2nd XI Cricket

RESULTS 2009 - 2010

Match Reports

v Bilton Grange Lost by 9 runs

In our 1st game of the season we bowled first and kept Bilton to a respectable 145 all out, taking regular wickets,  with M. Hampton the pick of the bowlers taking 3 for 23. Unfortunately our fielding let us down and some costly extra runs were conceded which would play a part in the final result. Batting needed us to keep on top of a chase-able rate, but we never really did and despite a steady knock from J. Stock of 18, and 28 from J. Sherlock, the extras conceded earlier cost us dearly as we fell short by 9 runs.

S. Bradnam

v Trent U12A Lost by 162 runs

Against a side who were clearly going to be strong, we would need to put in a good performance to be competitive, unfortunately the opposite happened. Bowling first we were were asleep in the field, and missed some early run out and catching opportunities, as well as conceding lots of unnecessary extra runs through poor fielding. This was to prove costly as the Trent boys got in, and then swatted the ball to all parts, amassing 217 for 4 in only 25 overs. Our batting needed to show resilience to gain some respectability, unfortunately it was equally poor and we were all out for 55 in only 15 overs, with no-one really doing themselves any justice. The difference in class was obvious, the difference in attitude disappointing and must be improved!

S. Bradnam

v Oakham U13B Won by 3 wickets

Finally a performance that showed some promise and determination. Again bowling first we managed to keep things tight and took some early wickets to put Oakham on the back foot. 5 run outs in the innings cost them dearly, although we could have made it even easier by taking even half of the 10 or so dropped catches throughout their innings! At 104 for 9 from their 30 overs, we still had work to do. A solid start by J. Stock (18) and F. Driver (10) saw us to 40 before a wicket fell. A few big hits in the middle order kept the run rate up, coupled with the extras they bowled us, meant we were home with 7 wickets down with 8 overs to spare, a good result but still plenty to work on.

S. Bradnam

v Winchester House Lost by 110 runs

A performance that started reasonably but then tailed off badly. Bowling first we restricted them to only 50 from their first 15 overs, but not taking wickets meant they could take our bowlers on later and they amassed 175 from 30 overs. We needed a good batting performance to get close, and we didn't get it, with batsmen throwing their wickets away by not playing straight, and we were all out for 65. T. Oliver (18*), J. Flood (13) and M. Hampton were the only batsmen to offer and real resistance, much work on technique and temperament is still needed!

S. Bradnam

v Oundle Won by 4 wickets

Ina low scoring game, dominated by bowling, we managed to sneak home, despite struggling again with the bat. Bowling first yet again, we kept it nice and tight, and everyone managed to keep the pressure on this time around. J. Cara bowled 4 consecutive maidens, M. Hampton 3, and wickets fell regularly to several different bowlers, as we restricted them to 48 runs in 30 overs, taking the last wicket in the last over. With a low total to chase it should have been easy, but 3 ducks at the top of the order, and a snails pace in scoring meant we only just about kept above the rate. It was thanks to the extras that the score board ticked over, and then a quick couple of 4's from J. Cornes at the end saw us home, unconvincing winners, by 4 wickets. We still have much to work on in the batting department!

S. Bradnam

v Maidwell Lost by 64 runs

Another game, another reasonable bowling performance let down by some missed opportunities in the field, and a poor batting performance. Bowling first, we took a couple of early wickets, and things looked promising. Two dropped catches and an easy run out chance missed followed which were to prove costly as one Maidwell batsman got 3 lives and used them to score 27 runs. We kept the scoring to a reasonable rate, but again, a dropped catch was followed by a low order player making a quick 37, and an extra 50 runs were added that might not have needed to be chased. In reply we committed suicide run outs in the top order, and the usual struggles with the bat followed, as we were all out for 81, 64 short of their total. Same problems, same solutions needed - more practise!

S. Bradnam

v Kimbolton Lost by 61 runs

Again we bowled first and made a good start taking some early wickets and looking like we might restrict them to a chase-able total. Unfortunately a couple of relatively easy missed run-out opportunities were to prove costly as two of their batsman put on a big partnership. We came back towards the end of the innings, but by then a total of 151 was a big target to chase. We needed a partnership somewhere in the innings, and a couple of people to score some runs, but only J. Smith with 23 made it to double figures, and again we didn't show the application throughout the team to threaten, not lasting 25 overs, and only getting to 90, nearly half of which were extras.

v Bromsgrove U12A Lost by 55 runs

On a small pitch we again bowled first, taking some early wickets. A mid-innings partnership saw them at 74 for 2, but then a run of quick wickets saw them at 113 for 9, and we were looking good, with O. Mortimer taking 4 wickets. Unfortunately we bowled poorly to their tail and they got a massive 70 run partnership which was to prove costly, closing on 183 all out. In reply we again lost wickets early, and were 37 for 5 in reply. A solid 73 run stand by S. Boyd (36) and Z. Coupland (25) got us close, but we ended on 128 for 9, if only we'd taken that last wicket quickly!

S. Bradnam