U11s - FCC vs Hampstead

Big game – early season title decider maybe? Looks like it may be between Finchley and Hampstead this year. Here goes…

FCC won the toss and chose to bat with a few changes to the batting order. No matter, a steady opening partnership of 23 ensues between Rayaan Alibhai and Sonny Synett, until Sonny out to a screaming one-handed catch with the fielder taking it in full flight (according to his dad on the boundary, I was temporarily distracted and didn’t see it). Rishi Mehta then makes a quick fire 32 as is his wont, including 3 fours off the first 3 balls. Talk about setting the tone. Then Rayaan out bowled for 23 and Elliott out quickly to a catch at mid-on, leaving the score at 75 for 4 after 8 overs.

Sachin Tibarewala and Jake Schapkaitz to the crease, moving the score to 92 for 4 after 12. Need to up the run rate! Could be looking at 150 plus but need to get a move on now. Tight, consistent bowling is making it difficult though and we can’t rely on extras in this innings to bolster the score. Jake fancies it, a lofted drive dropped then - bowled for 2. Five down, careful boys!

Seyan Patel to the crease, looking to get off the mark but the ball is wide. 97 for 4 after 13. Breeze is stiffening, as is my resolve not to have a beer tonight - it’s only Monday! Thanks for the offer though Jonny. Beamer for two more byes, and another! This is useful so long as Rayaan keeps his head out of the way. 100 up…

Risky running now, out with a direct hit but the fielder misses. Then a run out - Sachin for 22, a useful innings, well played. 6 down, we still need 30+ I think. Nico to the crease…not a Boycott innings please! Two pushes and a miss down leg side, 106 for 6 after 15. Stylish defence but only 1 off the over. The 4 to Seyan; who’s then beaten with a quick one; and 2 singles to finish the over, 113 after 17. Single to Nico, 4 to Rayaan…and my battery’s going! Time to move to the phone for the rest of the commentary. Good over next, 8 off it, 121 for 6. Smashed to mid-on for 4 by Seyan; 130 with one over to go. 3 dot balls and Seyan caught going for a big one, no blame there. Batsmen crossed, Nico to face - but rules say incoming batsman must face the next ball. Dawud Ali with a challenge and a fine cut for 4 first ball; then a single. 135 for 6 final score. Competitive, but is it enough?

Hampstead to bat after a short interval, and I’m late having finally succumbed to having a beer. Can we make the break a bit longer please? First over a maiden from Rishi - fantastic. Sonny to bowl second, another tight over, 5 from it. Rishi bowling fast but 4 off a glance then 4 byes past the keeper…don’t need that! But first wicket down quickly, clean bowled, Rishi deserved that after a bit of bad luck. Batsman all at sea, simply too quick. 14 for one after 3. And that was their main batsman, apparently not been dismissed all summer, but then he hadn’t played against us! Moving on, nearly a run out even with a fumble. Great bowling Sonny, keeping it tight, applying the pressure. Romil appears with a jug of refreshment - shame I just got a round in! 17 for one after 4.

Jake to bowl now with some pace. 23 for 1 after 6 and a controlled over. Looking good, this run rate not enough for Hampstead. Misfield from Elliot - his dads not impressed- for 4 off Dawud and then a caught and bowled! Was that a slower ball? 2 down and Jake to bowl again, beating the bat with pace. But smashed through mid-off for 4 lovely shot. 37 for 2 off 8. Rare short delivery from Dawud smashed through cover for 4, but only that 4 off the over. 41 for 2 off 9. Aryan to bowl now, giving it plenty of air - couple of singles then a smart catch to Aman. 3rd wicket down. Batsman can’t pick this bowling, looks easy but then it drifts and turns from height. Nearly a run out. 44 for 3 after 10. Aman to bowl and a LBW shout; and another; a maiden over, 44 for 3 after 12. Aryan causing all sorts of problems and a throw from Nico for the run out! 4th wicket down.

At 49 for 4 after 12 its looking good for Finchley. Aman with pace then clean bowls the next batsman. Elliott bowling fast spin - very parsimonious (look it up) and apart from a wide a mean over. Seyan keeping really well this innings too, and its 64 for 5 off 15. Game over? Rayaan to bowl but same story for Hampstead, 76 for 5 off 17. Nico takes an over – good, otherwise I’d have to listen to him moaning about not getting a bowl later – and starts with a full toss but good fielding for just a single. Then nicked past slip for 4…and my colleague Rishi calls for a field change from the boundary! Three balls in and Nico’s found his length. 86 for 5 off 18. A skied catch to Rishi off Rayaan’s bowling and 6th wicket down. 93 for 6 after 19 and Dawud to bowl the last. First ball keeps low and beats Seyan, then Nico, for 4. An LBW shout – waste of time, Amit’s umpiring…Finchley keen to keep them below 100 with the fielders in, great to see this competitive spirit, but last ball smashed for 4. 103 for 6 after and a comfortable win by 32 runs. Solid.

The chat on the boundary is that Hampstead were missing a few good players but I’m having none of it. Finchley were superior in every department and deservedly top the league. Onwards!

**Match Report by - Paul Kirkham