Under 16s - Wales (2)

But lose in Last Over

(2) The side enjoyed their excellent tea with cautious optimism with the Welsh possible uncertainty. However a first wicket partnership of 97 off 141 balls created the side’s second deep crevice and some magic was needed. Enter Seb Benton, obviously now over the disappointment of not getting his 50 he then played his second crucial part in the game as he took two wickets in his third over, he bowled Jones two short of his 50 and then James Parkin picked up Glover at square leg. Benton then bowled the other opener Campion. Garry Chappell trapped Blackwell in front and Wales were not so well placed at 118-4. Jenkins was to embark on a critical innings as he put on first 25 with Williams who Benton well held in the deep off Eliot Acton and a vital 30 with Sullivan who offered a chance which was not taken at square leg by the first space cadet at this age since Sidmouth’s Will Murray and he certainly has gone on to great things, fortunately Seward held him shortly afterwards again off Benton who finished with the impressive figures of 4-30 off ten. Eventually Robinson had Jenkins leg before for an excellent 40 but it had taken his side to a now comfortable 190, Jenkins only chance was a difficult leg side stumping and had guided his side with some style. Unfortunately overs 44 and 46 had yielded 20 runs to help relieve the visitor’s pressure and seven were needed with fourteen balls left - keen fielding, kept up the pressure which included an underarm flick sadly on the lean back that was too high for Hardy with the batsmen stone cold and the final over had arrived with 5 needed. On the fourth ball Lovering opened his account with a straight four – game over. At least the sides initial target of 200 had been realistic and interestingly comparing the two innings it had been nip and tuck. Listening to Roger Black on Radio Five Alive on the way home his view is that you use defeat to get better - we all concur with that sentiment.

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