Ashtead U11 vs Esher U11 (28th June 15) Collapse of top order batting prevented crossing the winning line

Esher winning the toss decided to bat first on a lovely warm Sunday morning. This was in line with our strategy too as Ashtead wanted to chase the score. Dedicated efforts during training sessions on bowling showed the big improvement in the bowling as Ashtead bowled in very good line and length giving only few wides in this game. Because of accurate bowling, Esher lost 2 quick wickets, one each to Aiden Bennett and Kishan Patel. However Esher quickly recovered and had a 51 runs third wicket partnership, which was broken by a marvellous catch at the mid-wicket boundary by Kishan Patel on bowling from Ambar Vishnoi. Subsequently, once Esher's batsman number 3 retired after scoring 33 runs, Ashtead took few more wickets as Ashtead players continued good bowling and showed good fielding skills, specially Todd Olson-Southwell stopping many hard hit balls efficiently (those could easily be boundaries), and catch by Josh Lyon (on Parth Gupta 's bowling) and Ben Lowery (on Ishan Nathan 's bowling). These fielding efforts (catch by Kishan, Josh and Ben and fielding by Todd) were highlights of first half of the match and were fully appreciated and applauded by parents of both sides. Ben Lowery was very efficient in bowling and gave only 8 runs from his 3 overs. Jake Bartholomew and Josh Lyon bowled two overs each. Ashtead bowled very well and restricted Esher to 128/6 of 20 overs.

At the innings break, Ashtead were confident that they could score at the required run rate of 6.5 runs per over, which was shown by Ashtead openers Daniel Fisher (27) and Josh Lyon, who retired after scoring 31 and at that time Ashtead was 61 without loss with run rate well above than the required. Ashtead was looking solid and hopeful to win this game. Charlie Miers getting out on first ball he faced started collapse of top order batting line-up (three run outs). This collapse and lack of hitters in the lower middle order batting and very defensive fielding placement by Esher from the beginning (at times 7 boys on the boundary line) prevented Ashtead crossing the winning line. Ashtead ended up 9 runs short of winning score at 120/7 of 20 overs. However, this was looking a different fielding and bowling team, a VERY IMPROVED side. Well Done all.

Thanks to Simon for scoring, to Sonal for all the arrangement planning and helping, Shaun Lyon for putting boundary cones before start and Yazi Patel for collecting cones after finishing the match and to the all parents who supported the team as well as running the tuck shop and arranging drinks.
Gyan