Spirit of Cricket prevails in bruising Ellingham encounter.
Well. That was a performance that will go down in the annals of under 9 cricket history. A hugely professional and thrilling performance against a side who looked very strong on paper.They brought in their 2 under 10 County players, and I must confess to some tripdation when I turned up. Ever the professional managerial duo; Emma and I decided not to impart that to the kids. Sid, Joseph and Matt were all fully aware though.
Mike, Kevin and Ian were all pacing the boundary as we batted first. The tension was tangible at the cricketing mecca that is Ellingham CC. The opposition seemed determined to avenge their final ball loss of three weeks ago.
The little Parley cricket legends refused to be bossed or intimidated though. Robert and Sid put on a very good opening partnership of 26. They didn't lose a single wicket and were facing some very useful bowling. Sid hit a glorious 4 off his district colleague Jem.
Joseph and Charlie came to the crease. One individual decided some sledging would be the order of the day. I will not tolerate that and those of you who heard my views I apologise if I was overly animated. When Mitchell Johnson and Jimmy Anderson are going at it in the Ashes you can enjoy the rivalry and accept that it does happen at that level. I don't agree with it when you have primary school children playing Saturday morning cricket.
At the end of the day it didn't matter. Charlie and Joseph Wilson kept the scoreboard ticking over as I always ask them to. They finished up with the scoreboard on 236. Regan and Alex arrived at the crease with some pressure. The earlier hostilities had turned the assembled throng into a baying mob. Which way would this epic encounter swing? Well, those two performed amazingly. Alex in particular put a lovely straight bat on a number of very hostile deliveries from the earlier antagonist. 258 as they returned to the pavillion. A sterling effort form both. I really enjoyed the ones and two's they accumulated.
Mattt and Mike Atherton(sorry Joseph Booth) entered the field of play knowing a reasonable knock would put us on a competetive total. The unlikely dream was once again looking possible. Young Matt in particular wreaked havoc on the Ellingham attack. He top scored with 20 and that is some total in batting pairs. Well done to him. He returned to the pavillion afterwards with the Barmy Army chanting his name in unison. Jospeh Booth was just coolness personified. What's all the fuss about? We've got this siutuation under control he muttered to Sid( I think).
So, the interval. The Ellingham baked goods were an utter delight. The kids were all mingling and encouraging each other. Mike was still pacing the boundary. Ian had left as he couldn't handle the tension anymore. A solid bowling performance would put us in with a shout was the general consensus.
I can't recall all the details of those wickets to be honest. It went something like this. Robert got a run out. Matt also got a Run Out. Sid played his best game as wicketkeeper this season and got a stumping off Regan's bowling. He also got 2 run out's. Joseph Wilson got his usual wicket. His averages are superb this season. Joseph Booth and Regan both also dismantled the stumps. Matt Whittle showed his class with 3 wickets. What a tremendous acquisition he has been. Great performance Matt and good luck to his Dad with the hand operation this week.
Well played to everybody. Thanks for the support on the boundary. The Spirit of Cricket will always prevail in the end. Let's always play with courtesy to our opposition.Shake hands at the end and enjoy the game. Like me, you can save the fist pumping for when you get in the car. Get in there...a very satisfying victory that. Thanks to Kealan for umpiring and helping the kids as he always does.