No place to Hyde

Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) Cheshire County Cricket League Match 2

So back to the hills last night for our third game in 5 days, this time in (the posh part of) Hyde. The weather wasn't as kind as Sunday. Woolly hats would have been the order of the day if we'd known and for a while the skies looked like the (Hyde) Hurricanes we were about to face.

Captain Toby won the toss and chose to bowl. That's probably the best thing given our strengths but it was pretty dark batting second for our lads. Hyde provided a new standard batting. They defended their stumps (4 lost runs this season every time we lose a wicket!) and pounced on anything wide with good shots to create a formidable total. Despite our best efforts we just couldn't get a breakthrough bowling. Because of the inclement weather and lack of wickets, minds started to wonder and we forgot some of the basics around backing up throws and clapping each other on. We'll focus on continuing to help them with that as the best fielding teams normally end up being the best cricket teams.

Hyde backed up their high score with very disciplined bowling. The boys instinctively want to attack every ball, but we need to learn to make better judgements on the right shot. Timing is more important than power when batting. We can use the pace bowling we're facing to our advantage and then add bigger swings for power as we play more games and/or slower bowling.

Some highlights:

- more game time for more of the squad. This transition to hardball is the toughest time with little margin for error. It will just take a little time and experience to come good 

- debut for Franklin - well bowled. He's definitely a spinner

- shout out to Calum for batting twice with Tom struggling with a cold. Some great shots in there and undaunted by whatever he faces

- Sam and Ben putting into practice what they've learned this winter

- Charlie and Thomas for wicketkeeping. Great to see the keenness and skills in this key position

- All bowlers knowing how to correct mistakes if they bowl a no ball or wide

Hopefully the weather will be kinder as we go again tomorrow at home to Ashley.  Thanks for your support!