Valiant effort by U11 - Report by Andrew Nelligan
Another battling performance from the U11 boys on Thursday, July 24 against a good Sidmouth team.
We batted first and lost a couple of early wickets against their strongest bowlers but the run rate was picked up by Sean and Sam as the next pair in. Samuel, Clay, Isaac and Freddie added to our score, with excellent running between the wickets. Rory and Jacob closed our innings out without losing another wicket.
As we took to the field I asked for the boys to be tight in the field to save as many runs as possible. They did it so excellently that, with Sidmouth being denied easy singles, and Sean and Edward taking two confident catches.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Too many extras and a greater number of boundaries by Sidmouth led to a 24 run loss.
Unlucky boys, but it was a valiant effort. Keep trying and practicing and more games will go our way.
U17 rampant against Kilmington – report by Bill Roper
Summary: a good job done. BSCC were pretty abysmal in the field - a good reflection on the abysmal warmup: fines flowing for several senior players for dropped catches and poor chat in the field! After conceding 141 runs (should have probably kept them to 80) our batting was great - (except Otto gets a fine for attempting a heave on the 2nd ball). Marcus redeemed himself with a super retirement - battering their bowlers into the car park. Backed up by our resident run machine Arthur who hit the pavilion and the neighbour's fence with 6s. A fine for Arthur for gibbing 50 by chopping one too long on. Moment of the game was Ted Mcs running backward rolling catch. Top effort team - especially with only 8. Cheers to Ted N for stepping up and fielding excellently.
Battling spirit from U13 - report by Rob Ellis
On Sunday morning our u13s welcomed a strong Cullompton side to the Holt for our latest league fixture for what turned out to be a great test of our sides progress.
Cullompton won the toss and decided to bowl, two Devon openers taking the first overs between them, and giving our opening batters probably their toughest test of the season. But despite losing a wicket early, Reuben and Henry Podd dug in, and showed incredible resilience, and amazing shot selection, guiding us to 63/1 half way through the innings. Falling just short of a declaration, Reuben was the pick of our batters with a defiant 31, excellently supported by Henry, Ollie and then Isaac, who between them guided us to 117/5. A hugely respectable score against an intimidating bowling line up. Sally's excellent banana bread was the perfect reward for a great innings, and along with other treats - set everyone up just right for the second innings.
With a score to defend, Budleigh set about the task of restricting Cullomptons 2 devon stars, who also opened the batting! And showing the same prowess, again Budleigh equipped themselves brilliantly - with Hugo and Reuben opening the bowling. With the whole team pulling together in the field, our visitors were restricted in their chase, and frustrated in their attempts to accelerate. Isaac and Reece then followed our openers brilliantly with very tidy spells, with the whole team shipping the lowest number of extras, and making Cullompton really earn their lead. Whilst technical challenges halted proceedings mid way through the innings, rendering the play cricket scorecard obsolete and lacking resemblance of events as they unfolded, it wasn't until the 11th over that the first batter retired and the 14th that saw their second leave the field. Despite a lack of wickets it wasn't until the end of the 15th that Cullompton completed their chase - just in time for a torrential downpour to have everyone scurrying for cover.
Ultimately we lost the game, but gained a lot of respect and our team can be proud of the excellent showing and battling spirit. Well done everyone – it was a pleasure to umpire.