U16 march on with big win

Banstead won the toss and batted first. After an early wicket, they set about making a good score. George (25) and Marcus (24) put on 52 for the second wicket as the home side reached 56-1 after 9 overs. But once Mitcham turned to an all-spin attack the run rate slowed and the wickets fell. Vaksalan (2-19) and Hammad (3-17 and a great catch at midwicket) bowled with great control and economy to leave Banstead in trouble. Only George A (20 off 16 balls) offered any lower order resistance as the home side finished on 110-9. Shafaan (3-20) on debut bowled and fielded well.

With the temperature dropping, Peter was forced to dance at square leg to keep warm. Nobody needs to see that. Mitcham went off like a train in their reply. Sufiyaan (19) and Faraz (29) made 45 off the first 4 overs, including 7 boundaries to take the game away from Banstead. When Sufiyaan went trying to club another boundary off a good length delivery, it brought captain Bilal to the crease. His 47 not out was a picture of control and big hitting. Every bad ball went to the boundary in an innings which had just one lapse in concentration - when he could have been caught and then run out off the same ball. He was only denied a 50 as the victory target was reached. Azeem (10*) played an excellent supporting role for his captain, with great running between the wickets turning singles into 2s. Only Rowan (3-19) made a breakthrough for the home side. He was indebted to Marcus for a brilliant diving catch off Sami's second ball for one of his wickets.

So the under16s march on at the top of the table with TMW level with them. This XI had 3 under 15s, 4 under14s and 1 under13 so looks good for next season too.

Difficult next game at home to Cheam on Thursday.