GPRCC Under-11 took to the wicket for the last time this year facing an opposition with 12 players, yet confidence was high as captain Amar decided to field, a tactic that has served well this year.
Indeed, apart from a few extras no actual run was recorded until the 5th over when the single was matched by a straight 'bowled' and in truth the home side were always pretty much in control after that.
Newham certainly did as agreed, sending out their more experienced players late on and they managed to put on 23 runs through overs 13-20 but with the extra four overs taking their toll, only managed a score of 254 and were held to actual runs totalling 26. Wickets fell to Dan (bowled), Fred (caught Aryan), Yash (caught James), James (bowled x 2) Run-out and Aryan (bowled x 3). Beside this our two young players Amar and Ryan just out of under-9s managed 2 overs for just 4 runs.
The home manager seemed pretty confident throughout the run chase and they kept the target within sight all the way through. An excellent run of partnerships saw combined 4-over totals of 13 (Fred/Amar), 25 (Dylan/Oliver) and 28 (James/Yash) and after 20 overs Gidea Park had 282 on the board and were set the target of 300 by their supporters.
At 288 after 22 and 290 an over later, the game was over but the players started to cheer their colleagues through the final six balls, desperate to see those illusive 10 runs and having run together superbly through the main partnership, Dylan and Oliver left themselves 2 runs needed off the final ball.
To chants of 'two more runs, two more runs' the pair lifted their bats in the air as they completed the target to cheers of parents and players, and the relief of the manager!
What a fantastic end to an excellent season. Every player has contributed in a valuable way and the team spirit has been infectious.
Its a shame there can't be more.
Thank you all for your support.