Match Report
New Forest U11 v Jersey
Saturday 24 May 08 1345
Forres Sandle Manor School.
On a breezy and overcast day the New Forest captain won the toss and decided to put the visitors in to bat.
Jersey's innings started steadily and after 8 overs they were 19 for 2, despite a couple of missed run-out chances. New Forest fielded well and bowled reasonably economically; only 2 of the visitors got into double figures. However, Jonty J came in at no 4 and made an impressive 68, while wickets fell all around him. The most dramatic moment of the innings after a mis-timed a shot; a high ball split Tom L and Patrick O who converged with total commitment at high speed, inspiring terror in spectators. There was a collision and both players got hands on the ball - a stunning catch resulted. Both players were unhurt! Tom L took 3 wickets for 12 runs from his 4 overs while Pete N took 2 for a miserly 4 runs. Jersey ended their 40 overs with a total of 138 having lost 9 wickets.
The New Forest Innings started with Tom B and Will E resisting well and scoring steadily off the first 20 overs. However, at 45 for no wicket with half the overs gone, it was clear that the rate would have to increase. Many of the following batsmen felt the need to be aggressive and increase tempo. This pressure contributed to many giving their wickets away cheaply. A notable exception was Joe Q who made a creditable 24. For a good period it looked as though the Forest were back in the match, particularly as the wides piled up (mostly from one end). The final wicket fell with the score on 115 with a couple of overs to go. Tom B top scored with 25 and Will E made a solid 21.
Congratulations to Jersey on winning by 23 runs.
Our thanks go to Tony Leadbetter who umpired the match most expertly and to Julian Entwistle for scoring throughout. Louise Newman did a great job in arranging a very popular and successful tea at the last minute - Thanks to her and all the others who contributed to the catering. Lee Moors stepped into the coach's role at the last minute and did a great job in organising the team.
Final thanks must go the Forres Sandle Manor School who gave us use of their fantastic facilities, and could not have done more to help make this match possible.
I feel this was a successful match in a great setting. It was good experience for the players and offered plenty of entertainment for the spectators.