Chiswick and Whitton CC vs Ealing CC

Ealing travelled to Chiswick and Whitton CC for the first game of the season. The game was played using the following rules:

Each innings starts on 200
Each pair bats for 4 overs
Each bowler bowls 2 overs each
No balls and wide balls give away 2 runs respectively
Lose 5 runs for each wicket

Captain: Aidan Malhotra
Wicketkeeper: Alexander Glenn and Jack McCarthy

Before the game started, it felt like the boundaries were marked out to be more suited to a game for seniors, rather than a game for 8/9 year olds. However, at the toss, Aidan called incorrectly and Ealing were put into bat. It seemed the winter break made us forget the basics of playing with a straight bat and not try and slog every ball into nearby towns. However, we were up against some decent bowling which included a fiery opening spell from a young boy who was apparently only 7 years old. A few suicidal run outs added to our downfall and we ended our innings on 234 for the loss of 12 wickets. There were some promising signs with the bat with some lovely shots being played by our boys and some effective run calling. Jamie PT was the top scorer with 9 runs

At the mid innings interval, the home team kindly provided us with drinks and biscuits which the boys enjoyed. A team talk followed and I was pleased with how the boys fought back in the field. Aidan M, the captain for the day rallied the troops well with constant encouragement. The boys were walking in as the bowler was running in and they were alert to everything in the field. Unfortunately, Jamie PT could only bowl one over because his right hand was hurt and bandaged up. Aidan opted for Jack M to bowl Jamie PT's second over. Aidan M, Alexander G and Conleth shared one wicket a piece, with the remaining 3 wickets coming courtesy of smart run outs. A notable fielding performance came from Nicholas who dived to stop the ball and ran out a couple of players with his smart thinking. Debutant Jack M almost pulled off an outstanding catch in the field, by being brave and trying to take the ball in front of his face. Instead, the ball hit him on his eye, which has left him with a tiny bruise.

An area to work on is the amount of extras we gave away. This tends to be the highest scorer in games, so moving forward if we can rectify this problem, we will be a force to be reckoned with this season.

Well done to the boys for the promising signs, but at the same time a few things we need to work on. Pleased to have the first game out of the way. Onwards and upwards.

Please don't forget to put your vote in for 'Man of the Match' on Teamer