PUBLISHED 24 April 2023
U17 Boys National Cricket Cup play in round: Kirkham GS 7/85 def by AKS Lytham 3/87 in 12 overs (Rory U 29no off 23, Max G 25no off 21, Edward S 2/13).
AKS won the toss and sent Kirkham into bat. AKS made good progress, restricting runs early and taking a couple of early wickets. Kirkham fought back and were able to take advantage of some loose balls, as well as some smart pushes into gaps and fast running between the wickets. Despite these efforts, AKS continued to take wickets regularly and batters were rarely able to get ‘set’. Some sharp saves and secure catching saw few runs and regular wickets fall in the back end of the innings, Kirkham setting AKS 86 to win in their 20 overs.
AKS went out with a positive mindset, looking to play scoring shots and make quick inroads into the total. This task became tougher, losing 2 quick wickets in the initial overs and giving Kirkham’s bowlers a lift. AKS continued to score well despite these wickets, with Felix playing some solid strokes. With Felix out LBW, St Anne’s Cricket Club duo Max and Rory went about setting up a partnership.
The boys ‘took on’ the bowling and produced some tremendous strokes in the process. Rory, who was recently named in the Lancashire U15 Squad for 2023, was in some great form, striking several long blows in his innings of 29 not out off 23 balls. Max finished with 25 not out of 21 balls and their unbroken partnership steered AKS home for an emphatic win, scoring the runs in 12 overs.
AKS Lytham now plays Myerscough College Preston in next round.