Every team from U10s - U15s were in action on a succession of sunny evenings this week. For a full run down on the week's results, click here. The match reports this week, in the capable hands of wordsmith Paul Kirkham, focus on the mighty U11s:

Hampstead CC vs FCC u11s
U11 Cup Semi-final
June 10th 2022

The big one. Cup semi-final. Can’t wait, this is going to be epic. Most memorable semi-final? Liverpool – Barcelona, 2019 Champions League, is up there, 4-0 Liverpool after being 3-0 down at the Nou Camp. So is Australia – South Africa in the 1999 World Cup, with Allan Donald not moving out of his crease and running out the awesome Lance Klusener with some comedy cricket. But it has to be Manchester United – Arsenal, FA Cup, 1999. A United win of course, en route to the treble, and Ryan Giggs’ celebration. Timeless. And shirtless. But this is going to be better…I wonder who’s going to run shirtless round the ground after this one?

Lost the toss but no matter, we’re batting first and Nico and Rayaan to open. Last year we lost to Highgate after some controversial scoring and umpiring decisions, but this feels like our time now. Time to start booking the hotels and flights for the big final? Maybe best not to get ahead of ourselves, there’s a game to play. Beautiful evening in Hampstead though. Manicured pitch, beautifully laid out, tennis being played on the adjacent courts. Cold beers in the cool box and all set. Chair’s a bit uncomfortable though, left my last one at Alexandra Park CC last week so using a cheap service station replacement. Might leave this one behind too, not really Hampstead CC standard. And parking was a bit rubbish, had to walk miles with several bags to get here.

First over, Nico Ponzoni Kirkham to face. Block. Block. Miss. Block. Push. Block. Maiden. Steady start! I can see he’s determined to set a base. Rayaan Alibhai to face the second, a streaky single and he’s off the mark. Bowling is fast down the slope onto a green and unpredictable Hampstead wicket, tricky. Another streaky single to Nico, 2 for none off 2. Low scoring game ahead? I can feel the tension already. But no, Nico’s bowled to one that keeps low, he played across the line and it didn’t bounce. First wicket down and captain Rishi Mehta to the crease. Bowling attack looks sharp and this isn’t easy for the batters. 5 for 1 after 3. First pull to square from Rishi for 2 – the fielder touched the ropes! Four not given, might remember that later in the game if its tight, and its 10 for 1 after 4. A four from Rishi, beautiful chip to mid-on. Suddenly the boundary looks short. 14 for 1 after 5. Long way to go. Plenty of batting to come. Please insert a positive cliche of your choice here…

They’ve brought their leggie into the attack. Romil says he’s the best on the circuit. Looks good, but Ray’s keeping him out. Only 16 for one after 6 and nearly a sharp catch back to the bowler from Rayaan. Careful! But next one goes for 4, beautiful. A sharp push from Rayaan hits Rishi in the arm, ice pack needed. That hurt, time out needed. Ice from Sam’s coolbox, not good for the beers but when needs must a sacrifice is needed.

Back to the action and smacked through the offside for 4 by Reyaan, good over and it’s now 27 for 1 after 7. But the leggies back, need to keep him out and punish the poorer bowling. Rey lofts one to long off, but the fielder drops it, that’s helpful. Shouts of unlucky from our side not really coming from the heart, it was in his hands cleanly. 34 for 1 after 9. Need to start getting that run rate up I think if we’re to post a decent total.

Risky run on a misfield, Rey nearly runs himself out but dives over the line Tom Daley style and they take 2. Only 39 after 10 overs, I’m having second thoughts about my plans for the final. Have faith!

Change of ends and they’re bowling up the hill now, this might change the game a bit and right on cue Rey lifts one back over the bowler’s head for 4. Next one had boundary written all over it, but the bowler gets a hand to it, could have been an A&E job. Apparently, we have at least two doctors in attendance (this is Hampstead after all, there’s no doubt a smattering of lawyers too should any legalities ensue) but one’s a gynaecologist. No further comment…

Another 4. Rate is accelerating and its 49 for 1 off 11, this is more positive now. It’s the leggie’s last over I think…I hope…let’s see. Rishi’s got the measure of him though, stroking singles round the ground at will. 4 off the over and its 53 for 1 after 12. Lofted to the onside boundary by Rey, good effort at the catch but goes over the ropes for another 4. Breeze is getting up, a bit chilly now, and a swing and a miss from Rishi followed by an edge for 4. That’ll do nicely. 64 for 1 after 13. Different game bowling up the hill.

