U15's ‘A’ vs Old Northamptonians

Wednesday evening saw the U15’s ‘A’ host Old Northamptonians for another home fixture on a very hot & humid evening. Once again, we started a player short after challenges of self-isolation, School trips & ill health all impacting availability & selection this week. Undeterred and with our usual ‘We are Horton’ spirit, we set about the challenge against an always strong ON’s side.

Winning the toss Ben elected to bat, to avoid his 10-man squad fielding the Horton pitch in the high heat of the barmy evening. Harry & Asad set off to a confidant start with 9 runs on the scoreboard at the end of the 2nd over. Unfortunately then the innings started to unravel, with a double wicket maiden in the 3rd over and the loss of more wickets in the 5th & 6th overs we had already stumbled to 19 for 4, with only Harry managing to hold out a effective defence. Miles came to the crease and played a very controlled innings for 10 overs but was unable to progress the run rate significantly. Debutant for the A’s Haris top scored with some beautifully timed shots to score 10 runs, whilst his debutant brother Adam also played out his innings (thanks to a sporting ON’s to allow the last man to play out) to make his own mark on the scoreboard. Overall we were all out for a disappointing 66 and knew that we faced an almost impossible task to contain the ON’s batsmen.

ON’s openers rapidly set about their task and accelerated to soon be in touching distance of the winning line. A consolation run out in the penultimate over was a nice piece of teamwork for the home team with Ted cutting off a well struck drive to enable Ben to throw into the bowlers hands for Asad to remove the bails. Unfortunately, it was all over just a couple of balls later.

Shout outs to Ted who once again was Star fielder (although his shin's might be sore today) and Haris who kept wicket very well keeping the byes to a minimum.

As always thanks to the team, who for two consecutive weeks have had to face the disappointment of playing in below full strength teams against the strongest opponents in our league. Thanks also to our parent supporters for assistance with ground setup, running the bar and helping to pick up some bruised ego's after the experience of this game…

Our first away game next week at Overstone and School Trips, COVID & everything else allowing we will aim to be back at full strength and enjoying a competitive match.

Chris Meachem
Under 15 ‘A’ Coach