In sunny but windy conditions, Didcot U11 won the toss and put Wolvercote into bat. The decision quickly paid off as Didcot’s bowlers unleashed a stunning display of disciplined and aggressive bowling.

Samar Wadhwa made an immediate impact, claiming a leg-before wicket in the very first over to set the tone. Anthony Vinall followed up with a clever slower delivery in the third over to pick up another wicket. The pressure continued to build when Hrim Kapatel struck, thanks to a superb catch brilliantly taken by Oscar Cox-Rogers in the fourth.

William Dagnell maintained the momentum with a wicket in the fifth over, before Samar Wadhwa showcased his sharp fielding with two quick direct-hit run-outs that rattled the opposition. By the end of the fifth over, Wolvercote were struggling at 32 for 6. Oscar Cox-Rogers chipped in with a caught and bowled in the seventh, and William Dagnell returned in the tenth to take his second wicket, as Wolvercote were restricted to a modest total of just 56 runs.

In response, Didcot made a bold and unconventional decision to reverse the batting order, giving their lower order a chance to shine. Bene Howman Bett and Hrim Kapatel opened nervously but steadily, with Benedict Howman Bett retiring after a composed 7 runs. The innings featured a mix of relaxed, low-intensity ‘test-style’ batting, sprinkled with some aggressive hitting, a few loose shots, and some unnecessary running between the wickets.

Despite a few stumbles, Didcot reached the target comfortably in the 12th over, finishing on 57 for 6 and securing a well-earned victory.

Player of the Match: Benedict Howman Bett – for bravely accepting the challenge to open the batting and playing a watchful and steady knock.

I-Scream Moment: A tense yet comical scene unfolded when a batter skied a top edge into the middle of the pitch. Three fielders called for the catch. In the scramble, Anthony Vinall and Oscar Cox-Rogers collided, but Oscar Cox-Rogers kept his eyes on the ball and held on to complete a memorable catch.