Heroic run chase falls just short for Ts in season closer

An exciting last match of the season for the Twickenham CC Under 14s saw them finish strongly, led by Cameron Capper's unbeaten 81and an unbroken 88 partnership with Hamish Johnston; but they failed to chase down a daunting total set by mid-table rivals Richmond.

The Ts put out a strong side with most of their Year 9s finally available together after an up-and-down season, featuring some great performances and a few crushing defeats when key players have not been available.

Richmond won the toss at The Green and batted first, which initially seemed to work in the favour of the home side, with Frankie Lingeman taking the opening wicket in the 2nd over, thanks to a catch from Oli Prescott Brann. Frankie was bowling mystery - or perhaps mystifying - spin, as was first change Cameron, which proved less successful in subsequent overs as the ball began flying across the hard outfield whenever the unlikely spin-twins dropped short.

Rather more successful was Twickenham's next spin offering, Hamish Johnston coming on to stem the runs and pick up two wickets in an opening salvo of 2 - 0 - 2 - 2. Fourth spinner Oli also picked up a wicket, but the impressive Richmond opener Josh Dudley found good support in the middle order, and the visiting side added nearly 100 runs between the 7th and 17th overs.

Uncharacteristically, Twickenham became sloppy in the field, numerous boundaries resulting from balls hit towards fielders but missed. The Ts got a break when Josh perished for 85 attempting an extra run with keeper Sean Daly completing the run out.

Frankie returned to pace bowling to pick up a wicket near the end, but Richmond finished strongly to record a challenging total of 168 for 5. The fielding lapses and some loose overs had surely contributed to a much higher score than expected, and put the Ts under immediate pressure in the chase.

Things could not have started worse, with skipper and talisman Ali Jennings falling second ball, and emergency No. 3 Teddy Fogel - promoted after some batting order shenanigans on the sidelines - falling soon after. Richmond had a series of strong pace bowlers, but despite the pressure, Frankie and Cameron set about restoring some order with a fine partnership, punishing the bad ball and running aggressively.

Frankie perished for 18 having struck 4 boundaries and sharing a partnership of 54. After Ewan Corke was unluckily bowled off his pads, things looked terminal for the Ts with 112 needed off the final 10 overs.

However, Hamish joined Cameron and the pair set off in pursuit of an unlikely win, defending the pace bowlers well and attacking the change bowlers brought on by the visitors. Cameron was fully into his stride, peppering the boundary with drives and pulls. Hamish did a magnificent job of farming the strike, as well as striking boundaries himself.

With the pair adding 24 runs in the 14th & 15th overs, it looked as if a miracle victory could be on, forcing Richmond to return to their pacy opening bowlers. A couple of quieter overs took the victory out of reach, but Hamish and Cameron kept the pressure up, scoring 42 runs in the final 4 overs including a huge six from Cameron, his second of the innings.

Twickenham finished 23 runs short, with Cameron recording 81 not out from only 61 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes, and Hamish scoring 31 off 25 balls with four boundaries. The paid put on an unbroken partnership of 88 runs and helped to create a real feelgood factor at the end of an uneven league campaign.

The Ts finished 4th in Division One, still a good achievement considering the quality of the opposition. The season was boosted by two great wins in the Cup, including one against local rivals Teddington, and featured some fine individual performances. Captain Ali led from the front throughout the season, Cameron was uniformly magnificent with the bat when available, and U13s Frankie and Hamish made great contributions. Teddy, Oli, Sean, Sammy Mcloughlin, and Max Hunt proved solid throughout the season, Ewan and Alfred Baker made an impact with emergency wicket-keeping stints, and U14 debutant Jaytha Panagala made some doughty contributions.

Also pleasing was the the spirit of the team, despite some bad losses, as well as the incorporation of younger players into the side, including some great bowling from U12s Asa Jennings and Danny Lingeman, and the amazing fielding of U10s star Oscar Prescott Brann.

Thanks to Craig for his hugely impressive scoring efforts and to all the parents for helping out - particularly the Lingeman, Jennings, Prescott Brann and Hunt families who were a constant source of support throughout the season. And particular thanks to Paul Mcloughlin who stepped into the breach on frequent occasions during my absences, and always sets high standards for the team and the club..

Mark Sudbury