U12s Win Despite Early Setback

A terrific performance from the U12 Colts saw them overpower Maori Oxshott on Friday evening with a real team performance. Batting first, Effingham were stunned to lose 2 wickets in the first over, including the usually dependent Jake Raffaelli. There was no shame in these dismissals as Oxshott had some superb bowlers to call on who exploited the fast track and followed it up with plenty of chatter. Despite the hostile attack, Effingham took the game to Oxshott and ensured that they capitalised on any bad ball, dispatching it with regularity to the boundary. Sam Partridge was the linchpin of the innings, and after a nervous start and a few lives, he settled down to play a mature knock of 30 (retired).  Around him, Raymond Wing (13), Lucas Townend (9), Isaac Keay (14) and William Burbidge (10) all played a part in building a total despite the brevity of their time at the crease. Once Sam P had retired, Ollie Nicholl (6), Thomas Stratten (0 not out) and Sam Cobb (7) all combined in scampering quick singles to help post a very respectable 113-7 of 20 overs. It was very pleasing to see such a positive batting contribution from the whole team.

In response to their host’s enthusiasm in the field, the Effingham boys made themselves heard too. An early wicket from Jake set the ball rolling nicely, and spurred the boys on to field as a great unit. For much of the match Isaac patrolled the short off-side cover boundary, and nothing got past him. Joey Slatter, playing his first match, fielded at fine leg and made at least six stops that could have gone for four. Further notable fielding performances also came from Ciaran Jarvis and William. Ollie Nicoll also showed further improvement behind the stumps with better anticipation and two great catches.   Oxshott, did not seem to have the same attacking intent at Effingham, and when they opened their shoulders, they hit in the air with disastrous consequences. Three bowlers stood out; both Raymond (2-4) and Lucas (2-15) impressed with 2 wickets apiece, but Isaac probably edged it with his extraction turn from his leg spin to take 2-15. The dismissal of the Oxshott lefty was one to saviour; the ball pitching a fraction outside off to spin in to hit middle, with the batsman totally beaten. Oxshott were unable to cope with the loss of wickets, and with only 5 boundaries (3 from miss-fields!), they were always behind on the run-rate, finishing on 97-8 after their allotment of overs.

The win takes Effingham second in the U12 East table behind Horsley – see link http://westsycl.play-cricket.com/website/websites/view_division?id=71062

Darren Wing