Netherfield U12 v Shireshead U12 cup quarter final at Shireshead.Sunday 29th July 2012

Strong favourites Shireshead were put into bat on a soggy wicket bycaptain Sarah EarleShireshead have been a good cricketing unit for a number of years and it has been quite some time since we have beaten them. We started thegame as firm outsiders.

After an initial run flurry from Shireshead, the Netherfield youngsters stemmed the flow of runs and bowled tightly.

Sam Tattersall, Josh Sharrocks, Emily Dibble and Sarah Earl all bowled really well and the frustrated Shireshead team were forced into making errors in the pursuit of runs.

Our fielders did really well to keep hold of a very wet ball. There was also some very sharp wicket keeping from Chris Park-Johnson. Good catches from Will Chambers, Mike Mc Glynn and Max Smythe made sure the total was kept in check.

Shireshead ended their innings on 81 runs.Chris Park-Johnson kick started Netherfield's innings with somestylish shots both sides of the wicket and was well supported by Sam Tattersall.

Netherfield started to lose regular wickets at the halfway point andthings weren't looking good.

Netherfield required 13 from the last 2 overs and when we lost our 9th wicket it allowed Chris P-J to return to the crease after his
earlier retirement.

Chris and Sam Tattersall kept a cool head and managed to get the scores level with one ball to go.

Knowing that a tie would hand Shireshead victory due to fewer wickets lost, both remaining batsmen knew they would have to go for the run regardless of where it went.

Good backing up from Chris P-J enabled both he and Sam to scamper home much to the delight of their team mates and travelling parents and family members.Phew! What a great game. Well done lads.

Match report by John Mc Glynn