Four Oaks Warm Up Fixture

Sutton Coldfield 4th XI 192/8 lost by 5 wickets to Four Oaks Saints 4th XI 193/5 36.3 overs.

Batting first after losing the toss, the home side made a steady start, putting on an opening stand of 90 at drinks (20 overs). However, after the break two quick wickets fell with Ian Hay departing for 55 and then Dave Steggles following soon after for 34.

A period of consolidation then took place with Rohit Chopra (27) and Shahrukh Atif putting on another 50 runs before Shahrukh Atif departed for 22 trying to up the run rate. There then followed a middle order collapse with a further 4 wickets falling taking the home side from 152-3 to 156-7 in the space of 4 overs.

A late flourish came from Tom Ball (19 not out), supported by Ethan and Walcott to bring the total up to 192.

In response, Sutton's young bowling side (3 under 16)Ethan Walcott and Ewan Hay bowled well with little reward against a very seasoned and wily opening pair. Unfortunately close shaves, some good LBW shouts and the odd edge accumulated runs along with some good stroke play and took Four Oaks ahead of the run rate with an opening stand of 101 off 18 overs.

A change of pace and the introduction of Shahrukh Atif's spin prised an opening wicket. Sam Hay produced a quick spell of hostile pace on a placid pitch, and along with Atif's bowling brought down the run rate slightly, and this resulted in a run out for Nirek Jaglan (playing his first adult match at the age of 11) reacting quickly at mid wicket to prize another wicket.

A bit of experience and canniness was required so Rohit Chopra was called upon and his experience and skill mustered a further 3 wickets ( 2 clean bowled and a catch for Nirek Jaglan) in a spell that produced the figures of 8-1-33-3.

Unfortunately, Sutton struggled to quell the run rate despite some good return bowling from Ethan Walcott and Ewan Hay, and with wickets in the bank, the more experienced batsmen of Four Oaks went on the charge producing some unconventional and innovative shots to see them home with just under 4 overs to spare.

All in all, a thoroughly entertaining game played in good spirits, giving our young team some invaluable experience in the long format, with some really encouraging performances from young and old alike.

Roll on next Saturday.......