Match Report

VRA U 13 79 v 3 - ACC 77 a.o.

Hat-trick hero Christian is highlight of strong all-round team performance

The pitch looked in fine condition and the clouds were still covering the sky as the sun was trying to break through – the much anticipated opening game for the VRA U13 was now upon us. Our local rivals, ACC, won the toss and, after considering the conditions, elected to bat.

Kiran and Shashank opened the bowling for VRA in fine form with both initially restricting the runs and then taking an early wicket each as the opening pair of batsmen were dismissed for 20 runs. A solid and potentially dangerous partnership then developed between Beer Oldenhof and Sikander who moved the score on to 50. A further change in bowling allowed Guy to break the pairing with his very first ball removing the bails. He was then unlucky to not collect a further two wickets in his opening over as VRA were unable to hold a couple of catches. However it was not long before VRA redeemed themselves through some smart fielding and a strong throw from Gurwinder allowed Matthew to whip off the bails to run-out Harshman.

Karanvir then bowled the high scoring Sikander (19) and when Stian took the wicket of Azad, who had started strongly with two quick boundaries, ACC had reached 76-6 with 6 overs still to go. Karanvir then continued his quick bowling beating the new batsman with a sharp delivery. The magic was still to come though as Christian then came on to produce an extraordinary and memorable end to the innings through a devastating hat-trick. Thomas took a fantastic one-handed catch at mid-off prior to Christian himself then removing the stumps of the last two batsmen in successive balls. The final 5 wickets had fallen for only 1 run as VRA had restricted ACC to a total of 77.

Kiran and Matthew opened the batting for VRA, knowing that a strong foundation would set up the innings for others to follow. The quick opening bowlers for ACC found additional bounce in the pitch which both batsmen managed well, with Matthew cutting the ball on the offside on a number of occasions. The pair put on 27 prior to Kiran being beaten by some very smart spin bowling from Saquib. Matthew then hit the first boundary over mid wicket prior to being bowled (for 10) to a ball that kept low just as he looked to be setting himself up for a bigger score.

Gurwinder and Shahir then maintained the solid start as they the moved the score on smartly. Their partnership reached nearly 40 through some strong attacking batting - Shahir scoring a four and Gurwinder breaching the inner circle of fielders on a number of occasions with some power hitting. When Shahir was bowled for 9, VRA had reached 71-3. A few balls later Gurwinder (23 n.o) beat the field again – this time crossing the boundary for four and winning the game for VRA.

A very successful and well deserved victory for VRA U13 highlighted the great all round strength in depth of the team. It will though be remembered for the superb hat-trick achievement of Christian who led the team off the pitch with a well earned large smile – great fun and a winning start. Bring on the next game.

Neil Freeman