U14s - So near and yet so far!

Playing away to Cheam (League)
Cheam 139 for 2 off 20 overs - ACC 138 for 5 off 20 overs
Result: Lost

Having finished last season second in our league, hopes were high of carrying on with another solid performance in the first game of the season.

We won the toss and elected to bowl on what will probably be the best pitch we'll play on all year (playing on Cheam's top square).
Usama and Reegan opened the bowling, both keeping to a tidy line and length, the batsmen though, looked at ease fending off the quick bowling with some nice shots. Usama bowled his four overs straight through returning figures of 0 for 17, Reegan picked up a wicket courtesy of a catch by Ewan. With a change in the attack came a change in attitude from the batsmen, with a more attacking approach evident. Daniel picked up a wicket in his second over with his first three overs returning figures of 1 for 16, but with his last over having 15 taken from it he ended with 1 for 31 off his four overs. The attacking approach from the opposition meant other bowlers on the day were all expensive with their 8 overs combined having 81 runs scored from them. Reegan was the pick of the bowlers finishing with 1 for 8 off 4 overs.
Fielding on the whole was good with Josh doing a sound job behind the stumps. Extras totalled 18 with 13 of those coming from wides.

A target of 140 to win was a tall order but we knew we had the potential to reach it. Ewan and Josh opened up and both did well to keep the score ticking over and playing the opening bowler, who was quick and accurate, well until Josh (9) was yorked in the third over. Enter Usama (70) to the crease, who showed intent from the off proceeding to dispatch the ball to all parts, mixed in with singles to keep the score moving along, all the way through to the last over. Up to the last over Usama was well supported by Ewan (7), Callum (10) and Adam (21 not out); Adam completing his best innings for ACC to date with some good leg sides shots and quick running between the wickets.
Come the last over and we need 8 to win with Adam facing and Usama at the non-striking end, the bowler is their best bowler who is fast and straight and its not far off dark: Dot followed by a well run 2, wide-ball with a run from it, Usama now on strike and another 2, Usama bowled! Two balls left with Robert at the crease and 2 to win: miss. Last ball and we just need to get a touch on the ball and then run to secure at least a tie but the its a great ball and Robert is cleaned bowled to secure the win for Cheam.

A really good game and a great effort by both teams, there really wasn't anything to separate them on the night. Shame there had to be a loser.