The under 9 little cricket legends are doing their very best to recreate the heady days of the 2005 Ashes. I'm not sure I can handle much more of this tension and drama. Yet another final ball win. this time against old rivals Ellingham at the Home of Dorset Cricket. It truly was another classic. Celebrations at the end were a little more muted than last week but let's consider we only had 7 players and once again had a debutant in young Harry Green.
Harry and Robert Taylor have not even played in any softball formats yet they have been thrust into the maelstrom of hardball cricket and have performed superbly. Robert get's my Man of the Match vote this morning. He batted with real composure in a pressured situation, and bowled 2 overs for 4 runs and did not bowl one wide or no ball. Well done Robert. Mike looked a little crazed and frazzled at the end. I know how he feels. But rest assured not all the games are like this. I'm sure I said that at the end of last week too !!!!!
The boys won the toss and opted to bowl first. Things got off to a great start with Sid and Charlie Bowen both bowling out young Jem Spry who is the East Dorset captain. We limited Ellingham to the odd run but there were a few wides and no balls. Not sure if it was the cold weather but I felt some of our bowling was a bit erratic this morning. It happen's. After all they are little cricket legends.
I only mention it as I know they can bowl better than that. If i'm quite honest Sid was the most erratic but then I am his biggest critic and when I wake him up at 6 in the morning, 7 days a week for some practice I must accept he'll have off days. I don't really do that folks.........
Joseph Booth and Joseph Wilson bossed the next batting pair. Joseph of the Wilson variety picked up 2 wickets and Ellingham only added 1 to the total. 213 after 8 overs is a strong position. Alas, the wickets dried up, and although we restricted Ellingham they kept the scoreboard ticking over, and despite Joseph Booth's late wicket posted a score of 251. It was competitive and we knew they had some dashing bowlers in their ranks. Well done to Harry Green who bowled his first ever over and demonstrated a very nice, languid leggy type action. The cricket purists amongst us appreciated that. He has some potential. Well done Harry.
In reply Jack Copperwaite and Sid had a topsy turvy time in the middle. They scored some runs but they lost 2 wickets and didn't quite get going. I still see them as a fine opening pair and fielding only 7 meant one of them would probably bat again.
Despondancy had set in with the score on 203 at that point, but I am going to say that Charlie Bowen and Joseph Wilson dragged us back into the game. They moved us on to 227 after 8 overs with some lovely shots and very good scampering between the stumps. Game on again !!!
As I already alluded to, Harry and Robert played a very composed innings. There was one comical run out but that is part of learning this dark art of cricket. 236 after 12 overs. Once again a nail biter was in store as Jack Copperwaite and Mike Atherton...sorry I meant Joseph Booth made their way to the crease.
The assembled throng began to speculate. Surely not another drama like last week? The yellow ticker on Sky Sports was updating with every ball. Tim Abraham's rang me up for a quote. Our players were feverishly updating the scoreboard and Emma was admonishing me for not looking after Joe. The scene was set for another epic finale.
Jack who was on to his 3rd bat of the day performed heroics with young Joseph Booth. The singles came. They bowled a couple of wides. It was looking comfortable but then we lost a wicket. Back in the balance again with one over to go. Parents were screaming at the landlord to open the bar. We need some booze to get through this drama they cried.
Joseph and Jack needed 6 off the final over, but more importantly the loss of another wicket would be the end of the dream. Young Joseph remained on strike. Kept his head and once again saw us over the line. What a lad!! Completely unfazed by it all. Playing the straightest of bats off the last 3 balls and once again Kaelan was taking off around the boundary in celebration of a final ball victory. The ECB are sure to investigate but we don't mind as we have 2/2 with this young and exuberant bunch of little cricket legends.
Time for photos and interviews. A period of reflection after 2 bruising cricket encounters? No. None of that. I need to officiate over 15 five and six year olds this afternoon at Joe's football themed birthday party so no such luxury. I wouldn't have it any other way though. May to July is youth cricket season and we don't need sleep or rest. What a brilliant effort from a courageous little team who do not seem to ever give up.
Thanks to Kev my brother who helped warm them up and offered fielding tips from the boundary. I would offer him the assistant managers role but that will need to go through Emma, and let's be honest she runs this team in a tyrranical manner. I am merely her administrator if the truth be known. Liz Booth has Jack's bag and also found a yellow sports bottle and a pair of Spiderman sunglasses. Let me know if they are yours and we can return them. Otherwise I will mail the Ellingham manager.
Thanks for your support. Things are going well for this new side. The excitement is tangible. No game next week. Next game is June 4th at Parley v Hamworthy. Breathe and relax............................