The weather was looking like an imminent threat to our match with Sparsholt A as it was torrential in Easton village and Itchen Abbas as we set off – but strangely the ground at Twyford Cricket Club was as dry as a bone tho’ dark clouds loomed in the sky and drizzled upon us in the first few overs.

Sparsholt won the toss and decided to bowl first. EMW batsmen Alex Miles and Joey Mitchell got us off to a good start as Alex got a 4 on his first ball while Joey carefully played himself in as he had an injured knee and needed a runner. Alex was caught out by Joseph from Sparsholt after his second 4 but Ludo Knatchbull and Joey formed a strong partnership until Joey was run out on 24. Ludo then accompanied Freddie Watson-Smith, Harrison Hill and Jamie Dunn, who hit some lovely fours in the slip before being run out. Everyone from EMW got to bat as attempts to raise the run rate resulted in five run outs. Jack from Sparsholt was badly injured slipping on a ball saving a 4 from Kyle Davey. Play was stopped two runs short of the 20th over and an Ambulance was called for Jack. EMW scored 109 for 9 at the end of the innings.

Once Jack was taken off to hospital by the paramedics, giggling from the effects of laughing gas to the relief of his team mates, the second innings commenced in bright sunshine. Harrison Hill of EMW bowled Sparsholt’s first batsman on the very first ball of the innings (a Diamond Duck). Elliott Collier – Sparsholt’s second batsman survived the whole innings – getting 10 runs while his team mates were slaughtered by EMW’s attentive and responsive bowling and fielding. Harrison got three wickets in two overs – with catches by Thomas Siddall and Alex Miles. Thomas Siddall, Alex Miles and Freddie Watson Smith executed a run out each, Ludo and Thomas bowled a man each, and Ludo made an incredible catch at slip. Captain Joey gave every boy a chance to bowl with every player for Easton on best fighting form and Freddie Watson-Smith getting two maiden overs and one wicket maiden. Sparsholt had to put Elliotts older sister in Jack’s place and only managed 48 runs before the end – two balls short of the 20 over.

Carole Warmington the U11s results co-ordinator for Winchester Warriors complimented both teams on their impressive performances particularly the wicket keepers; and made Ludo Knatchbull of EMWCC man of the match. Celebrations followed at the Bugle Inn….