In the best game of 2019, the U15s showed real class in a huge run chase at Tring. The Tring batters went off like a train to put the Northchurch bowlers under pressure. The introduction of spin in the form of Johnny and Stan gave the home team something to think about, but it was Ed, returning from injury, who really put the brakes on Tring's innings, with a tidy and fast spell one for 11 off his three overs.

Ellis had a good time in the field as captain, setting intelligent fields from the off and sending a statement that the batters would need to work hard for their boundaries.

In response, Northchurch were always a little behind the rate, but remained in sight of victory and took the game deep to the last ball. Johnny and Jackson got off to a good start against some fast bowling, which they played intelligently, using the pace of the ball to find the boundary. When Jackson was bowled looking for the midwicket boundary, Ollie was unfortunate to receive a fast beamer first ball and had to retire hurt.

Ellis came in and played a magnificent captain's inning of 28 from 15 balls, getting off the mark with the shoot of the day, a beautifully time straight drive for four. Just a couple away from retirement, Johnny figured he had a free hit but stuck the ball straight in the air from the top edge. Charlie W was allowed a couple of sighters before having to play some shots, then raced to retirement on 25 at better than a run a ball.

With 95 still required going into the last 10, Northchurch need a big over, that came in the 11th as Ellis took the Tring spinner for 18. Charlie S took up the mantle and gave his Tring chums something to be concerned about with a long straight hit for six. Northchurch needed 11 an over in the last four and stayed within sight. Ten from the penultimate over left 18 needed for the win from six deliveries. That soon became 12 needed from six after the fist delivery went for a no ball (worth 2) and four byes. The loss of Ed made it tough and the incoming Ben wisely nudged a single to put Sweeny on strike.

The Tring quickie had regained his composure after taking the wicket and was able to close out the innings with Northchurch needing a six from the last ball to tie.

In spite of the loss, the chase had been excellent and identified lots of lessons about staying in the game. A couple of things to work on into the next match will be setting the right fields to the spinners, tightening up on extras (worth 15 in this game) and taking a few more quick singles. Other than that, the boys did brilliantly and it was fantastic to see them buzzing about their team performance.