They breed them big out in the hills

Heaton Mersey Magic (U10s) Cheshire County Cricket League Match 1

This year we're in 2 leagues. We expect the CCCL to be the tougher games. Today we were at Romiley Gryphons who won their division last year. No idea what a Gryphon is. Maybe means "big lad" in the darkest parts of Stockport....

Captain Isaac won the toss and elected to bowl. We backed up Thursday's display with some more outstanding bowling and fielding. Many highlights:

- first ball flyer from Isaac knocking over middle stump 

- Charlie producing 2 outstanding overs with deserved reward

- Zach's polished wicketkeeping display

- Freddie's catch off a skier

- Dan's boundary stop

- 2 more wickets for George 

- Wickets shared around the team

- As a collective we were again outstanding at bowling and Isaac's captaincy was first class

Batting was tough going from the off, with the Gryphons height getting bounce (when they pitched the ball). There are great stories about Joe Root England's GOAT batter) playing against older kids and not hitting the ball off "the square", but he hung in there, was brave, and used his better skills to accumulate the runs. When he grew bigger and older, we all know what happened next.... That's what I saw today from our 10 superstars. A team who stood up tall and brave, and battled to the end. Always looking for runs, we didn't lose many wickets across the 20 overs thanks to their guts and skills.

Apart from our team matching Romiley at bowling and fielding, the highlight was the same as Thursday - the boys coming together at their successes and working together to get prepared before and during the game. That sense of team they're building will get them far!

Congrats to all of the team and onwards to Hyde tomorrow!