jack Downing both batted well against some very accurate bowling as did Andrew Cuthill and John Hodgson. After 16 overs Thongsbridge finished on 225-4 (193). Credit to all the batsmen who dug in and played straight in the face of some good bowling throughout. The running between the wickets was once again a positive to take from this performance.

Jasper Donlon took over the wicket keepers gloves for this game, continuing a family tradition set by his sister last year! Once again Thongsbridge bowled and fielded really well. Runs were hard to come by for the Upperthong batsmen as they were made to work hard by some fine line and length bowling backed up by some keen fielding. Andrew Cuthill again made the first inroads into the Upperthong innings by taking a wicket with his very first ball!  Tommy Woodhead has bowled well all year without much luck but he did find a way through today and got a well deserved wicket. As hard as the bowlers tried there were no further setbacks for Upperthong who finished on a creditable 240-2 (224), ensuring victory by 31 runs.

This was a much better performance than last time out against Upperthong and the progress made by the team (not always reflected in a positive result) is clear to see. Jasper kept wicket very well today and this provides good competition for Heather Crossley. Good work in the field, especially from Gabriel, Jack Downing and John Hodgson. Bowlers as usual gave very little away, especially Andrew Cuthill, Tommy and Andrew Atkinson. Alex James again looked very comfortable whilst batting and he will be a loss to the team next year when he moves up to Under 13’s, however that will present an opportunity to someone else to step up.

Next game: v Delph & Dobcross, home, Friday 20 July 2007. Meet at 6 o’clock for a 6.30 pm start.

Team:

Alex James (captain)

Gabriel Cullaigh (vice-captain)

Jasper Donlon (wicket keeper)

Tommy Woodhead

Jack Wilson

William Garlick

Andrew Cuthill

Fabian Cullaigh

No game weekend of 28/29 July 2007.

Andy Coldrick