Vice Captain, Freddie, has written a match report:

“This was the first time in over 5 years that Pennthorpe has entered this competition, and it had been more than 10 years since we have won a game in it. So, as expected, this was a big game. The weather certainly lived up to the occasion, clear sky, limited wind, and an average temperature of around 20 degrees.  

We all agreed to bowl first, as it was perfect conditions for batting, as we were on an Astro wicket and a quick outfield. Captain Eleanor won the toss, and she chose to bowl. Johnny and Eleanor opened the bowling, and in the second over, Eleanor bowled one of their batsmen. The next wicket came a while later, in the 8th over, with Osman knocking the stumps over with a beauty of a ball. This was a vital wicket, breaking up a partnership with was just starting to look threatening. The next wicket came the next over, with Y6 1st team debutant Hector bowling their batsmen. 2 balls later, Hector picks up another wicket, in the same fashion as last time. After 10 overs, Dorset House were 47 for 4, with a run rate of 4.7 runs per over. By the end of the innings, Dorset House were all out for 84, after 16.4 overs. The wickets were taken by Osman (2), Hector (3), Eleanor (2), Freddie (2) and Rosie with a run out. 

After a quick match tea, we headed back up to the field to bat. Harley and I were opening, and after a team photo and a chat with Mr Barnett, we went out to bat. I was facing the first ball (as assigned by Mr Barnett!). It took me a while to get off the mark, but after 10 balls, I got a single. Harley was getting a few runs of his own, when an unlucky bounce causes him to play across the line and get caught at midwicket. So, after 2 overs Johnny comes in. Our plan was to build a partnership together, and that’s what we did. After a few overs, we both got into a rhythm. Boundaries came frequently, Johnny playing some masterful shots. After 10 overs, we were 62 for 1. Even though we didn’t need to, we then picked up the run rate even more. After 12.3 overs, we were within 1 run of their total. Johnny was on strike… and the ball rocketed off his bat for 6! That was it, we had won! Johnny ended on 23 of 27 balls, and I 45 of 46 balls. Dorset House was very noble in defeat, and I’d like to think we were in victory, too.”