Goresbrook's U9's showed great fighting spirit to tie a game that looked to be lost on Wednesday at the May and Baker Club ground. 'Brook batted first and opening pair George Sleight (2) and Ted Ivory (15*) put on 19 for the loss of just one wicket, Ivory hitting the ropes twice in his entertaining knock. The next two pairs, Tommy (3*) and Albie Smith (1*), then Albert Sleight (2*) and Archie Dias (0*) both survived their 4 overs without losing a wicket putting on 18 and 16 respectively. The fourth pairing of Tyler Fredericks (1*) and Pawanpreet Singh (1*) did extremely well to keep out some very accurate bowling and added 7 runs for the loss of just 1 wicket in their allotted 4 overs. Last pair Stanley Sleight (6* with one boundary) and Matthew Elsom (2) also had to contend with some very confident and accurate bowling to add 12 for the loss of a single wicket to take 'Brook to a competitive total of 257 for 3.
Athletic's reply started steadily with a partnership of 16 which characterised by some good running between the wickets, though both Singh (0-6) and Ivory (0-4) bowled tidy little spells. The visitor’s second pair added 24 runs with some very strong leg side shots reaching the boundary but 3 wickets were lost, one a run out and one wicket each for Tyler Fredericks (1-9 via a George Sleight catch) and Tommy Smith (1-15).
The third pair added 13 against the young duo of Albert Sleight (0-4) and Archie Dias (0-9 including a maiden) but lost a wicket to a fine throw from deep point by Albie Smith to Matthew Elsom, who whipped the bails off. The fourth pair added 19 but lost 2 wickets, Stanley Sleight (1-7) clean bowling the batsman and Albie Smith (1-12) finding an edge that Ted Ivory gobbled up behind the stumps.
Athletic saved their most adept pairing to last and looked to have the game in the bag with 12 balls still to be bowled. Matthew Elsom (0-20) bowled a tight second over that built up sufficient pressure on the batsmen that they took a risky single off the final ball that resulted in a run out. At this stage Athletic lead by 5 runs with just a single over to be bowled. But George Sleight (1-4) was more than up to the task as he bowled a stunning wicket maiden, ably supported by eager fielders which left the visitors unable to sneak past the post.
'Brook's "ne’er say die" attitude paid dividends and the youngsters determination to protect their wickets whilst batting kept them in the game, even while they were fielding. This thoroughly entertaining game ended in a tie and was a fine advert for Terriers cricket.