Richard White NCU PRO

It was almost deja-vu for the NCU U14s (sponsored by PWC) at Taunton as today's match followed a very similar pattern to match day one at Wyvern on Monday. 

Todays' venue was the beautiful pitch one at Kings College, Taunton and despite torrential overnight rain, and a delayed start, NCU were probably ruing their decision to bat when they faltered to 17 for 3, with all 3 wickets falling to Max Jenkin, opening with leg spin, and taking 3 wickets for 32 from his 10 overs (bowled in one spell). 

Captain Rory Ellerby (106 not out) and Ashton Clark (83) shared a partnership of 199 and Carson McCullough added a breezy 25 not out off 13 balls as NCU ended on 255/4 off their allotted 50 overs.

The Cornwall openers set about their target as the NCU bowlers and fielders wilted in the heat. Cornwall were consistently ahead of the required rate as Rory Ellerby rotated his bowlers hoping for breakthroughs. However, the Cornwall innings was only interrupted as both openers retired hurt. Nathan Roberts (29 off 28 balls) and Murray Wyatt (81 off 81) then added 79 in 12 overs. Wyatt was later run out by Adam Lecky, who also bowled 12 overs in tandem with Tom Crothers. Leckey returned figures of 1 wicket for 22 runs and Crothers 2 for 40.

At 217/6 the game was again evenly poised but retired opener Alfie McDonald came back to the crease and saw Cornwall home by 3 wickets with 3 overs remaining, scoring 68 not out to register Cornwall's first win of the week.

Another entertaining game of cricket with again over 500 runs scored and NCU will be disappointed not to defend a score of 250 plus. 

Remaining Fixtures

• Thursday 25th July: NCU Under 14 v Cheshire
• Friday 26th July: NCU Under 14 v Barbados