DDSWQ courage on show

CRICKET: In tough circumstances, DDSWQ showed a ton of courage to claim victory in their opening round Lord’s Taverners competition contest.

Still processing the heartbreaking loss of talent ID coach Matt Conwell, the U16 side displayed determination beyond their years in a hardfought 14-run victory.

Sent into bat by Redlands at Highfields Sports Park, DDSWQ made hard work of it early on, with pace bowler Henry Zietsch taking the first four wickets inside seven overs to leave them struggling at 4/18.

With the chips down, Callum Galvin produced a matchsaving knock, occupying the crease for almost three hours on his way to 77 runs, leading his side to 9/149 from 50 overs.

“Losing early wickets and being put under pressure, the boys were able to show the standards we want to keep and maintain for the season,” coach Adrian Bidgood said.

“That came out in full at the weekend. To be at 4/18 and raise a competitive total that gave us a chance to defend it, is a great effort.

“There were a couple of little partnerships there. Although they didn’t score a lot of runs, Kye Martin and Thisaja Samarawickrama were invaluable to compile partnerships with Callum.”

A composed effort with the ball saw DDSWQ calmly chip away at their opponents, leaving them at 8/76 after 35 overs of play.

A solid ninth-wicket partnership kept the visitors in the hunt, before Samarawickrama took a key scalp to put a halt to their momentum.

“We had them at 5/76 at the second drinks break, and the first over after we gained three wickets, which broke them,” he said.

“It was great that we were able to maintain that pressure over the 50 overs.”