Cricket Season Off to a Great Start!

The girls’ cricket season got off to a great start against Hazelwood last week with the U11A restricting the opposition to 77 after the first innings. Caterham led from the start, with the opening pair taking advantage of some miss fielding to sneak a handful of singles. Each pair built on the run chase, with Ruby M hitting three boundaries to bring Caterham within 3 runs of Hazelwood’s total, with a further two pairs in hand.  Caterham stretched ahead, only losing one wicket to a run out, in the closing over.  The Bs were run for run for most of the match, despite a wicket taken by Tilly T in the last over, Hazelwood took the win by 5 runs.  The U9As had a super game, with boundaries, bowled wickets and sneaky singles, the team tied the match 62 all.  The Bs took 6 wickets, but were unable to convert the runs in bat, Hazelwood won by 9 runs.  

This week, the U8s played their first ever cricket fixture against Banstead.  Caterham batted first but the opportunities to strike the ball were minimal, but they gained a handful of extras to close the innings on 47.  Caterham bowled well given it was their first match, with only a handful of wides and no balls, two wickets, the fielders contained Banstead to 36.  The Bs had a similar story with Caterham’s bowling more consistent they won by 16 runs.  A great start. 

The U10 and 11s combined this week as four teams faced Lingfield, the As were the dominant team, taking two wickets in the opening over and a further 3 wickets by the sixth over, Caterham kept the Lingfield run rate to a minimum.   Lingfield fought back in the final two overs and capitalised on a few Caterham errors, setting 62 for the chase.  Caterham led from the start, taking chances for the singles, some great boundaries and a flurry of extras they were in touching distance of the target with 16 balls to go. Despite a couple of no-balls, the Lingfield bowlers held firm and took two wickets in the closing balls; a boundary at the end was not enough and Caterham fell short of the mark by two runs. A great game, but lots to take forward into next week.  Strong wins for the B and C teams this week and an eventful afternoon on the D pitch, it was great for the girls to play with new partners, but we are still early in the season. 

The U9s rounded off the week against Banstead with a fantastic performance.  Caterham played as a squad of 16, taking turns on and off the field, but with everyone having the chance to bowl and bat albeit in shorter overs.  The girls listened well and supported each other as they chased down Banstead’s 245 target.  Some great boundary shots towards the end of the match sealed a great win for Caterham. Well done everyone.   

Next week, we have a friendly combined fixture for our U8s with Copthorne, the seniors take on Hawthorns and Russell House, and a limited squad of U11s compete in the County Round Cup. Good Luck everyone.