Burgess Hill u11s 323 beat Southwick u11s 175 by 148 runs

The u11s brought up their first win of the season with a resounding victory over a slightly under-strength opposition at St Johns, though the margin of victory absolutely credits the quality of the performance.

Southwick won the toss and put us into bat, and we got off to a flyer. Toby Spooner was in fine form, striking 8 boundaries in his incredible 39 runs. His opening partnership with Tom Broughton yielded 47 runs. We continued solidly with a boundary each for Henry Cobham and Benji Turner, and then the rate began to rise when Ollie Baker struck an excellent 13. The final pair of Conor Ward and Jack MacDonald (9 runs) were vibrant with quick running, and Conor hit 3 boundaries on his way to an unbeaten 20, as the pair put on 31 and took the score to a formidable 323 net. A special mention also to Hayden Wickwar who played for the opposition and took one of the two wickets to fall, and also Louis Harcourt who also turned out for them and took a catch for the other.
Southwick always had an uphill task, and with an early wicket each for Toby and Tom they were on the defensive. We were also making run outs happen, as well as some excellent fielding and catching. Conor came on earlier and took 2 wickets in his first, before taking a further wicket in his third, to end with figures of 3-5. A wicket came for Jack, and then the final bowling pair of Ollie Baker and Benji Turner bowled fantastically as they took 3 wickets each in those final 6 overs, including a hatrick for Benji with the last 3 balls of the innings. Terrific catches from Tom and Jack in those final overs, and top wicket keeping from Henry, who took 3 catches as well as a hand in a run out. Southwick ended on 175, having lost 15 wickets.
A remarkable performance. Although Southwick were under strength, the boys executed all the aspects of the game brilliantly. We struck 15 boundaries, took 15 wickets, 7 catches and 3 run outs – and bowled only 8 wides. They should be very proud, and it’s good to see the boys enjoying each other’s successes as a team.
A big thank you also to Louis and Hayden, for stepping forward as extra players to turn out for the visitors and make a game of it, rather than a Southwick concession.