Another edge for 4 from Reyaan, good sign this when the mis-hits are clearing the field. And what a shot from Rey, cut to square, beautiful. Pulled to backward square (I’ve been learning the field positions…) for another 4 and the scoreboard is ticking, helped by 4 byes through the keeper. 82 for 1 after 14. Field has pushed right back now, no pressure on the batsmen but hard to hit a boundary. Single’s always on though, sharp running from these two keeps things moving. 93 for 1 off 15, so maybe 40 off the last 5? Rey’s on 47 now, a 50 would be well deserved. And I reckon we need 140 minimum. One keeps low, this uneven bounce is normal for a Hampstead wicket I’m reliably informed. Sharp return catch? He’s put it down, there have been a few dropped today. 100’s up! 101 for 1 after 16. All the fielders right on the boundary now, that’s like raising the white flag! 4 byes through the keeper helps. Another one keeps low and hits the pads but Amit’s umpiring so no LBW, naturally. And it's 50 for Reyaan, fantastic innings after a tough start. 109 for 1 off 17, three more to go. 130+ is on here.

4 more through the keeper and a straight four over the bowler’s head from Rishi, lovely, to bring up his own 50. What a partnership! 12 off the over and 121 for 1 with two overs to go. Back through the bowler’s hands, then extra runs on overthrows so three taken, sharp running. Appeal for a stumping but thankfully Amit’s at square leg now, that’s not being given. What a pull from Rishi for 4 to the leg side, this is exciting stuff. More overthrows, scrambled running, over finishes short a ball and they have to stop the next bowler whose starting his run up to get the previous one back. A run out! What more do you want, this is non-stop! Rishi’s out for a fantastic 57 and Sachin Tibarewala’s on strike, he needs to push a single and get Rey back on strike. 132 off 19. Well done Sach, good running and Reyaan is back on strike for the last few balls. Good bowling though and just a single, then another, 2 balls to go – and Rey hits a maximum and we cross 140 with one ball to go, amazing. A single from the last ball and we set a total of 142, that is truly amazing after a very slow start thatks to a 130 run partnership between Rey and Rishi. Half time. All to play for. Etc.

After a very short break Rishi to open the bowling, up the hill - our choice apparently but a tough call, will it ay off? First run is a bye. They apparently have a star batsman – the very same leggie! - we need to work him out. Hit on the pads then chance of a catch but falls short. Hit on the pads again and a good first over, 5 off it but no clean hitting. Jake to bowl the second, two dots and a wide. Good line outside off stump though. Full toss and a no ball and a scrambled run. 12 off two, I suspect we are going to need wickets here. Nice glance to third man brings the first boundary, and I’m getting worried. 4 byes through fine leg and 23 for 3 off three, out total looks in danger. But a tight over from Jake Schapkaitz and its 25 off 4, a few more overs like that would be just the ticket.

Dawud Ali to bowl and the first one nicked fine and beats the fielder for 4. A throw hits the stumps but the batsman’s home, they’re running well now. 32 off 5, just below the asking rate but no wickets down. 3 dots from Judah then a nice square cut for 4, they’ve started better than we did for sure. Nice recovery from Judah Ndukwe though and only 5 off the over, 37 after 6. Dawud’s keeping it tight, only singles and Aarav Patel throws and breaks the wicket, but a wide called and no run out given. Now Dawud’s got the big one! Clean bowled, just what was needed! 42 for 1 off 7. Rishi is unplayable this over, 5 dots so far and just one off the last ball, great over. 43 after 8. Putting the squeeze on now, this is possibly a match-winning spell. And 44 for 1 off 9, great over from Judah. Aman Raja to bowl, left arm over, fielding is sharp. Putting the press on now but one flips through the field for a 4. Fielder was too close in. Over and 51 for 1 off 10, they need 91 off the last 10 now that’s quite a big ask - even though we averaged 10 off the last 10, its different when you’re chasing! Even Stevens I reckon at this stage.

