Up for the Cup!!

Reading CC U15's started the season in fine style on a cold and overcast evening at Sonning Lane on Friday. With some of Purley's players delayed from a school game, we agreed to put Purley into bat first so that we could get the game started but with overcast conditions, shortened the game to 18 overs per side.
Our opening bowlers of Callum and Xavier limited Purley's openers to just 13 runs in the first 4 overs. Our further bowlers of Kishore, Ralph, Hayden, Pranav and Zishan kept the pressure with some consistent and impressive bowling. With the help of some good fielding and catching, despite lack of match practice, we restricted Purley to 74 for 6 in their 18 overs.
Reading's innings didn't get off to the best of starts with Zishan bowled first ball with some quick opening bowling from Purley. Ralph and Kishore showed great maturity in staying calm and rebuilding the innings with plenty of 1's and 2's and good running to build a 44 run partnership before Ralph was caught for 18. Kishore (21 N.O.) and Ollie (9 N.O.) safely saw the team home in the rapidly fading light with 5 overs and 2 balls to spare. Thanks to Purley for their sportsmanship in continuing to play, the match could easily have been abandoned due to the light.
Thanks also to the 3 players that didn't get a bat or bowl today (Elliott,Daniel and Gaarjuran) and also to Idris. There will be plenty more chances this season, starting with our first U15 league match on Tuesday. I understand that there are some school matches on Tuesday, please confirm your availability (as with today, the game is at home at 6pm, 5.30pm meet).
Finally thanks to Bala for umpiring, Shub for helping whilst I was scoring and everyone else who came to support and help with refreshments. That's 2 cup victories in the week for the U15's and U13's so a great start to the season for the colts.
Chris (U15 Team Manager. mob: 07879 491339)