Optimists Cricket Club

The first two official matches of the Juniors’ season took place in the beautiful grounds of the Château du Thoiry, west of Paris.

2nd May: Facing a team at least two years older than themselves the Juniors bowled and fielded tenaciously. Two early wickets gave them a lift but the strong batting line-up and two big partnerships contributed to a BSP score of 185 for 7 from 30 overs. Notable performances for Luxembourg were a brilliant catch in the deep by Puneet Vyas and the bowling figures of Emrys Jones, 3 for 34, and Aanand Pandey, 2 for 24.

Luxembourg matched BSP’s scoring rate for the first 15 overs although wickets fell regularly. Timothy Barker batted steadily throughout and shared a fine stand of 47 for the sixth wicket with Charlie Ramsden, 14. The other batsmen found run-scoring hard and the innings closed on 121 for 7, leaving BSP comfortable winners by 64 runs. Timothy remained unbeaten for a gutsy 61, including four fours and a six.

Sunday 3rd May: Batting first on the Sunday Luxembourg struggled in the damp conditions. Wickets fell regularly and only Girish Vyas, with 13, put up dogged resistance. A stubborn last-wicket stand of 26, including a number of extras, contributed to the final modest score of 75 from 20 overs.

Three wickets fell for 31 at the top of the BSP innings, two of these to Iestyn Jones. However, the fourth-wicket pair wasted no time, reaching the required target with six overs to spare and victory by seven wickets.

Although comfortably beaten on both days the Luxembourg team should be pleased with its first performance under match conditions. Furthermore captain, Christopher Evans, demonstrated the fine spirit within the team, ensuring that all the players had an opportunity to bat and bowl.

Roger Barker