LEY HILL Under-10s captain-for-the-day Jamies Cullen was philosophical after his side were beaten by an inspired Winchmore Hill team.

Jamie's side posted a more than respectable total of 222-8 under Barrington rules but could not find a way through the Winchmore batting, as the visitors cruised to 304 without loss to win by 82 runs.

Jamie said: "I think we played pretty well on the day but the bowling could have been better. I know my team gave it everything and I'm sure we'll learn from this."

With just two games to go this season, the Under-10s have now lost four games on the trot after an impressive opening victory over Hawridge and Cholesbury.

Against Winchmore Hill, Jamie and Fergus Allan opened the batting, with Fergus hitting two boundaries in an unbeaten nine. But after a bright start, with good contributions from Jamie, Max Lee, Tor Outfin and Scott Barrett, Ley Hill struggled to build and lost wickets regularly against some accurate bowling.

In the second innings, the Winchmore batsmen took control as the Ley Hill bowlers struggled to make a breakthrough. Bert Wade looked good as he made his wicket-keeping debut, ably backed up by some good backstop fielding from Spencer Biddle, Max and Fergus.

Christian Partington bowled a miserly spell, going for just one run in his two overs, while Tommy Wolstenholme-Williams, Aaron Taylor and Spencer gave great support. 

Jamie said: "We knew we needed to take wickets but it just didn't happen for us. And we know we have to stop bowling so many wides and no balls.

"I'm sure we'll be back to winning ways soon."


Tim Allan