A bright and energetic Under 11s clash saw Didcot CC put on an excellent all round performance to secure victory over Horspath CC, after Captain William Dagnell won the toss and elected to field first.

Didcot Take Early Control in the Field
Didcot started with good discipline, setting the tone early with tight bowling that conceded just a handful of runs in the opening over. The pressure quickly told when Oscar Cox Rogers struck in his first spell, clean bowling O Katz to give Didcot the breakthrough.

Horspath found it difficult to build momentum against a sharp Didcot attack. Jerry New (3 wickets) was particularly impressive, removing both E Tariq and the dangerous J Creed (17), who had looked to counterattack with two boundaries. Jerry New returned later to pick up another wicket, finishing as one of Didcot’s standout performers with the ball.

The middle overs saw Didcot seize full control. Cherish Reddy Gopu delivered a devastating spell, claiming three wickets in quick succession, including A Jagnani and F Grove White, while also benefiting from a sharp run out in the field by Shiv Panchal to dismiss E Berry. At this stage, Horspath were reeling after losing three wickets for just two runs in a dramatic over.

Backing this up, Hrim Kapatel chipped in with a wicket, and Didcot’s fielding remained lively throughout, with good energy and commitment.

Strong Finish Restricts Horspath
Late resistance from A Durbin (10 runs, including two fine boundaries) was cut short by Jerry New, before Oscar Cox Rogers returned to bowl F Gillick and wrap up the innings.

Despite some extras, Didcot’s bowlers maintained excellent control, restricting Horspath to a modest total and giving their batters a strong platform for the chase.
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Didcot Chase with Confidence
In reply, Didcot’s innings was anchored by Cherish Reddy Gopu and Jerry New, who steadied things early after a cautious start against disciplined Horspath bowling.

Cherish Reddy Gopu played fluently, striking boundaries off E Berry and E Tariq, while Jerry New built his innings steadily, mixing solid defence with controlled stroke-play. Their partnership ensured Didcot remained ahead of the required rate.

There was further momentum when Oscar Cox Rogers provided a late burst, scoring a quickfire 6 runs off just 4 balls, including a crisp boundary that pushed Didcot closer to victory.

Though Horspath managed a couple of late run outs, Didcot’s earlier work ensured the result was never in doubt. The winning runs were sealed in the final over, fittingly with a boundary from Isaac Kegan.
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This was a superb team performance from Didcot CC U11s, led well by Captain William Dagnell, combining disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and composed batting. Their ability to take wickets in clusters and control the game from the outset proved decisive.
A well earned win and plenty of positives to take into the next fixture – well played, Didcot!

Player of the Match - Cherish Reddy Gopu
For a brilliant all round display. His game changing spell of three wickets swung the match firmly in Didcot’s favour at a crucial moment, removing key Horspath batters in quick succession. He then followed it up with a composed and positive batting contribution, helping guide the chase. An outstanding performance full of impact and confidence.

I-Scream Moment – Alex Whyte Freeman
A special moment in the field goes to Alex Whyte Freeman, whose incredible chase to the boundary rope saved vital runs and brought huge energy to the team. His determination to track the ball down and prevent a certain boundary was matched by a fantastic all round fielding performance, helping maintain pressure on Horspath throughout the innings.