2nd XI Exit Early In Cup

Syston 2nd XI couldn't produce when it mattered on Sunday in the "junior" Leicestershire KO Cup. After posting a disappointing score in their 40 overs they were blown away early on by the Mountsorrel batsmen. The match wasn't a total disaster though, as George Corbett and Charlie Taylor's late stand showed the quality of youth players at Syston Town.

Batting first it was important that Syston made a solid start. This did not happen as first Jamie Drake was trapped LBW in the third over, and Paddy Oakman and Christan Howard were bogged down by the Mountsorrel bowlers. Christian looked to attack and found the boundary several times, but whilst trying to up the tempo he was comprehensively bowled, leaving Syston at 43 - 2 off 18 overs. Tom Corbet and John Mills also tried and partially succeeded to score quickly, but the slow start had already taken effect.

It was not until George and Charlie took to the crease that some real runs were scored. Both took advantage of the gaps in the field running anything that was available, coupled with well timed shots which resulted in welcomed boundaries. The highlight of the innings surely a deft paddle for 4 down the fine leg by Charlie Taylor - certainly inspired by the Twenty20!

The partnership between the youth took Syston to 150, a score that skipper John Mills would have snapped your hand off for after 20 overs. But it was still far too low a total to defend, especially after the devastating first 3 overs from Mountsorrel opener Sam Skeete. His first 3 balls faced going for 10 runs! He was removed Dharmist Bathia in the 5th over as Skeete chipped a catch to Peter Short at mid on. But the joy was short lived as Mountsorrel continued to make inroads on their target. Alan Beynon and Tom Corbett both picked up a wicket a piece but the damage had already been done by the quick start made by the visitors. Hopefully this lesson in batting can be mirrored by the 2nd XI in forthcoming matches.