Henley CC U13 Leopards came out on top in a thrilling encounter at Goring CC’s Gardiner Recreation Ground. Captain for the evening, Henry Manwaring, won the toss and sensibly chose to bat, making the opposition bowl in the sweltering 30-degree heat. This also meant facing the rapid bowling of Goring captain Joe Dineen – something Henry took on alongside Alexander Jewell.

Both openers played sensibly, defending well and punishing loose deliveries to put on 39 for the first wicket before Alexander was bowled by
a quicker flipper from Goring spinner Freddie Blackwell for 17 from 14 balls.

Jaxson Mackinnon came to the crease and supported Henry by rotating the strike and seeing off the dangerous Joe, before Henry was trapped lbw for 18. The pitch was sticky, meaning the ball held up on the bounce, and this proved the undoing of Jaxson as an attempted pull came off the toe end and was sharply caught by keeper Henry Bowers for 5.

New batters Matthew Bollinghaus and Freddie Postlethwaite looked to rebuild after the mini-collapse, rotating well to keep the scoreboard moving. As Matthew began to find his timing with some attractive strokes, the scoring rate increased, but Freddie was run out - justifiably taking a risk on a second run for that stage of the innings - for 9 off 11 balls. Matthew then fell for 22 from 23 balls – Henley’s top score – caught well from a steepler as he looked to clear the mid-wicket boundary.

Alex Martin and Wilf Oseman closed the innings, taking on some of Goring’s stronger bowlers, who maintained good discipline. Alex made 12 from 24 balls, while Wilf added a quick 8 from 6. Henley finished on 144 for 5.

Goring captain Joe Dineen began the chase with a scintillating display of hitting. While there were a few loose deliveries from Avi Kohli, Henry and Alexander, even good balls were punished, and Joe retired not out (as per league rules) on 31 from just 10 balls. His opening partner, Danny Tiley, also scored freely as the total climbed quickly. Henley, feeling the heat both physically and mentally, were quiet and lacking energy in the field.

Seeking control, Henry turned to Leopards debutant Eloise Mills, who bowled with excellent guile and struck with her first delivery thanks to a sharp catch from another debutant, George Hollins. This lifted Henley’s energy, and the dangerous Danny was run out after a good throw from Freddie. It was one of four run-outs, with a direct hit from Henry and accurate throws from Alexander Jewell and Alex Martin allowing keeper Jaxson to complete the work.

A catch by Wilf off Eloise’s bowling, followed by Alexander Jewell bowling his friend Fenwick Roy, left Goring wobbling at 65 for 5. Another debutant, Harry Simpson, then made an immediate impact with accurate bowling, taking two wickets in three balls – one via a smart catch from Avi, the other bowling Henry Bowers.

Monty Galer and Thomas Fraser provided resistance for Goring, with Monty in particular striking the ball powerfully, before two of the aforementioned run-outs ended their innings. This brought Joe Dineen back for the final wicket partnership. More contained by the last-wicket scenario, he defended well against Freddie’s accurate bowling, apart from one enormous six. Crucially, Henley prevented him from taking a single at the end of the over.

This left Goring’s number 11 – playing his first competitive match – facing Alexander Jewell’s darting off-spin. On the fourth ball of the over, Alexander found the right line and just enough turn to bowl him through the gate, sparking jubilant celebrations.

A great team victory built on several defining characteristics:

• Sensible batting – valuing wickets and building a platform, while rotating the strike (though there is still work to do on the loudness and promptness of calling, and spotting quick singles or turning ones into twos).
• Accurate bowling – the senior bowlers took responsibility early against stronger batters and absorbed some pressure, allowing the less experienced bowlers to thrive. George, Wilf, Matthew, Alex M. and Freddie didn’t take wickets, but collectively conceded just 29 from 6 overs – hugely significant in a game like this. Henley’s total was boosted by 53 extras, while only 18 were conceded from our bowling - terrific!
• Energy in the field – when players are fully committed, willing to put their bodies on the line and back up the bowlers, things happen. Catches stick, noise increases pressure, and bowlers benefit. At 47 without loss early on, Henley were subdued, but when defending a total it only takes one or two moments to shift the momentum. A captain has a lot to manage, so leadership from all the players is vital in maintaining energy.

Finally, a quick word on the excellent spirit in which the game was played, for which we also thank Goring. It takes two teams to create a close, competitive match, and while this was keenly contested, the camaraderie between the sides – with many players knowing each other – was great to see. On we go!