Run Fest Preps 11s For Tougher Tests

The Bedminster faithful took the short journey up to Failand for the next round of the cup against Bristol. Even in losing the toss captain George Martin got his choice and was delighted to be put into bat by Bristol. The now familiar pairing of George and Amber Carter showed their intent from the first ball, both continuing their great recent form punishing the rather wayward bowling with brutal efficiency. When George was pulled out on 23no at a strike rate of almost 200 he passed the baton on to Harry Bryan who carried on in a similar vain, at times having to play some rather inventive unorthodox shots to some chest-high no balls. After 6 overs the score had raced along to 71-0, and after Amber carried her bat for another fine 25 no. Orla Knapp came to the crease making her batting debut for the 11s. If you thought George was quick between the wickets you need to check out Orla, only needing about four strides to cover the 20 yds ( we'll be putting on a lesson for some of the seniors later in the season :)) On retiring with yet another run a ball 25no. Harry handed over the reigns to younger sister Abi Bryan who forged a fantastic partnership with Orla, the highlights being a crashing drive for four though deep cover by Orla and a sweep by Abi passing long leg for four. The only wicket of the innings fell on the final ball, Orla attempting a fifth run( yes fifth!) , ending up on 18, Abi with a fantastic 11no. Bedminster reaching 173-1 from their 20 overs.

Charlie Carter and Joseph Armitage assumed their usual role leading the attack, Bristol making an assured but careful start before Joe and George's partnership came good again, a sharp take and stumping bringing the first wicket. Joseph's 2nd came in the fourth over, some debate over the dismissal, bowler thinking bowled batsmen behind his legs but given out hit wicket, who cares, they all count! A fine bit of fielding from Harry Barnes in the eighth over saw Bristol lose their captain for 6, the score slumping to 26-3 off 8 overs. First change saw two fine maiden overs from Amber, the fourth wicket falling to Harry Bennett, clean bowling the batsman. A tidy spell from Harry Barnes and Henry Winstone distinguished any distant hope of a Bristol recovery, and a superb caught and bowled from Callum Groves left Bristol needing 114 from the final over. An impressive flourish at the death saw Bristol add 19 runs from the final over but it was too little too late, setting up a quarter final encounter against either the peerless YMCA or Bristol A.