Sunday morning September 3rd, a big day for the U11s as they were in the playoff final against Westgate at Westgate. There had not been many away games this season and it made for a refreshing change to come up against a team that they had not played before. On paper it looked like the teams would be fairly evenly matched given their record over the season, but Westgate not only had home advantage, but they had also been involved in the U11 cup over the summer having reached the final but subsequently lost against Netherfield. So they were match ready, whereas Sedgwick had had the summer off.

Matthew Moses won the toss and elected to bat. but the usual explosive start with him and Ollie did not materialise, due in part to some tight bowling and a couple of unfortunate run outs. Benji and Seb contributed 23 in their partnership but the loss of 4 wickets made a big difference. Chris and Harry were restricted to adding 16 in their allotted 4 overs but they only lost 1 wicket, and Silas and Sam made 15 for the loss of 3 wickets, although one of the highlights was the biggest six of the day hit by Sam. Isaac and Matthew Webb, the steady pairing at the end unusually lost 2 wickets contributing 11 to the final total of 283, which had been reduced by 60 due to the loss of 12 wickets. Would this be crucial?

The Westgate innings started briskly with the first pair scoring 29 from Benji and Seb's overs, but crucially, no wickets lost. The second pair facing Harry and Chris also kept their wickets intact adding a further 23. Matthew Webb and Ollie would surely get a breakthrough, but it was not to be as the third pair added 25 more to the total leaving Westgate on 277 chasing 283 with two pairs left to bat. All looked lost, but Sedgwick's heads didn't drop and they were fielding well. Matthew Moses and Isaac needed something special to turn the tide in what was looking like a foregone conclusion, and it came first of all courtesy of a run out and then 2 more wickets along with tight bowling meant that the fourth pair only added 1 run to the total.

278 on the board with Westgate's final pair at the crease. 283 after Sam's first over and the scores were tied with 3 overs to go, but a wicket could change everything. And it did as Sam took a wicket in the penultimate over leaving Westgate on 285 to face Isaac . One more wicket would surely result in a Sedgwick victory whereas blocking out would result in a Westgate victory. The tension around the ground was palpable with both sets of supporters on the edge of their seats wondering which way the game would go. A couple of singles off the second and third balls left Westgate on 287 so a wicket would still win it for Sedgwick. Isaac tried his hardest, but it was not to be as the final pair held out for the last 3 balls to win by 4 runs.

Sedgwick, unaccustomed to losing this season were clearly disappointed by the result after such a brilliant fightback and were left to rue what might have been. Only 9 wides given away in comparison to Westgate's 13, but only 5 wickets taken in comparison to Westgate's 12 and it was these fine margins that made the difference. However, everybody could hold their heads up high and not be too disappointed, especially since they won the Northern division and picked up a trophy and received winners medals as a result. The match was played in a great spirit and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who were there. Final thanks go to the hosts and all those involved in what was a great advert for softball cricket.