In control. Bredon cruised to a win over an under-strength Tewkesbury side
Bredon’s Under 11s cruised to victory in a friendly against an under-strength Tewkesbury at Hill Close this morning.
The home side scored 286 to the visitors’ 203, losing just three wickets along the way.
The Under 11s, who were also missing some regulars, were bolstered by Sam Wilson from the Under 9s and John Darby, who was making his competitive debut for Bredon.
Bredon’s highlights included a wicket from Ben Vicarage (bowled and caught), some cracking deliveries from Euan Styles, and solid battling from Harry Buckley, George Gallagher, Max Murray and Tolly Wilson.
Worcester were just too strong for Bredon Third XI at Birlingham today.
A powerful display of bowling by the visitors restricted Bredon to 140 for eight.
Bredon started well, with a young Ollie McGrath and his dad, Johnny, forming a solid opening partnership.
Martin Hopkins followed up with some steady batting, there was a debut from Glenn Buckley, and Sean Styles was dismissed by a thunderbolt delivery.
Jacob Clements-Hunt steadied things for a while before Will Rollett struck out boldly in a last-ditch bid to improve Bredon’s runs tally.
Bob Portch wasn’t required to bat or bowl, but did a sterling job in the field and the scorebox.
After the interval (featuring a magnificent tea by Lucy Donovan, see picture below), the home side did their best to pin back Worcester’s batsmen, but they were not to be denied.
Ollie Washbourne claimed a couple of excellent wickets, and there was some strong fielding from Will Wilson.
Captain Derek Ebbage marshalled the field and magnanimously stepped aside from battling and bowling duties to give the side’s younger players some match experience.
Thanks to our opponents for a game played in great spirit.
What a crowd! Bredon Cricket Club helped swell the attendance at New Road today
What a day! Sunshine, showers, beer, sarnies and lots of cricket!
Bredon Cricket Club even had a century to cheer during their outing to New Road.
A high-spirited group of adults and youngsters enjoyed the day courtesy of Worcestershire County Cricket Club (and Mark Notley, who secured the tickets).
Our bus left for New Road after bacon rolls in the clubhouse and we arrived at New Road under ominous grey skies.
Fortunately, the clouds soon blew over and we enjoyed a day that was generally sunny and warm.
The youngsters had a chance for game on the New Road pitch between innings, and they formed a guard of honour to welcome the teams back onto the pitch. An experience they will long remember!
We cheered Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s magnificent first 50-over century, but were disappointed to see him dismissed for 119.
Northamtonshire eventually beat Worcestershire by 23 runs in the One-Day Cup match.
Worcestershire’s defeat was their third in the Cup, but they have a game in hand and are still in with a shout of a last-eight place.
The bus was ready and waiting at the entrance to New Road to take us home in time for a late tea. What a cracking day out!
Captain for the match Charlie Cooper correctly called tails and asked to field first, explaining confidently that “we like to chase”.
Playing 10-a-side with five batting pairs, Bredon’s bowling was not at its very best, but still effective, and wickets fell regularly through the Harvington innings.
This, plus a very energetic and skilful fielding performance contained the home side to 233 from their 20 overs.
James Collins was the pick for Bredon; fast, straight and full, he bowed a miserly spell of three overs for no runs with three wickets.
All five batting pairs made a positive contribution to the Bredon total, with a more circumspect approach than in recent weeks ensuring only a few wickets were conceded.
Despite resisting the temptation to smash every ball, the scoreboard still rattled along, with many playing scoring boundaries.
Special mention goes to Tom Washbourne, who showed his older team mates the way by batting carefully but still striking two sumptuous fours.
The final word was left to George and Tolly who, batting last, put Bredon out of reach.
A tremendous over saw Tolly smash the very first six of the season and follow up with two further boundaries, leaving Bredon on 285, and comfortable winners.
A very big thank-you to Trevor and all the parents at Harvington for hosting the fixture and providing fantastic hospitality.
The hot dogs at the end of the game were delicious and we hope to return the favour next season.
