U10s come close against Chiswick

The under 10s hosted Chiswick for the first game of the season following rain the previous week. Captain Toby lost the toss and the Mini Acorns went out to bat on a lovely day and good batting pitch. Frankie and Gilly opened the batting against the best of the Chiswick bowling and batted sensibly, only losing one wicket between them and seeing off the new ball for the next pairs. Toby played a supporting role to Oscar P in the next pair, rotating the strike allowing Oscar to hit boundaries and accelerate the score past 240. Lewi and Oscar S came in and despite both losing their wickets early, then grew in confidence and batted very sensibly. After taking off -5 runs for each of the wickets lost, Chiswick would require 247 to win.

In the second innings, Lewi got us off to a great start with two wickets in the first over. Supported by Oscar S, Fergus and Frankie, Toby produced a fine spell which included three wickets and a run-out. A special mention to Fergus who, at age 8, bowled 4 overs against one of their best batsmen. Unfortunately, we bowled a few too many wides which Gilly tidied up well behind the stumps but it meant Chiswick were eventual winners by 24 runs.

The result flattered Chiswick a little, the game was very close coming into the last two overs but we were forced to chase wickets by attacking the stumps which meant a few easy boundaries were given away. I have to add, the fielding and bowling was exceptional. Lewi with a direct hit run out (with just one stump to aim at) and a great catch from Oscar S were some of the highlights

It’s also prudent to point out that some of the boys were playing their first 'hard ball' games and they did themselves proud. Still all to play for and great signs for the future with Frankie and Fergus each having two more years at this age group. Our next match is Sunday 20th May.