Fabulous Finale for the U11s

What a stunning end to the Bingham Indoor for Blacklock, Cox, Devenney, Hefter and Rock.

Radcliffe Slytherin were sitting pretty, in second, with games in hand and accustomed to racking up 100+ runs in their 7 overs. Surely just a formality against the Keyworth quintet.

Rock won the toss and took the new ball himself, with Matt from the Plums as specialist fielder. Hefter was immediately in the action with a direct hit on the 2nd ball, the none striker stranded and back in the hutch without playing a shot. On two further occasions in the over Hefter removed the bails from range, this time the batsmen safe but definitely thinking twice. 13-1

Hefter and Blacklock, nursing a back injury, saw Radcliffe cut loose. 41-1 off 3 left 100 very much on the cards.

Cox came on and turned the tide with some excellent flight, with just 3 conceeded. With the fielding and batting both excellent the score was delicately poised at 65-1 with the final over remaining.

Hefter was entrusted with the responsibility and instantly made things happen. Both the opener and number 3 retired both retired on 27, before smart fielding by Blacklock created the second runout of the innings. 73-2.

Hefter and Cox opened up, with the former showing great technique and the latter wielding the willow. 9-0. Steady start. 9 balls of 'Carry on Keyworth' saw near run outs, misfields and edge of your seat running, before Hefter (9) couldn't quite make his ground after a brilliant straight drive. After running a 6, Cox (12) followed shortly after, leaving Devenney and Rock to 'Unleash Hell'.

40 was required off 24 deliveries -a whole repertoire of 4s, 6s, and constant procession of well worked 3s completely demoralised the Radcliffe fielders. Both boys raced to 22.

With 3 required off 12 balls, it was merely a matter of who would reach the 25 mark first. The honour fell to Devenney, with a deft cut that saw Rock scamper through, with 11 balls remaining. Absolutely phenomenal.

What a way to finish, and what tremendous impetus for the new season. Boys you made my day, and I am still smiling now. Brilliant.

Still Undefeated...

The penultimate round of the Bingham indoor saw last weeks 5 - Devenney, Blacklock, Rock, Cox and Phoenix pit themselves against Notts and Arnold, the only team left with a 100% record.

Blacklock won the toss and elected to field, with the attempt to keep Notts under a 100 for the first time in the competition. Matt, from the Plums, was drafted in as specialist fielder.

Blacklock opened tidily, although the hefty opener decided not to hang around, and sent the first of his maximums high into the netting. 9-0

Phoenix was at the end of a further 2 maximums but got his reward as a bullet stuck to the palms of 'buckets' Blacklock 21-1

Rock saw one disappear over his head before leg slip was pulled deep. Blacklock was then instrumental again, being alert to cause a smart run out. 36-2.

Cox was relieved to see the burly opener depart (27*) and was then in the wickets himself. A flat exorcet was nailed to the back wall, but stuck fantastically to the 'Mitts of Matt' - Brilliant take young man. 48-3.

Phoenix returned with 10 conceeded, 58-3, and was followed steadily by Rock, 67-3.

Blacklock had the honour of keeping a tight last over and took a tremendous caught and bowled, hard at his ankles. Unfortunatley this brought the retired opener back to the crease, but... Blacklock had the last word as an attempted maximum, was sliced straight down the throat of Cox. 78-5 off 7.

It was always going to be difficult in return, but Blacklock and Rock were determined. With the extras amassing it was difficult to get any rhythm. Blacklock eventually connected, but too hard, and it rebounded off the wall to the keeper, who didn't have to move. Cox followed next ball chipping to mid off - promptly asking if he could bat again later as he hadn't had a proper go! No, but nice try.

Devenney tried to steady the ship and played sensibly before Rock was bowled. Last man, Phoenix, came to the crease with 4 overs to go and played some lovely straight drives before being caught.

Devenney was left with Rock, as a runner, and delighted the crowd with all manner of nicks, flicks and drives. With the Notts score unattainable, Daniel attempted a triple 6 finish but found the bails removed on the penultimate delivery, for an excellent 26 - which saw him surpass 100 runs in 6 games. Well played.

52 all out - was 26 runs short but one of the best games played.

Final match: Sunday 21st March v Radcliffe @ 3pm