There was disappointment for Bredon’s plucky Under 12s, who lost out to Alcester and Ragley in the Cotswold Hills League shield final on Sunday.
The boys, who have been playing a year up all season, struggled to cope with their opponents’ superior bowling.
Alcester and Ragley finished winners with a score of 277 for 3 after a match played in brilliant sunshine at Evesham cricket ground.
Alcester and Ragley won the toss and elected to bowl, taking an early wicket with their second ball.
Bredon fought back with several boundaries from Ollie McGrath and some quick running between the wickets by Cole Notley. They ended their total after four overs at 229 for 2.
Alcester and Ragley took four wickets in quick succession, chipping away at Bredon’s total.
Bredon’s William Wilson and Eashan Patel deployed an array of defensive shots to keep the opposition’s accurate bowlers from taking more precious runs away from the total.
The third pair, Reuben Pawley and Luke Plane, fought back hard, putting the pressure back on Alcester and Ragley’s bowlers.
The last pair came to the crease with the score at 235 for 8 needing a successful four overs.
Reuben Ibbotson smashed two early boundaries to boost the Bredon’s total and confidence, but Alcester and Ragley bowled beautifully at the stumps to fight back with two quick wickets.
Dylan Simmonds played some lovely strokes at the other end to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Reuben finished off with a further two big hits, finishing Bredon on 253 for 11.
It was a terrific bowling and fielding display.
Alcester and Ragley took to the crease looking confident and ending their first four overs 220 for no wicket.
Dylan Simmonds struck first for Bredon with a first-ball wicket.
Alcester and Ragley pulled back with great batting and determination, raising the total to 244 for 2.
Reuben Pawley got Bredon’s second wicket.
Alcester took the driving seat, adding runs with ease over the next four overs before Luke Plane hit the stumps to give Bredon a boost.
Alcester took the lead at 269 for 3, with Bredon needing wickets to win.
William Wilson, Cole Notley and Rueben Ibbotson bowled tight, only conceding four runs off the bat.
A big thanks to both teams for a great final that was played at a high standard with great sportsmanship.
Thanks also to Mark Dixon, Jon Bassett and his wife for making the day a success as always, with the use of the great facilities.
Mark Notley