Ley Hill Juniors v Chesham Under 15s, Friday 14th May 2004

Nigel Hill

A great result!

Chesham batted first scoring 99 in their 20 overs, while Ley Hill put in a very tidy bowling performance against some very cultured opposition. Jake Wells and Scott Peterson showed great enthusiasm - although both need to work on their bouncers! Stuart Clarke was very effective bowling 4 overs for 11 runs, and Emrys Jones pinned Chesham back with 3 overs for 8 runs and a plum LBW. But the breakthrough bowler was Tom Pierce, who started his attack with a maiden wicket over - great stuff backed up by athletic fielding from the rest of the team and safe hands when it mattered from Phil Goddard.

So 100 to win and knowing that 102 was their highest 20 over score last year. Jake Wells and Lawrence Chamberlain opened with great running - something the whole team must work on - the partnership taking Ley Hill to 33 for 1 off 4 overs - nicely ahead of the required run-rate. We then detected Chesham digging in with a fierce bowling demonstration, only allowing Ley Hill 43 runs off the next 12 overs, although Jamie Morris kept things going with a decent 28 including a glorious six. But we must learn to take all the singles when they are offered, and talk to each other when we are out there - the two runs outs were two too many. Emrys and Scott came in and  lifted the rate, but put a great deal of pressure on Ben Fletcher when he came in for the last over needing 10 to win - but boy did he deliver! In the increasingly gloomy conditions, Ben picked his shots with precision, and hit three magical fours to produced a well earned win.

Well done everyone, and thanks to Robin for taking time out to umpire, and Rob for organising.