Connect 4 for Mersey as they continue their surge

Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) High Peak League Match 8

We won this match. By quite a lot of runs. I'm going to start on a serious note though (boo!). *NONE* of this relates to the team, or our squad, who play the game the right way, in the  *Spirit of the Game* (c). It's about making sure we continue to do so. Our opposition team tonight were there to enjoy cricket and hopefully learn from playing matches against good players. It is our duty as a club to help them as much as we can. To do this we need to encourage and applaud, play with respect,  give tips, and keep playing seriously and fairly for the full match. We want HMCC U10s to be known as the best, fairest, and nicest cricket team in Cheshire, South Manchester and the world! We'll be looking to maintain and enhance our high standards for the remainder of the season.

Anyway, back to the match.....

Our visitors were Bowdon Vale. Their captain called correctly and put us into bat at our third ground Burnage Academy. Hugo and Alex continued their partnership from Georgians, rattling up nearly 40 for no loss. Noah and Toby, including an all run 4, and _Charles and Eddy_ kept the runs flowing, with Charlie producing some particularly mighty blows. Isaac and Tom continued the accumulation, with only a couple of late dismissals stopping us from topping 350. Isaac's 29 was our new top score this season. 146 for 2 meant a net score of 338.

This was always going to be a tough target for Bowdon:

- Every one of our bowlers picked up wickets

- Tom got 3 in his late spell, and 2 each for Eddy, Isaac, Toby, and Alex

- Charlie had a great caught behind off Tom after latter's fine wicketkeeping display 

- 3 run outs backed up a great fielding display 

- We could even spare losing one of our fielders to a comfort break for a couple of overs 

- Alex was like a ball magnet, with 5 catches, including the most casual one handed grab you'll see (see above video)

42 for 17 meant a net score of 174 and a healthy win for Mersey which lifts us to 2nd with 2 games to go. What an amazing run of results and performances from all the boys who've played the 4 wins in the last 8 days. Their performances, skills, and togetherness have made one of the best weeks of my life. We should all be very proud of this team.

Onwards to Disley on Sunday for the critical match up with NE Cheshire, before we wrap up the HPL against Bollington ar home next Wednesday.

Thank you to @⁨~Louis Mundin⁩  for coaching, @⁨AD⁩ for scoring, and Isaac for his amazing pre-match plan as captain, plus all the parents and families for cheering our boys on to the hilt.  Match ball to Alex even before *that catch*.