Didcot’s Under-11s produced another impressive all-round performance to extend their lead at the top of the league, overcoming Steventon by 30 runs in an entertaining 16-over contest.

Didcot Innings: Building Momentum
After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Didcot made a steady start despite an early setback when Cherish Reddy Gopu was bowled for 1. However, the innings was quickly stabilised by a confident partnership between Jerry New and James Lewis-Rush.
Jerry New led the early charge, striking 14 from 20 balls, including three boundaries, before being caught off E Newman. At the other end, James Lewis-Rush anchored the innings superbly, rotating the strike and batting with maturity for his 12 runs, including a well-timed boundary.
The highlight of the innings came with a fluent display from William Dagnell, who found the boundary regularly. His innings gathered momentum in the middle overs, with a sequence of crisp fours in overs 8 and 9 turning the pressure back onto Steventon. William Dagnell’s attacking intent helped push the score along at a crucial stage.

Late contributions from Christopher Bull kept the scoreboard ticking in the closing overs, including a well-struck boundary in the final over. Despite a flurry of wickets towards the end—including a run-out for Hrim Kapatel —Didcot closed on a competitive 92 for 7 from their 16 overs.
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Didcot Bowling: Early Strikes Set the Tone
Defending 92, Didcot made the perfect start with the ball. Oscar Cox-Rogers opened tightly, but it was Christopher Bull who made the breakthrough impact in the second over, claiming two wickets—including a catch taken by Cherish Reddy Gopu, to put Steventon immediately under pressure.

Steventon briefly threatened thanks to a rapid 14 from O Keymer, but Cherish Reddy Gopu responded brilliantly to bowl him and halt the momentum. From there, Didcot’s bowlers maintained discipline and control.

Further wickets fell at regular intervals:
• Jerry New struck to remove J Tolley
• Hrim Kapatel bowled A Embrey
• A sharp run-out combination from William Dagnell and Oscar Cox-Rogers removed O Watson
• Alex Freeman produced a key spell, taking a wicket and effecting a run-out in the same over
• And finally, Cherish Reddy Gopu returned to seal the victory with the last wicket of B Malins
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Didcot’s fielding was once again a major factor in the result. There were multiple sharp run-outs, including excellent teamwork between fielders, and good catching under pressure. The energy in the field ensured Steventon never built any sustained partnerships.

Another fantastic team performance—well done, Didcot!

Player of the Match: Christopher Bull
Christopher Bull earns Player of the Match honours for a decisive all-round performance that helped shape the game. With the ball, Bull made an immediate impact, taking two early wickets to put Steventon on the back foot and break the top order.
With the bat, Bull added valuable late runs, including a boundary in the final over, helping Didcot reach a strong total.
A match-winning contribution at key moments with both bat and ball—fully deserving of the award.

I-Scream Moment of the Match: Cherish Reddy Gopu
A brilliant moment in the field came from Cherish Reddy Gopu, who nearly spilled a tricky catch but showed outstanding reactions to keep the ball from hitting the ground—turning a near-miss into a memorable dismissal that brought big cheers from teammates and spectators alike.