Aryan Bavishi to bowl now, a slice to third man for 2, nearly a run out next ball. This is tense stuff, it’s going down to the wire for sure. Stroked through cover for 4, that’s a great shot it has to be said. Good comeback from Aryan, 8 from the over and its 59 for 1 after 11. Rishi’s hurt himself again with a great stop at mid-wicket, but the general consensus round here is he’s not coming off the pitch unless he’s broken both legs, he’s needed! Aman gets a nick but just wide of the keeper, there’s a wicket coming methinks. Great over its 62 for 1 after 12. Straight fours of Aryan’s first two balls next over but he keeps his nerve and a dot ball next, just two singles to finish the over an it’s 72 for 1 after 13.

Good ball from Rishi but through the keeper and third man for 4 byes, undeserved. Then Dot. Dot. Dot. Dot. Single (bye). Great over, only 5 from it and 77 after 14. Brilliant catch from Rishi off Dawud but it hit the ground first, tough call. Cut for 4, lovely shot. Coach Rishi calls for fielders to go on the boundary, he’s getting anxious! A squeaky 2, great fielding on the boundary from Aryan and just a single, an eventful over and its 86 for 1 off 15. 57 off 5 is the equation now. And I’m having another beer to calm the nerves. A 4 through the keeper, two fielders couldn’t cut it off - come on boys we don’t need comedy cricket at this stage! Lovely cut for another 4 and we’re worried again, need to keep it tight. Finchley parents are o their feet and proffering advice of all kinds, they’re more tense than the players. 96 off 16, 47 off 4 required. Aman to bowl the 17th, single then a wide, the hundred’s up with another single, then another - and a wicket to take the pressure off! Just in time! Clean bowled, great ball. 104 off 17, and my battery is getting low to add to the stress. Jake to bowl the 18th, 39 needed off 3. That rate’s creeping up…Coach Rishi and Romil have gone behind third man to rearrange the field to stop any leakage. A tight over now wins the game…but a loose full toss goes for 6 and a no ball. Aargh! I can’t take this! Panic in the middle on an overthrow, one to come, Judah prevents a boundary and over. This is a repeat of last year. 28 needed off 2. Dawud to bowl the 19th. Man, this is exciting! Judah takes an amazing catch on the boundary but - he’s judged to have stepped over the rope, oh no, it’s a 6. Unbelievable. Remember that four for us earlier in the game that wasn’t given? Now two overthrows, what’s going on - 3 runs off that ball. Calm down is the call. Now Rayaan takes a catch and inside the ropes this time. Brilliant cricket. 19 off 8 balls required, 2 to come in this over. We can do this!

I’ve got 5% battery left. The crowd is on their feet on the boundary. New batsman to face. Run out!!!!

Jake to take the last over, 18 needed off 6. They take just a risky single, beautiful. 3% left on the battery. 4 byes through the keeper and past third man - what’s going on! 13 needed off 4. Another single, 12 needed off 3. And another single, 11 off 2. Jake’s got this now. Single and 10 needed off the last ball, surely we can’t lose this now? And it’s hit to Rishi for a catch off the last ball - WIN!!!! And what a game, what a finish, what a night! We’re in the final!

A few of us go back to the Finchley clubhouse to savour the success and share the stories, with a cake for Rishi’s birthday. Woody tells me that reading my reports is the highlight of his week. I’ll take the compliment but Woody, you need to take a close look at your life mate. Anyway, its on to the final and the next chapter. Great evening, thanks guys for the entertainment!

