Didcot U11s travelled to face Cumnor and, for the first time this season, lost the toss and were asked to bat first.

The Didcot openers began cautiously, dealing with tight bowling and sharp fielding from the hosts. A hesitant approach to running between the wickets made it difficult to find early momentum. However, Laksh Bhagwani provided a foundation with a valuable knock of 21* runs.

In the final few overs, Didcot shifted gears, showing greater urgency with improved running and intent. Anthony Vinall and Samar Wadhwa chipped in with a much-needed quick-fire 11 and 7* respectively. Jake Field added a supportive 7, helping Didcot reach a competitive 119 for 5 in 16 overs.

In response, Cumnor also began slowly, facing a disciplined and firey opening spell from the Didcot bowlers. The early breakthrough came via a moment of brilliance from Christopher Bull, who claimed a direct-hit runout in the second over to dent the chase and energise the fielding side.

Cumnor responded by increasing the tempo through quick running between the wickets, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Despite this, Didcot never allowed the match to slip away, maintaining pressure with tight bowling and committed fielding.

The game built up to a nail-biting finish, with Cumnor needing 5 runs off the final over. Anthony Vinall held his nerve, delivering a tidy set of deliveries backed by some sharp work in the field. With just two balls remaining, Cumnor still required 3 runs. Didcot brought the field in to cut off any singles, but a fortunate edge off the penultimate delivery found its way past the close fielders, sealing a narrow win for Cumnor.

Despite the narrow defeat, it was a spirited all-round performance from Didcot, full of fight, discipline, and growing confidence as the season progresses.

Player of the Match: Anthony Vinall for his disciplined bowling.
I-Scream Moment: Hrim Kapatel for putting a hand on a hard-hit shot off his own bowling, saving a certain boundary in the final overs.