Leo too good for the Fourths

With a fourth team consisting on five under 15 players and two of them making their senior cricket debut, it was unfortunate to come up against Leo, who will win the League this season. With the pitch being a little damp the Leo skipper called correctly and put the Niffy into bat.

The pitch was difficult to bat on for the first 25 overs but became a decent track after it had dried out, however by then, the damage had been done. Degsy was bowled by one that died and Josh was caught the over after with one that popped off a length, flew to the keeper who palmed it and first slip took a diving catch one handed. Tom and Reece began to build a partnership, with Reece hitting two lovely boundaries but he was caught in the 15th over.

Tom, Harry, Pops, Tyler and Austin all came and went with nothing to shout about. However Tom Hill showed real maturity and resilience with the bat. When Seb joined Tom in the middle the pair batted well with Seb defending and Tom keeping the score ticking over. The pair put on 33 runs which was a brilliant effort in the circumstances. Seb was run out as was Neil to leave the Niffy on 79 all out with Tom remaining not out. Tom batted fantastically well in some tough situations. This was definitely one of the best bowling attacks in the league and he coached the younger players fantastically. The lads should be commended for sticking out there for 42 overs and for frustrating Leo. Whilst the runs did not flow, the boys put in a good effort making it hard for Leo.

So, after a tremendous Tom Hill tea (which I am not sure was made by Tom!) the Niffy lads strode out with the aim of claiming as many points as they could and Neil was determined to get those bowling points. Nelly took a wicket with his third ball, straight through the gate; 0 for 1! Nelly struck again in his second over again bowling the other opener. However this brought Avesh to the crease who was a big hitter and he did his job. He pushed the score on but rode his luck with one coming off the edge and skier over Pops' head who didn't know where it went as he had his helmet on- typical!

Nelly had Ranil snick off but the edge was so faint Pops couldn't get to it. Neil was determined to get another and claimed his third of the day with Tom Hill taking a good catch at mid on. Leo finished the game off in style smashing Nelly for a six. Our juniors who had a bowl did well but it was very hard against a top side. It should however be noted that Seb Smith bowled very well moving the ball which caused problems for Leo- shame he only had one over!

The lads put in a good effort but Leo were simply too good for us, and this league. So onwards and upwards and the Fourths keep looking for their first win