Return of the Macc

Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) High Peak League Match 5

Hot conditions tonight and some red hot cricket tonight as Mersey sought to put last week's close defeats behind them. The opposition was our regular match-up of Macclesfield. Captain Charlie lost the toss (again! ) and we were asked to field.

The boys gathered to organise the bowling order and plan. Isaac, Charlie and Ben to open things up. What followed was a masterclass with all last week's little things ironed out:

- Every ball stopped with hands

- No overthrows (well maybe 1) with great choices made on throws 

- 16 overs of alertness and committed chasing down of the ball. No let up - the better fielding team normally wins....

- Next to no wides or no balls 

- Wickets all round

- Harry took 3 for 4

- Hugo and Alex conceded just 1 run each from their 2 overs

- Thomas got our first stumping of the season and combined with Harry for our best run out yet

243 runs but 9 wickets gave a net score of 207. 208 to win at a run rate of 0.5 an over. Not losing wickets was critical....

Macc through their best bowler up first. His first ball was a beaut, hitting the top of off stump at high pace. Game on.....

What then followed was truly inspiring and so impressive to watch:

- Ben and Hugo saw off the opening bowlers with no further damage. Hugo's creamed off drive from their last ball had us ahead

- Alex and Tom then put the game to bed. No wickets lost and some mighty blows from Big A had my heart rate lower than normal

- Charlie and Harry batted calmly, with only one very unfortunate hit wicket spoiling things. The game situation allowed Charlie to seemingly stop and tie his shoe laces mid run. 

- Thomas and Isaac were up last. We'd put them there for their cricketing brains and likely runs in a close match. despite the game situation, they didn't disappoint us, with the running an example to all

299 for just 3 wickets lost meant a net victory by 80 runs. What an amazing effort. So proud that these boys play the game for HMCC in the way it is meant to be: with smiles, spirit, and sporting behaviour.

Regardless of the result, the most impressive thing is the learning and progression from last week. Onwards to Georgians on Wednesday.....

Thank you to AD, Louis, and all the parents helping them get warmed and for their great support.