Silver-Plated end to the season for Merstham U12 Lions
On Friday 20th July, Merstham Lions beat Chipstead, Couldson and Walcountians in the East Surrey Colts League U12s Plate final. The match was played in great spirit and both teams should be congratulated for this. Hosted by CCWCC at their High Road ground was watched by a large friendly crowd. Thanks to CCWCC for organising and their great hospitality.
After electing to bat, the Lions’ first three batsmen, James Pieters, Alex Blair and Alvin Richard Sathya all retired on reaching 25 runs, Sathya achieving this off only 14 balls, including a six and two fours.
Merstham lost a couple of cheap wickets towards the end of the innings, but the great start meant they reached a competitive score of 137-2 off their 20 overs, with Dinuk Jayamanne and Barney Turner being the not out batsmen. Wicket takers for Chipstead were Harry Puttock with a economical three overs for seven runs, and Gabriel Vick.
Rosch Corea opened the batting for Chipstead with Sam Flower who made 19, joint top scorer with Harry Puttock. Flower was eventually caught behind by wicket keeper Josh Kenny off the bowling of Barney Turner. Turner finished with figures of 2 for 2, as did Thomas Pieters, younger brother of James, who stepped in at the last minute due to injury.
Despite a score of 14 for both Harry Bradley and Arjhan Manivannan, a steady fall of wickets limited scoring opportunities for Chipstead who ended up with a respectable score of 109-7 off their 20 overs, after their last pair put on an unbeaten 45 runs partnership.
Other wicket takers for Merstham were Max Yates, Lucas De Acetis and Freddie Stevens. Fielder of the day went to Flynn McRobbie for how two catches, including a spectacular diving take at short mid wicket. Kenny had a superb game behind the stumps, conceding only two byes in the innings.
For the Lions, it was a great end to a season, which had started slowly whilst the boys struggled with the change from pairs to limited overs cricket. A big thank you from them all to their coaches Dilhan Jayamanne and Darren Turner in helping them to get to where they have.
Chipstead: Henry O’Connor (c),Sam Flower, Rosch Corea, Connor Stevens (wk), Harry Bradley, Aryan Patel, Gabriel Vick, Dominic Sayers, Harry Puttock, Arjhan Manivannan, Oliver Whittenbury
Merstham: Barney Turner (c), James, Pieters, Alex Blair, Alvin Richard Sathay, Max Yates, Flynn McRobbie, Dinuk Jayamanne, Josh Kenny (wk), Freddie Stevens, Thomas Pieters, Lucas De Acetis