Last over drama for Mersey in Mellor

Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) High Peak League Match 3

Even further and higher into the hills for the U11s Magic as they visited Mellor this Sunday.  The team looked sharp and on it in the warm-up. All the nets over winter has brought them together and instilled some great habits. We looked very "pro" in our matching hoodies and Louis inspired drills.

Captain Dan won the toss and chose to bowl. A wise decision but not always good for the nerves. There were many highlights as we again excelled in the field:

- Ben and Dan, in particular, saving numerous runs in the field 

- Accurate throwing 

- Some very intelligent fielding. Shout out to Noah for always choosing the right option and avoiding dreaded overthrows

- Tight bowling from Zack and Tom, with another wicket for the former

- Hugo's two wickets in two balls!

- Excellent wicketkeeping, and then bowling from Thomas

- The two run outs were outstanding with great throws to the right end and Thomas whipping off the bails in the nick of time like a seasoned pro

- Eisa's spin mastery 

- Dan once more led the team in his Stokes like manner

255 to win for Mersey....

Thomas and Ben got us off to a fantastic start, with some classy cover drives. Hugo and Tom then faced down their faster bowlers, with some intelligent running getting us closer.

Out next strode Zack and Dan. Lifting the tempo, they had us within 5 runs. Why not try and sneak another run... Run out!

So 10 or so runs to win. We'd put Eisa and Noah as last pair for a reason. Smart heads for situations like this. Excellent batting had us ahead with 2 overs to go. But this is Mersey and they like to test our hearts!

A run out, a boundary, Eisa creaming one straight to the fielder at square leg kept it all too close for comfort. 3 balls left and we were 3 runs ahead, but with their best bowler bearing down. Noah hits a great single. Ice cool Eisa on strike to see us home. 4 byes and it is all over. Mersey win to make it 2 out of 3 in the High Peak League!

We'll done to all the boys. Another great team effort. One thing I've really noticed is the intelligence and game management. Batters and fielders coming together to discuss what's happening, tactics, and keep spirits up. They also all seem like such good friends. Put any 8 or 10 out and you can't tell who's known each other from school or just cricket. That is the route to success in cricket and life. Brilliant to see.