U15's Anguish

Having won four in four ( including a friendly win against Spencer) the U15's entertained Dulwich fully knowing this was going to be one of their sternest tests of the season. Against a backdrop of awful weather conditions (heavy rain showers with gusty winds thrown in for good measure) the team took to the field first. Basically, the weather made playing conditions extremely diificult for both batsmen and fielders but especially for the spinners who found it very testing with a wet ball and cold hands!

Nevertheless after Dulwich starting well, 27 off 5 for no wicket, Addiscombe began to peg them back. Wickets were shared around with Max, Jared and Tom Kuhrt all getting two apiece plus Tom Smith, Cameron and Nikhil all getting one. Generally, the whole team had to dig in and fight hard to restrict Dulwich to a total we felt we could chase in the conditions. In the end Dulwich were all out for 106 in just over 20 overs. A target we could effectively chase down.

Just as our opening batsmen walked out the heavens opened once more with a heavy shower and play was suspended for 10 minutes or so. Upon resuming it was clear that Dulwich bowlers were going to give nothing away and every run was going to have to be fought for. With the opening wickets falling early Addiscombe were struggling. After 7 overs we were 14 for 3 and after 10 overs, 25 for 3. Credit to Tom Smith and Aaron who started to fight back and when Aaron fell we were on 47. Nikhil joined Tom and the run rate started to improve but Tom fell on 33 to leave us 62 for 5. Nikhil then took the fight to Dulwich and although partners came and went it looked like we might just snatch the win. Unfortunately, with 6 needed off the final over we were only able to score 4 and agonisingly lost the match by 1 run!

Our first and extremely disappointing loss of the season, hopefully we shall be able to bounce back with a win our next match and get back on the winning trail.