Effingham U12s clinch WSYCL (East) league runners-up

Effingham U12s travelled to play Thames Ditton on Saturday for their final U12 league game of the season, knowing that victory would confirm a runners-up finish in what has been an excellent season. Heavy overnight rain had hindered the playing conditions, but it was deemed okay to play. The toss was perhaps crucial as early indications were that both teams were keen to field first. Thankfully, Jake Raffaelli won the toss and Thames Ditton were duly inserted.

Effingham’s bowling and fielding at first seemed a little subdued and Joe, the classy Ditton opener started to build a useful innings. It was not until the 7th over when Raymond Wing took the first wicket, and once Joe had retired with a well constructed 30, the Effingham team then sprung to life and started to squeeze their opponents, showing more enthusiasm in the field. Both Thomas Harrington and Josh Gauduin took 2 wickets each, but it was the spin bowling of Calum Maddick that caught the eye. It was no surprise that he was given full allocation of four overs, taking 1-9. There was also a super catch to note by Ollie Nicholl, where he gathered after parrying an edge behind. Thames Ditton were unable to add any meaningful tally of runs to their score throughout the the last 5 overs and finished on 87-7.

The wicket had dried to some extent and it is debatable whether there was a significant advantage in batting 2nd. Jake and Sam Partridge played carefully at first, setting run scoring targets in an attempt to build a solid opening partnership. After negotiating the opening bowlers, Jake started to play his shots, but will be thankful to the Thames Ditton fielders who dropped him 3 times before he was able to retire on 30. Sam also rode some luck, but skied a catch to the wicketkeeper and was dismissed for 9. It was left for William Burbidge and Raymond Wing to rebuild, and it was a delight to see them do this with some maturity, knowing that they just needed to knock the ball about to accumulate gradually towards their target. Apart from one or two close shaves, it was pleasing for them to put on 47 runs together and see Effingham home comfortably with 4 overs to spare.

Darren Wing