Finchley CC u11s A vs North London CC
Monday June 13th

After the highs of the cup semi-final, a less intense league game at North London – but they are our cup final opponents so a good opportunity to check them out. Bit of a stand-off over pitch allocation but eventually we’re sent to the main pitch, nice but Astro. Might be some unpredictable bounce. For some reason scorers and parents decide to set up on the far side, by a pavilion which looks closed and just a touch too far from the main bar and food which is most definitely open. Strategic planning guys…

North London win the toss and choose to bat; may be the better option for us to be chasing after the tense finale on Friday when we were defending. And with New Zealand now five down in their second innings with a lead till below 200, could be a good omen!

Jake Schapkaitz to open the bowling on a beautiful June evening, down the hill. North London are mid table in the league but I understand have been on a better run recently. But Jake’s beating the bat consistently in the first over and - 1st wicket down, clean bowled with his fifth ball. Great start! 4 for 1 after the first. Judah Ndukwe up next so no respite from the pace for the batsmen but first ball wide. Third man might be in for a busy night. Not many runs off the bat here just a few extras keeping the score ticking, slowly. And I can’t see the scoreboard, we’re not live on PlayCricket, and their scorers look a bit irritable so can’t keep asking… LBW appeal from Jake, not given by Rishi. 17 for 1 off 3, mostly extras though. Ah, just seen the scoreboard but no one’s changing it, not sure that’s my job. Judah’s radar is a bit off, when he gets the line right its unplayable though. A crisp yorker followed by 4 byes past the keeper. And now a misfield, 4 more. Think there’s a bit of a hangover from Friday, the boys look a little jaded. 27 for 1 off 4 and Sonny to try to bring some control to the attack. Nice glance through short 3rd man for 4. Next one caught behind? Not given. Snicko please!

Dawud Ali to bowl and 4 more overthrows, what’s going on? Pulled to the leg side for 4 more, field’s in a bit of disarray. 45 for 1 off 6. Better from Sonny, just 4 from his next over and 49 for 1 off 7. Need a few tight overs here. Elliott to bowl his spin, 3 dot balls and a great bit of fielding off his own bowling, then nearly a run out, he’s beating the bat and finishes a great over with a wicket, clean bowled! Fantastic, Jason reckons it’s one of the best overs he’s ever bowled. Just to annoy him I say I missed it so can’t put that in the report…but it was in fact a fantastic wicket maiden which was much needed.

New Zealand are 224 for 7 at close, this is going the be an exciting last day at Trent Bridge. Free tickets apparently, a trip up the M1 early doors? To see an England collapse? Usually a safe bet but this is the proverbial new era of Stokes and McCullum. I’m still betting on the collapse though, with Leach and Anderson batting out the last few overs for a tense draw.

Aman Raja to bowl now, keeping it tight, just a couple of singles and its 53 for 2 off 9, much better now from Finchley. Elliott back in the attack and a looping catch just falls wide of the keeper, then two runs - 3 backing up the throw though, sensible after the earlier performance. Half-way and its 57 for 2, but 12 off the next over from Judah. Come on Mathias - first ball a dot, then one to slip that didn’t carry, much better over this but a cut to the boundary off the last ball. Extras top scoring at the moment, but a nice straight drive for 4 adds to the misery off Dawud. 83 for 2 off 13, could be a big score. Pulled to square for a catch off Matias but falls short. Then a pull to square for 4. This is dangerous now. No intensity in the field. Aarav Patel to bowl, plenty of hopeful appealing but no results, then Nico Ponzoni Kirkham into the attack. 97 for 2 off 15. Double wicket maiden is the cry, no pressure then - but second ball down leg side and helped on its way for 4. 8 from the over and 105 for 2 off 16. Keep them under 130 might be chaseable?

Here comes Sachin Tibarewala, his second ball gets past Nico for another 4. We’re going to need a good batting performance tonight I fear unless we get some wickets here. Finally, a catch and the third wicket down, well taken Sonny! We needed that, a good innings from their batsman out for 40 though. Next ball same shot but Elliot spills the catch, a good over and its 110 after 17. Aarav Patel to bowl and immediately three’s action - a wide, LBW appeal, a throw that breaks the stumps, one that beats the bat, everything but a wicket! Four from the over and its 114 for 3 after 18. And time for a Jake celebration - second ball of his return to the attack takes the middle stump if not out of the ground, out of its frame! Good death bowling now, great over, slightly spoiled by a four off the last ball clipped to square though, 119 after 19. Last over to Aman, left arm over. Hard throw in from Sachin raises anxiety levels on the boundary but good backing up, then a four to mid-off, nice shot. Chipped to square leg, out! Great catch. Then one clean bowled, Aman’s on a hat trick next match I reckon.

