Blue(s) Tuesday as Macc get revenge

Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) Cheshire County Cricket League Match 8

It's ages since we played one of the 10 a side, 20 over matches. The visitors tonight were Macclesfield Blues, their more experienced U11 side. Close game in this league are ones we'll win next year.

Our opposition won the toss and asked us to bat. Jimmy and bigger (than Alex) Alec opened up for Mersey. A solid start from this pair was built on by George and Alex, who did very well to not lose a wicket. Consolidation from "Charles and Eddy" and then some beefy blows from Captain Dan, in partnership with Nate, built a defendable total. Reuben and Seb B then faced up to some of their best bowlers, with a special shout out to Seb for batting through flu. We had to substitute him at half time, bringing in the water carrier (Tom).

In these CCCL games we often struggle to take wickets bowling second early on, and then run the game close in the second half. This was no different. At halfway only Eddy had struck, and Macc were close to a lead. Our boys don't let up though. They kept playing and the wickets came. Alec got one, Jimmy Andrews/Anderson another, and Dan one (caught by Alex of course from recollection), and Reuben catching one behind standing up (off Charlie?). The other bowlers were super unlucky not to get one. Eventually. Macc crept ahead. Two great run outs by Jimmy (direct from the boundary) and George last ball on a relay ended the game on a high.

We were eventually vanquished 297 to 260. These defeats will become victories next year as we're one year older, bigger, and better. Moment of the match went to Jimmy, not just for that run out, outstanding bowling ("Georgelike"), and amazing leadership and motivation in the field even when we were up against it.

Learning points from tonight would be run outs. We lost a few wickets where there was never a run, and we then missed a few when fielding. It's essy to see how the boys will turn these matches into victories from that experience. 

Thank you to @⁨Jo Bull⁩ and @⁨Nathalie Hodgkinson⁩ for scoring! Get well soon Seb!