Rowington Under 16s tried to put last week's nightmares behind them as they travelled down the M5 to Tewkesbury. But Sam lost the toss and things went downhill from there. Not having batted first at all this season threw them, as they usually know exactly what they are chasing. The Ollies had to face two quality bowlers. Ollie King (0) was the first to go - caught and bowled. Ben (0) replaced him but was promptly bowled. And then the unthinkable happened. Ollie B (2) was bowled, leaving the score a hideous 3 for 3 off 3. Dale (0) was caught as was Sam (1). Callum (16) and Sam T (1) restored some sort of order but Tom (0) and Ben (0) were both out for ducks. It was left to Charlie (4 not out) and Callum to try and push the score towards something which wasn't totally embarrassing but Callum was eventually bowled, leaving Rowington all out for 33. It is worth noting at this point that we only had 10 players but I honestly don't think it would have helped if we'd had 11.

 

But the visitors came out of the changing room fighting (not literally) with Sam T (1 for 5 off 3) and Dale (1 for 3 off 3) taking early wickets and Ollie B (3 for 6 off 3) and Sam O (1 for 9 off 3) following suit. Callum bowled half an over before it was all done, Tewkesbury getting the winning points from a wide in less than 13 overs.

 

Final score Rowington 33 for 9 Tewkesbury 34 for 6.

 

We showed yet again that we have some tremendous bowlers and we don't drop (many) catches. Catches today from Sam T (2), Tom, Sam O and Ollie B. But guys, if you bat first and you want to win, you need to put a few more runs on the board. The only way we can still win the shield is if we win both of our remaining games, score loads of runs and don't lose wickets. Unfortunately, today's performance has made our runs per wicket plummet from 120 two weeks ago to 10.8. My advice is to relax and enjoy the next two games at our fabulous ground where we've already done the double against Wellesbourne.