The Deane U11A's took another strong side to St Andrews, despite a convincing victory at home last week, knowing that this would be a tougher match and a stronger Saints' side.
And so it proved , with the Saints County players putting the Deane on the back foot from the start. Wickets and just 11 runs coming from the first pair. Ollie Searle and Tommy Whyborn steadied the ship and stopping any further wicket loss, with Ollie punishing anything short and Tommy holding up the other end.
The Deane eventually reached 267, a decent score on any other day, but not in the ball park of previous 300+ scores.
The Deane knew they had to focus, and Rupert rallied his troops, bringing the best out of all his bowlers.
Every time the Saints started to progress, the Deane bowlers pegged them back again, supported by brave fielding and intelligent bowling changes by the Skipper.
Eventually, with 4 overs left the Saints needed 40 runs, but Rupert had managed his bowlers so that the last 4 were bowled by him and Alex Chaffey, a daunting prospect for St Andrews.
A 30 run victory to the Deane securing the U11 West A League title for the Taunton Deane A team!
Well done to all the Squad keeping the training and competition for places so tough!