Plate win to conclude under 9 Hardball Season. Parents once again try to scupper kids glory !!!
Poor little under 9 cricket legends. Such talent. Such willingness to listen and learn. Such eagerness to improve their cricket skills. Blessed with amazing coaches and managers. Consistently let down by parents who either don't read emails or simply refuse to embrace technology or road maps !!!
I feel for those going on to County and East Dorset action. Apparently, you might have to travel to places such as Dorchester, Buckinghamshire and Cornwall. Heaven help those little legends.
I know I have probably had enough mileage out of that gag now so I'll move on and talk about the wonderful kids, but it is funny how many times this season people have gone to the wrong venue or got lost. It all started with the Google v Ordnance Survey debacle at Delph Woods, and concluded tonight with Rob sending Michelle to Parley. I liked the fact it was during Bournemouths Friday evening rush hour. A nice touch that was Rob. Teddy seemed completely unfazed by the whole thing and played a lovely little batting cameo with Will. Neither lost their wicket and added a very handy 22 on the total.
Rob is apparently welcoming Joe into the warm loving embrace of The Oakmedians Rugby club this weekend, but I do have my doubts about whether to go to Meyrick Park now. Whoreally know's where that trial is being held? I am sure with Emma's orienteeering skills we can set off Sunday morning and somehow find an under 5 Rugby match. You may like to note that after our drive down to Western France we are now receiving marriage counselling. Em's map reading around Nantes was nothing short of farcical.
Anyway, enough of that. Teddy was partnered with his big mate Will Padfield who in my opinion played some of the most accomplished shots tonight. He showed great technique and it is worth noting we have won every game since Will came on board. Of course he took a wicket and most importantly his Mum and Dad completed the 3 Peaks challenge, despite some of our huge reservations after Paddy's own sorry episode over in Poole back in July.
Hannah top scored this evening with 21 and played some lovely shots. She has been a superstar for us this season. Sadly, Sid won't be asking her out on any dinner dates after the run out episode. I am sure over at Saints this season they can get things back on track, and at the very least be friends again.
In fairness the rest of the batting was a bit of a mixed bag. Opening pair Sam and Tom still scored 25 and protected their wickets and ultimately got us off to a solid start, in very difficult batting conditions. Sam has been a superb captain as we all know. Tom is the perfect partner for him. Tom actually matched Sam run for run tonight, but like I said they were testing conditions. It was a very useful exercise for those two to play in those conditions and still to do so well. I am sure they will prosper in their District/County pursuits.
Seb and George seemed quite tentative in their batting this evening but they helped keep the scoreboard ticking over. Seb is after a bowling machine off Santa but clearly it is Guy who really covets that in the back yard. Seb proved with his wicket that he is already well on the way to being a fast bowler of some repute. Both boys have contributed so much this season and like with young Will Padfield we have won every game since Seb came into the side. I think it is fair to say he has made us stronger in all areas.
I couldn't get George out of the nets last night which is proof of his dedication to the greatetest game. It also fair to say he dominated at the under 8 age group this season. By the end of the season he was a first choice for the under 9 hardball team. Well done boys.
As is so often the case our bowling and fielding just devastates teams. Tonight was no different. Sam's amazing run out from the deep fine leg position towards the end showed what class their is in this side. Prior to that the bowling from Teddy and Sid had claimed 5 wickets and ultimately dismantled the Winton batting. They both did superbly. Sid's 3 for 7 was his best this season at under 9.
Teddy showed what disdain he had for his fathers antics by taking a wicket in the 1st over and setting the theme for Winton's innings. Teddy also shuffled over to me at the and and told me how his Dad had bought a case of Shiraz in France that turned out to be Rose. Young Teddy could hardly contain his amusement at his fathers schoolboy error in the Carrefour hypermarche. I do hope Rob can dig out a drop of Red this weekend and enjoy the match report with a fine cigar !!
Finally, thanks to Jack East who played in the semi final. I have a trophy here for that little legend. And of course Alex Lancaster who also performed brilliantly when called upon for the hardball legends.
My pictures aren't the best but I hope you can enjoy them and reflect on a superb season. The boys and Hannah have done superbly. I am so proud of them. They can collect their league winners trophy and medals at AFC Bournemouth on Friday November 13th. They thoroughly deserve them.
There may even be a season review where you can muse over some more of these inane ramblings. Dean always restricts me to 500 words for that publication. Oscar Wilde never had to operate within such testing literary constraints I tell thee!!!
Finally, thanks for all your support and help on the boundary. It has been an epic laugh and good luck to all your kids with their cricket. Our recovery after losing the first 2 games still utterly amazes me.
Parley under 9 Hardball team. True little cricket legends. Well done all.