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Thursday 1st May
Cricket

U15 v Lakelands School (h) 4pm

With almost all of the players having had little sleep after a CCF 24 hour exercise, the team was rather tired and needed a comfy bed.  However, after a long run, the arrival of a helicopter and the arrival of Lakelands' U-15 team, we were ready for our 3rd match of the season.

Lakelands won the toss and elected to bat, so Callum Morris and Ricardo Martoccia quickly padded up and walked to the crease.   The game started well for Oswestry as Ricardo hit 14 off the first 2 overs but then Callum Morris got caught playing a bad shot and was caught at square leg. In came Adam Lloyd and 4 overs later we had reached almost 40 runs. Then, after a rush of blood, Adam took an unnecessary swipe at a ball and it shot 50 metres into the air before being caught, taking Oswestry to 46 for 2. Then the downfall of the home team as no one in the middle order could stay at the crease for more than 2 overs. Eventually Ricardo got caught but the team was later more than thankful for his contribution of 39.

Oswestry finished on 89 and quickly ran out to field as the team sensed a possible lack of light.  At the start of the game, Mr Jones had warned us that Lakelands had a strong opening 4 batsmen. It was important for the opening bowlers to bowl tight and keep the opposition on the back foot.  The run rate needed was around 1 a ball so both teams knew that a tight finish was more than likely.  Lakelands needed 26 off 24 balls and so the batsmen were told to ‘hit out’ which resulted in an immediate 6 from the number 2 batsman.  Sensing defeat, James Anderson bowled the best over of the day as Lakelands were reduced to 1 off the next but last over.  Lakelands needed 4 off 6 balls!  Unfortunately, Oswestry lost by 5 wickets and the boys walked off the field speechless.

Although we lost, I think that with the players at full fitness and awareness the U15s would be a hard team to beat.

Players of the Match: Ricardo Martoccia for his batting and James Anderson for his bowling.

Callum Morris Captain U15

Photos are of the Oswestry innings.