At last a beautiful morning and setting at Lewes Priory fit for cricket after the clouds and cold of previous weeks. The lads were asked to field first this week and it fell to Lewis and Charlie to open our bowling. These lads are 7 and have taken to competitive cricket matches like ducks to water. Their innocent exuberance is infectious. Both bowled accurately with Charlie also taking a wicket. Max, again an outstanding captain, and Archie making his debut for the team, were next to bowl with Archie bowling a maiden in his second over. Another debutant Jasper then bowled well with Jake H, who took a wicket and only conceded 5 runs. Seb and Noah then had the challenging task of bowling at the most experienced lads in the Lewes team. They bowled straight, pitching the ball up and were not daunted by some big hitting. Noah’s figures were exceptional with 2 wickets, including a superb catch from Ryan and only 4 runs conceded. In the final pairing Johnathan and Jake A kept it tight with Jake taking a wicket and conceding only 3 runs. Lewes totalled 277 which the boys thought was a target they could reach.
Opening our innings Noah and Seb got the team off to a dream start with 21 runs scored from their overs, including an enormous 6 for Noah and a 4 for Seb. Next in Jake H batted well scoring 3 fours. Jasper in his first ever innings hit one that was inches away from going for 4 and supported Jake very well. Jasper’s smile as he came off was wonderful to see. Charlie and Lewis followed and again these lads kept the crowd entertained with their running and stroke play. Lewis was out once but only with a big hit that was caught high by the tallest member of the Lewes team. Archie and Max kept the score ticking along with another good four for Max so that by the time that Jonathon and Jake A came in they knew that if they did not get out victory was theirs. Jonathon hit another 4 and both defended the good ball to ensure victory for the boys with a total of 295.
At their age it is not about winning but you couldn’t help but admire the boys enthusiasm and excitement as they gathered on the boundary with victory in sight. From a coach’s point of view to lose only 1 wicket throughout the 20 overs they faced is a most remarkable achievement.
The game was played in exactly the right spirit by all involved, assisting all the younger bowlers when they needed support. Well played BHCC and Lewes Priory CC. Thank you to Brian for again umpiring, Paul who scored, all the parents and grandparents who came to support and Lewes who were the perfect hosts.