Under 15s vs Dinton, 5th June 2005

Ian Walter

Following their recent exhaustive travels to Stokenchurch, Marlow Park and Great Kingshill our under 15s once again showed their liking for our own ground with a third successive home win. Unbeaten at home, yet to win away; sounds like a Premiership soccer side I can think of?

This time the opponents were Dinton who bravely got up early for a 9.45 start and were noticeably at Ley Hill before long before our own Messrs Ford and Falconer, who, some time after midnight the previous evening had vowed to be at the ground ‘early’ for extra practice!

With regular opening bowler Sam Harrison sidelined with a fractured arm following an ice skating incident (what is Sam doing skating in June, or at any time for that matter….!) Chris Morris had Hill off to the best possible start by enticing Dinton’s opener into playing on second ball of the match and we never looked back. Despite brave resistance from Mabbett in particular and Woodfall, wickets fell regularly and Dinton were all out for 68 in the last over. No less than 24 of these were extras as Hill, with their customary hospitality delivered an extra two overs to the opposition and at least as many runs in doing so.

Bowling honours were shared with Javed Ahmed taking 3 for 9 with his best, and most consistent spell of the season. A fired-up Felix with 2 wickets and Dan, Michael, Ben and Chris with one each took the others. There were wicket maidens for Dan, Michael and Javed (a double wicket maiden), surely a new club record in a 20 over thrash! The enigmatic Michael Shrieve however followed his immaculate maiden with six wides in the next two…an incredible achievement!

Chasing a modest 69 Hill were in the comfort zone and complacency set in before the pads were on. Opener Ollie Mace achieved what he has threatened all season…a first ball duck and Dan followed in the first over too. When Stephen was adjudged leg before next over for yet another duck we were 3 for 3 and reeling.

Fortunately however at the other end young Craig Peterson remained cool, calm and collected as he held the innings together and amassed 35 not out in the process seeing us home by 5 wickets. He was well assisted by Richard (7) in a fourth wicket partnership of 46 and a cameo from Ben (10) before Paul Boden joined Craig to finish things off.