U15: Boxmoor scare Ricky but succumb to the Tahir of Terror

Ricky started well against Boxmoor removing George, Ben and Matthew for low scores, but then Archie and Euan showed how it was possible to bat, and bat well, both scoring freely all around the wicket. The outfield was lightening fast and both boys took full advantage of some bowling that was a little astray at times. There always seemed a 4-ball on offer every over and they took the score up to 67 before Callum got Euan LBW. Max and Alex both supported Archie as he continued to hit anything loose and he was unlucky to be out just short of his retirement target of 40.

Boxmoor eventually reached a rather decent 110, despite a crazy last over wicket, where the batsman was caught off a no ball, both batsmen then stopped in the middle of the wicket, whilst the Ricky players effected a run out. Tahir's 4 wickets were a joy to behold, though Ricky also caught well and didnt drop a catch.

Hitamsch was out stumped, again not paying attention when an LBW appeal was turned down and failing to get back in his crease. Lessons learned. Yash and Tahir then batted solidly, though Yash was struggling to get the ball away and it was left to tahir to keep the run rate going. He departed for a fantastic 44, including 2 6's and at this stage Ricky were 71/1 off 10 overs. 40 needed off 10, which should have been a walk in the park. But not for this Ricky team in 2018. Harvet scratched around for 7 and Tom hit a good 10 before getting out caught. Rahim was out 3 balls later and now Ricky were in the lower middle order and still needed 30 to win. Kinushan (11) and Lewis (8) again struck the ball cleanly but died by their own swords, out to straight balls on the stumps. It wasnt a race, but a steady trot that was needed.

Now we needed 7 to win with Fred and Yusuf at the crease. But these lads know how to bat, showing up their older companions with good defence and clever shot play. The extras column kept going up as the Boxmoor bowlers just struggled to get a straight line. And it was somewhat fitting that the 3 runs finally needed to win all came from wides.

It is possible that this is the luckiest Rickmansworth team, this year, as they seem to pull victories out of the jaws of defeat each time. But it is the case that in the upcoming Quarter Final, they will have to play a lot better than the last 2 games if they want any chance to progress to Finals Day. They have the talent, but maybe the application needs a little more time spent on it.