Falkland Under 13 Cavaliers opened their 2024 season on Sunday under a strange yellow fireball in a blue sky, and the surprising turn in the weather wasn’t the only thing that heated up Sunday morning!

This 2nd round cup tie against the appropriately named Sonning Scorchers was a much-anticipated clash between two strong teams and brighter skies only increased the buzz amongst the expectant caffeine-powered crowd!

Cav’s Start Season at the Crease
Sonning won the toss deciding to put the Cavaliers into bat on a fresh damp strip and outfield conditions meaning runs may be hard to come by.

Local knowledge suggested anywhere near 95 would be enough to win the game. With that mindset, George H and Dylan S got Falkland off to a brave and steady start against a fairly rapid-looking attack.

An unfortunate run-out brought Jack R to the crease and after two good partnerships between Jack R, George H and Zach S, Falkland looked odds-on to reach their target score.

Halfway Momentum Shift
A change in bowling at the halfway point put Sonning back in the game. The combination of 12 wides and a damp outfield meant only one ball made it over the boundary despite some good striking.

Jack batted through the innings and top-scored for Falkland with 24 as the Cavaliers posted a very defendable total of 86 from their 20 overs.

Falkland Team Spirit Still Strong in the Field
Last season this team went unbeaten on their journey to the league title and they’ve created an amazing team spirit. It was good to see them take to the field again with that same positive attitude.

Early Pressure Leads to Breakthrough
Falkland’s opening bowling pair of Jimmy P and Edward R-M were tight and quick in their first 3 overs with some decent early shouts.

As the Sonning openers started to feel the pressure from the bowling and enthusiastic fielding the breakthrough came and it was game-on!

To their credit the Cavaliers maintained that pressure for much of the first ten overs, and there were several chances that later in the season will be snaffled up by the eager fielders.

Upset on the Cards With Ten to Go
At halfway the humdrum of the crowd (well at least 6 or 7 of them!), indicated this game was there for the taking by the Cavaliers, and a cup upset was on the cards!

A key wicket fell soon into the second 10 overs giving the Falkland faithful another boost.

Scorchers Turn up the Heat
But some misses in the field allowed the Sonning batters to start moving the magic PlayCricket scoring worm in the Scorchers’ favour.

The Cavs support crew began to curse that yellow sky ball as it dried out the outfield, making fours easier to come by as the game slipped from Falkand’s grasp.

Sonning eventually took the victory and this Falkland team suffered their first defeat since August 2022!

Positive Takeaways for Falkland
Although the boys were disappointed with the outcome, this was their first game in 9 months and they put up a competitive, entertaining display with plenty of positives to take into the regular season.

Sonning look a strong team who’ll be a challenge for most clubs in this age group, where the pace of the bowling and ball striking from the older boys is quite clear to see.

For the young Cavaliers to keep in the game for as long as they did and look like they might steal the win for 15 overs is of great credit to them.

As last year, bowling continues to be a strength of this team, but there are lessons to be learnt - let’s just say there may well be some catching practice on the schedule!

Steep Learning Curve Ahead for Fired Up Falkland
This season may be a steep learning curve for these players, but they’re a resilient, enthusiastic and talented bunch who’ll be sure to help each other bounce back firing next time out!

Overall a positive start to the season with a match played in good spirits - well done both teams.

Congratulations to Sonning and thank you to all the parents who gave up their Bank Holiday Sunday morning to support the teams.

To quote all the best sporting post-cup loss interviews - “Now we can concentrate on the league!”

Falkand Highlights

Batting
Jack R 24 not out
Zach S 15

Bowling
Jimmy P 3-11-1 at 3.67
Edward R-M 3-11-1 at 3.67
Oskar L 1-2-0 at 2.0

Fanta Match Moments*: Congrats to Jack who, despite splitting his bat the day before, put together a not-out innings of 24. George H also deserves a mention after taking an early direct hit while batting, but got up to play a solid supporting role.

Key Takeaways:
• The Falkland bowling attack will continue to take wickets at a good economy rate at this level.

• Sharpness in the field will build over the season.

• The Sonning opening pace attack were quick but didn’t get a breakthrough. It was the later slower bowlers who squeezed the scoring momentum and took 4 wickets!

*U13’s obviously can’t have a Champagne moment so after an unscientific poll they decided on Fanta as their celebratory drink of choice!