1st XI Cricket

RESULTS 2009 - 2010

 

Match Reports

v Bilton Grange - Won by 59 runs

A good result for the first game of the season. After losing the toss and being put into bat we had to make a good total in 30 overs to set a challenge. A steady start was made and every batsmen in the top order contributed a few runs, reaching the teens, without going on to make a big score. J. Smith top scored with 25 and we amassed 145 all out. It was going to be a tight game if they got off to a good start, and we needed to bowl economically. Fortunately N. Groves took 2 wickets in the opening, and despite resilience from one of their batsmen who got 54, the other end saw regular wickets tumble so they were all out for 86, with wickets shared between the bowlers. A nice early game with many people playing a part in the victory, now it can be built on for the next game. S. Bradnam

v Trent - Lost by 7 wickets

Spratton were unable to set a good target to defend. The Trent bowlers bowled on a consistent good length, using the swinging conditions to their advantage. Rob, Luke and Henry got off to solid starts, but then gave their wickets away too easily. It was always going to be tough defending a low score, however, Rob did set out his intentions with an attacking field. However, the bowlers must bowl to their field. Rob picking up 3 good wickets. There are many things to work on, with lots of potential in this 1st XI, I am confident that this team will progress as the season moves on. G. Barnard 

v Oakham - Lost by 7 wickets

After losing the toss Spratton were sent into bat. An excellent opening stand between Povey and Clifton stood us in good stead to set a solid total. However, this was not to be with wickets tumbling thereafter from poor shot selection. The boys need to continue to work at their batting to gain confidence, something that the boys will continue to work at to progress. I thought the bowling generally, was much improved from the Trent game, however, it was always going to be difficult to defend a low total on a decent batting track. This group of boys must continue to work hard at their contribution to the team to progress. G. Barnard

v Winchester house - Lost by 7 wickets

Another excellent start to the game with Rob and James C running well between the wickets, scoring each over. Unfortunately, Rob got a low bounce and was bowled. Seb showed good potential with the bat, gaining in confidence the longer he stayed in. A collapse in the middle order again, saw Luke come in and score some valuable runs. 88 All out was always going to be hard to defend in a time game, although the bowlers showed promise and commitment, catches need to be held and fielding must be consistent. The boys must look to continue to work hard in their practices. G. Barnard

v Oundle - Won by 6 wickets

Against a weak batting side, Spratton managed to bowl Oundle out for 99, setting up a good challenge. With another good opening stand between Rob (40) and Clifton (40), Spratton saw off the remaing runs quite easily. This team does continue to progress, the bowling and fielding continues to improve. G. Barnard

v Maidwell - Lost by 18 runs

In a close fought battle with our arch rivals, Maidwell managed to secure a close win. Setting a target of 174 was always going to be stern test. Some excellent batting from Rob (70) and Ev (28) almost got us there. However, the 4 catching chances that were missed in their innings cost us the game. G. Barnard

v Witham - Won by 70 runs

In yet another stern test, there was some excellent fielding and bowling from Spratton which denied Witham the chance to gain a win. Being at 0 for 2, saw Ev (51) and Rob (70) put on a 100 run partnership to set up a tough target. Spratton bowlers bowled well with Rob taking 6 wickets, including a hat-trick and James Clifton bowling some excellent leg spin to bowl Witham out in the second last over of the game. I thought the fielding was solid and the bowlers bowled as a team. An excellent team win going into half term. Well done boys! G. Barnard

v Kimbolton - Lost by 8 wickets

Against a strong and quick bowling attack, Spratton managed to reach 104 all out, with Rob getting 40 and Nathan 16 not out. A positive sign was that the middle order did start well, however, they need to concentrate on their shot selection. I thought Jack did well coming into the 1st XI, scoring some good runs, but unlucklily got run out. The bowling was always going to be difficult on a solid batting wicket. Tom and Nathan opened, bowling extremely tight and full. The fielding was excellent for 3/4 of the match, however, we did concede some simple runs through lethargic fielding towards the end, where Spratton definitely should have had a run out. Lessons are learned from these mistakes. I am sure all the boys are looking forward to hosting Stroud at the weekend. Good Luck! G. Barnard

v Stroud - Won by an innings and 41 runs

For the first time this season the Spratton boys enjoyed the taste of a two day game. Stroud came down to us on tour. We put them into bat first, after a solid start a good run out saw their innings change being bowled out for just 41, with Luke taking 4 wickets. Spratton went into bat with a plan to get a big first innings lead, making a solid 173 for 7, a 132 run lead. Rob (44) and Nathan(34) batted superbly with Henry adding a valuable 31 towards the end. Stroud were put back inot bat with 3hrs to bowl them out. It was nerve racking , especially towards the end, with Stroud batting courageously hoping for a draw. However, this was not the case and Spratton managed to bowl them out for 91, with Fred taking 4 wickets and a hatrick. G. Barnard

v Wellingborough - Lost by 1 run

What a great game to end the season. It went down to the last ball. Another superb knock from Rob(78), well supported by a few other players. Spratton's ground fielding cost us in the last 5 overs, conceding 40 runs. However, the bowling in general and the batting continued to make the progress. It was a nail biting finish, however, Wellingborough's fielding was better and that is what won them the match. Many lessons were learned this season, theboys should feel happy with their progress. G. Barnard