Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) South Manchester League Summer Cup Match 2
A sunny Sunday morning for a change - considering we're in drought I can't believe how many of our Sunday games have been rain affected. We lost the toss and were asked to have a field.
Our latest U9 recruit Alex (W) took the new ball and got us off to a fine start. The pitch was bowler friendly but the outfield had some tough bounces. Once again we were on the money bowling, backed up by some great fielding. Wythenshawe's scoring rate and total was always constrained:
- Hugo and Ellis went for just 3 runs in their 4 combined overs, hitting their lengths again and again. Hugo got his deserved reward with the batter picking out safehands Thomas
- Seth took our first wicket
- Calum and Noah hit the stumps
- Hussein picked one up with Thomas taking his second excellent "steepler"
- A run out as Tom calmly rolled the back to bowler Noah with both their batsmen at the striker's end
- Tom had a great game behind the stumps
- Captain Freddie, Seth, and Thomas led a great effort in the field. I can't remember a single mistake across the 11
There was also an outstanding chase down by Thomas which has also just come back to me, prooving to his mum he does like running (and I shouldn't rush the write-ups......)
Wythenshawe posted 91 for 6 from their 20 overs. A similar total to we managed in Thursday's victory. Runs come in this format from getting in and running well. Only 4 or 5 runs an over are commonly needed.
We suffered an early run out for Ellis while I was on a comfort break (I heard the opposition 's cheer from the pavilion!). Thankfully that was the only one. Calum followed to a catch and Eisa bowled. Getting through these first few overs with less damage will be critical to our future success. Thomas dug in well supported by Tom and Hugo, but with these 3 and Freddie back in the hutch we were 29 for 6 and in danger of not batting half our overs. Seth and Noah had other ideas, taking their time and accumulating before the former fell to a one handed catch. Hussein and then debutant Alex (W) then batted with great spirit, getting us so close to the full 20 overs. Our #11 ended up with 10 not out but we were 39 short when our final wicket fell and were all out for 252.
A great effort from the boys, matching our opponents at bowling and fielding, but coming short on our batting where those 2 or 3 innings of circa 20 win matches. It was noticeable that we lost 7 wickets bowled. Defense to those fast good and full length balls is fully acceptable. Not every ball needs to go at this level and getting in and then going big becomes vital to wins. They're such intelligent and alert lads they'll soon pick this up.
Thank you to Louis, Andrew, and AD for coaching, umpiring and scoring and our excellent parent and grandparent support. Moment of the match to Alex (W) for a great innings and a beautiful 4 to the long side. A great future awaits
