The u11 Stags had a 100% record in the first half of the season, but have hit some hurdles recently and went into this game knowing 2 wins from the last 2 games would mean a top spot finish, level with Slough.

Going into this fixture against a weakened Eastern Brave side on a scorching hot day on a postage stamp outfield, this was an opportunity to post a massive total batting first and put the hosts under pressure.

Liam (11) and Tegh (25*) got the team off to a safe start, with in form Aum (26*) coming in and pushing the scoreboard along with Tegh. Sadly when they both retired, the acceleration didn't come, only Jayen (12 off 10 balls) showing the urgency and aggression needed to post a competitive score.

The innings closed on 125 from 20 overs, with many present thinking it looked a little under par at half time.

In reply, the Brave kept the score moving at the required rate throughout, taking advantage of some poor boundary fielding and dropped catches, the same issues that have plagued the side in the 2nd half of the season. There were some highlights in the field, Yuvi holding on to a sharp chance, Sami taking an extraordinary one handed caught and bowled, to the adulation of a sizeable evening crowd, and Aahan pulling off a great direct hit run out.

Going into the last over, our hosts still needed 10 runs to get over the line, but their gun batter Luca got the job done in 3 balls, leaving us to think about what might have been.

The boys should reflect on the fielding errors, and should know that facing over 50 balls of dots makes it very hard to win competitive games of T20 cricket. They play once more tomorrow, needing a win to secure 2nd and put the seal on a successful, albeit not stellar, season.