125 for 6 after 20 over, extras spoiled it a bit, but we can still get this. Two wickets each for Jake and Aman, and one apiece for Sachin and Elliott. Time for a beer… but there’s a bit of aggro on the touch line, Jason’s had his beers confiscated by the groundsman who’s being a bit tetchy, but the Chairman has returned them with an apology. Well done Sir! If I’d known I would have one of Jason’s instead of spending my kids’ inheritance in their bar, on principle, but there are licensing issues apparently. Good piece of half- time entertainment though and Jason gets to take his beers back home*.

Seyan Patel and Sonny Synett to open for Finchley, bowler looks quick, but a helpful 4 byes through the keeper. Nice cut from Sonny, just stopped on the boundary. Sonny apparently used to play here, which explains why Jonny is hanging out with the opposition. Not sure I approve. 13 after 2, run rate’s on track but not too many off the bat. Spoke too soon, Seyan is clean bowled for 1 and Sachin to the wicket. Extras keeping things ticking for us like their first innings. 19 for 1 off 3. Flashed to third man from Sonny, great stop from the fielder, just a single. Mr Tendulkar pushes one square for 4, beautiful. And another. Great over. Then over mid-off for another 4. Risky two, just in. 39 for 1 off 5, well ahead of the rate now. Lofted over mid-on for two from Sachin, then overthrows. That all helps. 44 for 1 off 6. Sharp caught and bowled though, unlucky Sachin that was a good hit, he’s out for 14 after some lovely shots. Second wicket down. Aarav’s in, a bit of a messy interlude here, risky singles and appeals, need to settle it down. Lofted for 4 by Aarav and past the fielder for 4. 51 for 2 off 8, rate has slowed a bit. Sonny wakes up and smashes one through mid-on for 4. Jonny reckons he learned that shot during his time here. 57 for 2 off 9.

Square through the fielder’s legs for 4 off Aarav, thank you! And another pulled to mid-on. This is good stuff. Aarav’s dancing down the wicket like Stokesey now and its 67 for 2 off 10. On track at half-way. Steady running from these two, knocking off the singles and another good over, 70 off 11. Bit of tight bowling next over slowing us down, only four from it. No panic though, we have time. Visitors on the boundary still chuntering about the beers, general consensus is it’s a rule that is never respected. Jury’s out. Sonny hoist one full and straight but stops short of the boundary. The outfield has slowed, maybe a bit of dew, and nothing is reaching the boundary so some good running going on. Sonny’s retired for 21 and Elliot’s in now. Cut to square for 4, great shot. 85 for 2 off 14, 40 needed from 6. Doable. Another 4 from Elliott, pulled to square, he looks in good form and these two are progressing well. 91 for 2 off 15. Next over offering some buffet bowling - did that go for 4? Not given, but the next one does from Elliott, straight drive through the fielders hands. Pulled for 4 from Aarav, lovely hit. And he dances down the wicket again for another straight 4. 105 for 2 off 16. Great over. And another 4 from Elliot to mid-off, then a full toss dispatched to the same place. 118 off 17 and Aarav’s retired for 33, great innings. Nico’s in for the last couple of overs, 7 needed. Risky single and he’s off the mark. Thought he would have blocked it. Then Nico uncharacteristically dances down the wicket, but just a single. Elliott’s run out for a smart 23! Jason’s not happy, convinced he was in, but Rishi’s given it. Matias in next. 4 to win. Nico on strike, and he’s smashed one to square. Sir Geoffrey would not approve of that but its game over and a win by 7 wickets. The unbeaten run continues, and Finchley are 27 points clear of Hampstead after 8 matches.