Under an overcast sky Lions U16s took on Brentwood at West Grove, batting first under leadened skies. We made steady progress in the first half of the innings 43-2 off of 10 and 110-3 at the midway point. Scott had just joined Ben in the middle and they put on a stand of 96 for the 4th wicket scoring 84 runs between overs 20 and 30 as Ben accumulated another century (112) and Scott a fine 38. Brentwoods opening bowlers returned to finish off the innings and that slowed the run rate but we finished on 240-5 with both Ethan and Kameron not out. That total included 60 extras and that proved to be crucial.
Brentwoods openers started their innings at a searing pace, 80+ without loss after 10 overs and 178-2 at the halfway mark. Heads were down at the drinks break and no-one could have forecast what was about to transpire. Grace put in an economical over to give us belief, then Malik swapped ends and took his tally to 3 wickets as the top order was removed. Having taken two catches Karan returned figures of 3 for 1 in his second spell of 4 overs, reaping the reward for bowling straight and full. When Shayani took the 9th and final wicket (the opposition fielded 10 players), Lions had reduced Brentwood from 174-1 to 211-9 in the space of 12 overs, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat !
It’s a funny old game this cricket lark !