Junior BB (138/7) beat Leeds & Broomfield (84 all out) by 54 runs.
T20 Match played at Leeds & Broomfield, Tuesday July 25th, 2017
Scorecard available here
After the frustration of the match against the Hampshire Hoggets being abandoned by rain, the Junior BB got off to a winning start in the 20 match at Leeds.
At this beautiful and picturesque ground overlooking Leeds Castle, we lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a green and sporty wicket, which had been freshened up by the overnight rain.
We didn't get off to the best start, as Captain Rory Prichard was LBW to a swinging delivery after only three balls, closely followed by a frustrating run out for Freddie Falcon. Felix Fleming hit a lovely boundary to backward point, however he was undone by an excellent yorker, which left us 14-3.
However we consolidated well with Benny Smallwood (28) and Tom Nicholls (37) pouncing on some short bowling from the seamers and spinners, to put on a crucial partnership of 64 in eight overs. They hit 11 fours and a six between them and got us back on track.
This momentum was continued at the end of the innings with some fine hitting and aggressive running by James Pollington (16), Albert Courage (15*) and Isaac Wallace (15*), with Isaac hitting 2 lovely maximums to the leg side in the closing overs.
We closed on 138/7, which was considerably more promising than it looked at one stage.
Just as last year, Leeds & Broomfield had 4 really strong players, and their wickets would be the key to the game. They included Harry Houillon who was playing in the U15 Bunbury Festival recently. He is a fine (although talkative) keeper, who times the ball really well.
I thoroughly enjoy watching Ed Shepherdson open the bowling for first time (3-1-4-1) and had the best view as the umpire. He generated excellent pace and bounce and when he dismissed the other opener for 0, the score was already 22–1. At the other end Rufus Pullen (3-0-26-0) had little luck with the new ball but caused numerous problems.
Captain Rory Pritchard bravely turned to the leg spin of Tom Nicholls (2-0-11-1), who came round the wicket to produce a cracker to bowl Harry for 23. This was crucial. Thereafter Louis Moen took 3-10 showing the virtues of building straight, as 2 were LBW and the other bowled.
Louis was replaced by the left arm spin of Isaac Wallace. Again, this was the first time I had seen his bowling, and in his very first over he produced a remarkable hat trick - caught at cover, bowled and then stumped by Benny Smallwood to much joy.
Albert Courage, another debutant, finished off the innings and we had won with 22 balls to spare.
So a really pleasing win and an excellent all-round team performance with everybody making a contribution.
Man of the Match must go to Tom Nicholls for his powerful batting to top score with 37, and the key wicket of Harry Houillon. Honourable mentions to Benny Smallwood, Louis Moen and Ed Shepherdson.
Champagne moment has to go to Isaac Wallace for his hat trick delivery. This is a rare feat and something to celebrate.
The scorecard can be found online via Cric HQ at www.crichq.com/#matches/548664