Sway U11s pushed New Milton close in their first ever 11-a-side game - but it could have been so much closer if they had been sharper in the field.

Sway won the toss and put New Milton into bat. New Milton started confidently with Alex Jones in particular punishing  anything down the leg side. In the fourth over, however, Cameron Jones found his line and the opener mis-timed an off drive and was caught by Dom Woodfine at mid -off. Mills continued to play well and soon retired at 25. With the score on 48 Sway struck again - this time Luke Lewis inducing and inside edge on to the stumps. New Milton rallied and the scoreboard ticked over nicely thanks to some indifferent fielding - long barriers seemed strangely absent and there were too many overthrows due to lack of backing up. When Cooper retired at 27   Sway finally managed to put a brake on New Milton's innings - 3 further bowled wickets from Lewis, James Mantle and Cameron Jones were followed by a corker from Dom Woodfine who nearly removed the off stump. With a run-as well, New Milton has reached 115-7 off their 18 overs - and excellent performance from the bowlers, but it could have been 20 less if Sway had been sharper in the field.

In reply skipper Joshua Thompson opened the batting with Dom Woodfine. The pair batted superbly - relative untroubled by the pace of Mills and put on what was almost certainly an U11 record partnership of 59 runs for the first wicket. Woodfine played with his usual class but Thompson played particularly well - his best performance with the bat to date. Woodfine had retired on 28 by the time Thompson was run out for 19 and at this point Sway were still very much in the game. However, Sway began to get behind the run rate and the situation was not helped when Henry Marden was bowled for 2. James Symons at the other end found himself in a situation of having to hit out which does not suit his style. On form Cameron Jones restored some hope with 3 boundaries but when he was well caught by Mills, Sway best chance of victory had gone. Sway battled on and in the end made 86-6.

A really good effort by the boys with the bat - but it could have been a much more exciting game if they had fielded better. The coach needs to apologize to Cavan and James M who did not get to bowl or bat - I had insufficient confidence in our own batting abilities and was expecting everyone to get a decent batting chance.

Fielding practice on Saturday!

Steve Drayton will be taking the team on Sunday (10.30 Start away Lymington B)

Team for Sun:

1 Josh

2 Jonny

3 Cam

4 Ed

5 Henry

6 Ryan

7 Dom

8 James Mantle