U15s lose out in thrilling cup final finish

The U15s were defeated in a relatively low scoring game in the WSL cup final at Headley. After winning the toss and deciding to bat first the boys recovered from 26 for 2 following the early loss of Marcus Caprano-Wint in the second over and Sam Hunt [16] shortly afterwards. A partnership of 58 by Tom Youngman [39] and Ben Geddes [29] saw the scoreboard read 82 for 2 off 14 overs. With 6 overs remaining a total nearing 140 should have been posted. However, once the partnership was broken the innings collapsed with the loss of 8 wickets for only 15 runs, the last 5 falling with the score on 99. Ealham with 5 for 15 and J Green 3 for 8 doing the damage with the ball.
In reply, Sam Hunt [2 for 12], Tom Youngman [1 for 13] and Marcus Caprano-Wint all claimed an early wicket each to reduce Cranleigh to 17 for 3, with Marcus finishing with figures of 4 overs, 2 maidens 1 for 3. A dropped catch would have reduced then to 26 for 4 and deep in trouble but the next wicket did n't fall until the score reached 58, with the usually consistent Ashtead bowling failing to put them under further pressure. With 11 required off the last 2 overs the game was certainly in the balance and when this was reduced to 10 off 8 balls, Ashtead looked slight favourites. Up stepped the Cranleigh skipper, Callum Cousins [41 not out] to hit consecutive sixes to wrap the game up for his side.
A disappointing result for the boys but for the neutral spectator it was a great game to watch and could have gone either way at the finish.