U10 v Sheffield H S Drew 7 1/2 - 7 1/2

Players of the match: Laura D: for sound fielding and managing to get the player out off the last ball, resulting in us drawing the game. Mimi C: for improved bowling, especially in the second half.

What a game! However, in usual Under 10 fashion, we did not start as well as we may have liked. Strong batters like Emily H and Evie D were out sooner than expected, leaving the remaining team with nearly 20 balls to play. A few half rounders were scored, although no balls (2 in succession) totted up our total to 3 scored. The remaining girls, checked by earlier play, were very careful. Sheffield High then went on and batted well in their first innings, accumulating 6.5 rounders. It was a good start for them.

In the second innings, S.A were determined to pick up rounders and this is what they did. Half rounders built up from as combination of runs to second base and no balls. A further 4.5 rounders were made, bringing our total to 7.5. Could SA keep Sheffield High to their first innings score? The gauntlet had been thrown down! S.A worked diligently and impressively. Mimi C's bowling was on form, Emily H played solidly as back stop, Lily H, Evie D, Livi B-D and Laura D worked hard on their posts and catching and throwing accuracy was better from Lexi B-D, Sophie J, Imogen A and Immy N in the deep. This team combination kept Sheffield High to 1 full rounder, and then it was time for the last ball. The Sheffield player hit a good ball and she got to second base. Unfortunately our fielders fumbled and so she ran on. Marvelously for us, Laura D took a late catch and sprinted to the post to get the player out. What a relief. Sheffield High had accumulated 7.5 and so had we! What a close match with a nail biting finish.

 I am very pleased with the progress the girls have made this season. Throwing and catching has become more accurate and although we might not be perfect, the team is well on the road to improvement. This game is a positive end to the season. Today we played all 10 girls; 10 out of 10 year 5 girls. Sheffield High in contrast selected 10 girls from approximately 60. For me this makes are result feel a little more special. Thank you to all the spectators and for all your support this season.

AJW