Under 14s win a thriller at Beddington

After winning the toss Mitcham chose to put the home side into bat, a decision that seemed to backfire when the Beddington openers raced to a 68-run partnership. Aided by lethargic Mitcham fielding the assured Ryan (41) and Lewis (35) looked untroubled and a big score looked likely.

But Lewis fell to the spin of Hammad (1-16) straight after the drinks break, and then the skipper Faraz brought himself on to bowl to replace the injured Maywon. In an inspired spell he took 3-21 and slowed up the run rate. In the end Mitcham were relieved to chase 118-7, as Beddington had threatened more.

Mitcham's reply got off to a good start with Faraz (21) and Shamali (34) putting on 42 in 30 balls. Faraz was well run out trying to take an extra run from an overthrow and Azeem fell to an excellent catch from Neer. But Zubair and Mitesh kept the scoreboard ticking over. When they fell at 74-5 Mitcham still had work to do. But Farzeen (17) and Faris (8) batted brilliantly with their highest scores of the seasons and put the visitors in sight of victory. Hammad (10 off 5 balls) set up the victory, and Hassan's edge through the slips for 4 saw Mitcham home with 2 overs and 3 wickets in hand.

Beddington bowlers deserved more especially the excellent Nivjesh (2-25) and the economical Ryan (1-14).

A great win for the boys, made all the sweeter by the warm hospitality we always get at Beddington.

Next up is Alleyn to end the season. A win could take Mitcham to 4th in the table.