U11: Ricky fall at final hurdle against Chorleywood

In a run fest at Park Road, Ricky just came up short in a game that they looked like losing entirely before some of the batsmen produced an amazing turnaround.

Bowling first the Ricky team had a day to forget in the field, with 28 byes, 12 wides and 10 no balls adding to an extraordinary, and unprecedented, 49 extras. Maybe we should make extras retire on 30 next time. This was basically the same team who got to the County Finals by bowling straight and giving nothing away in the field. But this was not the same team it seems, lacking a real desire to win in the first half. Chorleywood took full advantage and although Monty clung onto some good catches, the Chorleywood players only had to score 80 themselves to make a grand total of 129/5

That this was going to be an insurmountable target was proved yet further when both opening bats, Alec and Monty, were out for ducks. Oliver came in and hit two sumptuous boundaries before missing a straight one (he would have scored 30 if he had stayed in) and then Rian was bowled by a full toss. Ricky were 20/4 and the parents started packing up to go home. However then a miracle happened. Henry stayed at one end, cracking the odd boundary and Aled also came in and played very sensibly. Now it was the Chorleywood 3rd and 4th change bowlers, and the boys strated to up their game. When Henry was out for 20, and Arno was out in the next over for a duck, Ricky faltered again, but now it was the turn of young Joe to show what he could do. Joe ran hard - so did Aled. And then in one glorious over, Aled and Joe scored 14 to start Ricky hearts fluttering. Could it be done? From 8 an over needed, Ricky were now back on track. Aled had to go, bowled for a personal best of 27, but this just brought Thomas to the wicket, whose first scoring shot was an over-thrown 5. Ricky needed 7 an over but were scoring freely and both Joe and Thomas batted superbly to the excitable and enthusiastic crowd. Every run and every boundary cheered to the rafters.

Neither Thomas and Joe have ever batted so well and it was a pity when, needing just too many runs, Joe was bowled for 18. Needing 12 off the last over, Thomas also perished in the attempt and when Jack and Josh, the final pair were at the crease, we needed 8 off 2 balls and then a 6 off the last ball. But it wasnt to be.

But for everyone watching it was a magnificent game and highly entertaining. The poor fielding display can't quite be forgotten, but if it's excitement you crave then this was a game where the result was secondary. It had everything.