The U12s took on Frenford on Sunday in their final group match in the Brian Taylor competition. Both teams went into the game unbeaten and the match was set to decide which team won the group.

Frenford won the toss and asked Wanstead to bat in hot and sunny conditions. The team got off to a solid start and reached the mid-innings drinks break with only 1 wicket down, seemingly well placed to post another good score. Unfortunately when Hayaan was run out by a direct hit for 41, it precipitated a batting collapse from 95 for 2 to 134 all out, and the game was in the balance.

Wanstead bowled very tightly in response, but some sloppy fielding cost unnecessary runs and kept Frenford in the hunt. 2 wickets in 2 balls for Toby looked to have put Wanstead back on top, but the runs kept ticking over and it was developing into a tight and nervy finish.

Wanstead’s fielding improved towards the end and a fantastic direct hit run out by Leo proved to be crucial. However going into the last over Frenford needed 8 runs to win, but Anay kept his nerve to bowl a tight over. With one ball remaining, all three results remained possible, with Frenford needing 3 to win. Thankfully Wanstead kept them to a single to secure a 1 run victory.

Whilst the game did nothing for the coach’s blood pressure, it has given the team some invaluable experience of winning under pressure, which will stand them in good stead in the knockout rounds to come.