2nd XI Match Report - 2/7/22

2nd XI Skipper, Ben Hansford, offers his thoughts from the visit of Hagley on Saturday.

League leaders Hagley arrived at the bowl with a strong senior side to face a Belbroughton side with 4 youngsters and a blend of experience.

With plenty of rain around but brighter conditions expected, the start was delayed and match reduced to 30 overs. Hansford lost only his 3rd toss of the season but an important one with more rain due. Hagley chose to field in what was likely to be a Duckworth Lewis influenced game.

Hansford departed early and when the rain arrived Belb were 25-1 off 10. When play resumed, the match was shortened to 24 overs a side. Hawk and Thomas put their foot down, Thomas departing for 17. Hawk (37 off 40) and Wrigley (25 off 16) upped the pace, both out forcing the run rate. Useful cameos from Heilbronn (12) and McKevitt (4) saw us post 113.

Duckworth-Lewis adjusted the target to 120 which seemed pretty unfair but double and triple checking the target was correct.

Big hitting Hagley opener Burgess then set about the Belb bowlers in double quick time, posting his 50 out of the first 60 runs scored, out for 59 off 25 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes before falling to Wrigley in the 7th over!

A couple of quick wickets saw Hagley slip from 75-0 to 85-2 then 90-3, offering Belbroughton a glimmer of hope. We kept battling and Hagley stuttered again to 104-4 but the damage was well and truly done by Burgess up top and Hagley eased to a 6 wicket win with 7 overs to spare.

Belbroughton CC - 113/8 (24 Overs)

Hagley CC - 120/4 (17 Overs)

MVP - P Hawk (72 points)