U13 League game: Leos Lions 56/7 beat Alwoodley 53/10

Finally, a morning where we all did not need 3 jumpers on! The sun was shining and just a slight breeze. There had been some overnight rain and the wicket was still damp. Our skipper Charlie realised it would dry out during the morning and decided that if he won the toss we would have a bowl.

Their skipper called correctly but decided to have a bat! A great toss to lose Charlie! Debutant Jake Nichols opened the bowling and took a wicket with his second ball with a superb catch for our other debutant Joe Ellis. Charlie had been doing his homework during the week and had set a very attacking field.

Everyone in good catching positions and making it hard for the batsman to score. His players all responded well with an excellent performance in the field.  Joe Ellis, taking a wicket in his second over with a superb caught and bowled. Followed by two further wickets in his final over. One brilliantly caught by Michael behind the stumps and an excellent catch from Asad.

Suddenly our superb spell of bowling and catching had Alwoodley 13 for 4. Zain into the attack next and a wicket with his first over, again a brilliant catch from specialist field Joe Ellis. Alwoodley reeling at 19 for 5. Muaz next up and again a wicket in his first over with a brilliant catch by, yes you have guessed, Joe Ellis! Alwoodley now 27/6 Top 6 batsman all caught! Catches win matches!

Zaakir and Varun both very economical with their overs. Zaakir going for just one run and Varun bowling some superb deliveries.  Muaz second over and he cleaned bowled their number 7. Skipper Charlie then gave the ball to Joe Robb who had bowled well last week. A super maiden first over of dot balls followed by a wicket with his first ball. This time skipper taking the catch.

Asad up next and a super wicket maiden with a great catch from Muaz. Finally, Jay up for his second over and he finished off their innings with a wicket to a great diving catch from Charlie.

9 catches! Awesome display of fielding and bowling. Wides down to under double figures at 9 which is also very good to see.

So, Alwoodley 52 all out. 53 needed for our young 13s to claim their first win of the season. Skipper Charlie and debutant Jake to open the batting against what looked like a pacey opening pair of bowlers. Lots of good communication between them both with Jake knowing that if they could see off the opening pair we could then look to score from the other bowlers. Skipper was unlucky and out to a very good ball that kept straight. Jay in next and was very watchful. Playing himself in and ticking the score over nicely with several well called singles. Then a lovely 4 from Jay and consecutive 4s from Jake helped to start to push us to our target.

Jay was then out to a dubious decision caught behind. I’m not sure there was any bat on it but unfortunately it was given out by the umpire. A slight mix up with the running so Varun’s watchful innings come to an end and we were at 39/3. Jake continued to bat well and after a superb 4 he retired at 25 not out.  A great debut knock from Jake!

Joe Robb in and batting with intent from the start, out to a good catch. Michael in next and their young spinner bowled him a Shane Warne like delivery that pitch outside leg and came back in and took middle stump. Michael, it was an unplayable delivery first up to get.

So with their young spinner on a hat-trick, Joe Ellis next in and played a lovely straight forward defensive shot. Then a rush of blood to the head and he skipped down the wicket to the launch the next delivery over the bowler’s head. Unfortunately, he missed time the shot and was stumped. Always look to play yourselves in. Take a few balls to get you eye in before taking too many risks. Especially if we have plenty of overs left. 

3 wickets in 4 balls and this mini collapse had seen us go from 46/3 to 47/6. 7 runs to win the match and 4 overs remaining. All the time in the world. Nothing silly, just singles! Muaz in next and looked like he meant business connecting with the ball really well. Once again maybe not playing himself in and was bowled. At this point the team manager is feeling very nervous. Scores tied at 52/7.

 

Step up Zaakir who had been holding up one end nicely and had pushed the ball around to pick up some nice singles. Their devastating young spinner clearly on fire after his over. First ball was a do ball. The second ball a little short on the legside and crack the wonderful sound of leather on willow as Zaakir played a great shot through mid on to the boundary for 4 runs and to win the game!

A stunning performance by you all. Every player played really well and you worked well together as a team with great communication and encouragement on the field.

Highlights

4 stunning catches by Joe Ellis

Diving catch by Charlie

Jake’s great debut 25 not out

Great economical bowling for you all.

Asad and Muaz great catches

Catches (Joe Ellis 4, Charlie 2, Muaz 1, Asad 1, Michael 1)

Bowling figures

Jake 3 overs 1 wicket for 7

Joe E 3 overs 3 wickets for 6

Muaz 2 overs 2 wickets for 7

Charlie 2 overs 0 wickets or 9

Zain 2 overs 1 wicket for 9

Jay 2 overs 1 wicket for 8

Asad 2 overs 1 wicket for 0

Joe Robb 2 overs 1 wicket for 2

Zaakir 1 over 0 wicket for 1

Varun 1 over 0 wicket for 3

 

Batting

Jake 25 (Retired Not Out)

Charlie 1

Jay 9

Varun 2

Zaakir 9

Joe R 0

Michael 0

Joe E 0

Muaz 3

Zain 3

Asad (Did Not Bat)

Performance of the day

You all get my vote for a superb performance. Well played everyone.

Thank you

Thank you to Jim Spence for scoring. Iain Robb for making sure everyone was ready and padded up.  Thanks also to Eleanor and Rachel who did a great job with the tuck shop. We really appreciate the help you all offer as parents.