U11s make the most of Master Park

The final U11 inter club friendly of the season against Trinity Mid-Whitgiftians was played out on a beautiful sunny afternoon at Master Park. The senior side opting for the use of the bar at Grub St, leaving the way clear for the U11s to experience the 1st XI square.

Trinity won the toss and elected to bowl. A larger than usual boundary kept scores down and Oxted & Limpsfield scored exactly 100 off their 20 overs. Pick of the batsmen were Luke, retired not out on 25 and Leo who came in with the run rate stuttering somewhat to score 19.

The bowling from both sides was accurate and it proved hard to score quickly. George, for once, struggled to time the ball and whilst he and Charlie kept their wickets intact the scoreboard was only ticking over. Work to be done still on picking up singles and rotating the strike. The run outs late in the innings were good ones in terms of the boys actively trying to increase the run rate knowing there was plenty of batting to come. Harry Record hit 12 not out off 10 balls and the team total almost doubled in the last seven overs.

100 felt a little below par for the first innings score, but at least gave the team something to defend. The Trinity openers both retired on 25 not out, but they never got ahead of the required rate of 5 an over. After 12 overs O&L had been 47 for 2, Trinity were 61 for 0 and looking set for victory. Pablo and Jack both took a wicket and went for under 3 an over to drag the team back into the game. Liam only conceded 10 off his 3 overs and with some excellent ground fielding saving runs, coupled with good work behind the stumps from Leo, the required run rate was up to a run a ball. The run out of the opposition Captain proved key and with 9 needed off the last over, O&Ls Captain George took the responsibility himself to bowl his only over and with 3 dots and 3 singles Trinity came up just short of their victory target by 5 runs.

An excellent all round performance from the team, especially in the field where they defended a smallish total and didn't panic despite a strong start from the opposition. Well done to Luke, Fergus, George, Charlie, Leo B, Harry R, Jack, Liam, Pablo, Ollie S and Will B and thank you to Ben M for umpiring and parents for supporting and helping with the clear up operation.