Gresford Under 13's Vs Northop CC U13

U13 NORTH WALES LEAGUE FINALS ~ GRESFORD CC v NORTHOP CC

Sunday 9th September 2012 played at Mochdre CC

The long anticipated match between the winners of the South Division and those of the North played on a neuatral ground, fantastic wicket, wind speed force ten right along the valley!  Northop decided to bat first and bowling conditions were very difficult, particularly from the pavillion end.  Opening bowlers Xan Filer (2-0-15-0) and Ryan Williams (4-0-26-0) battled bravely in the conditions.  In the sixth over skipper Matty Thompson turned to the spinner Sam Thompson, who took a wicket in the second of his four overs (4-0-20-1).  Tomos Roberts also took a wicket in his spell returning figures of (4-0-30-1).  The 'mighty Quinn' battled with the elements and the opposition (2-0-8-0), he shared the duties with the Matty Thompson who bowled an excellent spell (4-0-16-4).  Whilst the opposition raced away at the beginning of the innings as expected the Gresford team showed great character and spirit keeping going and encouraging each other and slowing the runs down to a trickle at towards the end.  Everyone in the field put in good performances, Zac Dobie took a good catch, Sam Postle was his usual athletic self, Jack Cooper put in some fine stops as well as Scott Hodgson and Henry Soper chasing everything that came their  way.  Northop finished their innings on 127-6.  One area that we struggled with was the number of extras, conceding 35. There has been much discussion about the effect of the elements on the matches during the season and this one was no exception. 

The interval allowed the players to take advantage of the hospitality offered by our hosts at Mochdre CC; as well as an opportunity for a quick chat to the organisers of the finals day, Sgt Neal Parkes from North Wales Police.

Then, the chase was on!!!!  Aside from the extras we conceded, to have our skipper Matty Thompson given out in the first over with the score on zero for what was a very unclear sequence of events transpired to be a bitter blow.  Xan had hardly finished his cheese burger when he found himself joining Sam Thompson at the crease.  However, these two under 12's appeared to relish the challenge.  Sam (19) and Xan (40) batted with great maturity.  After Sam had departed, Zac Dobie looked in great touch until he was bowled for 12.  The wind dropped and conditions bacame much more bowler friendly.  Quinny, then joined Xan who continued to 'T' off!  Ryan Williams batted next and with steely determination made a quick fire 23.  Tomos Roberts and Jack Cooper were forced to chase the runs with overs running out.  Gresford finished just five runs short in the final over with Ryan and Sam Postle at the crease.

Praise was heaped on the young guns from Gresford for their attitude and team spirit, by the officials, capping off an excellent season with U13's reaching the finals in both cup and league competitions.  Final thanks to all the parents for their support.