NEW FOREST LEAGUE

WELLOW & PLAITFORD vs HYTHE UNDER 17's

Thursday 21st May

HYTHE PUT TO THE SWORD AS EXPECTED

With 7 Players Unavailable A Very Youthful Under 17'S Side Put In A Spirited Performance Desdpite Being Well Beaten By A Strong Wellow & Plaitford Side Made Up With Totton & Eling Lads.

After a Captains agreement because of the lack of experience in the Hythe team - Hythe took to the field and opened the attack with Sam Unsworth and Sam Page. Unsworths first 3 balls went for fours which was signs of things to come for the Green Caps. Unsworth found his rythem to go for only 6 in his second over and by the 5th over Wellow had scored 34 for 0. Then Hythe earned their first wicket through Page - as Lab was well caught by Unsworth for 23. The Cocky M.Rovetto and S.Lab then proceeded to put on 70 for the second wicket as Hythe tried 7 bowlers without much luck.

Tom Richards bowling a load of dross claimed the second wicket with his final ball (caught by Huxley) and after Rovetto retired for 50* , the only other wicket to fall was C.Vince caught by Stovell off Todd Powell for 22. Wellow amassed 166 for 3 off their 18 overs but well done to Hythe for keeping going, If the bowlers tried for line and length instead of spead then 30 runs could come off the total.

Against some very decent bowling The Green Caps opened with Stovell and Richards with the incentive that if either stayed in for 10 overs they would get a free beer and burger on Saturday night. Thankfully neither could manage it as Richards fell for a duck and Stovell for 6. Sam Page (7) hung around but it was the middle order that impressed (a little). Tom Huxley 11, Sam Unsworth 11 and Todd Powell 11 all gritted their teeth and dug in for a few overs - taking Hythe past 55 and a batting point. Hythe finished on 59 for 9 to the frustration of the Wellow lads who failed to get maximum points.

Positives out of the game - we know we now have 18 players available for the Under 17's which is good. Bowling has to get better. In Sam Unsworth and Tom Smith we saw two guys who could be decent cricketers and a good edition to the side despite Smith only being 14. What will next week bring !!! But I am confident by the end of the season the 17's will win a game at least.

Innings of : WELLOW & PLAITFORD 166 For 3 (18 Overs)

(M.Rovetto 50*, H.Draycott 38, S.Lab 23, C.Vince 22)

Hythe Bowling

Hythe Catches : J.Stovell, S.Unsworth, T.Huxley

Innings of : HYTHE 59 For 9 (18 Overs)