There was a distinctly ‘end of term’ feel about the final fixture of the season for the u11s, and Hawkesbury lost comfortably at home to Minchinhampton.

Batting first, the hosts lost wickets at regular intervals thanks to some very good bowling and ground fielding by Minch. Opener Francis Hopson (12) was the pick of the Hawkesbury batsman; backed up by Ben Magrath (10) and William Riddington (10). But with some of the usual ‘big guns’ failing to fire, and – unusually for the Hawks this season – no batsman scoring over 20, the initial score of 93-7 off their 16 overs looked very much under par.

With Minch’s opening pair putting on 32-0 off their first 4 overs; it started to look a little like a procession for the visitors, but Hawkesbury regained a (small!) foothold in the game with some good bowling. Charlie Emms (2 overs, 2 maidens) was unlucky not to take several wickets after threatening the outside of the off stump on numerous occasions. Hopson and Archie Chappell (both 1-20) took wickets but the boundaries continued to flow.

George Riddington (1-4) also contributed but the pick of the bowlers was Chloe Wallace (2-6); opening with a wicket maiden, she was desperately unlucky not to take more wickets in her second over and didn’t concede any extras.

A disappointing end, maybe; but that shouldn’t detract from the fact that this has been a very successful season for the u11s with a top half finish in the table. The team has played some very good cricket, played in the right spirit and are a credit to the club and the coaches. The majority of the squad are still eligible to play u11s next season so the future is bright. Add that to the fact that several squad members are also playing some kind of representative cricket – there is a lot be proud of.