By Ben Hawkins
Electing to bat on a windy day against Merchant Taylor’s School, Hampton got off to a patient but slow start. Wicket-keeper, Oli Lacey was unlucky to get out first ball, but Kessan Konesakumar and Freddie Hunt built a solid partnership from there.
After Hunt fell for 12, captain Ollie Prescott Brann scored aggressively, targeting their weaker bowlers and accelerating the innings. After scoring 122 in the last 10 overs, Hampton finished on an above-par 171-4 off 20 overs, thanks to Prescott Brann’s brilliant 86 (38) not out.
Unlike Hampton, Merchant Taylor’s were aggressive to start, hitting 35 off the first 3 overs despite an early wicket. However, Hampton contained well with Asa Jennings and Ben Moffatt bowling tightly.
But it was Monty Nendick who was the bowler of the day picking up an outstanding four wickets in three overs, including their number three batter, who finished on 58. The game went to a tight finish with Merchant Taylor’s needing 18 off the last off Nendick. A single followed by two sixes in three balls made it five off two but a single followed by a yorker for one ensured Hampton won by two runs in a thrilling and high scoring start to the season for the 3rds.
See the full match scorecard here: https://hamptonschool.play-cricket.com/website/results/6378723