OLCC U9 ESCL league match v Horley CC

With Sports sections of both print and online media across the United Kingdom and indeed the entire Commonwealth being shrunk to the bare minimum today as events in Windsor take precedent, I too will follow suit and submit a condensed report of this weeks ESCL U9 match away to Horley.

An on-time arrival of all players and travelling support at Horley's lovely ground just north of London Gatwick, gave sufficient time for a comprehensive warm up and team talk. Captain Bream lost the toss and once again OLCC were asked to bat first. The team made the most of the sunny and still conditions and raced to a fantastic 329 for the loss of 8 wickets. Satterly, again struck fear into all of the fielders on the leg-side and bludgeoned 3 fours and 2 massive sixes, top scoring with 29. Record and Hague also came to the party with fours and sixes, both posting scores in excess of 20. A really great effort by every batsman - this is the best communication I have seen to date. The calling was excellent and there were no needless run-outs or even a hint of confusion at any stage. Very mature and focused.

After tea, the side went about defending their healthy total in a relatively controlled manner. Bowling was tight and wides and no balls were kept to a reasonable level. The team's fielding was mixed - a new pair of gloves meant a vast improvement in wicket-keeping by all the boys, however fielding in the outfield, along with needless over-throws will need to be worked on. Overall concentration and engagement was good, and everyone seemed to enjoy their time out in the morning sunshine. Record bowled superbly and ended with a 5 wicket haul -something to be very proud of. Gilham, on debut, struck twice (and didn't concede any extras at all - fine effort), and Green also claimed a scalp. Horley ended on 289/8 - a high scoring match, but a solid 40 run win for the travelling OLCC team. Very satisfying.

Thanks to all the parents who came along to support (appreciate it was a long drive), and especially Rob Bream and Steve Hague for warming the batsmen up. Dom Satterly did a fine job of scoring as always, even taking the time to enter some comments on the scorecard!

Have a lovely weekend.
Brian.