Ashes to Ashley

Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) Cheshire County Cricket League Match 10

Strange to think that when the boys started preparing for their first season of hard ball, the Ashes were just ending. A few things have changed in English cricket and for HMCC'S U10s...

We were in very rural Cheshire this morning, with the dry ground and crickets (the animals) making it feel like the African Savannah. No escaped Bisons from Thursday (wrong continent I know! :-)). Another lost toss but we would have batted anyway.

Calum and Ellis's opening partnership was their best yet. Only one very close run out when Ellis didn't quite ground his bat as a direct hit whizzed in. This put us right in the match. Our middle order played very well, with some great shots and good running (no run outs! ). We just a lot a couple of wickets in each pair. George and Isaac pushed our total on brilliantly to a competitive net of 277. This was 30 or 40 more than against the same opposition earlier this season. Remember those gaps.....

There's a problem with bowling fast and well on a hard outfield. Any connection with the bat can fly to the boundary. Ashley got off to a bit of a flyer, but the boys fought on brilliantly:

• Ellis bowled very well, taking our first wicket 
• Zack had a great first game behind the stumps. Thomas was immaculate stepping in. Four great keepers now in Thomas, Tom, Zach and Zach. It is not deliberate they are our last 4 alphabetically, but a strange coincidence 
• Seth picked up his first wicket at this level, caught by Thomas (Tickle) in the covers 
• Tom picked up one in a great come back over
• Further wickets for Toby, caught by Ellis, and Calum
• Again 10 brilliant bowlers. What a luxury!
• Some great outfielding. Calum, Tom, George and Seth were rocks
• We matched our opponents in the field and at bowling. There were chances galore late on which didn't quite go to hand

The match came down to the last few overs, but we couldn't quite force the couple of extra wickets to win it. A loss by just 30 runs means we were 40 closer than earlier in the season. You can hopefully see the trajectory.... 

Moment of the match to Calum for a great innings, outstanding bowling, and immaculate fielding. What a player!

It was a 'bump ball' by the way, but we'd still be there if I hadn't conceded that one...  As for the scoring.....

I told the boys after that it was our most impressive performance of the season (they may need reminding). We should remember the wins and learn from the (close) defeats.

Thank you all for the wonderful support. 1 regular match left at Alderley Edge in the CCCL before we move on to summer cups. Good luck to Lancashire  this afternoon