u16 edged out for first loss of the season

In a match between the top 2 teams in the Under 16 league, Trinity Mid Whitgiftians CC toppled league leaders Mitcham in what turned out to be an intense match between two evenly matched sides, on a sunny Thursday evening.

Both teams came into the match with 3 wins out of 3 games, although Mitcham had to draft in 3 Under 14 players due to some last minute cancellations by some members of the regular U16 team. Winning the toss, Mitcham skipper Bilal elected to bat first on a flat, dry pitch. Opening the Mitcham batting were Sufiyan and Dhruv, who both attacked from the off, Sufiyan smashing 4 boundaries and Dhruv flicking 2 loose balls off his pads for 4s. At 27 for none after 3 overs, Mitcham were positive that a big total was going to be set. However, a horrendous run-out sending back Dhruv (8) and captain Bilal sent back for a golden duck by a beautiful delivery, Mitcham looked in a spot of bother at 28-2.

However a great partnership between Sami (20) and Sufiyan (39) pulled things back for the Mitcham boys before both were caught. The run rate slowed as gaps became hard to find, although Azizullah (15) and Faraz kept the scoreboard ticking for Mitcham, who eventually finished on 120-7 after their 20 overs.

The Mid Whits openers began positively, Karpan (5) hitting the first delivery for 4 before being bowled by a wonderful first ball from Azizullah. Trinity Mid Whits looked well ahead of the run rate on 32 after 4 overs. The next over, however, saw a run out and wicket leaving Trinity on 32-3. Special mention must go to Sami who, with a spell of almost unplayable swing bowling, finished with figures of 2-8 after 4 overs, including a wicket maiden. Trinity saw a few big shots from Charlie (11) including a huge 6 over extra cover.

Dhruv (1-14 off 3 overs) bowled economically and Hammad took a wicket, to leave Trinity rocking on 71-6 after 14 overs. However no.5 Patel and no.8 Shiv combined to create a superb 41 run partnership, finishing on 38 and 20 not out respectively. As the match got close a few edged boundaries saw Trinity Mid Whitgiftians chase down Mitcham’s total with just 9 balls remaining.

A good game, no doubt, and with some of the regular team turning up, it could have edged Mitcham’s way. Special mention goes to Hassan, Farzeen and Mitesh who stepped up at the last minute to give Mitcham 11 players for the match. The race for the title is still open though. Come on Mitcham!