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Western Warrior u11 v Southern Sabres u11 - Scorecard and Match Report

Match 2 – Area Festival
Western Warriors U11 v Southern Sabres U11
Worthing Cricket Club – Sunday 21st June 2009

On a dry,sunny day; on a fast flat wicket, Southern Sabres won the toss and, rather surprisingly, inserted the West to bat first in the second match of the competitive season. The South, having lost to Northern Knights in their opening encounter, were hoping to overturn their fortunes. Contrastingly, the West were hoping to continue in their winning ways.

Ben Roberts and Jack Dunn opened the innings for the West, and batted sensibly and solidly until both fell in the 18th over for 36 and 30 respectively. Aaron Tugnutt and Aaron Sprake consolidated the innings for a time, and then started to accelerate well until Aaron Sprake was bowled for 33 with the total score on 128 – 3 in the 28th over. Albert Burgess unfortunately perished LBW in the same over, and the Warriors, at 128 – 4, needed someone to guide them through the last 10 or so overs. This role came from Aaron Tugnutt, who with dogged support from Jamie Piper (4), and Dan Sinsbury (7), the Warriors moved on to 190 – 6 from 38 overs. A flurry of activity in the final over saw Tom Lush caught behind for 2, and Spencer Morris fall without scoring. Alex Moore completing the innings on 1 not out, leaving Niall Heaton without the opportunity to bat, and Aaron Tugnutt with a fine 54 not out.

Western Warriors 194 for 8 wkts in 40 overs

With such a fast outfield, it was important that the Warriors bowled accurately if they were to restrict the Sabres to less than 195. However, the South got off to a flying start, and despite Rob Whittington and Alex Moore picking up a couple of wickets apiece, together with a well worked run out, they were 133 – 5 off only 22 overs. With only 62 needed from 18, Sabres looked to be coasting, but Bryce Hounsome getting out for 48 could have been the turning point in the game. Although the remaining Sabres batsmen maintained the required run rate, courtesy of a number of wides and no balls, they lost wickets at regular intervals and were finally all out for 169 with 4 overs still to go. Particular mention should be made of the bowling performances from Albert Burgess and Aaron Tugnutt, who conceded only 6 runs and picked up 3 wickets in their 6 overs at the end of the game, to swing the match in favour of the West.

Southern Sabres 169 all out in 36 overs

Western Warriors win by 25 runs

All in all a great team performance and a good result. Once again, however, Extras was the second top scorer for the opposition with 45, including 19 wides and 11 no balls. We will not be able to afford to dish out these bonuses against the Northern Knights, traditionally a strong side, next time out. Off Stump – Off Stump – Off Stump, should be the mindset for the bowlers to get in to.

Nonetheless, more positives than negatives came out of the game. A very mature batting performance from the whole team, individually and collectively. They batted for the whole 40 overs, and despite what must have been almost a dozen coaching breaks instigated by the South management, the boys persevered well in the field, seizing opportunities as they arose.

Once again, a terrific effort from the Warriors which gives them increasing momentum leading in to the next match. Well done one and all.