U13 Cup vs Egerton CC

Very quick report. Away (again?!) at Egerton CC in the hills above Bolton; quality opposition for the quarter final of the Lancs Cup. We won the toss and elected to field opening the bowling with Rehan (4-0-10-0) and Basil, both fast and intimidating. Their opener retired hurt after copping a nasty one from Basil and Rehan had them hopping all over the place on a track of uneven bounce. First wicket to Basil well caught by keeper Ben.

Egerton reset and from a slow start of 25 off 10 steadily rebuilt despite tight spells from Noah and Rishi, with Noah finally breaking the partnership at 45/2. Basil brought on Luuk Hughes which proved inspirational as he took 2 quick wickets (2-0-14-2) before Basil and Dan Ward (2-1-3-2) finished things off the latter taking 2 wickets, one courtesy of an instinctive one handed slip catch by Basil. The last 2 overs were maidens which is stunning stuff in a T20.

DCC started steadily and maturely with Raheem and Rishi who played themselves in then accelerated nicely until Rishi retired on 31 in style off a 6 (35 balls) closely followed by Raheem caught and bowled for 16. Two new batsman and a little behind the rate but again no panic and Dan and Basil batted very sensibly until an unfortunate mix up resulted in a Dan run out (this was the only aberration as otherwise the calling and running was top drawer). But we were now within sight, Basil accelerated and finished it off with a straight 6. Nice.

Against strong opposition I think it is fare to say we beat them in every department although Manish rightly pointed out 14 wides was way too many!

BIG shout out to the parents for getting everyone there on time with an average drive time of an hour and a half!