Match Report
New Forest U11 v Winchester Festival match 3
Thursday 29 May 2008 1400 start
A delayed start allowed the pitch to dry out, but it was still soft after heavy rain on Wednesday. The ground staff had done a great job to get us playing. New Forest won this toss and elected to bowl at Winchester.
The opening overs looked familiar with New Forest bowling well and economically. After 8 overs Winchester were on 14 for 1 having allowed our bowlers 2 maidens. In the next few overs the Forest bowlers were among the wickets and a full scale collapse ensued. In the 21st over, the final wicket fell and Winchester had scored 45 runs. A truly devastating bowling performance which saw Patrick O take 3 wickets for 8 runs including a double wicket maiden. However, this was overshadowed by Chris W's 4 for 3 including a triple wicket maiden. Both bowlers were unable to bowl their hat-trick balls. Norton had gone for a quick cycle ride and missed the whole innings, so efficient was the demolition job!
The sky darkened during the tea interval and the threat of rain became a real worry. The batters made their way out and started their innings but inside 4 overs the heavens opened and steady rain fell. After 40 minutes without let-up the match was abandoned.
The players took this in good spirit, and took some consolation in a resounding moral victory, but this was a desperately disappointing outcome for the New Forest. Although some of the ground fielding was a little too relaxed, the catching was superb, no less that 6 catches being taken. The extras score was much improved at 9.
The progress in the team over the last week has been impressive on many levels. Here's hoping for a dry summer and further progress, and a win or 2! Thanks to Max for great coaching support again, and to Julian for scoring. Roy has done a great job all week collecting match fees and selling clothing - thanks for taking that on so efficiently.