Carlton Cricket Club

The Reporter Under 13 League Championship

Carlton 146 - 6 East Ardsley 65 - 6 -- Sunday 27 July

The commencement of the long summer school break meant that both sides were not at full strength but it gave the opportunity for younger players to step up an age group and see what they could do. Carlton had Matthew Elliott, Owen Jeffery, and Matthew Savory making their debuts.

Carlton were put into bat and the decision of the Ardsley captain seemed a good one as both Danny Sutcliffe and then Jordan Sowden were bowled for low scores by a rather sharp David Kibler, both perhaps somewhat guilty of over-confidence and a little lacking in concentration. Fortunately James Cunliffe was able to steady the ship. He went on to make his 25 runs with some sound defence and the patience to wait for the bad ball.

With the score on 45-3 and the season’s main run scorers all in the pavilion it was left to the middle order to try to build a respectable total. This they did in some style. Ryan Beach batted with some maturity and looked well set before falling to a loose shot on 19, Clark Harrison, cheered on by his team mates, played some majestic shots in reaching the prized personal target of 25 and this brought together Luke Holt and Billy Dawson for a final assault on the Ardsley bowling attack.

Both batted sensibly, they hit the loose ball hard and ran well between the wickets. In the final, eventful over Luke was able to make his 25 thanks to a welcome overthrow and Billy was bowled on the last ball of the Carlton innings for 11 attempting another big hit.

This was an excellent team batting display and a season’s top score of 146 for 6 gave Ardsley a formidable total to chase.

After the first 6 overs of their reply Ardsley were well behind the asking rate thanks to some tight bowling by James Cunliffe and Danny Sutcliffe. James beat the bat consistently and Danny bowled with great accuracy, conceding only a single in his 3 over spell. With the score on 12 for 0 Ardsley never recovered and all the Carlton players were able to share the remaining overs.

In the humid conditions and the benefit of a new ball Dominic Ashmore produced 2 overs of outstanding swing bowling. He bowled the solid looking Adam Pearson with a real beauty and later assisted in Matthew Savory’s first wicket with a trademark diving catch.

The two under 11’s in the team, Owen Jeffery and Matthew Elliott both bowled well taking 2 wickets each and Carlton were able to restrict Ardsley to 65 for 6 at the end of their allotted 20 overs to emerge winners by 81 runs.

Jordan Sowden, substituting behind the stumps, showed just how well he has developed as an all-round cricketer this season with an excellent display of wicket-keeping.

MATCH SCORECARD

CARLTON BATTING

EAST ARDSLEY BOWLING

EAST ARDSLEY BATTING

CARLTON BOWLING