U11B Cricket v Ratcliffe - Wednesday 13th June 2018

Copthill’s U11B XI produced an excellent all-round display to tie with Radcliffe College on 282 runs.

Captain Henry Wickham won the toss and elected to field first on what was an overcast day, perfect for Copthill’s predominantly seam attack. This decision led to an extremely positive start for the boys. Opening bowlers Wickham and Oliver Cavaciuti both took wickets, and a tight over from Stuart Hodge kept the opening pair’s final total down to 9. Wides and no-balls cost Copthill in the second pair but Henry Clifton took a wicket in a solid first over to reduce the damage considerably. The momentum for the rest of the innings was shared between both sides, but Copthill showed lots of resilience and continued effort in their bowling, keeping the Radcliffe total down to 282 - a very achievable target. Notable bowling figures included Henry Wickham (2-0-2-13), Oliver Cavaciuti (2-0-1-10), Henry Clifton (2-0-1-13) and Raife Brownlow (2-0-0-5). Rohan Appadu also deserves praise for some brave fielding in the covers, stopping some lightning-fast drives through the on side.

Copthill’s reply started very strongly. Opening pair Ted Pennell and Rohan Appadu put on an opening partnership of 24 runs, Ted in particular batting aggressively and scoring two powerful 4s. The following pair of Alec Telford and (Copthill’s resident Geoffrey Boycott!) Lawrence Yates faced some difficult bowling, but managed to protect their wicket. Lawrence played some textbook backward defensive shots, whilst Alec managed three quick singles off the bat - some excellent running from the pair. The most explosive batting pair was to follow. Henry Clifton hit 14 off the bat whilst Stuart Hodge hit a brilliant lofted 4 to raise the total by 32. Disaster struck, however, when some brilliant bowling caused the penultimate pair’s total to be kept at only four runs. Copthill needed 15 runs to win off Calum Riddle and Oliver Cavaciuti. Calum showed determination with the bat and Oliver played some great leaves, scoring 14 as a pair. The match was tied at 282 runs each.

This was an excellent display from all the boys who were unlucky not to come away with the win. The Player of the Match was Henry Clifton for his superb contributions with both bat and ball and a big thank you to Henry Wickham for being a commendable captain.

Mr Day