2 out of 2 for the 13s

The Under 13s headed to Ellerslie for the first leg of the Newark Cup, with potentially the top 2 progressing. Radcliffe, having already defeated Ellerslie, the other opponents.

Strange but true, the home side bats first, regardless. So the boys left the changing room with, 'do a professional job' ringing in their ears, from Legge and Tuckwell.

Brown opened on the brand new astro, causing extra lift. Neece, at short mid-off, pouching the opener, 3rd ball, as one floated up. There was to be no respite as Steiner forced the 3 jacket to go aerial, Stolworthy taking an excellent over the shoulder catch at long off.

Brown then ripped through 4 and 5 with 2 pearlers, that removed off stump and middle. Steiner returned to finish his second over with a plum LBW. 11-5 off 4

Tuckwell was slightly concerned as a feeling of 'deja vu' crept in, having had Ellerslie at the same score last July, only for the home side to accumulate a match winning 82.

But, vice captain, Mills, kept the pressure on in his first over. Neece taking another beautiful horizontal catch at mid-off, hanging in the air for as long as he could, waiting for the paparazzi to click!

3 overs passed without wickets as Ellerslie looked to rebuild, hoping that they had seen off the strike bowlers but with Stolworthy, Shepherd, Healey yet to bowl plus Tudor, Normington and Neece waiting in the wings if necessary - it was not to be.

Last seasons leading wicket taker, Stolworthy, was straight in the action - an edge found its way into the safe mitts of Hennessy, behind the stumps. The final delivery led to a bizarre run out, a safe single was called then declined. Mills fired at the stumps but hit Hennessy on the rear, laughter and a bit of a melee ensued before Normington took responsibility and whipped off the bails with both Ellerslie batsmen halfway down the track!

Shepherd removed the dangerman, who was well set - thankful to the catch of the day from Brown - who ran round from point and took an amazing effort round his ankles, at full stretch. Shepherd's following over saw a tremendous act of sportsmaship from the 10 year old number 11. Snicko registered as the ball found its way into Hennessy's gloves. With neither umpire sure what it hit - the young man declared he had edged it and walked, to a full round of applause and acknowledgement from all.

38 all out off 14.3

Brown, 3-0-10-3, the pick of the bowlers followed by Shepherd. 2.3-0-3-2

Back in the hutch, a lid was kept on the enthusiam with the job only half done, and 39 required for victory. Tudor presented a straight forward caught and bowled, 3rd ball, as Coulthard strode to the crease.

Some accurate bowling and strong defence kept the score in check. Healey sent the rare leg side delivery to the boundary before departing for 13, caught at gully. 26-2 off 9. Normington and Coulthard kept the rate ticking before the latter missed a straight one.

Neece came in with 10 required. A brilliantly ran 4, left 1 for victory which Normington duly obliged, scampering through on the next delivery.

39-3 off 14.1

A bouyant changing room, 2 out of 2, and a very professional job completed

For all senior players: The Under 13s will be holding a fielding clinic, specialising in catching, tonight: 5.15 - 7pm...