Lord almighty that was one of the most tense games of cricket I’ve watched.

County cup quarter final, away at Stanmore CC. The team we played last night won the U10 cup last season. More or less made up exclusively of county and borough players. But that didn’t phase our U11As. Undefeated this season.

Captain Alfie won the toss and elected to bat on what looked like a flat track with small boundaries, and with a strong bowling attack we backed ourselves to defend.

The innings got off to a poor start with Arjun getting yorked first ball. Alfie and Aarush steadied the ship but on 33-2 after 5, Alfie top edged one straight up leaving us in a spot of bother. Judah came and went a few balls after bringing Bal to the crease. At this point Aarush was into his flow and carried on his good form with the bat, as we got up to 70-4 from 10. We then somewhat collapsed. Both Aarush and Bal departed, Fin struck on the pad dead in front, before 2 calamitous run outs. This brought Ben W to the crease, who was struck on the thigh first ball. Going off injured, he was back out there a few balls later, and soldiered through as we gained a valuable extra 12 runs. We were bowled out for 92 in 14.4 overs which was hugely disappointing, with the majority of the lads giving their wickets away.

The team talk at the break was one of reflection and calming. We’d had our nervous panic, suffered as a result of it, but had somewhat of a score to defend.

Aarush and Judah opening up, who have been phenomenal with the ball all season, I was expecting a good start. But not quite like what we saw.

The first over was a double wicket maiden. Aarush finding the edge twice, neatly caught behind by Alfie. In his next over, Aarush clattered the off stump. Next up was Judah’s turn to get in on the action. A smart piece of thinking and a good direct hit saw him pick up a run out off his own bowling.

Aarush’s 3rd over saw him pick up another 2 wickets, before a caught and bowled for Judah. Aarush’s 4th saw a wicket off his final ball, finishing with figures of 4-1-7-6.

By this point, Stanmore were 22-7 from 7!!

Fin, Bal and Kiran came on following a monstrous opening spell, but Stanmore rallied and required runs slowly ticked down. But it was Fin who got the break through - the ball before a head high Beamer, the next a full and straight beauty castling the Stanmore resistance.

Sachith came on to wrap things up, and he only took 3 balls, with our oppo dismissed for 63 in 14.3 overs.

In terms of comebacks, one of the best I’ve seen. In terms of team spirit in 2nd innings, best I’ve seen.

Every boy contributed whether it be diving stops in the field, unrelenting energy or putting their body on the line.

Aarush the obvious man of the match, but as has been the case all season, everyone raised their game and pulled off a special special victory.

Primrose Hill await in the semi finals - should be a belter!

Totteridge Millhillians CC

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