Another night of gathering gloom ends in triumph!

For the fourth night this week, Thriplow CC met Linton Village CC at Whittlesford. This time it was the turn of the U11team who endured an evening of roller coaster emotions in an icy breeze.

There was a bit of discussion between the coaches before the game started to confirm the rules. This was the first time either squad had played cup cricket and thankfully a yellow book was on hand!

Thriplow skipper Karl Miller won the toss and elected to field. Linton batted sensibly for the first few overs and it was in the 10th over that Graham made the breakthrough  sending Polleys bails flying and Linton were 34-1. Soon the score became 54-3 after a couple of run outs following some wonderful fielding from the team and great keeping from Hatcher.  Linton batted steadily aware that the extras were helping the score along. Barbrook took a wicket with his first ball as the confident Leech skyed a top edge into the grateful hands of Miller.

At the end of their 20 overs innings, Linton were 80-5 and everyone was grateful for 5 mins in the relative warmth of the pavilion. Thriplow felt confident that the target of 81 was achievable and set off in high spirits which were then shattered when they found themselves at 2 for 3 at the end of the second over following  a devastating hat trick of straight bowling from Blackburn. Linton were on an absolute high and Thriplow were wondering what had happened with batsmen sitting on the boundary either licking their wounds or trembling in their boots anticipating what they were likely to face. The strong bowling attack from Linton continued and by the 4th over Thriplow were four wickets down but opener Barbrook remained at the wicket steadying the ship. At this point the score was almost irrelevant and most players and spectators were thinking they would be home and in the warm within the next 20 mins. However, Thriplow girded their loins and sensible batting from Barbrook (17) Thain (6) and Hatcher (2) kept the score ticking. The hit or miss approach from IPL wannabe Bennett (7) and some help from extras reduced the target to 15 from the last 5 overs but with just 2 wickets in hand. The experienced Armitage (10*) and Miller (12*) calmly saw the team home in worsening light with Miller clinching victory with a magnificent 6 over square leg with 4 balls to spare.