U10s put in a valiant display against league leaders Capel

Thanks to James Cawthorne for the following match report and for running the team in the absence of the regular managers.

As alluded to in the report, feedback suggests this Capel side should really be in the NEC league, but they don't like having to travel up to London! Next year all the leagues are being taking over by Surrey CCC and whilst it may take some time to work itself out, the future system should see sides playing against more evenly matched opponents.

Oxted & Limpsfield CC U10’s match report 7th July 2019 versus Capel CC U10’s

A rather grey drizzly morning was the reward for the long drive out to Dorking for the Oxted under 10 ESCL team on Sunday morning. An early pitch inspection confirmed that the main wicket was too wet to play, helpfully Capel have an Astro wicket and despite the outfield needing a haircut the decision was made to play through the drizzle.

Sam Ward won the toss and elected to field.

Capel are top of the league by quite a margin and we were fully expecting to face some tough competition. The team talk was focussed on energy in the field, accuracy in the bowling and a strong team effort.

James Roe and Arthur Peachey opened the bowling and we got off to a steady start against an accomplished opening batting pair who managed to add 27 in the first 4 overs without loss, Oxted’s bowlers and fielders had managed to restrict the extras to just 2 which was a marked improvement on previous performances. Capel’s 2nd batting pair were also no slouches and it was evident why this team were top of the table. But up stepped Liam and Daniel who both took quick wickets bowling fast and straight, Liam in particular making best use of the quick surface bowling a consistent line and pace which was a pleasure to watch.
Our fielding remained focussed, energetic and tight throughout the 20 overs and Capel finished with a total of 276, this felt positive against opposition who would expect to be well over 300.

All the players bowled well, notable bowling figures from Oxted were Arthur Peachey with 2 wickets for 10 runs from 3 overs, including 1 maiden (excellent bowling) and Daniel Cawthorne 2 wickets for 8 runs from 2 overs.
All in all the boys performed brilliantly in the field in tough conditions led by Captain Ward behind the stumps who played a major role in restricting the extras, as ever.

Oxted went into bat with confidence high and a strong top order with Sam Ward and Arthur Peachey opening the batting followed by Jamie Walters and James Roe all of whom faced some excellent deliveries. We made full use of the extras with some intelligent running between the wicket but as Capel moved through their order it was difficult to distinguish between their bowlers as they all delivered great line, length and pace. As a result wickets fell frequently right the way through our batting order. Charlie Duncanson and Laurence Lewis both managed to find boundaries in fearless batting displays and the middle order displayed some respectful and sensible defensive strokes with a straight bat. In the end Capel’s relentless bowling order proved too much and the game was won with Oxted finishing on 182.

In summary it was a tough match against a team that are probably in the wrong league, but both teams played the game in the right spirit and Oxted displayed a fantastic attitude; team ethic and a clear enjoyment of the game, a credit to the club and its coaches.

Huge thanks to Barry Gilham for being press ganged into scoring at short notice, Ben McElligott for umpiring and for the travelling support who braved the rain.