Match Report:
Introduction:
The stage was set for a high-octane T20 Finals showdown at the iconic Finedon Dolben CC. Overstone Park CC Under-19 faced off against Kettering Town CC Under-19 in the Northamptonshire Cricket Board Club Competitions on Sunday, 3rd September 2023. It was a contest that promised to deliver thrilling cricket action, but what transpired was a one-sided match that saw Overstone Park CC dominate their rivals comprehensively, winning by a margin of 9 wickets.
Toss and Decision to Field:
Overstone Park CC won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that would prove pivotal in the contest's outcome.
Kettering Town CC Under-19 Innings:
Kettering Town CC's innings didn't get off to a promising start. Ethan Smart was caught by Justin Murphy off Benjamin Sales for just 2 runs. Captain Luke Robinson and Brayden Billington were dismissed quickly, setting a trend for a disappointing batting performance.
The only batsman to show any resistance was Om Ganatra, who scored 20 runs off 25 balls. His innings was a brief flash of brilliance in an otherwise gloomy performance by Kettering Town, who were bowled out for just 60 runs in 16.2 overs.
Batting Stats Summary:
Ethan Smart: 2 runs, 0 4s, 0 6s, 9 balls
Luke Robinson*: 4 runs, 1 4, 0 6s, 8 balls
Om Ganatra: 20 runs, 1 4, 0 6s, 25 balls
Bowling for Overstone Park CC:
Benjamin Sales and Archie Dunkley were the wreckers-in-chief for Overstone, taking two wickets apiece. Bertie Dunkley's contribution was noteworthy as well, with 3 wickets for just 13 runs.
Bowling Stats Summary:
Benjamin Sales: 4 overs, 8 runs, 2 wickets
Archie Dunkley: 4 overs, 17 runs, 2 wickets
Bertie Dunkley: 4 overs, 13 runs, 3 wickets
Overstone Park CC Under-19 Innings:
Overstone Park CC started their innings on a high, reaching 50 runs in just 6.3 overs. Benjamin Sales got off to a flying start but was caught by Luke Robinson off James Hogg for 10 runs. Bertie Dunkley, the captain, remained unbeaten with a quickfire 32 off 21 balls, including 5 fours and a six.
In the end, Overstone Park CC comfortably chased down the target in 7 overs with 9 wickets remaining.
Batting Stats Summary:
Benjamin Sales: 10 runs, 2 4s, 0 6s, 10 balls
Bertie Dunkley*: 32 runs, 5 4s, 1 6, 21 balls
Bowling for Kettering Town CC:
James Hogg was the only bowler to take a wicket for Kettering Town, finishing with figures of 3-0-26-1.
Bowling Stats Summary:
James Hogg: 3 overs, 26 runs, 1 wicket
Thomas Storey: 3 overs, 19 runs, 0 wickets
Conclusion:
The match was a clear demonstration of Overstone Park CC's strength both in batting and bowling. The team put on a clinical performance to seal a victory in the U19 T20 Semi-Finals. Bertie Dunkley was undoubtedly the star of the show, with an all-round performance that highlighted his capabilities as both a bowler and a batsman. Kettering Town CC, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance and will look to improve in future contests.
Result Summary:
Overstone Park CC - Under 19: 63-1 in 7 overs
Kettering Town CC - Under 19: 60 all out in 16.2 overs
Result: Overstone Park CC - Under 19 Won