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Dear All,
Congratulations to the North Midd U13s who won their Cup on Sunday, beating Bessborough in a close match in the Final.
The U11s also had a close match with East Sheen in their Semi.
North Midd chose to bat first against a side led by the 'veteran' Bradley Erasmus who looked devastating with the ball during the warm-up.
Up against a good bowling and fielding side, Doug McDougall was run out early for 0 followed by Callum run out for 6. Captain Matthew Cracknell stuck at the task before being bowled for 17 - the first time he has been out all winter! Miles Illingworth, after being dropped, steadied the innings with Sean Irvin before being bowled for 20, leaving Sean and Matthew Starr to see out the 12 overs.
Sean attacked the bowling - particularly Erasmus - and Matthew Starr(9*) played his part in getting our total up to a respectable 93 for 4, with Sean unbeaten on 31*. Sheen Park gave away only 10 extras (2 in byes, 8 in wides).
In the field, North Midd did an excellent job: Doug McDougall took our only wicket, trapping the East Sheen opener LBW and gave away only 21 in his three overs. Sean allowed only 20 runs, and at the half way point the score was 41 - exactly the same as North Midd. Ivan Bennett and Matthew Starr found themselves up against Bradley Erasmus who looked in ominous form, but Matthew Cracknell bowled at his best conceding only 8 runs, including a maiden in the penultimate over leaving the opposition to get 12 off the last over. Matthew Starr did well, but couldn't stop Bradley hitting the winning 3 with only one ball to go.
It was one of those close matches where 2 or three misfields and 20 extras proved the difference between the sides.
East Sheen went on to lose to Bessborough in the Final.
The Under Elevens have done North Midd proud. Our player of the Finals was Sean, who top-scored and got the team out of trouble when we needed it - and bowled three tight overs. Miles was strong behind the stumps conceding no byes, and made an important 20 runs. Doug's opening spell with Sean put East Sheen on the back foot. Callum only made 6 runs in the semi, but is second highest scorer over the season with 148 runs. Matthew Cracknell is the star of the season with 215 in 7 innings, 5 wickets & most economical bowler, 2 catches and 3 run outs. Third in the batting table was Doug with 132, who also took 5 wickets with economy only just behind Matthew. Sean made 94 in 4 innings and took 3 wickets. Matthew Starr showed what he can do - particularly with the bat. In the semi-final we missed Hal Wheatley who had previously taken 4 wickets.
Some of the younger players will still be U11 next winter including Miles, Ivan Bennett who has played in all matches with his accurate bowling, Ethan Bamber, Oli Lloyd Williams & Percy Verity with his fearless fielding.
I look forward to seeing all of you play during the summer and hope that you have enjoyed the Indoor Season.
THANK YOU to all the players who have played during the winter, and all those who took part in the two trials, the tournament and the final practice before the finals. Thanks also to Roddy McDougall, Richard Verity, Andrew Willett, Richard Nicoll and all parents who made sure players were at the games and gave their support from the boundary.
Good cricket in the summer & looking forward to the autumn....
Best wishes, Brian
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